Nikki & Chip Say I Do | Savour Charlotte

Take a look at Nikki and Chips big day! The preparations were stress free, and laid back, the perfect start to a wonderful celebration.

Cole was absolutely adorable all day long. He was happy to get dressed up and see his Dad get married! And the flowers, some of the most beautiful flower displays I have seen! 

The ceremony and reception were both at The Savour Charlotte. I just love the emotion we captured! 

The first dance photos are always some of my favorites. 

So much fun was had by all this night! Congratulations Nikki and Chip! 

We loved working with the other vendors: 

Wedding Ceremony and Reception - The Savour Charlotte Liza Alienello 

Flowers - Herr Fresh Flowers

Life of the Party - All The Right Grooves Jill Phillips & Bethany McDonald

Laura & Nate Say I Do | St. Mary's Chapel & Roof With a View Downtown Charlotte

Meet Laura. She is absolutely the sweetest bride ever. & she got ready in the best room at the Omni downtown. The view was absolutely amazing!! 

& this is her beau Nate. He is so romantic and sincere. I was so excited to be part of their big day!!

The details of Laura's flowers, dress and jewelry were so vibrant against the gray sky. 

Laura had the sweetest gift for Nate & while the bridesmaids were watching him open it we slipped her into her wedding dress. When the girls came back to the room we did a big reveal & their faces made it so worth it!

Laura & I were stalking the weather for about a week leading up to her wedding day. Naturally, April showers bring May flowers. It rained, but luckily just a light sprinkle, all day. 

I was actually super excited for the rain because that meant we were able to use these super cool umbrellas. & rain on your wedding day is good luck!

Even though Nate & Laura wanted to keep with the tradition of not seeing each other before the wedding, they did have a 'First Feel'. I loved being able to capture their first moments alone while they prayed before the ceremony. 

The ceremony took place at St.Mary's Chapel in downtown Charlotte. Nate & Laura shared communion, rings, sand ceremony and their first kiss as husband and wife. 

Afterwards the newlyweds celebrated with their closest family and friends!

Once we were able to get the love birds alone their true passion for each other came out. They couldn't be happier and more in love. I was so happy for them!

The chapel had beautiful trees and glowing lamps to light up their new union. 

Then the crowd headed to Roof With a View to dance the night away. 

These are the sweet dancing pictures but check back for the gallery of all the guests. There were some great dancers in this group!

Most couples cut the cake and eat it very sweetly. Laura had a rebellious side all of the sudden and check out what she did...

Loved it!! Then the couple left to a tunnel of glow sticks. Off to a wonderful two week honeymoon in Europe!!

This day would not have been quite as amazing without all of the help of the vendors:

Big thanks to Christina Doody of Love & Honey for coordinating the day of the wedding.

Brent White of Roof With A View

Joel Delph for Officiating

The Caterers of Best Impressions, especially Heidi McBride for the amazing food.

The beautiful flowers were created by Cherish Moore.

The fabulous cake was made by Dominica from Nona's Sweets.

& the life of the party, the DJ was Rich Lange.

Eileen & Ernesto Say I Do | Morningstar Chapel Wedding | Charlotte, NC

I first met Eileen in Ohio where she was a bridesmaid in her brother and now sister in law's wedding. In addition to being beautiful, Eileen is also super sweet so naturally I was thrilled when she called to set up a consultation for her April wedding. When she came into the studio I met her fiancé, Ernesto, for the first time. They were super excited and anxious for their big day! 

On the day of Ernesto & Eileen's wedding the rain was off and on all day. Luckily it provided nice soft light for the pictures and we stayed dry! Check out Eileen's beautiful ring, I just love the setting. You did a great job Ernesto!

Since this was the second time photographing this family I felt like I fit right in. I was able to photograph more photo-journalistically. From Eileen's bouncy curls to her sparkling shoes, every detail was thoroughly planned. 

Janel went to the hotel where the boys were getting ready to capture the last moments of Ernesto being a single man. Bowties & pocket squares are hard to perfect and you boys nailed it!

Janel & I get SUPER excited when we find out that our bride & grooms are interesting in a First Look. Or as Janel calls the hidden first look, the First Feel. Ernesto led Eileen in prayer before their ceremony without physically seeing each other. It's a great time for the couple to relieve stress & live in the one moment of peace before the ceremony begins.

The intimate ceremony was bright and airy, a photographer's dream. Ernesto & Eileen wrote their own vows, which brought their guests to both tears and laughter. Sealed with a kiss, the two became Mr. & Mrs. Morales for the first time. 

The couple is very loved & celebrated, as the pictures show. I have to brag that this bridal party was absolutely gorgeous. They made our job easy!

After Janel & I finally kicked out the crowd we secluded the newly married couples for some romantic photos. Eileen & Ernesto are so in love. I just love the little red door on the chapel.

If the vows didn't bring you to tears, the first dances certainly did! I always tear up on the father & daughter dance, there is just something about it that gets me every time. 

I have to brag on the reception venue for just a minute...Maggiano's was not only beautiful but served the BEST reception food that I have ever eaten at a wedding, by far. 

With the look on Ernesto's face when he was about to feed Eileen, I was sure that he was going to smash the cake in her face. Instead, he fed her nicely.

Eileen's face is priceless on the bouquet toss. & those flowers were amazing!

Ernesto wasted no time digging in for that garter, with his teeth. The guy that caught it has caught the last 4 or 5 garters at weddings! Your time is coming mister, better start saving.

We finished the night off sneaking away for a few quiet moments with Eileen, her cute flower girls & handsome little ring bearer. 

I LOVE shooting with my awesome business partner Janel & can't wait for the rest of our 2015 weddings!

THANKS ROSA FAMILY FOR ALWAYS BEING SO HOSPITABLE AND KIND! CONGRATULATIONS EILEEN & ERNESTO MORALES!!!

Kelsey & Evan | Engagement Session | Romare Bearden, Panther's Stadium & Jetton Park

I have known Evan since high school and met his fabulous fiancé a few years ago. They are probably one of my favorite couples ever. We hang out a good bit and even do family game nights.

Kelsey & Evan have been together forever and it was about time Evan stepped it up and proposed. 

As soon as Evan proposed, Kelsey messaged me to start working on her wedding! Her date, venue & of course photographers were picked out after only a week!! 

I adore them & I am had so much fun shooting their engagement session (except that it was the coldest day of the month and the wind was outrageous!!) 

Kelsey & Evan LOVE the Panthers...or tailgating at least.

Hopefully they will bring some good luck to the Panther's next season, they surely need it. 

Kelsey & Evan have a very loved fur baby Tanner. He is not only incredibly handsome but also super well behaved. 

I secretly hope he makes his debut at their wedding ceremony. 

Much love to the happy couple and October will be here before you know it!

(Keep them in line Tan Man)

John & Emily | Engagement Session | Peach Blossoms

We were concerned about the weather because it was supposed to rain the day of their engagement session. Emily was also concerned that it was very overcast. Overcast, cloudy days are by far THE best for photos. The clouds act as a natural diffuser of the sun. But, Emily jinxed us. As soon as John & Emily pulled up to the Peach Blossoms the sun was out full force!

We made the best of squinty eyes, shadows and sweating. You would never be able to tell by their grace in the pictures though.

Luckily, by the 3rd outfit the sun hid behind the clouds for us and we were able to get some amazing images for them to treasure for the rest of their lives together. 

John & Emily were such great sports and were willing to try any crazy pose I threw their way. They even mastered most after just a few tries. However, the outtakes are great! 

I mean what is a photo session without a little fun!?

This couple is absolutely beautiful together and perfect models...can I have couples like you everyday??

John gets credit for coordinating their outfits and making his bride to be look stunning. Teamwork.

I had a blast spending time and getting to know you two better as a couple. & I am sooooo excited for your 2016 nuptials! 

It will be here before you know it.