Kelly & Rodney Say I do | Sebastian, Florida A1A | When your best friend gets married...

I remember the day I met Kelly. We were moving into our dorm rooms in January at Muskingum University. We had both transferred in mid-year, and on my tour day and registration day the counselor who was assigned to me said "I just met another girl transferring, I have a feeling you two would get along, I think I am going to put in for her to be your roommate." I didn't think too much of that comment, however, behold that girl became one of the best friends I have ever had, and ever will have. When I walked in - I noticed she had already put up a few posters - of the beach - and the just happened to be the exact same ones I brought. That evening after moving in and exploring - we watched Golden Girls together, as we ended up doing every afternoon before dinner for the rest of the year. We have had so many adventures - memories - and good times. Kelly was there when Jack was first born, and scheduled her last semester of class so when Tad and I were in class, she would come to the house and snuggle and take care of baby Jack.  No matter the distance between us, we will always pick up right where we left off, and her wedding was one of the most special events ever. I am so lucky to have been able to go! And I have to say Kelly - you picked a wonderful man! Tad and I love Rodney and wish we were closer so we could spend more time with the both of you. You two are perfect for each other - and if I have to be 9 hours away at least I know you are being taken care of by your best friend* and an awesome guy. *(I suppose I can share our bestieship.)

The day started off in the salon - and began with so many laughs - and stories - that the time flew by. 

Kelly's dress was beautiful - and was perfect for her. (I kept thinking of the many times we went shopping together for dresses, clothes, and getting ready, we would always say "thats it! thats the one!" and this dress? It was the one. and was perfect.)

I love first looks with Dad. Kelly's parents are the sweetest ever, and have also been there for us so many times. They are wonderful parents, and fabulous grandparents, I was so honored to be there for this moment. 

The ceremony location was perfect - you can't get better than being married on the ocean off of A1A. 

Probably my favorite photo from the evening, was the one of Kelly and Rodney entering the reception - when you get a photo that captures all the emotion and energy of the day - its awesome. 

Christy and her kids were also a highlight for me. She is a wonderful Mommy - and has awesome children who love her and Kelly so much they had to help for her speech. 

Tad had to go over and grab Kelly for a photo. Tad and Kelly have been through just as many adventures and we all lived together in our first apartment. After Jack was in bed these two - spent hours - and hours - hell weeks, maybe months battling on Mario Kart 64. 

I will leave you with some sparkler photos - CONGRATS Kelly and Rodney we are so happy for you! 

Allyson & David Say I Do | The Peninsula Club Cornelius, NC

Allyson and David had a beautiful summer wedding in Cornelius, NC on Lake Norman. (I am sure you all know LKN is my absolute favorite!) The day started off nice - Allyson was very calm and also very busy! (She made her flowers minutes before walking down the aisle!)

Such a beautiful dress. I love lace dresses...and absolutely adored the handmade details. (The sash!)

The first feel happened while we were waiting for a thunderstorm to pass. Right at ceremony time it poured, and we had to pick a new hidden first look spot, after clearing out all the guests also sheltering form the storm, we had the perfect moment. (The bride peeked at the groom, but David did not! I love the anticipation in the grooms face when we get to do hidden first looks!)

The weather cleared and it was time to start the ceremony! Take a look at these beautiful bridesmaid dresses!

The Peninsula Club has a beautiful reveal spot for their brides - Allyson came to the top of the staircase and David got to look at her from afar - so romantic. 

The handmade (by the brides father)  arbor was a beautiful background for the first kiss. 

Such wonderful happy families we had after the ceremony! 

And the boys...no words needed here! They had fun! 

I love the colors of Lake Norman as the sun got low behind the muted tones of her lace dress and blush sash. 

This was a wonderful event - and had a wonderful ending! Our sparkler sendoff was perfect, and the groom and bride left in a vintage 1969 european Mini Coupe. (Driver side on the right!) This was the smallest most fun vintage get away car I have seen - and our groom purchased it. He plans to paint it purple (his most favorite color). Thank you, I loved being part of your fabulous day! 

~ Janel

Meet the Team | Part One

Together, Janel & I, decided that we needed new and updated headshots. This time we wanted to incorporate the whole team. We took the photo shoot as an opportunity to put ourselves in our client's shoes. & let me tell you it's no easy task to prepare for a shoot properly, but it is sooo worth it!

Step One: Outfits. Now this was a particularly difficult task because we had to find coordinating outfits for all 4 of us. Janel & I hit the new outlets and began hunting. The crew seems to think I am the more fashionable one, no pressure or anything. I found Shannon's outfit first, it was an adorable one piece pant suit that elongates her legs. I also found a super cute and funky chevron print romper for Janel. We accessorized her get up with a thin red belt. At another boutique we found my dress next, it was white with black stripes on the skirt. It puffs out and flatters the waist line. For Tad we picked up a slim fit shirt, skinny tie and photographer dress pants all in black and from Express. The day of the shoot we hit up my mom's closet for red bangles, necklaces and earrings for the girls. You don't have to spend a fortune to look & feel like a million bucks!

Step Two: Hair & Makeup. We strongly encourage our brides to treat themselves to a Blow Out Bar before their photo shoots. There are a few reasons that having a professional do your hair and makeup is important. First, it takes away the stress of getting ready. Leave the styling to the professionals! Second, it will save you time. These ladies did my hair in half the time it takes me. Third, you will leave feeling great. Most importantly though, you will look amazing! We chose to visit the 1890 Blow Dry Bar in Ballantyne because it was close to our chosen location for the shoot (which you will only find out where it is if you book us!). Not only was 1890 Blow Dry Bar bright, airy and adorable but had friendly and knowledgeable stylists.

You come in with dirty hair and the ladies will wash, blow dry and style it for you. I have been once or twice before but it was Shannon & Janel's first time. I think I have made loyal customers out of them. I can't afford to do it every day but at about $40 per style I can definitely afford to do it before a photo shoot or even a hot date. 

We were only in the salon for about an hour & transformed into new women. With our confidence through the roof we were ready to touch up our morning makeup, put on a red lip, add some falsies and get this show on the road! 

Step Three: Photoshoot. With everyone dressed and ready to go the session began. Even if the finished photos look nice and polished (which we hope they do), the process is the same for us as it is for you. There was a lot of awkward faces, stiff poses, wardrobe mishaps and tons of laughs. 

Meet Tad & Shannon. Tad is a lover of all things nerd. (I would name some, but I'm clueless in this department) He's a pirate, captain and the tallest member of the HOH team. The grooms love him because he won't tell the bride if you're freaking out and need a shot, or five. Tad also builds us fabulous things like our awesomely chic wall at the Bridal Show! Shannon is fun, spunky and always happy. You can never be in a bad mood if she is around. She elicits giggles like no other. They are our second shooters and accompany us at weddings to photograph unique perspectives of your day. They're usually responsible for your pictures of your wedding details, walking down the aisle and groom prep to name a few.

Next up, photographing each other. We were a bit more difficult because we are kind of picky about how we look in photos. It's a good thing we know how to make each other laugh so that we were able to capture natural smiles. 

Meet Janel & Amanda. Janel is obsessed with the lake. She spends every weekend at LKN despite living in Indian Land, SC. She is creative, crafty and super open minded. She is always challenging herself to find unique angles and innovative poses during weddings. She has two adorable kids (jack is 8 and Molly is 4) and is always taking them to karate practice, swim lessons and play dates. I'm Amanda, and I'm practical, stubborn and goal oriented. I may be slightly OCD but that works to your benefit. I will always be on time, keep to your wedding day schedule and return pictures on or before deadline. I love to go to concerts (have the megaticket this summer!) and watch movies in my down time. & I'm slightly obsessed with babies. Together, we work alongside our second shooters to capture your wedding day. & if you book a Platinum package we get to photograph your wedding together, which we LOVE!!! 

We are quite the crew & I hope you enjoyed our photos as much as we enjoyed taking them. Remember: Pick outfits that coordinate but don't match & accessories with a pop of color. Treat yourself to a professional Blow Out and Makeup Artist. Let your photographers suggest an amazing venue. Relax & let your personality shine. You will end up with amazing photos that you will cherish for a lifetime! 

Check back for Part Two which will show you our casual outfits!!

<3 Amanda

Anne & Kenny Say I Do | Byron's South End

We met Anne and Kenny at a bridal show over a year ago, and have been looking forward to their wedding ever since! The bridal preparations were done at The Dunhill Hotel on a hot sunny May afternoon, a perfect end of spring day! 

We traveled to St. John's Episcopal Church to finish getting ready and for the ceremony. 

The boys always have so much fun during the getting ready process - they get to play games and take fun photos. 

Because of very strict policy at St. John's regarding photography Anne and Kenny decided to do a first look. This was such a special moment, tears were shared by both - and their love for each other was overflowing. 

I love those last little moments - right before the ceremony - when everything really sinks in. They are getting married! 

Once the ceremony was over - it was time to celebrate! And the wedding party was so much fun! 

Byron's has a cute little spot that makes for some awesome photos right around the corner!

The reception was beautiful - and the lighting in this space is awesome. 

Before the reception started Anne and Kenny got to enjoy a fun relaxed cocktail hour with their friends and family. 

It was then time for the first dance. Aren't they adorable? 

I am in love with these father-daugher mother-son dance images. 

Such a fun group of family and friends.

This was a beautiful wedding - and I had so much fun with Anne and Kenny. Anne and Kenny - I love every time we get to meet up and really enjoyed begin a part of your day!

Vendors: 

Flowers : 

Lily Greenthumb's (Karen)

http://www.lilygreenthumbs.com/

Cake: 

Got What It Cakes (Mandie)

http://www.gotwhatitcakes.com/

Dj: 

Split Second Sound (Eric)

http://www.splitsecondsound.com/

Reception: 

Byron's South End 

http://byronssouthend.com/index2.php#/home/

Sam & Bryan Say I Do | Cornerstone Baptist Church

I met Samantha 6 short weeks before her wedding. Her wedding was on the only open Saturday we had in two months so it was meant to be! 

I'm very glad that I was able to photograph this wedding because I have never met a kinder and more excited bride!

Sam's 5 bridesmaids chose different shades of blue for their dresses.

The girls were so pretty and actually on time!

Bryan and his groomsmen were great to work with as well, they kept Shannon laughing all day.

After putting on their snazzy gray suits, they were ready for group pictures. 

I LOVE Sam's reaction when her mom got to see her in her wedding dress for the first time.

Oh did I mention her favorite part of her dress?!? POCKETS.

Bryan wrote a sweet letter and had a gift delivered to his sweet bride the morning of the wedding It was a Coach watch, well done Bryan!

The ladies braved the heat for a bridal party pictures before the ceremony, dodging incoming guests.

I'm sure the guys were much warmer though.

I don't think I've mentioned yet how the adorable couple met...Bryan is an EMT and Sam is an ER nurse. So naturally, Bryan brought the ambulance along for some wedding day fun with his fellow medics.

Ring shots are my new favorite, and this one is just gorgeous!! 

Another really unique aspect to this wedding is that both Bryan & Sam's fathers are pastors. They tag teamed the wedding in Sam's home church, it was beautiful. 

After the ceremony I snuck the couple away for a few quick shots of just the two of them.

Their love for each other really showed through in the portraits.

Don't ever take life too serious.

& remember to love a lot.

These are two of my favorites from the day.

The reception was short but as sweet as cake!

For a minute I thought the cake cutting was going to get a little messy.

Sam's faces during the toast are priceless!

The garter toss was conveniently caught by the youngest man in the bridal party.

The bouquet was caught by Bryan's aunt.

The couple had a bubble send off and left in quite the ride!

Thanks so much for letting Head Over Heels be part of your big day and we wish you nothing but the best going forward in your new married life together!