Quincy + Rachel

If I am not careful, weddings can kinda grow stale to me. Its just another day, just another wedding, just another couple. Yet, this couple helped refresh my spirit and come to a deeper appreciation for shooting weddings. I think in our culture today, marriage isn't viewed as a sacred, lifelong commitment anymore. Weddings are just a thing people do and an excuses for people to get wasted. Being married isn't about a committed relationship, but rather about the status. I don't mean to be rude or speak for every wedding & marriage, I have just seen this a lot over the past 5 years of shooting weddings. However, it is SO refreshing to witness a wedding where a couple values and celebrates marriage in the way God intended it to be; for life, for joy & for Him. 

Quincy & Rachel's wedding day was a true celebration of the gift of marriage God has given.  SO full of love and joy. Their entire wedding party was thrilled for them, so many happy tears were shed, and there was so much evident love between Rachel & Quincy. As I was taking their photos after the ceremony, I told each of them to tell one another something they love about each other. I took a few steps back and shot from a distance, but watching them exalt and shower each other with words of genuine love was SO touching. I think I teared up about 39 times that day, watching Rachel & her dad's first look, hearing all the prayers her bridesmaids said over her, and watching Quincy & his mom during their mother son dance (which I shouldn't have been crying over that because I barely know them!) 

All this to say, their wedding reminded me of how special marriage truly is, it helped me remember WHY I love shooting weddings, and it was just overall so much fun. Their wedding posse was super fun and the weather & lighting that day was a photographer's DREAM! Sorry about the overload of photos...I am the worst at narrowing down photos from wedding days to post! Hope you all can feel the love & joy that marked their wedding day as you look through these photos. Thank you again Quincy & Rachel for loving the Lord & each other like you do. It was a blessing to ME to witness you two become husband and wife xoxo

Rachel Belk // Bridal

Hi friends!!

I am busy editing away on Rachel & Quincy's wedding photos (which are absolutely dreamy..can't wait to share them!!). But until then, I figured I would share some of Rachel's bridal portraits that we did at The Southern Bleachery in Taylors, SC. This place used to be an old textile mill and has such a rich history. Someone recently bought it, renovated it, and has turned it into a gorgeous wedding or event venue. I think it reflected Rachel's style perfectly, simple & beautiful. I had SO much fun doing these. I would shoot, look at the back of my camera, and be in awe. Everything about this shoot was perfect. I also loved the image Rachel chose as her bridal portrait (4th image in post). Most brides chose a very traditional, full length photo of them smiling at the camera with the whole dress in view (and there is nothing wrong with that). Yet, Rachel chose a close up image, which made me super happy because I LOVE close ups. 

Also, my great friend Lexi, at Consider the Lilies, made her stunning bouquet. I mean look at that thing...it could be in a magazine!! Her work always amazes me, and anytime I can work with her, I do it!! Future brides, hire her if you can! You won't regret it. 

Rachel, you were a beautiful bride, and your beauty on the inside far exceeds your external beauty. Thanks for letting me do these and for putting up with my constant oohs and ahhs while taking these! 

xoxo