The Tilton Family at Roan Mountain State Park

I don’t typically blog my family sessions anymore since I’m moving more into wedding and engagement photography these days. But when you work with such an awesome (and large) family like the Tiltons, you just can’t help yourself.

We basically had 4 time slots set aside over the weekend to make sure we could get the very best weather. They were traveling from Florida and with plans set months ago, there was no way to know then what the best time would be. Following all the weather apps it appeared that the morning sunrise would be perfect so we set our alarms and showed up to Roan Mountain expecting brilliant reds and pinks…we were met instead with heavy fog. These mountains may be beautiful but they are quite fickle with a mind of their own. Since there was nothing we could do about it, we decided to just go for it! We hiked with all 4 great grandparents up to the meadow and approximately 60 seconds later were met with the largest rain drops any of us had ever experienced! Giant monster drops started falling, first slowly, then too fast to escape! Fortunately everyone kept their spirits high and we just laughed it off for a few shots then took cover under the restroom shelter while we waited for it to pass.

With everyone thoroughly drenched, we knew these photos would tell a great story one day and not one person complained about wet clothes or frizzy hair. We hit every shot on the list then decided to descend the mountain for a bit to see if the weather was any better and sure enough the sun came out from behind the cloud and the beautiful Blue Ridge came into view! Soooo we started the shoot all over and got every shot even better the second time.

You just never know what you’re going to get when you hike a mountain but you can guarantee it will always be an adventure. Grateful these guys were down for the ride!

Kim and Will's Surprise Proposal at McRae Peak

“Go as far as you can see. When you get there you’ll be able to see farther. ”

— J.P. Morgan

When you mix your favorite type of hike (challenging) with your favorite type of photoshoot (surprise proposal), you have a cocktail for the BEST DAY EVER!

The excitement of getting connected with Will late the night before started with a frenzied thread in the High Country Photographer’s collective I’m a part of. The photographer originally slated for this session didn’t realize how advanced the hike was and everyone in the group teamed up via dozens of texts back and forth to each other to figure out who was available and who could handle the hike. Once it came across my plate I dropped everything to make it happen! This is literally my DREAM photoshoot!

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time you know I am an avid hiker and up for any challenge, and well, surprises are my MOST favorite! I practically ran up the mountain I was so exited to get set up. Will and I texted back and forth all morning to make sure we were on the same page in case it poured the rain while we were hiking or if there was no signal. We had decided that I would be set up already when they arrived and we would just strike up a conversation and I’d offer to take their photo, at which point he’d drop to his knee.

It was FLAWLESS! He did SO great and she was super excited, and of course said, “YES!” They didn’t realize it, but I actually set up my phone on a mini tripod and recorded the whole thing as well! It’s SO sweet!

We spent the rest of the afternoon hiking back down the trail together, you can see how it’s a bit more advanced, involving ropes and ladders to navigate the boulders. Kim was overjoyed to show off her ring from very different angle and I was more than obliged to capture it. I simply cannot wait to follow the rest of their journey and hopefully share some more hikes!

Thank you for trusting me with your memories guys!! I love you already!

Nakaya and Aaron's Pullen Park Engagement Session

“Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”

— Franklin P. Jones

I connected with these two cuties because of The Oaks at Salem, one of my all time favorite venues. Their big day is scheduled there in October this year and we’re all crossing our fingers that nothing will need to change due to the current events. Booking their engagement photos was proving difficult enough, with the winter weather postponing our last attempts and the corona threatening this one, we all really wanted to move forward.

Fortunately the weather cooperated and every single flowering tree in the park seemed to have blossomed over night. It was a perfect day. As most exceptionally beautiful women usually are, Nakaya was super shy at first, believing she’d chosen the wrong outfit and wondering if she was standing just right and not feeling especially beautiful, but Aaron saw to it right away to shower her in kisses and tell her everything that would make her smile.

These two have the type of friendship that loves to play and tease. I could tell from just their social media posts that they were going to have a great time no matter what we did. They were not the least bit bashful when it came to being silly or following the off the wall prompts I threw at them. This makes a shoot so much more enjoyable. It’s not about posing. It’s about connecting with each other and capturing your love in a way that the grandkids will know what you were like together.

I’m so excited for you both! October is just around the corner and we are going to have SO much fun!

Kristen and Kate's Surprise Proposal at Pullen Park

“I’m so happy I could bounce!”

— Tigger

Kristen proposed to Katelyn first down in St. Augustine during the Nights of Lights and it was of course wonderful and the catalyst for all the wedding planning and this engagement shoot. When Kate messaged me to say she wanted to propose back to Kate during their engagement session I could hardly contain my joy! I LOVE surprises! I told her I’d wait until I found the best spot for light then cue her by saying I was going to take some headshots of Kristen at which point she’d step back, pull out the ring and get ready.

The sun had completely hidden itself behind this giant dark cloud as soon as we pulled into the parking lot so we were a little bummed but we knew we’d make the most of it, and started walking and talking about their plans. The wind was really strong freezing us all as it whipped across the lake but they braved it like champs every time they had to take off their coats for a photo.

We were rounding the lake almost to the bridges (where I had previously figured we’d do the proposal) and out of nowhere the sun in all its glory popped out from behind that cloud and said, “it’s time.” I nearly jumped for joy and blurted out something about headshots and gave Kate a look and she knew exactly what I meant and then we got Kristen into place. The next few moments were pure magic as the sun bathed them (and the fresh field of flowers behind them) in light. All three of us were crying before it was over but we were able to snag a few more photos in the sun before it disappeared entirely for the rest of the shoot.

Kate chose a sapphire ring as it’s Kristen’s favorite stone and we were so excited to find some blue flowers to match them.

You simply can’t make this stuff up. It gives me so much joy to celebrate with my couples all the magic and joy that defines their lives during this season. Thank you for letting me be a part of your story guys!! Can’t wait til October!

Tara and Mischon's Engagement in NoDa

“I’m not good at making specific plans. Just meet me under the sky somewhere and be alive with me”

— Victoria Erickson

These two have been together for almost 7 years and it really shows! Mischon knew exactly which quirky things to say to Tara to warrant a huge smile and she knew right when to just grab him and pull him in for the kiss. After going back and forth trying to decide which park would be best to shoot in this time of year we finally settled on exploring the North Davidson area of Charlotte. They both love bright bold colors and I knew this would be a perfect fit.

We weren't sure if we were going to be able to find any color in the winter as most of the leaves are gone from the trees and it's not quite time for spring blooms, but NoDa is filled with colorful murals, buildings and now a balloon installation! It was was like a scavenger hunt trying to find each of the murals through all the construction but totally worth the effort!

The weather was supposed to be a little chilly so I offered to reschedule if they’d rather a more spring-y photoshoot, but they weren’t phased in the slightest. Tara said they’d throw on their peacoats and scarves and have fun anyway. There’s nothing better than a couple that can just roll with the punches. I know we’re going to have an amazing time on their big day!

Lake James Wedding | Rachel and Brandon

“When you trust someone, you don’t need to know everything.”

— Bob Goff

Once Brandon and Rachel decided they wanted to be married, they wasted no time making it happen. A quick six week engagement was plenty to make all the necessary plans, get the families on board and say their I Do’s. Apparently the actual proposal was almost an accident as they chatted over face time, but once it was decided they knew they’d made the right choice and moved forward full of excitement.

It was evident to them both from the first day they met that God was at the center of each persons’ life, and that qualifier was the most important to each of them. The fact that they both loved Crossfit and dancing among other things were simply bonuses.

You know you’re working with the most chill family in the world when they take time to play spoons before the ceremony. Everyone had the very best time, you could hear the laughter over the torrential downpour happening outside and it was wonderful.

We had to sneak in a quick first look with dad just after the first look with Brandon. He was so kind to blow all the leaves away from the shooting area to make the photos better.

We might have taken a four wheeler down a super sketchy bank to make it to this beach, but it was totally worth it!

Rachel’s sweet grandmother made it her full time job over the past month to make each and every decoration for the reception. She and Rachel’s mother hand picked all the dried flowers for the arrangements out of a field by their home and it just made everything feel so magical.

They couldn’t help but dance down the aisle, as the first time they met involved lots of singing and dancing to High School Musical. (That, btw, is when Rachel knew he was the one) ;)

You guys it was such an honor to be a part of your big day! Thank you for including me!

The Vendors who made the day Possible:

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Camp Lake James

Her Dress: Allure Romance

His Suit: Kenneth Cole

Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist: Shauna Cook

Officiant: Cory Smith

Catering: Countryside BBQ

Cake Baker: Kara Poovey

Bryan Park Wedding | Barb and Crystal

“No measure of time with you will be long enough. But let’s start with forever.”

— Edward to Bella (and Crystal to Barb)

I met Barb at an event last year and we just connected right away. I knew I had to shoot their big day no matter what. She is such a kind person and was so overjoyed to tell me all the little surprises she had in store for Crystal. Like that fact that she got Crystal’s favorite band to give a video shoutout to them for their special day! What I didn’t know was that Crystal had her own surprises in store for Barb! She created a skit and sang a special song! It was so sweet to watch them get so excited about surprising each other.

In addition to surprising each other, they couldn’t wait to surprise their guests with a special appearance from Sir Purr of the Carolina Panthers! With a Panther themed day they could hardly do it without him. He was so excited to bring them lots of gifts and dance with all the guests and give his signature hugs and belly shakes.

I had so much fun with you guys and Sir Purr! Thank you for including me!

The vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator and Officiant: Tara Grant

Venue and Catering: Bryan Park Golf and Conference Center

Wedding attire: David’s Bridal

Hair stylist: Michelle Meeks at EgoHour

Make Up Artist: Brittany Lance

Florist: Hobby Lobby

DJ: DJ Chilly Entertainment

Special Guest: Carolina Panthers Mascot Sir Purr

Invitations: Sports Invites

Carolina Barn Wedding | Rhonda and Aaron

“A well developed sense of humor is the pole that adds balance to your steps as you walk the tightrope of life”

— William Arthur

When Rhonda messaged me last August, she said she’d not only been planning for her big day for years, but she’d been hoping I’d be the one to capture it. I had already captured two of her friends’ weddings, Kathryn and Jamie, and it just had to be. After bawling my eyes out at the sheer grandness of that statement and experiencing the overwhelming joy of this incredible life, I of course messaged her right back, ecstatic that I was available for their date!

These two have been total joy bombs for the entire experience. From first meetings to their engagement session with their frisky pups to chats over bourbon at Blind Barbour and of course their incredible weekend filled with laughter and dancing. They have both surrounded themselves with the very best kind of friends who support them and are willing to jump to the assist at a moment’s notice. They are the best at making each other laugh and love to make silly faces at each other at any opportunity. ;)

Since all the people in Rhonda’s life are special to her, she wanted to do a first look with as many of them as possible. We started with the bridesmaids, then her sweet papa, her mom and aunts then a special first touch and prayer with Aaron just before the ceremony. The nerves had slowly started building all morning but the moment she touched his hand you could see the relief visibly on her face and the very biggest smile she had all day was by far this moment.

She wore her sweet momma’s veil and he wore socks with her face on them!

I’ve seen a lot of wedding reception entrances but I love how The Carolina Barn has theirs set up. After a quiet moment alone to gather their thoughts in the bridal suite just being together married for a moment, they came down the grand staircase in style to a roaring applause from their guests.

During the toasts her dad talked about how he promised Aaron a long time ago that one day he’d love him as much as Rhonda and that today was that day. That after he heard Aaron’s vows to her, he knew he loved Rhonda unconditionally and that’s all he could ever ask.

He said he is blessed everyday to come home to a wife who is still beaming to see him. And as he looked down at her she did just that. And that’s what he hopes for them.

Rhonda could not wait to share with me the surprise she had waiting for Aaron. Apparently his dream car for years has been the 69 Camaro, and she arranged to have that be their get away car and even more amazingly, kept it a secret the whole time! He was beaming.

She had her heart set on doing their bride and groom portraits at the Market Square in downtown Fayetteville but there was just not enough time in the day to squeeze the stop between the ceremony and reception venues. So we decided to meet up at sunrise the next morning! And oh my goodness, I think this is my new favorite thing. SUCH a special moment for them to reflect on their incredible weekend and get some beautiful light with that sunrise glow.

You guys I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect weekend! Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Jen Hagan

Rehearsal Venue: Rainbow Room

Beer for the Rehearsal was made special for them from her cousin Bill :)

Ceremony Venue: Snyder Memorial Baptist Church

Reception Venue: The Carolina Barn at McCormick Farms

Coordinators: Carolyn Owens & Bill Pannhoff

The Dress: Lea-Ann Belter from Traditions by Anna

The Rings: Rustic & Main & Enricos Fine Jewelers Custom Design

The Fragrances: Marc Jacobs Daisy and Gucci Guilty

Hair Stylist: Lauren Martin

Make Up Artist: Tiffany Eggleston

Florist: Busy Bee

Officiant: Susie Reeder

Videographer: Deano Pictures

Catering: B & B

Cake Baker: Peggy Jacobs

In lieu of favors they chose to make a donation to the MS Society in honor of Rhonda’s mother

Invitations: Etsy

Wedding at Separk Mansion | Shelby and Andrew

“To love is to soar in the wild unexpectedly”

— Robert M. Drake

I must say, I have never been one to swoon over any type of details, I prefer the sweet glances, inside jokes and knowing smiles exchanged on a wedding day. However, between Chelish Moore’s over the top florals, Shelby’s gown, and and Delish Cakery’s elegant cake, I was officially swooning. I think I had to say something to whoever would listen every single time I walked through the ball room.

Shelby’s girls knew exactly what she needed all day. From spontaneous dance parties to champagne toasts, unexpected gifts and last minute touch ups. There’s just something about being surrounded by your best friends that makes your best day even better.

Andrew is quite the jokester and had everyone laughing throughout the day, but when it came to seeing his bride for the first time, and again down the aisle, his emotions shifted and all you could see was love. He knew he was the luckiest guy in the world.

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day, every single moment went off without a hitch thanks to Kinsey’s team at Separk Mansion and Andrew and Shelby simply beamed with joy the entire day.

They told me from the very beginning that the most important moment to capture was the reception. They knew they’d be surrounded by their closest friends and singing their hearts out; and every single person seemed to be on that dance floor all night long thanks to Charlie and George.

You guys thank you so much for letting us be a part of your perfect day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue and Coordinator: Kinsey Kiser with Separk Mansion

Hair and Make Up: Natalie Gladden

Florist: Chelish Moore

Officiant: Rebecca Nagy

Catering: Roots

Cake Baker: Delish Cakery

DJ: Carolina DJ Professionals

Invitations: Truly Engaging by Magnet Street

First Dance: Stand By Me by Florence & The Machine

Chapel Hill Wedding | Judy and Allen

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”

— Mark Twain

As they stood, surrounded by their friends and family, Allen said they chose everything for their wedding intentionally. They wanted to make sure each piece would represent them well. The Tuscan theme and historic elements, the spiritual foundation and excellent food, the dancing, the wine.

But what really represented them that night was the happy faces around the room. Those who loved them well and supported their decision. Their people are the ones who make them who they are. Not only on that day but every day.

Holding back tears, a speechless Judy found herself in full agreement. They were exactly where they were supposed to be and overflowing with joy. The room cheered and everyone celebrated these two wonderful friends.

Chapel Hill was picture perfect over the weekend as well. The temperature had just dropped out of the high 90s to be a mild 70 and everything was a bright green from the rain the night before. They couldn’t have asked for a better day.

Everyone in their wedding party was also family so we simply had to add Judy’s beautiful mother to make the family formals complete. :)

Just as their new marriage was born out of their beautiful history together, the chapel was born out of so many beautiful historic elements. Old doors frames were made into mirrors, floor boards into tables and now this new family out of two previously separate ones. Abigail said she knew Allen was going to be a keeper when the pets seemed to approve of them together, and now too, all their children approved and were overjoyed to see them so happy.

You guys thank you for letting me be a part of your special day!

The Vendors who made the day Possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Parolour at Mann’s Chapel

Coordinator: Folie a Deux Events

Officiant: Celestial Ceremonies

Hair Stylist: Jay Andrews Salon

Catering: Catering Works

Dessert: Beauty and the Batter

Rentals: CE Rentals

Tent: Grand Rental Station / Capital Events

DJ: YES Raleigh

The Oaks at Salem Wedding | Alex and Shae

“Everyone deserves someone who makes them look forward to tomorrow ”

As Alex approached the altar to a teary-eyed Shae, she took the mic and opened the ceremony with a moment of remembrance for those who couldn’t be there. The wedding party then stepped through the ceremony doors to retrieve a canvas photo of each of those lost loved ones. Shae was speechless and the tears started flowing, from everyone. You could feel the presence of those lost sitting right there among them.

Charlene next invited them to read their vows. Laced with laughter and light heartedness, Shae and Alex both shared of the challenges they had overcome thus far in their relationship and how they’d be there for each other through each of the challenges to come.

I had so much fun working with these two in the weeks leading up to the big day. Alex is all about surprises and really wanted to make the day special and unique. We discussed everything from her unique attire to smoke bombs and nerf gun fights, finally settling on lanterns for the final send off. Surrounded by their closest friends they watched them float off into the distance and held each other, knowing the hard part was over and now they got to spend the rest of their lives together.

You guys! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day! It was absolutely perfect!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Coordinator: Becky Chapman

Wedding Attire: Men's Warehouse & David's Bridal

Rings: Jared

Florist: Asali Events

Officiant: Charlene Barbour

DJ: Bowtie Mobile DJ - Tracy Telenko

Catering: Cannon Catering

Cake Baker: Mad Hatter's Durham

GF Cupcakes and Cookies: Landmark Gluten Free Bakery

Rentals: CE Rental

Invitations: Shutterfly

WRAL Azalea Gardens Elopement | Dawn and Darren

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful.”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

“Your smile just jumped off the paged and captured me,” Darren shared with Dawn as he read his vows with a tear rolling down his cheek. They had met on a dating site and he shared with her that from her photo she glowed from within and spoke to him in a way that he couldn’t explain, and he loved her for it.

“I’ve never told you this before, but you make me feel safe. More than I have ever felt in my life.” Dawn too, read her vows through tears and each of their friends and I cried right along with her.

I’ve not had the opportunity to shoot many elopements, but it was so special to be so close to them the entire ceremony and hear every word so clearly and feel each emotion as they felt them. These two share a bond that is hard to match and it was palpable as they laughed and cried together throughout the ceremony.

We began the day with a few casual portraits at JC Raulston Arboretum and Darren arrived first explaining Dawn’s map had sent her another direction. So we took a few headshots and chatted about how they met and such. The sweetest moment for me, however, was when Dawn arrived and got out of the car, Darren couldn’t help but say allowed, “Wow, look how beautiful she looks.” She couldn’t hear him and I don’t think he even realized I could, he just had to state allowed what he felt and the look on his face as he did was filled with so much love. I knew the rest of the day would be magical.

We hadn’t planned any sort of first look moment, but it just worked out that Darren was finished setting up right as Dawn was arriving and with a few quick adjustments I was able to hide Dawn before he saw her and set it up properly. The added anticipation made the moment so much more special. They couldn’t wait to see each other!

The running joke during the ceremony, (besides the fact that Darren wrote a novel) was that they couldn’t stop touching or kissing each other. They were so excited they couldn’t wait until they were “allowed” to. So precious!

Their first date was at Second Empire so they decided to celebrate there as a way to start off their official married life as well. Congratulations again you guys! I’m so happy for you both, thank you for letting me participate in your sweet day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Ceremony Venue: WRAL Azalea Gardens

Reception Venue: Second Empire

Dress: Adrianna Papell

Rings: Gabriel & Co. of NY

Officiant: Rev. Robert Chalnick

Linville Land Harbor Wedding | Krista and Steve

“To love is to be vulnerable”

— C.S. Lewis

As Krista made her way quietly toward Steve for their first look, you could feel their anticipation. They had gotten ready in the same house but were both so excited for this moment. The pressure of little details had been building all morning, as they tend to do on wedding days and all they both wanted was to finally spend some quiet time together. As Steve turned to look at his beautiful bride, he was all emotion and Krista’s eyes filled with tears as well. They were both right where they were supposed to be and the rest of the day flowed without a hitch.

Candis spoke during the ceremony of the many aspects of love and what binds couples together for the long haul. Her primary focus however, was on the the fact that they must each be vulnerable to each other with their love and vulnerable to receive it as well. It was evident from their tearful vows they had already opened up to each other over the past months and would continue to do so forever.

Their blending of families creates a vulnerability as well. Steve has 4 children Alexa, Brandon, Katelyn and Nicholas and Krista has two children Landon and Isabella. All must be willing to open up to each other and be willing to work together to make this beautiful relationship a success and everyone did so without reserve.

Their friend Aspen said during her reception speech that no matter how wonderful and happy a couple can be they still have to fight for each other and for their relationship daily. At that moment they looked at each other with such a fierce love, I believe that’s exactly what they intend to do. And I’m so happy I got to witness it. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day you guys! You are truly blessed to have each other!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Linville Land Harbor

Dress: Custom made by Alla Maksina

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Flowers: DIY

Officiant: Candis Parker

Catering: The Pedalin’ Pig

Cake: Publix:

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: Parties Too

Favors: Krista hand made every guest an Ellie badge (grape soda pin) as they are part of their club now.

Downtown Raleigh Wedding | Vidrio | Kristen and Scott

“Just in case you ever foolishly forget; I’m never not thinking of you.”

— Virginia Woolf

You could almost hear his tears hit the ground in the silent groom’s suite of Vidrio as Scott read his letter from his bride. I was a big ball of emotion as I wanted to get close to capture those precious moments, but also didn’t want to intrude on such a vulnerable moment. It’s like you could see his heart grow bigger as he fell deeper in love reading her words just before he walked into the ceremony.

Similarly, as Kristen opened Scott’s letter surrounded by her girls, her eyes filled with tears. As did everyone else’s in the room as we watched her experience his love through his words. I’m still not sure how she saved her make up, but it was clear from that moment on, all the nerves were gone and she was ready to walk down that aisle.

My relationship with these two started a couple years ago when Kristen asked me to do some headshots for her. Her new, adorable boyfriend at the time came along for moral support and we all just followed each other on insta after that. When I saw them post about their engagement, I was so excited, and sure enough, just a couple days later Scott messaged me!

Seeing how they interacted together a couple years after that very first shoot was endearing. The sweet little looks they gave each other when we were walking between shooting spots, the way he helped her whenever she had to walk in heels through a rough patch of grass, and they way her whispers made him grin so big.

This was, of course, amplified tenfold on the big day. Between their letters to each other, their whispered secrets during their first dance, their heartfelt vows and excitement as they ran into their new life together, you couldn’t find a better match for either of them in the whole of the world.

She carried a Six Pence coin in her 'something blue' shoes that his mother gave her, and he chose to wear, "I Do" cuff links along with his other classy details.

Kristen and Scott you are perfect for each other in every way and I cannot thank you enough for letting me be a part of your big day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue and Catering: Vidrio

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Indochino

Hair Stylist: Lillian Self

Make Up Artist: Krista Massey

Florist: Leigh Garmhausen

Officiant: Leah Reed

DJ: DJ Sandman -Sandy Sutton

Cake Baker: Lynn Loomis

Invitations: Zola

What is your Wedding Photography Style?

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”

— Oscar Wilde

One of the most common questions I get asked from new couples when they’re first contacting me for their wedding is what my photography “style” is. I thought it might be a good idea, then, to create a post to help explain it for all future couples.

If you’ve found yourself scrolling through endless instagram hashtags trying to pinpoint what it is you like or dislike about certain wedding photos, this might help you put a language to it, so you might narrow it down easier.

First, I should mention that this question is really best broken into two parts: What is your coloring/editing style? And what is your personality/documenting style?

Coloring/Editing Styles

Over the past few years as digital photography and the powers of Lightroom and Photoshop have evolved, three different coloring/editing styles have emerged. One is often called “Light and Airy” or you might hear it called “Whimsical” or “Pastel.” In this style, you will find predominantly whites and other lighter colors, lower contrast and often desaturated colors. A quick Google search will show you plenty of examples.

The next, on the opposite end of the spectrum, is often called “dark and moody” or “romantic” or “film style.” In this, you will see predominantly blacks and darker colors, heavy contrast, and an effort to mimic the look of film. Similarly, a quick Google search will make the comparison between these two quite clear.

The third, a category I would consider myself to fall into, is often harder to name, but I would say it falls in between the former two. You might hear it called “True to Life” or “Bright and Bold” or “Natural.” A google search here, brings up such a vast array of images, it’s not worth the screen shot, but you can see my own interpretation of the style here and decide for yourself your preferences between the three:

Personality/Documenting Style

Next we have something a little harder to pinpoint as every photographer will interpret the style differently, and for the most part, I would say every photographer does a little bit of all four styles, as you’ll see with my own images below.

Classic/Traditional

These are going to be photos you would expect to see at every wedding. They are standard bridal portraits, the couple looking at the camera, formal wedding party, family formals, the bouquet, the cake, the exit etc. Most of these you will find in your grandparents and parents wedding albums as well.

Photojournalistic

These are going to tell the story a bit more. The candids. These will be full of laughter and/or tears. All the emotions of the day, the moving parts. They may not be “perfect” images because a car drove through the background or the kiddo ran in and insisted on a photo with daddy while something “more important” was happening, but they are the moments you remember the most.

Editorial/Fashion

These are probably what you’ll find the least across my site, not because I don’t take them, but because I don’t find them quite as valuable for telling the story. These are what you’re going to find in a magazine. They are often from “styled shoots” that have been set up in advance with all the details fashioned just right, and all the lighting perfect, and the couple are usually models. That said, some of these can and do get taken on the wedding day as details are shot and a few extra moments with the couple are taken after all the other more important shots that do tell the story have happened.

Creative/Artistic

This is completely open to interpretation, as is all art, of course. These are the shots often taken by the second shooter, from a different angle, or during a portion of the day that is not on a time crunch. You have more freedom to play and do things a little different.

As you can see, I can do a little bit of everything. So I wouldn’t say I am strictly one style or another, but if I had to put them in order, I would say I lean Photojournalistic first, then Classic, then Creative, then Editorial.

At the end of the day, more important than price, style or other preferences, I would say your connection to your photographer’s personality will make or break your photography experience on the wedding day. If you’re looking for someone carefree and relaxed and they end up being strict to schedule and demanding of specific poses, it’s going to stress you out, no matter how beautiful the images are. Similarly, if you’re looking for someone to keep you on a tight schedule and pose your every move and they end up joking around with the wedding party and not telling you exactly what to do and when, you’re going to feel unprepared, again, no matter how beautiful the images turn out. (For the record, I definitely lean carefree/relaxed, but I can usually keep us on schedule or at least roll with it if it needs to change).

I’m not sure if this answers everything you might want to know about a photographer’s style, and mine in particular, but hopefully this will at least point you in the right direction and help you know what questions to ask. Happy planning!

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

Dorothea Dix Park Sunflower Field Engagement Session | Kristin and Matt

“Love is when they give you a piece of your soul, that you never knew was missing.”

— Torquato Tasso

When I saw Kristin sitting in Matt’s lap, whispering something in his ear in a quiet corner of Alexa and Landon’s wedding I had a feeling they’d be up next. When I saw their engagement post about a year later all the little butterflies in my stomach just fluttered away.

No matter how many love stories I get to witness, I’ll never get over the grandness of it all. The little moments in the quiet corners, the epic life changing ones involving a ring, and the beautiful conversations about wonderful memories shared and futures to come.

I went out to Whiskey Kitchen with these two last night to get to know them a little better before our big shoot this morning at the Dix Park Sunflower Field and heard all about their beautiful adventures all over the world and how they’d dreamed one day to have their honeymoon in Hawaii. While in Savannah, he took her on a walk to a beautiful park and told her their next trip would be Hawaii…then he got down on a knee.

I just get all the good feels every time I think of it. These two complete each other in every way. They’re pretty different as far as personalities go, but the way they move together and fill in the pieces that are missing is as beautiful as it gets, they’re perfect for each other.

Thank you so much for inviting me to capture your memories you guys! I cannot wait til the big day!!

Downtown Charlotte Engagement Session | Amy and Jeff

“When you dance, your purpose is not to get to a certain place on the floor. It’s to enjoy each step along the way.”

— Wayne Dyer

Charlotte gets extremely hot and humid in the summer months so I suggested Amy and Jeff do a sunrise session instead of sunset so that they weren’t completely melting in every photo, and boy am I glad they agreed. It was around 95-100 degrees every evening the past week but only 75-80 in the mornings! Still warm, but definitely manageable.

I remember asking them about their proposal story when we had our first conversation and they were a little shy about it, saying their proposal was not picture perfect. Apparently he was really nervous and she had had a bad day so it “just sort of happened” but it’s anti-climatic nature has given them something to laugh about for a long time, they said. I have to say that I just LOVE that they have such a great attitude about it. I knew right away we’d be a great fit because of it. The truth is, things simply don’t always go the way we plan and when we have unrealistic expectations, we are often greeted with disappointment.

We discussed this often as we had to keep adjusting the engagement session when weather and locations fell through but they maintained a great attitude the whole time. I know the big day will be a breeze. (Even though that too is up in the air, as their venue fell through recently and they’ve had to postpone!)

They didn’t have any real specific plans for the photos, all she knew was that she wanted photos in front of this adorable confetti hearts wall downtown as well as the magic carpet mural. So of course we started there, then just explored the city. It was perfect.

Right as we were about to move on to another location, a train passed by! I told them to jump together real quick and I’d try to catch it! They nailed it of course.

You guys I’m so excited I get to be a part of your big day (whenever that happens!) You are simply perfect for each other and I know we’re going to have so much fun!

Jetton Park Engagement Session | Rich and Sarah

“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting”

— Paulo Coelho

The Charlotte Summer heat was sweltering as I walked around Jetton Park with Sarah and Rich for their engagement session Wednesday, but they were rockstars anyway. Three outfits changes and circling the park a couple times to find the best light would be too much for most people, but they powered through and we were able to finish with a bourbon just up the street as a reward.

I knew these two were going to be fun because they wanted to wear their team jerseys for some of the photos, and their baseball teams are rivals. Rich explained that the family jokingly gave Sarah a hard time for agreeing to marry him because of it. They are a great fit regardless of team preferences though.

I asked them to share their favorite moment in their relationship so far and both of them had the same favorite, their proposal in Cancun! How could you choose anything different after something so epic though?!? They were so sweet as they reminisced about it and were even able to show me photos! I can’t wait to see how they form new favorites through the years.

Luckily their college teams are in different conferences so they’re able to happily support each others’ teams at games.

You guys thank you so much for letting me capture this special season! Cannot wait til May!

Jetton Park Engagement Session | Sarah and Davis

“Be foolishly in love, because love is all there is.”

— Rumi

When Sarah told me she smiles like Chandler on Friends, I couldn’t help but laugh. This beauty couldn’t be awkward if she tried. With a big bright smile all morning she kept looking to Davis as if to ask if she was doing it right, and all he could do was give an even bigger smile in return.

These two met at UNC Charlotte and dated for a couple years before Davis surprised her with a proposal at one of her bucket list spots! Shenandoah National Park! How amazing is that?!? (If national parks are on your bucket list, we’re a perfect match by the way)

We had to reschedule a few times because the weather kept being uncooperative but it was totally worth it as yesterday morning was incredible! They rolled up bright and early and even brought me breakfast since we were getting such an early start, such a thoughtful couple!

As they were talking about their future plans I couldn’t help but smile since they’re similar to mine. Lots of dogs were involved and possibly a cat, they might have envisioned a farm, but no matter what was discussed, they were together. As they should be, a perfect match if I ever saw one.

You guys thank you so much for including me on this journey of yours! I cannot wait til the big day next April!!