Not 1 but 2 Newborns
Oh yeah.. not only did I take on a baby.. I took on twins! My friend is now blessed with these sweet bundles & asked if I would take on this “project”.. and since I’ve been open to new things lately, I thought I would just try it out. Turns out I LOVE photographing babies!! I’m not sure if I’m ready to take them on over a year old & I’m definitely not sure about family sessionsl.. but this baby thing was awesome! So, Evoke is definitely now open to maternity & newborn sessions!
I was terribly nervous about photographing twins, but we took them outside in the heat and they pretty much let us do anything we wanted! They were DREAM babies and were so sweet with each other.. Enough talking about it! Check it out!
Also - If you want to see more, check out their slideshow: Jack & Elizabeth
Meet Jack
I love how the light is creating a pattern on his tiny body
Now meet his twin sister Elizabeth
Jack was a wild man
Accessorizing the shoot a little..
Elizabeth & her many sweet faces
Love it
Aren’t they the sweetest?! Email me if you have some sweeties too ‘cause I wanna photograph them!!
Baby Bumps & Such
So.. one of my best clients ever, Aeriel, talked me into doing a maternity session for her, which she labeled a “relationship” session so it wouldn’t freak me out! She is so wonderful.. but when she first asked me to photograph her baby bump I wanted to say no.. but since I’ve photographed 2 boudoirs & a day after session for her, I’ve really come to like her a lot! So, I very very anxiously agreed to it. And I am so glad I did! I knew she would want something different & not so “maternity” & we had such a GREAT time! I really enjoyed it & I’m 100% sure I want to start adding maternity sessions into my portfolio - just as long as I get to do some stuff that’s not so standard… which is what we spent about 4 hours doing!
I asked Aeriel about her pregnancy & we tried to find ways to incorporate her baby items and pregnancy quirks. There are some really cute things, but you’ll see almost at the end, a potato on her shirt. Her & her hubby have been calling this baby “Super Spud” since they found out about her. They weren’t sure if she was a she or a he, so they started nicknaming the baby “Spud”. Then I think she started kicking so hard & moving so much, they upgraded the name to “Super Spud”. And even once they had a name for their little girl, they still called her “Super Spud”. So… you know I had to throw her in a Clark Kent suit & a red telephone booth! It HAD to happen!
Anyways… enjoy my first professional maternity session! Feel free to comment how you do or do not like it because this is definitely an area of photography I am interested in getting into more!
Nursery goodies!
If this weren’t sentimental, I’d be creeped out by that troll. But Aeriel’s mom passed it down to her!
Aeriel was 8 months when we did this session - I mean, she looks INCREDIBLE!!!!
I am in love with this location!!!!
Yep, I made a pregnant woman sit in the water on slippery rocks.
THE SUPER SPUD!!!!! Do you LOVE it?!??!
Hottest pregnant lady ever
Thanks so much you two for entrusting me with this special session! CONGRATULATIONS!
Happy Birthday Baby!
Today is my youngest son’s birthday… which makes me so sad in a happy kind of way! He is 3 today - my baby isn’t much of a baby anymore! We celebrated his big day yesterday at my mom & dad’s house and he had such a wonderful time! One of his favorite people is my dad, so he was in heaven being with my dad, family, his race cars, all the gifts & birthday cake! We were sad that my sister (another favorite person!) couldn’t be there but we were so happy to have all of the rest of my family there to celebrate!
It’s a big day for him today… and for me (I’m a sappy mom today!)... So, just thought I would share some of the fun we had yesterday!
The birthday boy & his race car goodies!
I have the cutest nephew & niece on the planet!!!
He was trying to act shy during the big birthday song
One of his favorite people lighting his birthday cake! My sweet daddy!
Is it ok Victor? Do you like it?
YES!!!
His brother Diego loves the “What’s yours is mine” thing
Gift time! He loved it!
My nephew Grayson liked gift time too 
He is too stinkin’ cute!
Diego was loving wrapping himself, my mom & me up in all of the balloons
Pinata time! Candy isn’t a bad way to end a wonderful party!
Happy 3rd Birthday my sweet baby boy!
Amanda & Jason
I am so excited because this weekend is jammed pack with Amanda & Jason activities! We got together a couple of weeks ago on an incredibly hot evening and captured some images of them being all cute & sweet together! They are so funny - which I’m sure you’ll be able to see in their images. They told me that they like old-fashioned things, old barns & the country. So, some spots came right to my mind immediately for them!
So, on to the cuteness! Youngsville screams old fashioned to me
Beautiful!
This shot makes me want to throw my head back & laugh!!! (and no - I did not ask her to do this!)
Close talking
An end to the close talking
You want barns?! You got it!
I love to stalk.
Amanda has this thing where if you poke her cheek it makes her smile! hahaha! She’s just toooo friggin’ cute!
I’m so excited to capture your rehearsal dinner & Wedding this weekend you two!
Mr & Mrs Monaghan
On May 29th I had the extreme pleasure of photographing Alan & Amanda’s wedding at Haywood Hall in downtown Raleigh. These two are just so wonderful & so beautiful together. They are beautiful people but there’s also an incredible serenity that rests on them that drew me in. They had so many special things about their big day… and you will see a couple of them. They mingled in very important items & people & it was just a really gorgeous day! I also love that these two pay very little attention to me when I photograph them - haha.. but they are so focused on one another it makes their images delicious. If you haven’t, you should check out some of their engagement images in my engagement gallery!
I love how vintage is making a HUGE comeback
Alan actually hand made pocket squares for his fellas
Meanwhile Amanda found beautiful old pieces of jewelry to give her ladies and cuff links for her man of honor
Amanda bought a brick for Alan at Haywood Hall to remember this big day in their lives - Awwwww!
Can you tell this was an awesome crowd?!
I love that Amanda wanted to re-create her grandmother’s bridal portrait
GQ
Amanda grabbed this awesome shot of the crew walking into the ceremony
Poor Alan had the sun blazing directly into his face… but I’m really not even sure he noticed
I LOVE big trees! Ah! I love ‘em! And her cocktail party was canopied by this fabulous tree!
Their first dance was AWESOME!
More fancy dress twirling dancing & such
Check out their wedding slideshow if you want to see more! Click Here to see the Monaghan Slideshow
Catching up
Being away for a week is a little crazy this time of year for me, but I will be returning all emails & be pushing out post production hard this week… Thanks for bearing with me & here’s a little Sneak Peek from my July 4th wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! More blogging will be happening soon-ish! 
I’m Back Again!
I’m back from Mexico & there will be a Sneak Peek up shortly…
but I thought I’d mention I’ve been blogged
Here’s an AWESOME shot that my dear friend Ashley with Story Photographers took of me & mine! It’s just too cute not to share.
Thank you Ashley!!
Mr & Mrs Whapham
On May 22nd me & my good friend Beth took a trip down to Wilmington to photograph Kelly Ann & Brent’s wedding at Shell Island. We knew it was going to be some good times, but wow - it went beyond our expectations! Not only was it drop dead beautiful with perfect weather, it was A LOT of fun! They had their ceremony on the beach, which was awesome. And then we went inside the Shell Island Resort ballroom for the reception. These two are just so beautiful - they aren’t hard to look at at all, but also they are so precious. Their families are wonderful & it was just so touching to be around all of them. So - Thank You Whapham’s for allowing me to be a part of this new beginning in your lives! I had such a great time!
If you want to see the slideshow with more images of their wedding, go to: Whapham Slideshow
So to start it all off… a little gift from Brent and Kelly Ann got exactly what she wanted - a little David Yurman treat! I loved this moment of her hoping that he picked up on her hints.
What a beautiful lady
I think Brent got exactly what he wanted for his present too..
The excitement just could not be contained
How gorgeous is this?!
And how funny is this?! I guess that’s what you get with a beach wedding! Good scenery
Beth got this awesome shot of Kelly Ann walking down & I think it’s cool that even beach goers stopped to watch her
When the preacher says “I’d like to present” & there’s always a sense of “WOAH” - some confusion & excitement all at once
How gorgeous are these two?!
I’m a sucker for a silly face
First dance
Kelly Ann’s sister made everyone in the room cry - including me. It was the best speech EVER.
Some fun times..
And some more fun times!!
FREE STUFF!!!
Ladies - I need 3 ladies for July 18th at Seven in downtown Raleigh for some boudoir deliciousness!!!
SO - if you can book your boudoir before the end of June for a July 18th boudoir, you will receive a FREE 5x7 album!
Email me asap! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
I’m Back!
I’m back from the beach… sort of.. I woke up in my own bed this morning just a little confused, but I’m trying my best to get the sand out of my brain! We had an INCREDIBLE time - we went to the Aquarium, we rode race cars, we got on a boat & saw some dolphins & of course LOTS of time at the beach, the pools & the water park. It really was an awesome time and we’ve decided to do this more often! It was great!
So, now I’m getting back to work. I’ll be jumping on emails today & hitting the post production process once more.
Thanks for being patient with the emails & voicemails! Here’s a glimpse into our little family vacation
Our room was on the 16th floor.. eeekkkss
I happened to meet a graphic designer from Charlotte on the beach & she grabbed this shot of us
I was getting some shots of Diego playing & Victor made me so proud with his photo bombing! haha.. He’s my child!
My sweet boys
Vacation or Bust!
Last week I told Diego we were going to the beach this week & he said “OH - is that what I see on tv? With the waves and stuff?” Nope, I’m not winning any awards… Last year was so wild for me that we didn’t take more than two 1 night runaway’s & before that Victor was too young for us to venture out much.. So, this is our first official family vacation! We are leaving this afternoon & will be back Tuesday the 8th!!! We are super excited & I am so thrilled to be going on vacation with my little family!! Diego is 4 & Victor is 3 & it’s just awesome feeling the excitement through them.
AND I am NOT taking my Blackberry. SO - I will not even be seeing emails, no texts, no Facebook, no nothing. I promise I will hit the computer when I get back, but I’m making this vacation 100% family focused. YEAH!!!
I’ll be back in touch next week!!
Mr & Mrs Cruickshank
It’s wild how Facebook brings people together.. I photographed a boudoir, made a friend on Facebook & while looking through her photos, found an old WONDERFUL college roommate from Meredith. She was my suite mate actually for 2 years until I transferred to NCSU.. I just really adored her & we had some crazy adventures that still make me laugh. HARD. SO, when I saw a picture of her on Facebook, we immediately re-connected. And then she got engaged and I became her photographer… Isn’t life just AWESOME like that!?!
So, now, here’s the story of Alan & Jennifer! They met, they fell in love & got married a couple of weeks ago. The day was so gorgeous - from Jennifer, to the dress, to the weather, to the church & Cafe Luna.. Gorgeous. SO.. just check it out yourself ‘cause it’s awesome… and it’s happy!
The amazing Margo Williams did Jennifer’s hair & makeup
The debut of my new B&W recipe I created Do you like it?
This makes me cry!
Happy, happy
Of course they rode off on a horse & carriage.. cause it was a perfectly romantic day!
As always, Lyn Graves did some Breath Taking floral arrangements. This one is the BOSS of that table!
Ed Stephenson played his super sexy Spanish Guitar
The Crew
hehehe
Thank you so much you two! I’m so happy we’ve reconnected Jennifer & I’m so happy to now have Alan as a friend!
KellyAnn’s Bridal
This past weekend KellyAnn & Brent got married on the beach and it was BEAUTIFUL. While it was pouring down raining in Raleigh, Wrightsville beach was cool, windy & sunny! I’ll share more about that soon, but until then… here are some of her beautiful bridals that I thought I would share!
Until soon!
Sunny & Isaac
A couple of weeks ago I met Sunny & Isaac in my hometown of Henderson and they drove up with a truck FULL of goodies. Sunny & Isaac are such brilliant people and it spills over in their images! They are so creative, so enthusiastic and I had an INCREDIBLE time with them! They are so bright & happy together - they just sparkle. They met playing rugby and it’s just been a beautiful beginning to a gorgeous life together. I wish I could take credit for most of these images, but really Sunny had one awesome idea after another, so I basically just followed them around while they made magic!
They are having a photo booth at their wedding, so we had to test out some ideas first
I LOVE her shoes!!
I could barely keep it together to take this picture!
Nothing says romance like irrigation pipes.
You don’t want to know what made them laugh this hard
Yep - Sunny’s idea! Isn’t this umbrella shot awesome!?
Tutu’s & Bulldogs - it’s a beautiful thing
And of course I like engagement images to tell how a couple meets.. that’s a big deal!
Emmm… One of my faves! They look so fierce! Until October you two wonderful people!
Seven Sneak Peek
Last night I had a quick shoot over at Seven… where I still have some boudoir dates open for July 18th. I’m just beginning to look through them, but I thought I would share a quick sneak peek of some of these images… Seven is Boudoir Heaven!
Emmm… GOLD.
New Boudoir Date at SEVEN!!! 7.18.2010!
My August date has booked up, so I am now offering one more Boudoir date this summer! This will be my last big session before November, so please let me know if you’d like one of the last remaining spots for Sunday July 18th!
LADIES!!!! If you thought boudoirs at hotels were good lookin’, this is gonna flip your wig! Me & Ashley with Story Photographers are teaming up and doing a HUGE boudoir extravaganza at the new venue in Raleigh at Glenwood South - Seven. Me & Ashley went to visit a couple of weeks ago and when you go in, you just feel the need to strip down & chill. It’s made for boudoirs!!! SO - we have worked it out where we will be shooting a limited number of boudoirs at Seven - 8 ladies in 8 hours - 4 for Evoke Photography and 4 for Story Photographers. The FAMOUS Elizabeth Tolley will be doing hair & makeup (along with another artist since there are 8 ladies & 8 hours to do it!). SO… email me for more info if you are interested! .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Here’s an INCREDIBLE new video that Barton Creek Weddings did of the Open House at Seven a Couple of weeks ago:
Check out some of these shots that Ashley took of this breathe taking venue!!!
Britney & Jake
A couple of weeks ago I went on a Sunday afternoon adventure with Britney & Jake! We had several spots to hit before sunset & we did it! I pretty much just showed up, jumped in their back seat & they took it from there! They knew what kind of looks they wanted in their session, so I really did just show up & shoot! It was awesome! They are so much fun to be around, that in between trying to catch my breathe from climbing steps, rocks & hills, I had to catch my breathe from laughing. I loved watching them communicate with one another and well… check them out for yourself!
First stop - their beautiful kitchen for some kitchen love!
Playing some cards & relaxing on their roof/balcony
Light, shadows & craziness
I’m not a fan of full sun for photos, but I like their little moment together here
Carolina might have the Water Well thing, but what can beat the Expression Tunnel?!?!
Her hair should win an award! Yummy!
Check out this awesome view of Raleigh that these two introduced me to!
They wanted trains. They got trains. I LOVE these.
So serious, yet so silly
AHHHHH Love it!
Straight out of the camera people. There is NOTHING like sunset light!
Thanks you two for an awesome afternoon! I’m so excited for June 19th!
Kristin & Chris
Last week I had the pleasure of photographing sisters! I loved it! I am photographing one sister’s wedding in Wilmington in May, so we captured some amazing bridal images that I will share after her wedding And before I did that, I photographed her sister’s engagement session around Chapel Hill! Kristin & Chris are a complete hoot and you can definitely feel their “fun-ness” come through in their images. These two are big UNC fans.. So, I put on my red shirt & headed to UNC to photograph their session!!! hahaha! I can support them without denying my NCSU love…
And I have to say - UNC has an incredible campus!
Aren’t these two beautiful?!
They have lots of silly sides… Here’s the happy dance
They love going to church together, so I had to work that in even though this isn’t exactly their church…
And they are work out maniacs…
Another silly side with silly faces - you like the red wall don’t you?!
Here’s Kristin’s Super Model face
And I guess this is Chris’
More happy dancing - just in an alley this time
Chris loves his ride, so we ended it with the ‘Stang!! It’s a sweet one!
Albums
All winter long I have taken a break from shooting, but I have been a wedding album machine. It really takes a long time to get everything lined up & complete - anywhere between 3-6 months after the wedding if all goes according to plan. But it is such a rewarding process & it’s been so exciting for me to see my client’s personalities come through in their album selections. I am absolutely in love with two toned leather albums - I think they are a great way to get classic leather without being traditional. So, I just thought I’d share some of the beauties that have been coming through over the past week or two! If you fan me on Facebook, you can see more as they come!! Just sayin’...
Aren’t these soooo unique?!?! AND BEAUTIFUL!!!!
Mr & Mrs Duquette
Saturday April 3rd Mellisa & Dan got married & it was soooo special. The ceremony & reception were at the Preston Woodall House and the weather was spectacular. These two and their two precious children have been really awesome for me to witness… it’s been a beautiful thing to see Mellisa & her two children in love with Dan and see Dan in love with the three of them. It’s just touching to see this family come together & I got all misty eyed during their family dance at the reception… ahhhh… I have such a place in my heart for children now, to see two people so in love with one another & so in love with their children, it makes me all mooshy!
So, on to the moosh… and some details!!
I LOVE these two shots for some reason…
THANK YOU Ashley for getting these awesome next two frames! You are such a GREAT friend & photographer!
I LOVE these Ashley! GAH!
I love the emotions in their faces! AHHH!!
Her face just says so much to me here
The family dance that made me tear up!!!
This crew PARTIED & DJ Randy with Joe Bunn did an awesome job keeping the party up!
Thanks you two for allowing me in on such a touching day in your lives
Mellisa & Dan
Today these two are getting married!!! YEAH!!! And I am soooo excited!!! It’s my first wedding of the year and I just can’t wait! I am so thrilled to be a part of their wedding because they are two very fun people! They are so silly with each other & are just coo coo about one another. I think you know - I love silly. They are wonderful together, they are wonderful with their children & have fantastic chemistry together as a big happy family! And since Dan & Mellisa are big kids themselves… it only seemed appropriate to get shots of them at Marbles… and since it was snowing outside when we did the session, that also made sense to go indoors!!! haha!
So, why not start off with some fun?!
silly pirates
When I said “Attack!!”, these two kiddos did not question it! haha!
These two are bookworms, so why not settle into a book in downtown?!
And this is one of their favorites book - I’m really not trying to insinuate that they are Forever Odd… tee hee
Dan loves Bond, James Bond. It’s obviously in his blood!
Not silly. No, really - silly.
Love it!!! I’m so excited for today you two!!! Yippeeeeee!!
New Boudoir Date!
It’s a very very exciting year because I have some really exciting new venues this year for boudoirs! AND I have a session that is quickly approaching & just a couple of spots available… And have I mentioned that I do have new boudoir packages?!?!
Most everyone knows that I LOVE Joel & his house - the Preston Woodall House. I’ve photographed weddings, open houses, bridals, etc… And now I am SOOOO proud to announce that I will be photographing boudoirs there on select dates throughout the year! I am SO incredibly excited!
So, check your calendar for Sunday May 2nd, 2010 because this when you need to have your boudoir photographed at this ahhhh-mazing bed & breakfast. Please check out their website: http://www.woodallhouse.com & email me to book your session: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Who knew?!
Happy Birthday to me!!!!! I just found out I made the Best of Weddings 2010 for The Knot!!! I have NO idea when this happened & I actually just stumbled upon it… but I made it & it’s the best birthday gift so far !! So far the only one… but still - it’s very significant for me! YES!!!
So… Thanks everybody!! This is so AWESOME! THANK YOU!
OH - AND I just created a page on Facebook for Evoke Photography! So, come be my fan!!! You can be my friend too if you want to…
Click here to head to Evoke Photography’s Facebook Page!
Newey Goodness
Yep… it’s no joke. The economy is in the potty. It’s no fun. So, what to do??? Well, Evoke has created new packages. That’s right… newey goodness. There’s something for everyone now I think… from weddings to bridals to engagements to boudoirs… I have a boudoir package that’s $195 now!! That’s pretty awesome. And it might not last forever, but it will for 2010 at least.
So, you should check me out. You just might like it. Seriously.
but not too serious.
And I’m so excited about it… I might just photograph something for free soon. I just feel so good…
Just a little reflecting…
This morning my 4 year old Diego & my 2 year old Victor were sooo excited to find bunnies in one of our bathtubs… Maybe I should explain that a little. My father has lots of animals on his farm, including bunnies & a friend of mine is borrowing some bunnies for spring sessions that she is doing with children. So, last night I came into the house wondering where in the world to house 2 bunnies until I could get them to her today - the bathtub seemed to make sense. So, the boys were super excited to see the bunnies… which made me pull some of the old pictures I have of Diego as a baby with some bunnies. And it just makes me smile & remember why I am doing this. 7 years ago I started working at a photography studio in Raleigh, then when I got pregnant with Diego, I realized it was a good time to leave the studio… and I really didn’t want my own business. So, I just started little children shoots - one of my first shoots was called “Bunnies & Buttercups” - you LOVE that egg I made for the shoot, don’t you?! haha… I didn’t really love children sessions, but found out I loved photographing couples & chemistry. And a little thing I loved, got bigger & bigger and developed into this wonderful thing. And then it got busier & busier until I really had no idea how to manage the busy-ness/business.
Anyways, now that I’m re-cooperating & reflecting & getting more educated on the business side of things, I’m remembering why this “evoke” thing even exists… I got so busy & overwhelmed last year, it made me more sad than happy. But I’m breathing again & have learned A LOT. A LOT. A WHOLE LOT. I really care about this & I really care about my clients - but I got too busy to invest what I wanted to last year. So, thank you to everyone that hung in there with me! And I’m so happy to be doing this… and I’m excited again to re-focus on the love of it & keep it all in moderation so madness doesn’t strike my brain again! I’ve got some lovin’ to catch up on!
This makes me belly laugh… I can’t believe this was only 4 years ago!!!
If you want something super cute like this for your child(ren), contact Beth because she’s getting some cute bunnies today!
Mr & Mrs Berg
June 12th, 2009 Melissa & Alan threw an INCREDIBLE soiree. I mean - INCREDIBLE. Every little detail was very well thought out & spectacular and her “people” were really just a complete riot to be around all day. I love people, but there’s a certain type of rowdy crowd that I can really connect with - and this crowd was right down my alley! I loved her colors, her other vendors (Keith with KA Studios for videography & Alyse Woodward as her coordinator & All the Right Grooves DJ), Brier Creek Country Club… I mean - she even died her crinoline hot pink!!! She’s amazing, Alan’s awesome & her wedding was just a beautiful representation of these two fine people!
on to some details….
Here’s one of my dear friends & MOST awesome makeup artist Elizabeth Tolley doing what she does
I love the initials on the bouquets
Dudes don’t take long to get ready, but why not be efficient & work as a team
First sight
These two are naturals. It’s ridiculous.
Brier Creek Country Club is soooo beautiful!
I mean, look at this crowd! They just look fun!
Check out that awesome pink crinoline!
Some more details…
I love the light that came through that big window during the dances
I wish I had more room to show more reception pictures - this group got wild! I loved it!
I highly encourage night time shots!!! And old vintage cars! I LOVE this!
Mr & Mrs Sessoms
As promised, here is Brian & Eleana’s big day! These two really had everything planned out so gorgeously - they had a beautiful church ceremony & then a really awesome party at The Metropolitan room in Fayetteville. I love that place! So, since you know these two so well… on with the story!
Here’s Eleana with her bridesmaids - 2 of which are her wonderful & precious sisters!
I LOVE how excited Brian is here to finally get to see his bride for the first time!
Amanda got this awesome shot!
I like this spot a lot. And would love to shoot here again one day. Just sayin’...
They are so silly & you know I love silly!
These lights on the ceiling at The Metropolitan room make me tingle
This image just makes me laugh. Hard.
In case you were wondering, it was a BIG ‘ol party!
Even Grandma got wild & crazy and I love it when that happens!
Can you guess which Bon Jovi song this is?
Thanks again you two - for EVERYTHING!!!
A little more Eleana
So, we’re moving right along & now into my first week of June!! hahaha..pitiful. Eleana is all over my website & you are about to see more of her! She’s in my engagement gallery on the website & she’s in my video… Now you get to see some of her bridal portraits before you see her amazing wedding!
Eleana & her mom wanted some traditional portraits, which we did. BUT I was so super duper excited because she also wanted some less traditional shots & it was awesome going around Fayetteville on Hay Street - which is definitely one of my favorite spots now!
So, first the traditional…
And now to the less traditional!!! YIPPEEEE!!
The firemen loved some Eleana
My first car was a ‘65 Mustang, so when I saw this vehicle in the parking lot, we had to get a shot with it!
Wedding to come shortly…
May 09 Boudoir
So, then the day after Tara’s incredible bridal, I had the opportunity to photograph her & 3 other ladies during an all day boudoir marathon in Charlotte! It’s always wonderful - boudoirs are one of my favorite things to photograph. It’s a time I get to spend getting close to 4 new ladies, have fun with light, have fun with the elements & create something wonderful and empowering! And I get to spend the whole day with Elizabeth Tolley - the most incredible makeup artist on the planet in my humble opinion! Elizabeth blows me away time after time and she’s definitely a great source of entertainment on these 12 hour shoots!
Since boudoirs are very private shoots, here are some not so revealing shots of my 4 lovely May ladies!
Tara’s Bridal
So, I returned to Raleigh on a Thursday night from St Maarteen & then drove out to Charlotte bright & early Saturday morning to start a weekend of Charlotte fun! And it all started with Tara’s Bridal! She found this phenomenal place to do her session: The Wing Haven Gardens & Bird Sanctuary It is really an awesome place to be & they were incredibly nice to deal with! I would highly recommend checking this gorgeous place out if there’s a shoot you’d like to do in Charlotte!
Tara was just so inspiring to be around - she is beautiful, nice & funny… and I don’t think she has any idea that she’s perfect! She even told me that she had to STOP working out so she wouldn’t look too muscular in her wedding dress!!! GAH!!! Girl got some good jeans didn’t she?!?! Tara wanted to get some classic shots - bordering traditional for her mom’s house. We didn’t go too crazy, but I am absolutely in love with how timeless these bridals are!
Thanks again Tara!
St Maarteen = Fun Times
Here began the insane insanity of 2009… I flew into Nashville, TN for Ashley & Brandon’s Wedding on a Friday, flew back to Raleigh on Sunday & worked straight through the night to fly out to St Maarteen on Monday morning… Shew. And the rest of the summer kept that pace. It was really nuts & I’m so happy 2010 doesn’t quite look like this!
So, Tania Lezak contacted me about this time last year & asked if I could shoot a wedding with her in St Maarteen. I obviously said “YES”. We had such an incredible time & if there’s any other person out there that wants to fly me out to some exotic location to shoot a wedding - the answer is YES. Ha! We had a blast… I probably had tooooo much of a blast Thanks Tania for an awesome time in the islands!!
So, onto just some fun shots… since I wasn’t the lead, it was cool getting shots that I normally don’t focus on.
Rehearsal Dinner by the pool - not a bad idea!!
There’s nothing like island music
If I ever had another job, this is what I would want to do - just dance
This dance was cracking me up… at this point she was at $.25
And here $1.00
Not a bad ceremony venue at all
Ah - How awesome to walk through an island resort to get to your ceremony
And what a ceremony
Other than the planes that land DIRECTLY on the beach there
Yes - I said plane right there. Right there. On the beach.
Tania put that couple there. And that’s where I slipped, fell & gashed myself open on the rocks. And then played it off.
Somebody PLEASE take me back to St Maarteen! Tania??!?!
Ashley & Brandon Part 1
Back in 2008 I offered Free Wedding Photography & had all my blog stalkers vote for the winner… Well, now you FINALLY get to see the results.. If you haven’t somewhere on the web already! The winners were Ashley & Brandon and wow… they really are incredible people & I am so honored that I was able to capture their wedding day in Nashville, TN. If anything, I got WAYYYYYYY more out of it than they did. I’m not sure I can even articulate how special they are. Just the way Ashley approached her wedding blew my socks/heels off. There was not even ONE element of her wedding day that was insignificant. Ashley is VERY VERY talented & did the entire wedding herself - jewelry, programs, dress, bouquets, etc… She is so artsy & unique. It was one of the most beautiful & MOST memorable weddings I’ve ever been a part of and she did the whole wedding for $2,000. In fact, Ashley now helps create & coordinate weddings, and I think you should contact her for your wedding: http://www.oliveyoudeerly.blogspot.com/
AND before I get into it, a HUGE thank you to Ashley for pimping me out on several different & very recognized blogs! She’s been very kind & generous in submitting her wedding images to blogs for more exposure!!
AND 1 more thing - there are lots of details in these next 3 posts because Ashley did create so many very personable touches for her wedding & I just think it’s so awesome and inspiring!
The dress - she added an apron she made to the dress to add to the bird theme of her wedding! AN APRON!!!
Check this out! Who would think of adding an apron to a wedding gown!? It’s so awesome!
Lots & lots of mis-matchy meaningful jewelry… and of course some fabulous shoes!
She put a bird’s nest in her hair… I’m really not sure who else could pull this off. I friggin’ love it!
Her bouquet that she made with special family beads & cameo attached for added sentimentality
She’s so beautiful
Brandon first saw her on the elevator actually… it was funny but I love the full blast face to face reaction!
lovelies
I like how the Embassy Suites lobby even had a bird in the background just for them!! haha
Since I know nothing about TN, Ashley came up with the spots for photos. I LOVE that this is where she wanted to go!!!
Ashley & Brandon Part 2
And we pick up where we left off… some wonderful barn business.
I LOVE this one
Brandon shoes: Tom’s shoes
Delish
Ashley. Is. Gorgeous.
Down to their feet - special
And here’s where their first date happened!
Dessert?! Yes please!
Ashley had each bridesmaid have accessories that matched their personalities - Cool & grecian, bright & spicy, etc..
What a handsome bunch
The dudes also had their own accessories to reflect pieces of their personalities too. AWESOME!!!
The whole gang… I just love how each person is there to represent the wedding in their own style!
Ashley & Brandon Part 3
Off to the chapel… also filled with handmade, amazing goodness. I love these bird nest wreathes!
I love this eccletic style!! LOVE it!! All the programs were different too!
Awesome church, awesome seat covers.. stunning!
It’s about that time
Ashley walked down the aisle to Glosoli by Sigur Ros. PLEASE listen to it - I had some MAJOR goosebumps. Inexplicable.
All friends & family came up & prayed over them before the ceremony even started
They served all of their wedding guests communion. Also awesome.
Ashley has so much love in her heart for this little girl & her brother. She babysat them for years & years & they love her too!
The whole gang again, but chillin’
Time for the cake reception!!
And wow - there was cake! and cake! And more cake!!!
Yep. I love this too.
All by hand…
And more… even peacock feathers. You know I adore her!
Time to dig in to all that cake!! Gimme!
It’s only right to set these rings free on some birds…
The end
But not before a bird seed pummeling. Thank you Ashley & Brandon. Thank you SOOO much!
Brittany & Will
Back in April 09 I photographed Brittany & Will’s beautiful fairy tale wedding at the Preston Woodall House. From the big princess dress to all the pink - even Will’s socks - everything screamed fairytale. Well, ok, the thing that screamed fairytale to ME was the candy buffet!
Once upon a time there was a princess dress…
Brittany’s niece is soo incredibly cute & such a happy baby!
Just look at her! ahhh!!!
Fresh & clean Bridesmaids - CHECK
Here’s Will… just waiting. Right before the ceremony is always such a horribly wonderful moment!
Brittany & her mom are super close and I love how much I can see in her mom’s face here
Speaking of eyes… this just gets me all ferclemped!
Now this is a Hollywood kiss right here!!
Dude. Intense.
Yeah! Details!
What’s going on here?!
Oh - his groomsman just drank too much, grabbed a microphone & sang some Garth Brooks
Ok, ok, ok… it’s funny. haha - Awesome ending to an awesome day!
Courtney & Nick
Back in the day I photographed Nick & Courtney’s engagement session on the football field at Wake Forest and I LOVED it because it was so unique. I was super excited to head back there for their wedding!! It was a rainy day, but beautiful nonetheless..
It was such a HUGE affair, I had both Dan Klutz, a friend photographer of mine in Charlotte, and Amanda help me out! So, you’ll be seeing some of their images sprinkled in with mine here. With a crowd of 300 people & the largest church I’ve ever shot in, the Wait Chapel, I felt more back up couldn’t hurt!
How awesome is this view for all their guests?!?!
Nick getting pretty
Dan got this awesome shot of the dudes
Details! I’m actually showing some details!
Courtney is so beautiful & surrounded herself with some other beautiful ladies
Speaking of Courtney being so gorgeous, why not stop & show you some of her bridals?!
Courtney’s brother had the ushering thing DOWN
There were so many precious little boys there waiting to do their BIG job!!
These cuties did a great job! Running & making noise - that’s what boys do best!
Rain & limited time didn’t stop them from getting some nice couple shots
Courtney & Nick again
On to the reception, back at the Wake Forest stadium
Time to tell you about some products… The Guestbook! This is something I love to do with engagement pictures I take
Here’s another Guestbook from a different wedding, but it had an open design which allowed for names & notes! I love this!
Canvas Prints - BEAUTIFUL. What an incredible way to make a timeless piece of art
There were about 10 Big Screens here & Courtney had their engagement images on slideshow on all the TV’s!
I could feel a smashing on the horizon… look how mischievous Nick looks here!!
But Courtney can take care of herself!
Everybody loves a band
Well, most everybody.
People love a bride that does the sprinkler. It can make you go crazy.
Supposedly cell phones can double as a microphone
Pom Poms as a send off - perfect!
Amber & Jamie back in the day…
Before the wedding came the engagement… and me & my friend Rebecca photographed these two all over Raleigh at different times..
And watch out! My plan is to blog something every to every other day until 2009 has been documented here! Hold on cause it was a crazy ride..
Hahaha… I’m sick cause this is just funny to me.
Jamie’s fabulous blue truck
Thank you Pearl Jam for the rearview tune that was in my head when I shot this rearview pic
These two love some country livin’
And Coke cola
Why is rain so sexy in a picture but not so much in real life?!
Where do I even begin?!
It’s been so long, but now.. You’re going to see my 2009 in a matter of months! It’s time to blog!! And I’ll start with my good friend Amber. I photographed her wedding back in March 2009, she now has a little baby boy - that’s so sad. She was pregnant, gave birth & now I’m blogging about her wedding. Ahhh.. Better late than never!
Anyways, she’s a good friend of mine, a fellow photographer & since it was raining on her wedding day, we rocked out some intimate shots inside!
Amber & Jamie made most of their own decorations & they turned out so super cute!
If my memory serves me correctly, this is Amber’s nephew… who is THE CUTEST!!! I love a lovey.
Me & Amber’s good friend Rebecca helped photograph this & she snagged this awesome shot of Jamie waiting!
That amazing B&W is also some of Rebecca’s art
I love this… they were so nervous about seeing each other
Why 2 photographers? This is why! I love how the umbrella intensified the first sight!
These next 3 shots crack me up
Nothing like a wedding day motorboat on the bride
She’s so precious! I could eat her up! But I won’t.. she’s a mom now.. that’d be wrong.
Amber’s father passed away when she was younger & she had butterflies everywhere in his memory. Beautiful.
Amber & Jamie continued.. just a little
There are just a couple more!
This is a preview to the engagement session that I might post about one day…
I’m gonna have to say this is probably my best ring shot ever. It’s 2 live butterflies ya’ll!! OH yea
They were laughing -
- because this was happening around them
Out of the dress & into his arms
Snow Trip
Just to let everyone know, I am headed out of town from 11.18-11.25. I will have my crackberry with me to help return emails that need an immediate response, but I am not 100% sure what kind of coverage I will have… And I will be with my Brother In Law’s family, so I’m hoping to not have to work too much while I’m there. It’s my first “vacation” of the entire year, and we are all so excited to be headed away together. Diego has been incredibly incredibly excited about the “snow trip” even though we just checked the weather & there is no snow in the near future. Oh well, at least the kid knows how to rock some snow boots!
I’ll be back in action next week!
Chillin’
Yes, I will blog something from this year at some point. But for now, I just want to make a formal announcement that I will NOT be doing any shooting from 11.15.2009 - 3.31.2010. Unless I get incredibly bored or just make some other radical decision, the plan is to leave the camera sitting in the closet for this entire amount of time. As you all know, I’ve reached insanity. I really do LOVE what I do - I LOVE it. But I’m losing my mind & I need to catch up on work. 2009 has kicked my posterior and I need some major re-cooperation time. So, since it’s winter & I doubt anyone will wanting to be outside freezing during a shoot anyways, I’m taking this time to catch up on work & regain my sanity.
I plan on catching up on all the blogging I haven’t been doing, getting editing work done, finishing wedding albums, etc… It’s just a time to start the new year with a clean slate & have family time before spring hits. SO, if you have anything in mind for me to photograph, just plan on me being energized & inspired to do it sometime after 3.31.2010!!
And since a post with a picture just isn’t cool, here’s a shot of me chillin’.. not sure why my tooth had to be silver, but it just seemed right
A Break from Weddings
So, Sunday I had a huge day of boudoirs! It was awesome! But after the boudoirs, I had an opportunity to shoot with a model - Kayla. She was AMAZING. AND my good friend Elizabeth Tolley did the hair & makeup - also AMAZING. I just took a couple of minutes to check them out & here are some of the crazy shots we got around 4am!! More to come!
I covered her a little more than what she had on just to keep this a PG 13 blog
Linda & Ryan
Here’s a couple that I am 100% in love with. Linda & Ryan just got married a few weeks ago, and I am so incredibly blessed to have come in contact with them. These two have had a very long courtship, have been through some tough tough times together & are so in love. They both have somehow clung to an inner naivete - complete kids, but they also have incredible professional careers. It’s an amazing balance that they both have. They are very mooshy gooshy together, but they also are very realistic in the way they handle things. They are hard, hard workers, but they also know how to play. And the both are them just drip sweetness. They have really given me inspiration & peace - if you have are having a bad day, I recommend be-friending these two!! I could spend all day writing about how these two have touched my life, but here’s a little window into their awesome world.
PS - Linda made a special meeting with me to bring over her scrapbook to show me the richness of her & Ryan’s relationship that she has scrapbooked about. There are so many things that are special to them, but we tried our best to capture what we could in 1 session! First of all, they Love cooking together
I asked them if they were spices, what would they be.. Basil & Oregano (I think it’s Oregano - I don’t cook, so that’s guess)
They do picnics in their backyard together a lot.. How friggin’ precious is that?!
This is their beautiful home in the background
This represents their kid side… They build tents in the house together & sleep in it. hahaha! AWESOME!!!
These two are also amazing triatholons - how talented can one couple be?!
Oh, and Ryan acts on the side. Witness his amazing Blue Steel
And awesome dancers - wait until you see some of their first dance pics from their wedding!
A couple of Linda’s gorgeous bridal images
Thanks so much you two for allowing me into your world.. I’ve learned so much from you.
Working & Podcasting
Today I’m spending the day catching up on some work… and thought since I’m on a mission to create a better balance in my life, I would listen to some podcasts while I’m here editing away. I’ve listened to some really awesome ones, but there’s one that I actually took some notes on. Some simple things - all of which I have not been doing… SO, I’m sure there’s other overwhelmed people out there that may benefit from this too. It a podcast from “Center for Creative Leadership”: www.ccl.org/leadership/pod.xml
1. Recognize the signals of stress - heart rate, clenching, getting hot & learn to manage your stress by recognizing your signals
2. Create a Ritual - Take Breaks - a quick walk, deep breathing, etc
3. Get Away - Set boundaries between work & home (what about those of us that work from home?! - create office hours), No phone or emails during personal times, have a life outside of work
4. Exercise Regularly (Say What?!)
5. Develop a support system - have others help encourage you to live a normal life. I have an AWESOME group of friends that are great at this…. I just need to listen to them.
6. Re-Group on the Task - Streamline work, clarify expectations, complete tasks before deadlines
7. Take Time to Recover - Like all professional athletes know, you can’t be 100% 100% of the time. Relaxing and recharging is Critical for creative thinking, creating strong relationships & good health
8. Re-Define Balance - Life is always changing, so it’s important to re-focus and re-prioritize constantly
Yeah - I’m a nerd. But these really helped me… I don’t do any of them & I’m going to start acting on them!
Enjoy your holiday weekend!
It’s been a tough year
When my first child was born, an older lady came up to me in tears & said, “Please be with your babies as much as you can. I missed my children’s childhood because I was too absorbed in my work.” I nodded, grinned, and thought she was insane.
2009 has been tough. I’ve had some AMAZING photography opportunities, but I’ve been completely 100% consumed with work. I shoot all weekend & spend from around 8:00am-12:00am (or later) editing every day of the week. I’m exhausted. I’ve been pulling this schedule since before April. Praise God I’ve had so many photography friends that have stepped up & helped me out TREMENDOUSLY. But my children have grown up.. 1 year is a long time for a 2 & 3 year old. I see pictures from last year & tear up because I’ve missed a year of their lives for work, and now that lady isn’t so insane to me.
I love photography, I love my clients, but my personal life has gone down the tubes this year. I almost lost my marriage, I miss my 2 baby boys that aren’t babies anymore.. I miss my friends. BUT.. with the workload I’ve had, I can’t shoot constantly & keep up with all of the editing. I’ve stayed behind on work this year despite the 7 day work weeks & praise the Lord for the understanding of all my clients.
Ahh… I’m in love with evoke, but I’m so emotionally & physically bankrupt. So.. I’m learning to take breaks, which can only mean less shooting. This winter I’ve decided not to accept anymore jobs & 2010 will be a limited amount of weddings and boudoirs. It’s time for me to be more of a wife and a mom.
Thank you to my 2009 clients for being so patient and understanding. Thank you to my friends for being there for me 100% of the time and helping me out so much. Thank you to my mother for keeping me strong. Thank you to my children for the kisses & hugs and to my husband for hanging in there despite the problems.
And for bearing with such a wordy post, here’s a pic of my supportive little family - a photo taken a year ago of course because I haven’t taken the time for a family pic this year yet. Thank you Ken for taking this last year!!
Here’s a group shot of all my amazing friends that have helped me this year
And another shot of my awesome friends.. plus my makeup looks hot here. Thanks Elizabeth!
Short Notice
One day I really will post a full session! This has been a crazy year!!!!
BUT.. I need TWO ladies to help me fill some spots this Sunday August 30th at The Renaissance in Raleigh, NC. Please email me if you’re interested and I might give you a last minute hook-up!!!
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Diana & Justin
A couple of weeks ago, I left Raleigh on a Sunday morning at 6:00am & headed to Diana & Justin’s engagement at Emerald Isle. It was a BEAUTIFUL day & I had an amazing morning with them - just following them around, doing what they do together. Justin is in the Marines & Diana lives in VA, but somehow they stay connected and had their wedding just a week or two ago. They spend a lot of time apart, so it was touching to see how they spend their time with one another. She said it didn’t matter what they did or where I photographed them together - they just wanted quality time together and captured. They really have a precious thing.
Bike time on the beach!
Good golly… super major extreme hotness
Coffee time!! We all do it…
The family - how friggin’ cute is this pup?!?!
YOWZERS!!!!
And when you think it can’t get any hotter…
Thanks for a smokin’ hot beach shoot you two!! Delish!!
Seema & Brian: The Reception
Last but not least - the most amazing reception ever!! They decked the ballroom at Brier Creek Country Club OUT - it looked so incredible. They chose a whole lot of drama - bright orange & pink with pink lights on the walls, lighting the cake, lighting the entertainment and of course - fog machines!! There were points of the evening where I was covered in goose bumps because it was just AWESOME.
btw - did you notice this THIRD dress?!?!?!
I love that they positioned their table so they could be above the crowd & could see everything happening
The belly dancer had quite a rountine - everyone was all grins
And then in walked the most amazing dancers ever - this is where I couldn’t get rid of goose bumps. AMAZING
And there was a friend of Seema & Brian that had a beautiful dance routine for them
Colors - love them!!
Thanks again you two for allowing me to be a part of such an incredible event!!!
Yeah! I’m HAPPY!
Really - I’m just so excited & so thrilled this week because Evoke was featured on TWO more blogs this week!!! WOWZA!!! I can’t believe it & had to share!! YEAH!!!
First Ashley & Brandon’s wedding was featured again (YES - I will one day blog about it too!): Brenda’s Wedding Blog
And then Tim & Kristina’s Engagement session was featured: Stylish Events Blog
Can you see the glee in my eyes?!?!
1 Boudoir Spot Open - September 20th
I just started planning a new session for this fall on September 20th in Raleigh NC. Please email me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you are interested!
Seema & Brian: The Hindu Ceremony
Who packs 2 ceremonies in 1 day?! Seema and Brian. After the Catholic ceremony, Seema headed in her direction to go through her intense preparation for the Hindu ceremony & Brian headed in a different direction to get ready. And by intense, I mean AMAZING. I really loved seeing all of the little details that Seema had in order to get ready.. I would love to post more pictures of JUST her getting ready… which I might. But in the mean time here are just a few of the Hindu portion of their day.
I can feel the celebration in this shot & I love it
I wouldn’t mind one of these for my trips to the mall.
We took advantage of the wind
And then the wind took advantage of us
They may be super hot, but they definitely have a silly bone
Evoke has been Featured!!!
Yeah!! I’m so excited because a wedding I photographed back in May has been featured on the Vintage Glam blog!! I am sooooo honored and excited! Thank you Ashley for crediting me!! One day I too will blog about your wedding!!! hahaha… Here’s a shot from their big day & the link to the blog feature!! More to come on my blog soon!
Seema & Brian: The Catholic Ceremony
Seema & Brian got married… a couple of times back in April. haha… They had a long day, but they were awesome, their crowd was a ton of fun, their decor was amazing, and their entertainment was phenomenal. They started the day off, early in the morning with a Catholic ceremony and then delved into some amazing preparations for their Indian ceremony. There’s a ton of eye candy, so I decided to break the day up into a couple of posts since it pretty much was like 2 separate, gorgeous weddings.
The handsome groom
The beautiful bride
I love the anticipation in these next two shots
Joanna got this awesome shot from the back of the church
Some teasers for the next post
until soon….
HOLY VIDEOGRAPHER BATMAN!!!
On June 12th I photographed Melissa & Alan’s wedding, and I will one day blog that GLORIOUS wedding, but I just got an email from their videographer - Keith with KA Studios in Charlotte, NC with a link to their PHENOMENAL wedding video highlights. WOW - I think it’s an AMAZING video & I had to share it!!! (Plus, somehow I wound up in a couple shots, so of course I think it’s extra awesome). But really - Keith was a TON of fun for me to work with, and I knew while I was working with him that he was getting some tasty items… I just think he’s awesome & had to share!!
Melissa and Alan - Wedding Highlights - June 12, 2009 from KA Studios on Vimeo.
Jenn & Chris
SHEW!! I have A LOT of blogging to catch up on! First things first - the most beautiful beach wedding EVER! I photographed Jenn & Chris in NYC back in October, and it was amazing to be able to photograph them in completely different scenery. I hadn’t been to Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, NC before their wedding, and was completely blown away when I arrived. It really is an AMAZING place - it feels like some dream land or something really corny like that! Supposedly Jenn is a “budget bride”, but wow… she REALLY worked that budget out & had everything stylin’.. and I mean, hard core. AND, my best bud Ashley came along to help me & rocked it out herself!
First, her hair - delicious!!!
Woah
With a side of “WOAH!!!!”
Bryan with Flower & Flour did an incredible job. You need him badly.
My self portrait & Chris’ debut
Check out this scenery!!!
This spot is begging for a Trash The Dress
yum
salivating
Decor!!! I am actually posting some details!!
The cake was so good, they broke out in dance after the first bite. That’s a good cake.
And this is how Granny rolls - Tootsie Roll style (this song was around back in her day right?)
What an amazing place! PLEASE somebody else get married there & hire me!!
Kristina & Tim
The first words I heard from Kristina as her & Tim drove up to their engagement session was “He has a weird sense of humor!”. I don’t remember now what happened to make her scream that from the car window, but the first impression was awesome. I’m pretty sure that’s how I should be announced everywhere I go, so I couldn’t stop laughing as we had our official hand shake. And it’s true - they are very funny & I love how quirky they are with one another. I definitely wouldn’t call it weird because I felt right at home with them! Tim ADORES Kristina - and I mean, ADORE. It’s just really precious. They met & clicked instantly and are getting married this summer… I’m sad I’m not their wedding photographer, but super thrilled I was able to catch pieces of their relationship before the wedding bells ring.
Kristina told me that Tim is constantly doing sweet things for her - getting her flowers, they go out for ice cream, etc… So, we started at the Farmer’s Market in Raleigh for flowers & ice cream!
Tim loves volleyball - and well.. I wouldn’t call Kristina an aficionada, but she worked it for the camera!
And here’s a piece of that humor she was talking about…
Sunset is my favorite time of the day!!!
Thanks you two & I hope your wedding is as wonderful as you two are!!
Evoke is Out
That’s right - I’m out of here for the next week or two. I will hopefully have access to email while I am away, but I honestly will not have much time to return emails or phone calls. SO, please email me & leave me messages, but know I won’t be able to respond to them until I return. Think of me while I’m away!! Here’s where I’ll be:
Friday 5.22- Sunday morning 5.24-> Nashville, TN for Ashley & Brandon’s wedding
Sunday afternoon 5.24-> Day After session for Bridget & Thomas in Raleigh, NC
Monday 5.25 -Friday 5.29 -> Wedding in St Maarteen with Tania Lezak
Saturday 5.30 -Monday 6.1 -> Boudoir Marathon and a bridal in Charlotte, NC
I will be pretty worthless by Monday 6.1, but I will be getting back into gear for another bridal on 6.2. & will begin returning all emails & phone calls that week. Thanks & hopefully I can blog a little about these adventures while I’m out & about!
Joanne & Jerry
When I photograph engagements, it REALLY is my sincere effort to try & get across the vibe and chemistry of the couple and enter into their world. I don’t want my personality to come across as much as the couple I am photographing. I am a crazy caffeinated person, but I really love getting in touch with different personality types and expanding myself to capture something apart from myself. There’s really nothing I love anymore than photographing couples, especially engagements. It’s a sincere time & I cherish it with my clients. Joanne & Jerry told me that they are just a very down to earth, natural couple. They LOVE the outdoors, they love being quiet with one another & laughing together - simple. So, one rainy cloudy morning, we went into the middle of a field, brought along their camping chairs & got them in nature - simply in love.
For once, I don’t think I need to comment. You can just feel them.
Joanne & Jerry - thank you for the time you spent with me and I look forward to the quickly approaching big day!!
May 31st Charlotte Boudoir - Filled!
Charlotte ladies - here’s your chance! I just had 1 spot open up for a boudoir session in Charlotte, NC on May 31st. Yes - it’s very short notice, but you gotta take opportunities when they arise! Please email me for more details if you are interested: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Spot filled! THANKS!
Megan & Andrew
A couple of weeks ago I photographed Megan & Andrew - it started off just a mild morning & turned into blazing hot heat, but we had so much fun. These two have such an unique chemistry with one another… You’ll see because they were completely honest in front of the camera - which just makes me WILD. They were who they are & weren’t trying to be something for the camera. They have such a calming joy between them, and it was so peaceful to be around them. The two of them have a child - their sweet little doggie, so of course the doggie had to be part of the family photos!! haha… We started off at the exact tree where Andrew proposed to Megan.
This is so them - so serene, so happy
This is an odd shot, but it tells me something about them - the roots, the water, the focus
This is just funny. ATTACK!
These two love going to Sugarland together for cupcakes
I must admit, it makes me hungry
I’m so excited to be a part of your December wedding Andrew & Megan!
Stayin’ Alive
As all of my clients know, April & May are my INSANE months. And I just want to remind everyone - if I tell you 2-3 weeks to receive your bridal or engagement images, it’s going to be more like 3 weeks. And for weddings, it’s more like 4 weeks than 3 right now. My calendar is online - so you can see I am a photographing machine these days which gives me limited amounts of time in front of the computer. Yes I do have an image editor & album designer, but there’s still a significant amount of work I have to do before I can hand the work over. A BIG Thank You goes out to all of my understanding clients!! Please know that I do completely understand that you are very excited to see your images as well. I am insanely busy right now, and I appreciate you knowing that I really am working around the clock to get work out & in your hands. And if you have any extra Starbuck’s or Red Bull, you know where I live
Stephanie & Turner
The end of March, Stephanie & Turner tied the knot, and they lucked up on some beautiful weather. It’s hard for me to just pick a few shots to tell the story of the day, but here goes! These two are a beautiful couple, are super involved in their church - which is where they got married. If you’re looking, I hear Central Baptist in Dunn, NC is the place to be! When I got there, they were both very calm & ready to get the day started - along with their lives as Mr & Mrs.
Look at those good looking boys!
They are very loved by their church community, and there were cameras everywhere snapping away!
Amanda got that awesome shot on the right - beautimus!
I love those bold colors!
I love how bubbles never fail - kids always are entertained!
So wrong..
... but so funny!
I sincerely hope that you two are loving your new beginning with one another!
Stephanie
Now that Stephanie is an old bride (1 whole month now!), I thought I would blog her bridal before I blogged her wedding. So, before I show some of her big day, here are some of her winter bridal portraits - it actually snowed a couple of days before this session and it was freeeeezzzzing!! You would never know it - she’s fierce!
This may not be Stephanie’s horse, but she loves them all
Wedding to come shortly!
Melissa & Alan
I am super behind on blogging, but I promise you’ll be seeing more of what I’ve been up to! April & May are CRAZY!! It’s awesome though to be crazy because there’s constant inspiration. For instance - Melissa & Alan. I am super excited that these two decided to do an engagement session & we had a ton of fun. These two have lots of cute little things about them & it was awesome watching the two of them interact & balance one another. They are great together - stylish, witty, and just dag on Good Lookin’!! We started at McDonald’s because they’ve been known to get ice cream together there quite often…
Sizzlin’!! Yummy! I think someone’s been watching Tyra
A glass of wine definitely does the trick
Bottle this up & call it romance!!
Alan just jumped in the tree, so of course I didn’t let that photo op go!!
I’m so thrilled to be a part of your quickly approaching June wedding!!
Amy & Michael
When I met with Amy for the first time, I knew right away what I wanted to do with her engagement session. She has such an AWESOME proposal story!!! Amy & Michael met in Kuwait on a bus. Michael caught eye of her, sat behind her & somewhere in the ride he made his way beside her. Ever since they’ve been together - traveling, shopping, doing just amazing things together. They have a beautiful story. SO, when Michael decided to pop the question, he had a limo come pick up Amy - telling her dress pretty, etc… (She told this MUCH better). I think the driver made a couple of stops, & then dropped her off in front of a Grey Hound. Super confused (a long time had passed since they first met!), she made her way into the bus - bewildered why the heck he had told her to dress up, hop in a limo & then wait in a Grey Hound. After a little while, Michael walked in & popped the question - where it had all began. AHHHH!!! Isn’t that just AWESOME?!?! So, here is my attempt of capturing the two of these beautiful people
The beautiful Hay Street in Fayetteville
Shopping, shopping & more shopping.
Gorgeous, right?!?! Wow.. incredible couple
The Beginning of it all
Amy happened to know of someone with a WWII plane, so we used it to represent their constant road trips
I still can’t believe I did a session with a WWII plane as a prop!!
Chill time
I am so honored to know you two now & to be a part of your 10.3.09!!
Tis the Season
Ok, so maybe 1 more post before I get to some photography goods. I just want to say THANK YOU to all of my patient clients that understand this is insane season.. And to let those out there that are emailing & calling me to know that I promise I will be at the computer more over the next couple of weeks. From now until the end of May, I am photographing people NON-STOP. Which, can be challenging to find computer time. I am very SUPER thankful that I now have some image editors that are helping me with all of my portrait sessions, but there’s still several steps to go through before I can even hand the images over to be edited. SO, just hang in there with me everyone & I promise your sessions, weddings, emails, phone calls, etc are at the top of my list when I am not shooting!
LOVE YOU ALL very much! I have the most awesome clients on the entire PLANET!!
When I’m not shooting, this is where you’ll find me! Somewhere under the peacock…
Confession
I promise I will get back to regularly scheduled blogging soon… but I just had to get this off my chest. I was on a shoot in Chapel Hill at UNC a week or so again, which you’ll be seeing soon… I started off at Jordan Lake… I wore a thick sweater… It got REALLY REALLY hot… and there was no Target in between Jordan Lake & Franklin Street… I HAD to buy a T-shirt!! It was either heat collapse or… agggg… I’m so ashamed to say what I did. I bought a T-Shirt on Franklin Street!!! AHHHH!!!
June 14th
Due to enormous demand, a new boudoir marathon date has opened up - June 14th. Once more, Ashley with Story Photographers and myself will be using the day to photograph some major HOTNESS. This will be held in a brand new gigantic Suite in Raleigh & it’s beautiful. It’s super sexy & there are limited spaces available. Boudoir sessions will start at $300 (last time offer) & I will photograph the ladies that contact me and Ashley will photograph the ladies that contact her. SO, fall brides, summer brides, hot ladies year round - jump on it!
Contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Ashley at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for more info!
Has anyone noticed?
Hahaha… I have the most awesome graphic designers ever!! hahaha… I just realized that the peacock at the bottom of this blog is hatching Easter Eggs. Culture Pilot ROCKS!!!
I think he jumps somewhere on the website too…
Happy Easter one & all!
You want a piece of me?!
After months & months of getting video footage, etc… I have a video of Evoke!! I’m so excited!! I am presently figuring out how to actually attach it to this post, but until I figure it out, check out my new video here:
http://evokenc.com/index.php/connect/evoke_me/
Let me know what you think!!
THANK YOU Gardner at Barton Creek Productions for hooking a sister up with such an awesome video!!
Preston Woodall Open House
This past Friday I had the honor of photographing Joel Hurley’s Open House in Benson, NC at his home the Preston Woodall House. The house was soooo incredibly beautiful & everyone that came had a great time. He threw an awesome party & the decor was just Sexy! It was great! Here’s a quick slideshow of some of the pictures from that night. If you want to see all 223 of them, go to my proofing site: http://www.evokenc.com/clients & the Preston Woodall Open House will be at the top. Enjoy!
Jenny & Joseph
These two were so much fun to photograph… I mean, really… these two have some fun. I only got serious shots because they were too friggin’ exhausted to smile anymore. I am so excited to be a part of their wedding - they have some awesome plans in mind. I was also super excited to get them together for their engagement session. They definitely have some passions - Carolina, football, & chicken wings. I didn’t know this beforehand, but Joseph told me he’d love to go into acting one day & he brought his acting talent to the table. I woke up the next morning with sore abs. Jenny & Joseph + April = Amore
First a little homemade wine… Can you tell which is the Carolina graduate & which is the App State graduate?
Just a little friendly football
Carolina Sweetness
Carolina Jammin’
Can someone PLEASE tell me how to do this in camera?!
The many faces of J&J
The wings
The fabulous shoes & the wings
I can’t wait to be a part of your 10.10.09!! Thanks you two!
Hot Stuff Part 2
Yes, yes.. there’s a Part 2! I didn’t quite capture all I wanted from Danielle & Rob’s session, so we did a quick Part 2 because they both are HUGE fans of the water & I felt I HAD to get that in their pictures. They are hoping to get married by the water, Danielle is big into Sailboating, etc, etc & so forth. So, here are some quick shots of the Aqua Session
Yes, I told them to scare the birds- but no birds were harmed
They are so silly & happy - LOVE that!
Muy Caliente
Adrienne in her dress
While I am away today at Wake Forest University for a wedding, I thought I would post some of Adrienne’s bridals for everyone to enjoy! She is so full of life & so beautiful! She wanted some classic, timeless images but she also wanted to show her playful side. She definitely pulled off both!
Mr & Mrs Stoudenmire
Yes, yes… I’ve been a little busy, but a million blog posts are on the way!! Well, at least 6-7. Let me just say first here, I LOVE how I am getting clients that I couldn’t hand pick to be more appropriate for my style. When I met with Adrienne & Aaron, I knew their wedding was going to be an awesome party. They both are super happy, chipper people & they basically told me that they wanted me to capture the good times had by all at their big celebration at the Preston Woodall House. NO problem!! I love a good time! These two are both very light hearted very easy to get along with extroverted types, and their friends & family were just as comfortable to be with as Adrienne & Aaron. Their day in a nutshell - BIG awesome party with awesome people.
This picture makes me really feel Adrienne
This is just an awesome shot that Amanda grabbed of Aaron
Aaron was a little bit nervous, so Adrienne was cracking jokes & such to help his nerves
Funny
Things didn’t go quite as expected with this shot, but there’s something strange about it that I like
This is how the first dance started
Then things took a twist with a little T-Pain
Aaron’s nerves were ancient history by the end of the night
Who’s the best DJ ever you may ask? DJ Jeff Simpson!! He is my #1 pick. Love him!! I love how the wait staff partied too!
Party Animals in Action
Boudoir… Where?!
OK everyone.. I have a question. I am in the midst of deciding whether or not to set up a boudoir studio in my house. I’ve been having my clients cover the cost of a hotel room (which I photograph 4 girls in one day to help split up that cost), but I have some space in my home that I could dedicate to boudoirs only. There would be no price difference - the same price to photograph a boudoir in a hotel room with 4 girls or photograph a boudoir in my studio. BUT, I wouldn’t have to set up 1 whole day & photograph 4 girls in one day, meaning the sessions could be more private. AND.. I could create some different scenarios in a studio that I couldn’t do in a hotel room… BUT then again the hotel room has a hotel room feel to it that would be hard to re-create in a studio… What do you think?
Would you rather..
-
I don't give a flying panty, just photograph me!
24 votes
-
43.64%
Have it photographed in a private studio
19 votes
-
34.55%
Have it photographed in a hotel room
12 votes
-
21.82%
Friday night at my house
When I was younger I couldn’t seem to picture me having a family one day, but it has been such an awesome ride. Since it was raining, I went out to get some more artistic supplies for another afternoon in the house. I haven’t brought home finger paint before, but had a notion that it would be a success… Diego LOVED it, but he’s our little Mr Clean, so he needed to clean up right away. While he was being cleaned up, Victor was taking it to a whole other level… This kid is all or nothing… mostly all.
I thought it was coming to an end at this point…
Check that blue glod on his crazy little head!!
It was not happily ever after finger painting… Off to the tub!!
Danielle & Rob
In the midst of “Boudoir Madness”, it was actually very nice to deviate from that scene for a little while to photograph Danielle & Rob’s engagement session. It was awesome to capture two people in love interacting & wowza… these two really love each other… I mean, yes, all couples getting married hopefully really love each other.. But their relationship tug on my heart strings. Rob is in the military & is gone for months and months at a time. Danielle was living in Chicago, but moved to Raleigh to be with Rob. But now he will be leaving again very soon, so she’ll probably be moving away to be with her family. I can only imagine how bad this SUCKS for military wives. Loving, letting go, moving… Gosh. I am not so sure I could be so strong. Anyways, since Danielle Loves Chicago, we started in downtown Raleigh to capture their love for the city. Good thing she loves Chicago, because the day we did the session it was friggin’ FREEZING!!
And since we were in downtown Raleigh & there just happened to be doughnuts nearby… PIT STOP!!
Danielle told me that they take walks through Oakwood, and this is one of her favorite houses. How cute it that?
A little white fence just to throw some southern flair in there
Rob kept trying to angle his face so his 1 dimple would be in the shots. So, the dimple got it’s very own glorious close up
Their ode to the military
Off to one of their favorite spots in downtown
This shot feels so real to me… I mean, they all are, but it’s like I really wasn’t there
Funny. Not so funny.
Ok - my favorite of the day!! It’s a mini story to me - a quiet moment while life whirls around them
Even though the sun completely smacked Rob’s face off, I like it
Worn out & frozen. This feels a little Abercrombie-ish to me. All it needs is a bon-fire & a half naked kid in the background!
Evoke + Story Photographers = BOUDOIR MADNESS!!
That’s right, me & Ashley from Story Photographers, are teaming up on certain weekends this year to rock the boudoir scene out!! The both of us LOVE photographing boudoirs, and thought we should just do it together for several reasons. The more ladies we can photograph in one day, the less the cost of a hotel room (which is normally split between boudoir clients - which is why we photograph several in one day). AND, we love each other & want to shoot side by side! When you book us, I will be photographing ladies that contact me & Ashley will be photographing ladies that contact her. You will get what each of us normally produce, we’re just doing it side by side and creating an amazing experience with our powers combined! Here are the dates SO FAR that we are definitely doing this, so please email either me for Evoke Boudoir at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or Ashley for Story Photography Boudoir at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to get more info.
April 19th - Hotel in Raleigh, NC
*1-2 Makeup/Hair Artists will be present
August 22nd - Outdoor Boudoir (location is a secret until the shoot! It is glorious - tall weeds, ponds, big trees & totally private)
*Makeup Artist/Hair will be present
November 7th & 8th - Hotel in Raleigh, NC (Merry Christmas, right?!?!)
*1-2 Makeup/Hair Artists will be present
We are 100% open to private sessions and more dates - the more the merrier. Contact either one of us to book any of these dates or to start getting more dates into motion!
Ashley has a way with words, so check her Story Photography Blog about this too!
Preston Woodall House OPEN HOUSE!!
So, as many of you know, I got married at the Preston Woodall House 6 years ago, and fell in love with Joel Hurley, the owner. Since my wedding I have remained good friends with him, and I am so fortunate because I get to photograph weddings there throughout the year. I have a special kind of love for the house, not to mention Joel has helped me TREMENDOUSLY & is so incredibly dear to me. Well, here’s your chance to meet him & see his amazing house. Whether you are a bride to be or a fellow vendor in the wedding industry, please come out & get some Preston Woodall lovin’!! And some AMAZING Chef Paul cookin’. Here’s the info:
Tuesday March 31st, 2009
5:00-9:00PM
Preston Woodall House
201 E Hill Street
Benson, NC
Rsvp by March 24th at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Hello World
So, after another crazy week of flu bugs & inner ear, I really think me & mine are all better.. I was at an amazing wedding this past weekend that I can’t wait to share with you, but before that.. there’s a little more skin to show! Last weekend I was in Charlotte for the day for a couple of private boudoir sessions. Both of them turned out amazing, but this first little lady is my first that wanted to venture out into other areas of the hotel. It was awesome & I was super inspired to be able to leave that little room for some hot shots! Without further ado, here’s this week’s project
Downtown
So, I have a couple of post production projects on my plate right now… but I just HAD to go ahead & post this shot. It was cracking me up!! This is Danielle & Rob and I photographed them this past weekend… in the FREEEEZZZING cold!! They were both gigantic troopers, and I’ll show you some more soon because there is some gorgeous goodies. They are both so beautiful & I had such a great time with them. They know downtown very well (of course, neither are actually from here like me)... me - not so great. I started down a one way street the wrong way while they were supposed to be following me. But I love shooting in downtown Raleigh because without fail something funny always happens when I’m shooting…
I shoot at 1.8
So, it took me a long time, but I am slowly switching to only prime lenses & hardly ever do I shoot above 1.8 any more. I learned photography at 3.5-4.0 zoom/variable lenses, but it took my dear friend Ken and others for me to realize that I could not get what I wanted without making a change. And yes, there’s about a million other changes I need to make & a million other things to learn. Boudoirs have actually been teaching me A TON about lighting, shooting, positioning, etc. It seems like every time I photograph a boudoir, I learn something new that I’m able to apply to other areas of my photography.
This is one of my bride’s that I’m working on this week. She is sooo fabulous.. I think she speaks for herself.
Movin’ Right Along
So, no, I might not have made it to Vegas, but I have been kicking some post production toosh this week!!! I love that!! Before wedding season hits, I’m hoping to be all caught up with boudoirs & the such… I’m beginning work on another boudoir today and she is just fabulous! I keep welling up with pride for these ladies as I edit because so many are incredibly intimidated at the thought of doing a boudoir session, but I haven’t had a lady yet that didn’t just rock the house by the end of the session. I really do think they are confidence builders. Until the next post, here’s a little taste of what I’m up to now-
A little more ELIZABETH!!
So, it’s painfully clear by this point I am obsessed with Elizabeth. She sent me some info & I am so sad because I will be missing her rendezvous but I will most definitely be sharing the love!! SO, here’s the deal - SHE IS TEACHING A MAKEUP COURSE!! That’s right - Little Ms Awesome is hosting a makeup party in Charlotte on Sunday & I think you should go. Here’s the info:
Scott Weaver & Elizabeth Tolley Present TECHNIQUES
A private makeup class session will be held Sunday Feb 22nd. Class: 1pm – 5pm
Creation
1221A The Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28205
http://www.creationontheplaza.com
Class is $75 per serson
* Class will feature live application demos, One on one training from industry professionals, Product recommendations,etc
If you’re interested in going, contact Elizabeth at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call her at 704.777.7153
I think she should come to Raleigh too to do this… Who’s in?!
Mixed Emotions
Well, I am so sad because I didn’t make it to Vegas for the WPPI conference. I was supposed to be flying out at 6:00 Sunday morning, but ended up canceling at 2:00 Sunday morning. I’m very sad, but very sick so it’s good I’m sparing everyone else this terrible bug. Hopefully I’ll find something else to attend this year to keep up the inspiration.
Good news… I’m moving ahead on some work & here’s my subject this week. Boudoirs take quite a LARGE chunk of time to edit. This week it will take all week to get through 1 boudoir. BUT, I do have some exciting new things happening in the area of my boudoir photography. It may take a couple of months to expose the new venture, but I’ll keep you posted. It’s very exciting and I’ll be involving you in the development of it… I need opinions!
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!!
To all my lovebugs out there today, I hope it was a wonderful day for you! Tomorrow morning I am headed to the WPPI Photography Conference in Las Vegas and will be gone until Friday. I will have access to email through my phone, but probably won’t be able to return some emails until I get back. Enjoy the whole Valentine’s Week while I’m away and I look forward to sharing some things I learn!
Marriage & the Reality of It
So, today I was stunned by a couple separating not even a year into their marriage. For some weird reason it hurt me for them. I don’t judge the situation - I barely know it. BUT, I do know that there needs to be more talk about marriage & what happens after the wedding. I mostly speak out of personal experience, which may or may not be the norm and from lots of other couples I’ve talked with. I think society has led us to believe that once the wedding is over, you live together & it’s so incredible. Incredibly incredible. I won’t even delve into what I romanticized. Here’s the reality - it is HARD. It is not easy & it can really hurt.
- You have to give up pieces of yourself to find a common ground with the other person. This will lead to all kinds of crazy fights and constant arguments. Suddenly this person is your problem, and reality hits hard. You WILL most definitely go through painful adjustments. For me, I lived life very well & got into whatever I wanted to get into as a single person. I got married in August & wanted a divorce by that October. BUT, we both agreed that the word “divorce” would not even be said. I think had we even considered it & even still if we considered it, it would happen. BUT, we have really been educated on one another through the growing pains. We know how to argue & get somewhere now. One of us has to submit to the other - constantly. And that is not fun, ok.
- Love is completely different from romance. You fall in & out of romance - not love. Typically the initial feeling of romance lasts two years, and then you really get to know one another from a different perspective.
Haven’t you ever been around someone in pain? Maybe someone close to you experienced loss or had a surgery that left them very vulnerable - these things bring us closer together & tight. Laughing together is great, I’m all for it - but pain & time really prove a relationship. Marriage is no different. There is reward in getting past the ugly parts of life together - the ewey goey feelings of love are not always involved. You don’t fall out of love just because you aren’t feeling happy emotions about the other person. Love bears all things.
I’ve been married for 5 years, which does not make me a guru by any means. But I know it’s not what I thought it was going to be. It’s not horrible, but who prepares us for it being so hard?! It IS great. It IS rewarding. But would I like to run away with the Cabana boy? YES!! But I’m not going to. That would ruin everything we’ve been working so hard for - it is work. It’s not “magical”. It is not a “dream come true”. Sorry.. I’m being real here. The person & all that makes that person you think about every waking second now is really going to be the person that you wonder who they are in 1-2 years. All the differences that make you unique to one another now are going to go head to head in combat later. It’s just life & that’s just marriage. Begin your marriage on a strong foundation.
I have often told my couples - right now, before the wedding, write down all of the wonderful qualities you find in your soon to be spouse. Write them ALL down & why you want to marry that person. Take those sheets of paper & lock them up in a box. When you come to that point in your marriage where it gets ugly (and it will get ugly) and you wonder why you ever married him or her, open the box together. There is NO other person on earth that is going to make your marriage any easier - stay with the one you love. Of course there are exceptions - abuse & such. When we say For Better or For Worse, ignore your emotions (these are only temporary!) & work on what you have in action. I believe in weddings and marriage - there is JOY!!! I wouldn’t do what I do otherwise - I am constantly reminded of the promise I made 5 years ago. Weddings can fool you though… the height of happiness & the dreaming of the future. Marriage is not effortless and a happy marriage has hit all kinds of tall bumps.
I believe marriage is more than just me & him. When we don’t make sense, we have to have faith in the promises.
Hasta Luego
Hi. My name is April and I am a computer addict.
It’s true.. I can’t stay away from emails, editing, etc.. BUT, I am finishing up 1 boudoir from last weekend & then I am outttttaaaaahhhh here! I am actually taking a vacation.. sort of. It’s one whole day away from kids, phone, email, internet, blackberry. So, you’ll have to wait 1 whole day before you get any communication back from me!! haha.. 1 full day with the hubster.. I can’t believe it’s finally happening. Time to get our massage on!! Helloooo spa!! While I’m gone, here’s one of my lovely ladies from this past Saturday.
I *heart* Elizabeth
So, this past Saturday I did a tremendous boudoir session - got there at 12:30pm & got home at 1:00am. 5 girls - 1 AMAZING makeup artist!! I did a big session like this back in September in Charlotte, and met up with Elizabeth Tolley... since then, I have pimped her out like crazy. There is no makeup artist on earth like her in my opinion!! She’s just so amazing & I am in awe of the things she does. It’s a big ‘ol lady crush, so I felt the need to just let you see how amazing she is!! She did all the hair & makeup for the ladies in the boudoir session, but also does amazing bridal makeup & hair… really, any kind of makeup & hair you can think of, she does it. For boudoirs, Elizabeth changes each girl’s look for each outfit - 3 times. So, I took a “before” shot of one of the ladies there and I just want you to see the different looks she pulled out for her!! I’ll post more Before & Afters later, but for now…
HOOOLLLLAAAHHHH!!! Isn’t she out of this world?!?!
If you need to get prettified for anything, here’s her website: http://www.ncmakeupartist.com
Mr & Mrs Dickerson
So.. It may have taken me a little while to blog this beautiful wedding, but hopefully it will bring back warm Christmas feeling that really weren’t that long ago… Seems like Christmas was months ago to me now, but Cristalle & Brian got married 2.27 and it was a very special day. It’s been a touching experience getting to know Cristalle, and some of these images may not stand out to you, but I like them because I can feel Cristalle in them. She is THE MOST positive person I’ve met in a long time & finds laughter in anything. I really love seeing that in someone - it feels familiar .. and when I was going through tough times not too long ago & still feeling some at her wedding, it was a huge encouragement just to be around her & see her so relaxed, chill & happy despite the rain, the stress, etc… Too, it was awesome because as soon as I got to the Hilton that Saturday, we started the couple part of the day. It’s my FAVORITE part of the day, and it was nice to do it without the pressure of rushing to a reception. So we begin before the rain started…
These two are my favorites - 1 funky & 1 really happy… 100% Cristalle
The Dark Version
The Light Version
Back to the room for drinks!!
This is Isabella - Cristalle & Brian’s little girl. Also a little happy!!
I realized I never show enough details in my posts, so I’m changing that!
The first dance wouldn’t be complete without throwing around Isabella
Also another Cristalle shot.. ahaha! This just cracks me up
Jingle Blingle
The Pied Piper was the band that night & they were very good. I always love a band
Bubble Lovin’. Beautiful day for a beautiful couple
Jamie & David
A couple of weeks ago I headed to my home town, properly pronounced Hen-Ah-Sun.. more commonly known by outsiders as Henderson. It’s a fabulous, small country town and it’s got some delicious photography spots. I grew up in church there with Jamie, so it was awesome to head back there to photograph her engagement photos. I feel so old!! She was a little bitty thing when I was a teenager there, so it’s surreal to see that ring on her finger! They were sweet enough to deal with some wild spots… thankfully it isn’t snake season, but there were some tall weeds!! They are so cute together & I adore how comfortable they were in front of me.
What Hot-Ness!
I love this shot even though David was terrified.. There’s a great respect/fear of Jamie’s father!! He loves his baby girl, ok?!
I love this shot because of what’s happening in the background. I was cracking up
These two are avid 4-Wheelers, so of course I was insistent on getting some action shots!
Dirty 4-Wheeler. Dirty Boots. Love it.
David, you crazy kid
Thanks for spending the afternoon with me you guys!!
SNOW DAY!!!
I wasn’t completely sure what I would wake up to today… but it’s true!! It really snowed!! THIS IS SO AWESOME!! I hope everyone else is having a great snow day at home!! This was Diego & Victor’s first day in the snow…
... and Diego decided right away that he wanted to make snow balls!
My hubbie Daniel wasn’t kidding around with his snow attack
Meanwhile Victor decided right away to eat the snow
Brotherly Snow Love
Brotherly Shove into the Snow
Drum Roll Please…
If you were checking the number of votes, Ashley & Brandon really & truly rocked the vote!! They are the winners of Evoke Photography’s Free 2009 Wedding! May 23rd 2009 I will be in Nashville, TN and you better believe when I get back I will tell you all about it.
Congratulations you two!!
I will be doing this again in 2010, so feel free to start spreading the word & getting those nominees to me before my schedule gets out of control!
To Collage or Not to Collage
As always, things are changing in the world of photography/album design. It is constantly changing & what has been in California for years and years is slowly making it’s way to NC. It’s been here for awhile but I am slowly transitioning into it because some of my clients find the new way a little surprising. And I must admit, it was tough to adjust my eye to it, but now I adore the new look. So, here’s the change..
Album Design has been “collages” for years, but collage style is getting really really tired.. The new wave - Simply Vera.. no collage - just simple timeless elegance. Hopefully a look that won’t look so old & trendy in 10-50 years. To me the new look is a contemporary twist on the good ‘ol traditional matted albums where your mom & pops had 5x7 prints slid into mattes. It’s hot, it’s simple - no fuss. There’s are no “effects”, no “extras” - it’s just your pure wedding images & nothing else. I love it & to me it just looks classy.. Vera baby!!
But what do you think?? Any & all feedback is greatly appreciated. I have two photos here of a collage v/s non-collage page, but I also have a wedding online that I would be super excited for you to look through. There are two designs - The first is a collage design & the second is a “Simply Vera” design (I’m using that term until threatened not to.) Go to: http://www.evokenc.com/clients -> Find the Cannady Design at the bottom & “cannady” is the password to access the design.
Pretty please let me know what you think!!
Which do you prefer?
Collage
Non-Collage / Vera look
OK, so I’m old, but I just signed up for Facebook. So.. you wanna be my friend?! I am so pitiful… I think at this moment I only have one. I’m not even too sure how you find me, but my name on there is April Greenway Sirit. You want me as a friend. I can just feel it. I feel like an old woman trying to figure this thang out.
Mr & Mrs Bursi
Alright alright.. while I wait for poll things to be put together for the free wedding photography vote, here is a little Meghan & Chuck for you to enjoy! You heard their fabulous story, now you get to see their fabulous day. It was such a precious day - timeless, elegant, and just all kinds of yummy mood. They got married at The Stone Chapel in Wake Forest & had their reception at Wakefield - both very intimate settings. Only close friends & family were invited, which made it a celebratory union of Meghan & Chuck and a reunion with friends & family that they rarely get to see. The day was drenched in sentiment - details gallore of things that were very pretty, but more than that, they were meaningful.
Meghan lost her mother when she was younger, so she had sewn pieces of her mother’s dress onto her veil
There were lots of self portraits happening through the day.. I mean, if you don’t see each other much, grab the photo op!
Meanwhile, the fabulous Ken was with the guys
Meghan & her father had a beautiful moment together before the ceremony in remembrance of her mother
At Christmas weddings, there may not be daylight, but there are lots of lights!!
And of course, at the beautiful Wakefield, I take them to the locker rooms…
Here’s the cake topper Meghan’s brother made - replicas of Meghan & Chuck’s planes.. can you call these planes?!
I love that the reception was candle - lit.
Here’s DJ Joe Bunn. I’m not sure what he was doing here…
... but he got Grandma dancing!!
My “I love her” to Cara with A Southern Soiree. The J.Lo of Raleigh (she was nicknamed this at the wedding). She is fabulous!!
Hip Hip Hooray 2009!
I’ve put some resolutions into motion that have been aching to be in my life, and it’s already a great year. I have been so blessed by some amazing people in my life this past year, and I expect it to just continue getting better & better. The couples that I have come to know have come very near & dear to my heart, and I’ve really appreciated being able to step into their lives - and not stepping out. I’ve made some beautiful relationships, and I am so fortunate to be making more. Thank you to my beautiful ladies & handsome fellas of 2008! I’m sincerely stoked to spend 2009 with more amazing ladies & gents.
As for my resolutions…
I’ve got joy headed back into my heart
I’m going to get to know my husband again (having 2 wild boys can make this a challenge, ok!)
I’m going to lose 20 lbs - again
I’m going to stop telling my children “One minute please”
These are big ones, so I’m going to keep my list short & attainable!
Oh and..
I’m going to give away a free wedding…
We really are cute together, aren’t we?!
Meghan & Chuck
Meghan & Chuck are by NO means an ordinary couple. It’s been a touching experience getting to know the two of them.. Meghan & Chuck are bad daddy pilots of really huge fighter planes.. I can never ever remember which ones, but they’re big ‘uns! I was supposed to meet Meghan a couple of times before the wedding, but the meeting was postponed once or twice because she had to suddenly fly out. They have crazy insane schedules, but somehow were able to find one another and maintain a beautiful relationship. I had to do their engagement session the Thursday before their wedding because they had no opportunity to see one another 5 months before their wedding, much less meet up to do an engagement session. They have had some amazing experiences as pilots.. like Meghan was circling over Baghdad when Saddam met his maker. I mean, wild stuff!! But, they don’t get to spend much time together and it’s just amazing how they are so dedicated to one another amidst very challenging circumstances. More to come when I show off their wedding…
So, even though it was raining, we went with it!
What an amazingly beautiful pair… look at their eyes!
Despite the rain, the cold, & the hunk of junk place I photographed them, they were so at ease and genuine with one another
I love capturing the little things that couples naturally do
Another natural thing they do together… haha.. Thanks you two for a great afternoon out!!
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