WEDDING: Terri + Clay

“For me, optimism is two lovers walking into the sunset arm in arm.”
— Krzysztof Kieślowski

To say that Terri was an optimistic bride is a bit of an understatement. From the moment I met her, she was incredibly positive and happy about everything. The day of her wedding, I arrived to the getting-ready location in the woods near Brevard, NC in an absolute downpour. I carried my photo gear into the house under an umbrella and wondered how we would ever orchestrate an outdoor wedding on such a day. Even just 30 minutes before the ceremony, as we finished up bridal portraits on the porch of the cabin at Mountains and Meadows at Turkey Pen, the rain continued to pour down. Miraculously, the clouds did indeed part just moments before the ceremony began, and the weather stayed clear the rest of the day. 

I loved working with Terri and Clay, and I have since tried to carry Terri's optimism with me. Terri and Clay, may the clouds always part for you! 

Many thanks to those who contributed to this beautiful day: 

Getting Ready location: River House, Brevard Venue: Mountains and Meadows at Turkey Pen Catering: Luella's BBQ 

Officiant: Phillip Lingle of Asheville Marriages Cake: Short Street Cakes DJ: Sound Extreme 

MUSIC: Orange Krush

“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”
— Jimi Hendrix

When we first moved to Asheville almost 10 years ago, my husband had a job playing piano at a church for $50 a week. We were young and in love, with no children and only ourselves and our three pets to feed and shelter. We somehow made it work, but it was a time in my life when I questioned if it was possible to make a living as a professional musician. 

Thankfully, with years of hard work and dedication, and by landing one of the best regular band jobs in this town, Brian is very much a professional musician. He's been playing with the wedding and party band Orange Krush for 9 years now. Together they've played hundreds of weddings across the southeast, in as many different venues. They are one of the best group of musicians you can ever hope to meet, and they put on a great show. Lucky for us, they're also like a family. 

If you're looking for a great, professional, high-energy band that will get everyone at your wedding out on the dance floor, look no further than Orange Krush. They are so fantastic, and I'm not just saying that because they're family to me. I mean it! More info at www.orangekrushband.com. 




ENGAGED: Jesselyn + Pete

“There are always flowers for those who want to see them.”
— Henri Matisse

I met Jesselyn and Pete at the Biltmore Estate on a rainy December day that turned out to be beautiful. We strolled around the house, through winter's dormant gardens, and into the warmth of the greenhouse, surrounded by flowers and green in the midst of a gray day. I instantly felt like we were old friends, and they fell into a comfortable embrace in front of my camera with total trust and abandon. There was nothing forced or unnatural in our time together - they were just happily, sweetly, genuinely in love. It's hard not to be charmed when spending time with two people who act this way, and who create a warm, welcoming environment just by being together. 

Jesselyn and Pete, I loved our time together! Thanks for connecting with me and trusting me to photograph this sweet time in your lives. Here's to a lifetime of happiness!