Mr & Mrs Sigler

Before the big day! We had a PreBridal photo session with Hollie! She is just photogenic! We share fun, laughter and had such a great capturing Hollie! Hollie just spoke to the camera! Those eyes could go from demure to laughter to just gorgeousness oozing!

The wedding day was just fabulous! There was not a moment to spare, as the day was a flurry of activity! It just went by soo fast for both Hollie and Aaron! There were tears of joy, tons of smiles and laughter, and just all around fun! The day started with Hollie getting her hair and makeup done at Rebel Salon. She was gorgeous!!! The bride and groom met before everything started. It was their private moment to see each other, hug, get emotional and just tell each other how much they loved each other! It was endearing and sweet. I was thrilled to be able to capture this moment. The ceremony and reception all took place at The Historic Bleak House! Tents, flowers, food…all setup and ready to go! The ceremony was right at the end of the arbor, in front of the fountain. This was a gorgeous view for all to see! It was just fabulous! The food was fabulous and so delicioso! A lot of congratulations and hugs during the cake cutting and toast! And during the reception, the bride sang a favorite song with one of best friends. Aaron sang the song to his wife that they both love! Hollie sang along. This wedding partied till the very end, when husband and wife were greeted by well wishers and cheers as they exited! It was fabulous! As we walked away, our hearts were filled with so many endearing moments that we witnessed and captured throughout Hollie and Aaron’s day. It was yet another fabulous day!

vendors who participated in their day to make it so special:

Lisa Foster Designs, All Occastion Party Rentals, The Historic Bleak House

Hollie and Aaron, Engagements

Hollie and Aaron was on the “hunt” for a photographer for their wedding. They were referred to me through a mutual acquaintance. My thoughts of the couple, beautiful and sweet. Aaron had a photography background, so he led the interview process. When I showed our work on the big screen, Hollie and Aaron showed how moved they were. They both hired us! We were thrilled. For their engagements, Aaron had a ton of ideas and we ran with it. We went to the “sinks” towards the end of the session and to my surprise and amazement/thrill, they both jumped in the water! From Hollie’s expression…it was cold! Hats off to Hollie! I don’t know if I could have done it…knowing how cold the water was! I like warm waters these days…when I was a kid — I could handle cold water in the mtns of Pennsylvania. I don’t know how I did it back then! Here’s some photographs from their session!

Their enthusiasm and love was so infectious!

Carl and Amanda Engagements

I felt in getting my blog set up correctly, I needed to go back to 2009, when Amanda Bradshaw wed Carl Young, III.

I knew Amanda for quite some time and thought her gorgeous and beautiful. She is also savvy, sophisticated and what a sense of humor. Carl is also very savvy, kind and handsome. They met at the same company they worked for, and they worked in different areas. I had a great opportunity to spend time with Amanda as a friend.  I really did get to know this couple and to this day, still connect with them as friends. The engagment happened over 2008 Christmas Holiday. It was absolutely funny, we were discussing that most brides get engaged over the holidays. And I remember Amanda’s comment that it would not happen to her…it just wasnt time yet! 

Yet, behind the scenes… before the holidays, Carl drove to her parents’ home in KY to discuss the proposal and received their blessing. No one but Carl and Amanda’s parents were aware of what was about to happen. So somewhere over the holidays of 2008, I, among a few, ok maybe many, received a text message that Carl had proposed! Shock, thrill, happiness and a feeling of romantic fulfillment for the universe hit me all at once! Knowing she was least expecting and to get her dreams fulfilled of being asked to be a lifelong partner to Carl Young, to be his wife..that she fulfilled his dreams and desires…so romantic! Another fabulous Xmas! After Christmas, Amanda attended bridal shows, and one by one organized all her vendors together. Amanda approached me to photograph her wedding. It was an honor and a thrill to be asked!

 The engagements were done in February. A bit cold, but they were so awesome! The Museum of Art was chosen as the first phase of our photographic session.  We then headed over to the Landing, near Calhouns. This area had a lot of different backdrops to offer. As always, time passes when you are having too much fun! For me, it was great to see both of them out of their business attire and really hang out and be themselves…I love these moments…seeing the couple as a “couple”. Asking them to do something and watching the teamwork and the trust…but watching the looks as they look at each other…and sometimes, forget I am there! I always love to catch those stolen kisses!!

Amanda requested a guestbook designed from her engagement session. A beautiful white leather album, custom designed layout with their photographs and it was just gorgeous! What a wonderful idea!  Another Fabulous day for Moonlight! Coming up…the wedding…

Mr and Mrs Young

Ahhhh, the wedding….of Carl and Amanda Young…Mr & Mrs Young. Where do I start??? The dress was ordered online…online I say! She saw it, took her measurements and ordered online! As those that know her, while she has a sense of humor, she is a very practical person…however, the dress was just enchanting, flowing, dreamy…white silk. It was Amelie. Silk with spanish lace accents…exquisite! Dress ordered! Photographer booked, that would be me! a little sidebar humor…ok, I will stick to photography. The venue, The Storytelling Center of Jonesborough, TN.  Flowers, Anna Marie’s Florist in Johnson City, TN. Tuxes from Men’s Wearhouse. The tuxes were a pinstripe style.  Bridesmaid dresses from Lalonde’s Bridal Boutique in Johnson City, TN.  And I forgot to mention in the Engagement Blog — the rings were from Mark’s and Morgan.  The ring was a diamond solitaire, raised and surrounded w/smaller diamonds around the stone and stones half way around the band. Wedding band had similar design of stones half way around the band. Shimmer and glimmer! Bling, Bling!

As the planning was going on, parties and soirees were being planned for Miss Bradshaw. Showers were in the planning, too. A friend of Carl’s family hosted a luncheon for the couple. And there was a couple’s dinner hosted by a friend of Carl’s parents. 2 Bridal Showers, each thrown by a family member of the bride’s and the groom’s side.  And of course the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Alas…the day was approaching, invitations had been sent out and rsvp’s received. Allison Gaddis, wedding planner, assisting Amanda to pull everything together to take the pressure off of Amanda to truly just enjoy…Rehearsal was at the venue, then rehearsal dinner was hosted by a friend of the Young’s, Suzie Williams. Decorated by Carl’s Mom, Kathy, and her team. Upon entering the back yard area, guests were greeted with a tented back patio area, surrounded by asparagus ferns, quaint statues, mini water falls, and lanterns hanging all around. Tables were set — this was something out of Southern Living. Kathy Young, Carl’s Mother, among many of her talents, she is a great designer.  Food was fabulous and all made by Suzi and her family! See the pics below… everyone shared in laughter and talk at the rehearsal, and at the dinner, laughter and love carried on between friends and family well into the evening.

Amanda gave her girls all custom handmade jewelery to wear at the wedding, by a local artist. And Carl gave his groomsmen IPods.

Upon the next morning, the gals were all getting hair and makeup done. Photography started with Amanda at Carl’s parents’ home.

We continued on with Carl and his group and family, then onto Eureka B/B where Amanda  joined her gals in their getting ready. We then made our way with the gals from the inn to the surroundings of Jonesborough.

The wedding was just beautiful, Amanda had the aisle set to a curve, not a straight line, this was just so unique and made her entrance that much more! The gazebo, the floral, the wedding party, Amanda& Carl and the wonderful sun!!! It was breath-takingly Fabulous!

Ceremony over and time for celebration….the food was so Fabulous! By Mainstreet Cafe Catering…so yummy! Not your everyday reception food! The Cake also by Mainstreet — that was yummy too! There were tables everywhere, on the balconies and on the back patio where the party would go into the night! Beautifully decorated….and a special touch of homemade fortune cookies at each place setting…a nickname of the bride’s.  Favors..chocolates by Bradley’s in Knoxville presented in a spice jar. And the dancing…under a beautifully lined tent with stars hanging from the ceiling. A live band, Spirit and Soul, with Carl’s dad, Carl Jr playing the bass guitar. This was some band!!!!

Amanda and Carl — you are Fabulous! Your wedding was enchanting…

Most of all many thanks to all the vendors that made this wedding such a success! Wedding planner, Allison Gaddis…you are the Goddess of Wedding Planners! I never had to wear but one hat at this wedding…Photographic Creator…thank you!!

First Official Blog! I have arrived!!!

I can not believe this! I can actually check off set up blog on my 2011 new years resolution list! Next is getting an exercise routine! I need inspiration on this and fast!

So I am going to be blogging about my passion…photography!

My first thought to photography is this…great photography, is all about good lighting, and good posing and/or composition in the camera eye. The camera should be an extension of your mind, heart and eye…not an automatic button for your finger to push down and “shoot”. 

In my weddings, while I may pose, I also capture candids, and will at times photograph in a journalistic style (no posing) –it all depends what I am trying to convey in the pictures, what story am I telling for my clients? So yes, I do a variety of techniques…while I am photographing, I truly see an album laying out.  Believe it or not…all based on the personality of the couple.

You know, every bride and groom will have the dress and the tux or suit. But I don’t do cookie cutter photography. There is a science to it all and a good photographer will do there homework. Its like interviewing for a job. You would not dare go into an interview and not know something about the company. How did they start? How many years? What is their mission? Anyways, same idea goes for photographing any client wedding or non-wedding. Some things might look familiar, but if you look at the photos, its the emotion and personality of that couple or client that I want to have portrayed. After all, anyone can take a picture, but a true professional will know to look for the true picture –the personality, the beauty…get it in the camera just right and get that pic!

I could go on…however, there are many more blogs to come that will more than cover what I am trying to express above.  Have a wonderful weekend.