The Best of 2018
I got in my car after my last wedding of 2018. I couldn’t have imagined a better end to the year. I pulled out of the parking lot, but the road was blurred in front of me. Tears filled my eyes. Grateful. So very grateful for this year.
2018 was my second year of full time business. My first year, I got married, moved to a totally new place, and basically started my business all over again. It wasn’t easy. But I worked as hard as I could to make new friends, build a new clientele, and get my work out there. So, heading into 2018, I prayed and asked the Lord to give me at least 10 weddings. I felt like that was a big number. I had no clue if Id reach that goal, but I set it and asked the Lord anyway.
Little did I know He would blow that number out of the water, giving me more than double what I asked for. Not only did He bless me with more than I asked for, but He also gave me THE best couples to work with. To meet. To get to know. To hang out with. I’ve met some phenomenal people this year. Been a part of some extremely special moments. Got to witness the start of many lives together. And for that, I’m beyond grateful. Totally undeserving. But grateful.
I got to photograph a couple all the way from North Dakota who got married at Chimney Rock, travel to Montana for an engagement session, shoot some of our best friend’s proposal, got a styled shoot featured, was able to shoot in a few of my dream locations like Craggy Gardens and Lady Luck Flower Farm, and partnered with some wonderfully talented creatives. Never thought all of this would happen this year. But God is way bigger than my little plans.
To all my 2018 brides and grooms, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, for trusting me with such a significant part of your lives. These images mean the world to me, because they remind me of how greatly you’ve blessed my life this year. God used YOU to show me His faithfulness, His love for me, and His blessing on my business. The highlight of my year was being a part of these moments with you. So much love for you all.
Here are some of my favorite memories of 2018. It will be hard for 2019 to beat this.
Murrells Inlet//Wedding
Over the past 40 years, generations of Anne’s family has been vacationing at this summer home in Murrells Inlet. Memories mark every turn. The summer days on the inlet, says Anne, “follow the flow of the tides - shrimping at low tide and skiing, swimming, fishing at high tide. I often spend weeks at our vacation home without leaving the house or turning on a television.”
Needless to say, this place holds a special place in her heart. And in the heart of her entire family. Therefore, it was only fitting that she marry the love of her life there. And that’s exactly what they did.
Anne & Peter got married on a perfect, October day, in the yard where all the cousins used to play on summer vacation. The tide was high, the grass was green, and the entire day overlooked the water. Yellow wildflowers and oyster center pieces decorated the tables. Everything was so dreamy, it felt like I was in a movie.
Not long after arriving, I came to realize how much Anne & Peter value family. Together they have lots of siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and oh do they love them dearly. It blessed me so much to watch a couple that is so involved in the lives of their families and who value the importance of family.
Everything about this day was phenomenal. The place, the couple, their families, the food, the scenery, and the reception (which was probably hands down one of my favorites EVER). So much love graced this day. And now, a place that already held so many wonderful memories, holds so many more for the two of them. I am SO glad I got to meet this sweet couple and be a part of their day!
Miranda+Braedon // Asheville Elopement
When Miranda & Braedon first contacted me about shooting their elopement, I knew that this would be a DREAM couple & wedding to photograph. And I was 10000% right about that. Its not every day you get a couple that will climb to the top of a mountain in their wedding dress & tux, not stress about the rain, and who will dance in front of hundreds of strangers in the middle of a drum circle.
These two, along with some family members, flew all the way from North Dakota to North Carolina to elope at Chimney Rock State Park. Their entire family was so sweet & welcomed me in as part of the family right away. Miranda & Braedon were SO laid back & didn’t stress about anything, even when it decided to POUR rain right before their couple photos. They were willing to go the extra mile (up a mountain at that) to make sure they got the best photos. Im always grateful to couples who are willing to walk through the grass or don’t care if their dress gets a little dirty or climb a mountain or sneak away from the reception to get photos in front of the sunset. These moments are some of the BEST & no couple will ever regret being adventurous in order to get the best view, lighting, or scenery in their photos.
At the end of the night, Miranda & Braedon decided to do their first dance in the middle of the drum circle in downtown Asheville. Chris and I stumbled upon the drum circle last summer and I was absolutely mesmerized by it. Its just a huge group of drummers that all come together & just make music together for hours. Anyway, these two were WAY more brave than I’ll ever be, and forced their way to the middle of the circle and danced their hearts out. Everyone cheered for them & they immediately won the crowd over. It was hands down THE most epic first dance ever. Their entire day was full of fun, beauty, and adventure. So thankful for the Internet and how it allows me to meet new people, even all the way in North Dakota. Braedon & Miranda, I’m extremely thankful you guys chose me to be a part of your special day! You two were such a blessing & Im excited for more adventures next year during your anniversary photos ;)
Emily+Chase// Florence, SC Engagement
Where are the words to even describe this couple?!
I’ve known Chase for almost my whole life. Both of our families are super close and grew up doing everything together. Emily moved to my hometown a few years ago and I’ve absolutely LOVED getting to know her over the years. Chase can play the violin & guitar & can sing like nobody’s business. Emily is also a great photographer, blogger, and fashion expert (I’ve never seen her NOT look absolutely flawless). These two dated off and on for a long time but I knew all along they were perfect for each other and would eventually get married. So when Chase proposed to Emily a few months ago, it was about TIME!
I’m literally so so so excited for these two to start their lives together. They both are so dear to me & I’m so glad I got to photograph the start of their lifelong story because LOOK AT THEM. Most attractive couple award goes to these two. We got drinks at The Dispensary and danced on top of a parking garage, can’t get much better than that! Super excited for yalls wedding in February!! xoxo
Summer Favorites
I can’t believe I am JUST now getting around to blogging our trip out west this past summer! We went out to California because my husband was speaking at a camp there, as well as one in Washington. In between the two camps, we drove from Redding, CA to Los Angeles to Spokane Washington to Seattle. We put over 3,000 miles on our rental car (whoops) and got see such a huge part of the west coast. We stumbled upon some amazing little towns, beaches & restaurants. So, I figured I would share some of my favorite places we went this past summer (west coast & beyond) for any of y’all who might be taking a little road trip soon!
Favorite Coffee Shops:
Narrative Coffee in Everett, WA. This is one of our favorite coffee shops of all time. SO dang good and if you’re ever near Seattle, you have to stop in.
States Coffee in Martinez, CA. Cute little coffee shop in a tiny little town outside of San Francisco.
Bandit Coffee in St Petersburg, FL. They had this kombucha on tap that was probably one of my favorites I've ever had (and Ive had a TON because I’m addicted to kombucha!)
Theory Collaborative in Redding, CA. I didn’t take any photos in this coffee shop, but we went as soon as we got to Redding & it was the best first stop! It is run by people at Bethel Church and is a wonderful place, with some great food too!
Black Crow Coffee in St. Petersburg, FL. I absolutely LOVE this coffee shop. Its so eclectic and has about 102 plants inside, a ton of cool art work, and antique decorations that make it so cozy and fun.
Favorite desserts:
Life Ring at Oyster Rock in Calabash, NC. I am not kidding, this is one of THE best desserts i’ve ever had. Its a glazed doughnut topped with candied bacon & coffee ice cream. Gosh, just thinking about it makes my mouth water. SO good!
Salt & Straw in Portland, OR. What a crazy ice cream shop. They have some of the weirdest flavors and sound like they wouldn’t be good, but surprisingly are. We got honey lavender, coffee & chocolate, strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper & salted caramel with caramel ribbons. Some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had.
Whidbey Pie Cafe in Whidbey Island, WA. This is the cutest pie shop right on the water. Whidbey Island is right off Seattle, very close to Canada. Its a HUGE island that is unbelievably beautiful, plus it has amazing pie. So win-win.
Kollar Chocolates in Yountville, CA. This is a little wine town, literally in the middle of major vineyards right outside of Napa. This is where the famous French Laundry restaurant is, as well as the Bouchon Bakery. Their chocolates look fake & inedible. Truly artwork, but they also taste amazing.
Favorite restaurants:
Yack on 5 near Redding, CA. One of our friend’s suggested this place to us as we were heading Spokane. Its in the middle of nowhere California, right off the highway. From the outside, it looks unimpressive. But probably one of the best burgers Ive ever had was there. PLUS they have these sticky bun things that will change your life.
Solstice Wood Fire Pizza in Hood River, WA. We drove over to Hood River one afternoon to grab lunch and we were SO glad someone recommend this place to us. We got to sit outside, look at the river across the road, and eat some dang good pizza. Can’t get much better than that.
Casita Taquiera in St Petersburg ,FL. Yum yum yum. This place is GOOD, fast, and affordable. Such a cute little Mexican spot in St Pete.
Flying Goat in Spokane, WA. A girl who used to live in Spokane said this was her favorite pizza place ever. So naturally, we went. It was so good that we ordered one pizza and then after eating it, ordered another one. So, I’d definitely recommend it!
Karma Juice Bar in St Petersburg, FL. Im glad I don’t live in St Pete, because I would go here everyday and have no money. Tons of healthy food options, amazing smoothie bowls, and a really cool atmosphere.
Favorite Things to do:
Steelhead Ranch Alpaca Farm in WA
Driving through Columbia River Gorge
Riding-bikes through St Petersburg
House boating on Lake Shasta
White water rafting in Ocoee, TN
Driving through HWY 1 in Cali
Pismo Beach
Litha Springs Inn in Ashland, OR
Ferry boat to Whidbey Island in WA
Multnomuh Falls outside of Portland, OR
