Brian and LaSonya's wedding day could not have been more perfect. This Tennessee couple chose one of the most beautiful destination wedding locations in Myrtle Beach - Pine Lakes Country Club. The main house with its old southern charm was the perfect setting for celebrating their special day with family and friends. The sky was a brilliant crystal blue and the excitement over this couple's union was contagious! It was beautiful to witness the love between Brian, LaSonya and their entire family. I loved that Brian's son was not only the fabulous wedding planner, but also the officiant. His touching words during the ceremony were quite special as he welcomed his father's bride into the family and shared about how happy they are together. And I just have to say that this crowd knows how to throw a party and enjoyed every moment of the delicious spread of food and dancing. 

Congratulations Brian and LaSonya! Your special day was incredible just like you! 

Bridal Gown: David's Bridal

Ceremony & Reception: Pine Lakes Country Club

Cake: Maranna Makery Magic

Mini Cheesecakes: Mrs. J's Cheesecake

Catering: Pine Lakes Country Club

Jumping the broom!

Sweet Kinsley is 4 months old! I loved this mini session in her adorable nursery celebrating so many of the milestones she has reached in her few months. This little ballerina is holding her head up, rolling over like a pro, playing peek-a-boo, discovering her fingers and toes and has a loyal little friend who likes to stay by her side (scroll to the end :)

Looking forward to more fun times with this cutie!

This lovely, extremely talented young woman took out her violin surrounded by a field of wildflowers with the sun starting to dip towards the horizon and pure magic happened in front of my camera. These are the moments that bring me such joy in my work...capturing and celebrating what makes each person unique and beautiful. I hope you savor each of these as much as I have!

Congratulations Erin!

Emily is officially a graduate of the class of 2023! 

I met Emily a little over 2 years ago and in that time, it has been such a gift to get to know this tiny, but fierce young woman! She has been through more challenges in her 18 years than most will in a lifetime, but has faced each one with courage, determination and an ever increasing passion to enjoy life to the fullest. I could not be more proud of her goal to become an elementary school teacher. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to command the attention and respect of a room and I have no doubt she will be a favorite  in the halls of whatever school is blessed to have her. 

Congratulations Emily! 

This adorable couple will be welcoming a son into the world literally any day now and I couldn't be more excited for them. This sweet boy is already so loved, prayed over and cherished by his mom and dad. The glow Emily carries is a reflection of her joy in becoming a mother, but also of her gentle, kind spirit that is truly special. Watching these two falling more in love with each other as they anticipate holding their firstborn in their arms is a beautiful thing to behold. As several passerbys commented on this during the session, I was reminded how the precious gift of a new life is one of the ways God shows His beautiful design to the watching world. 

Please join me in praying for a safe delivery for mom and baby and many congrats Jeremiah and Emily! 

Headed out into the cornfields for these summer maternity photos and couldn't be more pleased to share them with you! This momma to be absolutely stunned during her session! Emily is expecting a little boy, Brooks, in a few short months and he is already dearly loved. There is something incredibly special and powerful about capturing the bond of a mother and child while they are still in the womb. Emily, you are so radiant and I'm looking forward to photographing this little guy again soon when he is in your arms!

I've know Kasey since she was born and what an honor it was to capture her 18 years later as a gorgeous young woman inside and out. Kasey lights up a room when she walks in and has such a heart for people. Her kindness and joy are a rare treasure. Kasey plans to pursue a career in nursing and possibly work in labor and delivery. Her patients will absolutely fall in love with her as you will too after viewing these photos.

Congratulations Kasey!!

My mind says "book cover" every time I look at this image!

Simply stunning!

Jeremy and Heather's engagement session was perfection! A gorgeous evening sunset, the elegant Johannah house and a couple so in love and ready to spend the rest of their lives together. True to form, South Carolina threw in a few mosquitoes to make sure we weren't too comfortable though ;)

Heather and Jeremy are both nurses who met while working at the same hospital. It is a sweet love story that was years in the making.

I loved watching them enjoy the moment and slow dance like no one was watching. It was truly magical and I am thrilled to share them with you! 

Their sweet baby girl will be making her debut very soon and here is their baby on board announcement session from December. What a special Christmas gift they were able to share with their family and friends. I rarely have the opportunity to capture so many life transitions in one year for a couple, but was so grateful for every minute spent with them. Josh and Bailey have since moved to Texas through the military and they are dearly missed, but I am looking forward to meeting their daughter one day and getting to see their continuing story unfold. 

Joe's mother, Rita, was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago and the day was bittersweet as she had limited time left with the family she loved so dearly. Her smile was a beautiful testament to her joy even while staring death in the face. As each tender moment came, I was beyond honored with the privilege of capturing these images for her family to treasure for years to come. There wasn't a dry eye in the room as she danced one last dance with her son at the reception.

Sorrow and joy, beauty and pain so often live in the same room and learning how to hold them both, trusting that God uses each one, strengthens our hope and dependance on Him. 

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Graney! 

In loving memory of Rita Grace Graney

May 4, 1956-March 12, 2023 

Wedding Dress: Mora Lee - NY Bride and Groom of Columbia

Florist: Where You're Planted

Ceremony/Reception Venue: Sublette's Pond House

DJ: D J Rique

Catering: Southern Bear Catering 

This shoot definitely left me eager for wedding day to arrive so I could get this elegant lady and her husband to be in front of the camera again!

Adorable Abigail is 4! I look forward to this birthday session every year and I think Abigail does as well ;) We combined her two current loves - horses and Disney into a photo shoot fit for a princess! I have discovered the last couple of years that March wind and birthday balloons aren't the greatest combination, but we managed to to capture a few great shots anyway. 

I hope this little one has a fantastic year of new adventures.

Happy Birthday Abigail Grace! 

Fun fact, the first photographer blog I ever followed and wanted to be like when I grew up was Shelly Paulson - an equine photographer! The way her images captured light and the love between people and their horses inspired me over a decade ago to pursue a career in photography  so this was a very full circle moment. 

I hope you will savor the sweetness radiating from each image and that it will bring a smile to your day as much as it did mine! Scroll to the end for the best silhouette! 

The Cokers tied the knot on October 1st just as a change in weather was beginning to make its way into South Carolina. Their venue was a fun, family clubhouse on beautiful farmland and the vibrant shades of fall colored every part of the special day. Tyler and Kelsey's two daughters were a central part of this wedding and  they will absolutely melt your heart. So much tireless work went into preparing for this day and making it a reflection of Tyler and Kelsey's relationship and it accomplished just that. Every carefully planned detail came together to make a celebration of the love they share. Shout out to my lovely second shooter, Brittany Briley, for her amazing photos and assistance with this wedding! 

Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Coker! 

Bridal Gown: David's Bridal

Florist: Garden House Floral Studio

Ceremony and Reception Venue: Buck and Bull Farm - Manning, SC

Wedding Planner: Becky Weaver

Hair and Makeup: Destinations Spa

DJ: Pitch Perfect Entertainment 

Videographer: Brent Chappell

Cake: Jessica Cheek

Catering: Fancy That Catering

Bridesmaid's Dresses: Azazie

Groomsmen and Groom Attire: Azazie

One of Kelsey's special requests of the day was to have a moment with her daughter trying on her wedding dress. It truly was heart melting!

Meanwhile, the guys were having too much fun getting ready ;) Brittany did a fantastic job with these photos!  

Always one of the most emotional moments of the day!

I first met Anne and Jarrod in 2021 when the Air Force stationed them in Sumter and a friendship soon formed.  It was a joy and honor to capture this unique time in their marriage before their first child arrived. Originally from Nebraska, it was only fitting that we take these photos in the country with hay bales :) The best thing about this couple is how much fun they have together and the love you see between them has carried right over into the love for their girl. Congratulations Anne and Jarrod! 

It was a humid, hot afternoon in SC and there isn't anything quite like sweating under a wedding dress, but Kelsey was a terrific sport and we were able to capture these dreamy images ahead of her big day.

I know you will agree, her gorgeous chocolate eyes stole the show even above the beautiful gown. Wedding post coming soon! 

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas! Fall of 2022 was a busy one in all the best ways and I was thrilled to capture so many memories for my clients. Christmas cards have been mailed and displayed on mantles and refrigerators everywhere and the coming few weeks I will (hopefully) be getting up to date on blogging and look forward to sharing them with you! 

First up is a family that I can't wait to post every year because it features some of my favorite people in the world. I met up with them at the beach in September to capture a very special session. My sister and brother in law have recently expanded their family through fostering therefore I am sharing photos of a precious child that for his protection, must keep his sweet smile hidden. Know that it is one of pure joy and happiness. He is dearly loved and is, as you can tell from everyone else's faces, a treasure to this family. 

I look forward to every chance I get to photograph this little lady! Lilly is an absolute ray of sunshine and I loved capturing her world of imagination for her birthday session. From tea parties to getting lost in a book to dancing in a meadow - four is just the best age. 

Happiest of birthdays sweet girl! 

Every photo will absolutely melt your heart. It was too hard to pick favorites so you get to see most of them :) 

Congrats Thompson family! 

This cutie is one! I first met Whaylon when he was 5 months old and seeing him grow has been so fun. When his mom told me his first birthday was going to be a camping/fishing theme, I knew these would be adorable! My favorite thing about photographing Whaylon is getting that occasional smile out of him as his expressions are normally very serious :) 

Happy Birthday sweet boy! 

Congratulations Joel! 

And that wraps up my 2022 Seniors! Now booking sessions for the class of 2023!

Another precious baby girl is about to make her appearance into the world and she is already so loved by her parents and siblings. This session was extra special as these beautiful people are also family. Lindsay is my cousin and I was thrilled to capture the season of anticipation as they await the arrival of another daughter and sister. After our first attempt was rained out, we were relieved to squeeze these in before her July due date! These photos are sure to melt your heart as much as they did mine. 

Congrats Cook Family! 

Another high school graduate of the class of 2022!

I so enjoyed spending the afternoon with Drake several months ago. The last time I had photographed him he was just a young boy and now a very handsome gentleman that is so smart, kind and thoughtful. And this guy has great style too! I also love it when parents get in on the photos at the end of sessions and you will want to scroll to the end to see some of my favorites :)

Congratulations Drake on your huge accomplishment! 

This session was particularly special and unique because I had to get on a plane and fly to Oklahoma to capture this precious momma who is also a dear friend. Becca and I met the first week she moved to Sumter via the Air Force several years ago and became fast companions - even tackling Europe together during her first pregnancy. Needless to say it was an honor and delight to photograph this sweet season in the Mattes family as they prepare to welcome another son any day now. Already planning my next visit for baby cuddles! 

Congrats guys! 

Shoutout to my amazing brother and second shooter, Caleb, for holding my umbrella as I shot in the rain and capturing some amazing shots.

Then, right before the ceremony, everything cleared and it was such a beautiful setting. I will never get over how this couple looks at each other. Melts my heart every time. Enjoy this glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant's wedding day! 

Abbe is an incredibly gifted violinist and has put in years and years of hard work and practice. She is headed to North Greenville University in the fall to continue her passion for music. I could listen to her play for hours. As the sun set during her spring session, she made that violin sing into the sky resulting in one of my favorite silhouettes ever!

Congratulations Abbe!