PORTRAIT: Maggie

“Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart”
— Rumi

I feel so fortunate to have shared a beautiful afternoon with Maggie as she stayed in Asheville to complete yoga certification. I have never photographed yoga poses, although I myself have done yoga many times, and it was really a joyful experience, a gift of connection with my subject in a new way. It was a reminder that photographing someone doing what they love is the purest form of art. 

Thank you, Maggie! xoxo

LIFE: Luca's Baptism

“Baptism is faith in action”
— Watchman Nee

My mother always said that baptisms made her cry. I have to say I've inherited this trait, tears forming in my eyes as the newly blessed infant is held up to those gathered, presented into the care of the community for a lifetime of faith, love, and growth. 

As a photographer, my greatest honor is in being asked to witness and record important moments in my client's lives - be they extraordinary or everyday. In these moments, I am often so enthralled with the emotion of the day that I have tears in my eyes, blinking them away as I click the shutter. This was of course the case as I photographed Luca's baptism, surrounded by close family and friends, beside the waters of the creek that runs through Hickory Nut Gap Farm. It was indeed a beautiful place and time for such a moment, and a lovely step in Luca's life of faith.

Sweet Luca - blessings on you and your family, always. 

FAMILY: Aurelie + kids

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”
— Desmond Tutu

I met Aurelie in our early days of living in Asheville. I remember one of the first times I met her she stopped by our rental house with her little baby, Clara, still tiny and in a car seat, staring out at us with intense blue eyes. Now that tiny baby is a smart, inquisitive girl who reads books with fervor and whose blonde curls spiral wildly around those intense eyes of hers. I've photographed my friend and her children many times, and it's always my favorite kind of shoot - at home, being themselves, laughing and reading, with the family dog nearby. 

WEDDING: Allison + Mike

“It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen.”
— John Wooden

One of the first photographs I remember taking was a detail of one of my mom's Morning Glories, growing against our house. I developed the film myself and printed the black and white image in the darkroom, watching with wonder as the contrast of delicate petals against lines of wood appeared. There began my fascination with noticing and photographing details, capturing contrasts in texture, color, and material, recording the patterns of nature and life in new and unique ways. 

There was no shortage of amazing details at Allison and Mike's wedding at Warren Wilson College. From the moment I arrived, discovering the beautiful bouquets and boutonnières from Flora lovingly arranged and waiting for their big day, I was surrounded by details, each one carefully considered and chosen to create the perfect celebration. It was a lovely and fun day, with lots of genuine joy and fun moments. From bacon jam to delicious food from the Lowdown Foodtruck to a dance-floor kept busy by DJ Whitney Shroyer, there was a lot to enjoy and photograph. 

One of my favorite moments featured a large group shot in which the bride and (nearly) all of her cousins posed with their grandmother and the Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls she made for all of them. After the photograph, the bride's grandmother and I talked about the importance and love that comes from handmade gifts. It is moments like these - spanning generations, knit together with a little detail like a handmade doll - that make big days like Allison and Mike's wedding so perfect. 

Here's to a lifetime of beautiful details and bold adventures, Allison and Mike. xoxo

Special thanks to the people who contributed to this beautiful day. 

Venue: Warren Wilson College Wedding Planner: Events by Kiersa Flowers: Flora Ceremony Musician: Bobby and the Blue Ridge Tradition  

Reception Catering: The Lowdown Food Truck Decor/Rentals: Classic Event Rentals, East West Vintage Rentals 

Reception Music: DJ Whitney Shroyer 

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!