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Wendy

Wendy Laurel is a hippy child at heart :) I love her for that. Wendy is a photographer based in Maui and when we posted our travel schedule saying we would be in Maui to shoot a wedding, Wendy reached out about doing a mentor session with us while we were on the island. We had an awesome day with Wendy! What an incredible person with endless potential. 

Chris and I were so excited to dig into Wendy's business with her for an all day mentor session. When we asked Wendy what makes her stand out from other photographers she answered with "my photos are not timid." I am so in love with that answer. Wendy knows who she is and her photos are honest and interesting. So much of this business is not about knowing all the right "rules," (because the truth is that there aren't any), but rather about knowing yourself, trusting your vision and putting it into the world un-apoligetically. 

During our time together we talked about marketing/branding, shooting for yourself, harnessing your vision, getting published, processing, workflow among a gamut of other things. It is so cool to see people get so excited about the new levels that they can take their shooting and business to. After our time together, we went to Wendy's site and blog only to discover she had applied many of the pieces of advice that Chris and I gave her during our critique. I would encourage you to read through Wendy's recent post on why she is a photographer... I found it to be a beautiful peek into her heart as a person and artist. 




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Darby & Reece

Darby & Reece are some of the most sincerely gracious people you could ever meet. They truly LOVE people and life. Darby is a school teacher and Reece is a film producer. We felt so honored to be a part of their wedding. Everyone felt like a friend, every second felt like a celebration. Their day was honest, down to earth, imaginative, quirky and creative. These guys were a perfect couple for us :)

These two had an amazing wedding in Santa Barbara, California overlooking the ocean. Darby & Reece thought of all of the little things and their day was a total reflection of them. I think it's pretty safe to say that they used my favorite color pallet of all time, accenting everything with a soft & pretty yellows, yummy green's and muted grey's. It was light and happy with a little bit of throw-back :). I loved all of the unique little elements and ideas these two implemented into their day. If you want to see some fun out-takes from Darby & Reeces's Smilebooth you can check out the slideshow here

Enjoy some tastiness from Darby & Reece's Weddin'!

Coordinator: Donna Romani
Catering: Bacara Resort
Photobooth: Smilebooth

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Sneak Peek! South Carolina Trash the Dress Weekend | Trash the Dress Photographer

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Sharing just a peek of all three Trash the Dress shoots from this past weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.  Each client had such amazing style and an array of great shots…  Liz and Vince hit down town for some vintage cinema theme and old backdrops, Mahailey invited me to her families property out in the beautiful country land…  Finally, Bekah and Ryan beat the pending storm with some awesome beach shots.  These are my favorite photo shoots, so I am thrilled (as usual) to share what’s in this image gold mine :) .

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Chelsea and Ted’s North Carolina Wedding | Chapel Hill Wedding Photographer

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Once upon a time… yada yada ;) , I had the privilege of meeting a very bubbly, running hug, tall and beautiful bride-to-be…  That same rainy day I also had the privilege of meeting her humorous, long-last-named, even taller, very photogenic groom!  Here are the photos from that day, a year ago CLICK HERE FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS. It rained and no one cared…  We played football in the mud and had fun exploring the UNC campus.  Fast forward to May.  I had received little tidings of joy over the months- notes from Chelsea, save the dates decorated with the photos from our splashy sesh, I could not wait for their wedding.

Having spent months in recovery, after my surgery, it was so so SO very wonderful to see Chelsea and Ted.  I had my best friend at my side to help me photograph AND a couple that consistently reminds me why I have worked so hard at this job.  They beam of true love, but they also are the embodiment of treating others the way you want to be treated…  Loving & respectful- I wish them the very best on their new journey.

The first night there, while we very rarely do this, I headed to the rehearsal dinner.  Now, this was not the usual sit around a table and stare at each other style… This was in fact an actual HOEDOWN!  Thinking we’d be “fashionably late,” Travis and I showed up… and the hog was already scarfed down for dinner and the bride offered me beans in a cup lol.  It was a blast…  but what can I say, I am a sucker for country music, little fiddle, little plaid… and excuse to be themed out.  I could tell the wedding was going to be great.

They chose to see each other in advance…  It was a beautiful moment and charming Ted surprised Chelsea with a necklace I had just read about on her blog the night before.  They were as photogenic as always, just no mud football this time, and then off to the actual ceremony.  Bagpipes and rose petals both filled the air… Everything was straight from the heart (except for the moving van that we could not get to leave lol, inside joke see photos).  The reception reminded me of an old musical movie, with a checkered floor, and chandeliers that lit the perfect evening.  I hope to see these two again soon, they are slightly contagious to be around :) .  Thank you so much for all you shared with me and my camera!!! Love you both!

Chelsea and I during the Hoedown

Some of the talent that contributed to the event:

Florist: Charles House – University Florist

Dress Shop: J Majors

DJ Company: Joe Bunn/Kevin van Sant (Ceremony/Cocktail hour / Jerry Hudson (Bagpiper)

Wedding Planner:
Melanie Ingool – Kate Foster Productions

Cake: Sugarland

Reception/Ceremony Site/Catering: The Carolina Inn

A well wish to the new Mr & Mrs

So, def my all time fave ring bearer pillow!!!  I have a soft spot for ring pops :)
Walking up for the first time to see her groom!!!

Names: Chelsea Elizabeth & Ted Steve Theodoropoulos

What do you do for work? Chelsea – Enterprise Media at Bank of America / Ted – IT Sales at TEK Systems

How did you meet? We met through an acquaintance. His height caught my attention; I had to make sure I was introduced!

What gal wouldn’t be thrilled that her man noticed her blog post about jewelery…. Points for Ted!

What inspired your wedding decor, etc? Even though I grew up in Upstate New York, I’ve always felt like a Southern girl at heart. The Carolina Inn is a Historic hotel located on the University of North Carolina Campus. With Ted being a Tarheel, it was an easy sell. It’s dressed in vintage Southern decor with the sweet aromas of fresh-cut flowers. Actually, when I first stepped inside, I cried! I wanted to play off all that this Historic beauty had to offer. It’s quaint, romantic and simply perfect.

Beautiful couple… Tell us about your ring! It’s a round brilliant cut diamond with a pave band. Not only is it beautiful, but Ted picked it out so I love it even more…


How was your experience with Socialite Studios? Joelle has been an absolute joy to work with. From the moment I called her to inquire about photography, she put me at ease and has followed through on every promise. It was so refreshing to cross ‘Photography’ off our to-do list that easily! She’s gone out of her way to make us happy and we’re beyond grateful.

Love this shot of the girls before the ceremony

Also, when the bridesmaids all got to see Chelsea after her photo shoot

If you could relive one moment from your wedding what would it be? If I could relive one moment from our wedding day it would be standing up during our ceremony. I held Ted’s hands, the sun was shining, birds were chirping and we had the attention of our closest friends and family. It was the moment I had envisioned and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was an incredible feeling.

Finally!!! WoohooSo here I am wayyyy to excited to see the guest book… I didn’t know it would be there, but they CHOSE their cute behinds for the cover ahhh, that is so something I would do… I greatly appreciate their funny selection!  The book was filled with photos from that awesome engagement shoot I love so dearly!

First dance, super cool floor!

Aww mom and son moment

Everyone had mad dance skillz

If there was something you know now, that you can share with other brides what would it be? Embrace every single moment throughout your day. I literally carried around my Flip Video during the pre-ceremony and reception to document and capture the day. Even though I had a videographer, I ended up taking over 100 videos. There’s something special about raw footage that has your own personal touch.

Went to visit the wedding night suite- got a shot of them lounging for a moment… I don’t think they wanted to go back to the reception once they realized how cozy it was up there!


How was the Honeymoon?
The most wonderful vacation we’ve ever had! We went to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico. We got spoiled with phenomenal service, plenty of sunshine, delicious food and the opportunity to meet some great people.

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Sneak Peek Marie and Nick’s Paradise | Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer

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Almost two years of planning and the day finally arrived, bright & sunny as can be.  Marie & Nick were married just last night at the delightful Excellence Resort in Mexico.  Before I hop on my way-to-early of a flight ;) … I couldn’t resist a peek of the craziness!  Enjoy.

A little bit of the watered down (not really, literally) end of the night…  Anything for the best shots!

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Alesa & Brian

My first conversation with Alesa & Brian was filled with talks of passion, soul, life and love. I fell in love with them immediately. These two love till it hurts, and let their hearts lead them through life. Their connection is so honest and real. I'm a firm believer in soulmates because I found mine, and this is a true case of two people finding their soulmate in this life. To see that in a couple is like seeing a glimpse of God himself. It is truly beautiful. 

Chris and I feel so honored to be a part of Alesa & Brian's wedding at a private residence in Malibu. The day was perfect. Sunny. Delightful. Moving. Passionate. Inspiring. It was obvious that everyone in attendance loved these two deeply. There were so many moments that just captivated me throughout their day. Alesa's tenderness with her grandmother. The moment Brian's mother saw Alesa and her son for the first time and started to cry. Hearing their vows to one another at the ceremony.

This wedding was like a beautiful cinematic experience. It was similar to the feeling you get after watching a brilliant movie that makes you want to go and do something great with your life. The day started with that silent anticipation, moved into excitement and ended with a joyous party. Celebration would sum up this wedding well. The band they had play was by far the best wedding band we have ever had at an event, West Coast Music Impulse Band. And one of my very favorite California coordinators, Camilla, always makes weddings ten times more fun.

Enjoy Brian & Alesa! 

Venue: Private Residence in Malibu, CA
Photographers: Sarah & Chris Rhoads
Flowers: Holly Flora
Photobooth: Smilebooth - more of those to come in the next couple of days!





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Featured in a Russian Wedding Magazine

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Hey Everyone!

This is just a short little post. We were pretty excited when one of our images was featured in a Russian Wedding Magazine. We have no clue what it says, but we are in good company, from what we can tell it talks about a few wedding planning companies and has a few images from some great photographers in Russia and Eastern Europe. We think its the coolest thing ever! Canadians like us don’t get images featured in Russian wedding magazines everyday.

The image comes from Ryan and Tara’s Prague wedding.We only have a scan of the magazine, so if anyone out there can read the words off the images below and let us know the name of this Russian wedding magazine so we can order one online, that would be wonderful, we would appreciate that so much. Just leave your translations in the comments section below. Online translators are not very helpful.

First is the photo they featured from Tara & Ryan’s destination wedding in Prague, Czech Republic.

destination wedding photography Featured in a Russian Wedding Magazine

destination wedding photography Featured in a Russian Wedding Magazine

destination wedding photography Featured in a Russian Wedding Magazine

Related posts:

  1. Weddingbells featurette
  2. A Bridal Session – Prague, Czech Republic
  3. PIE Magazine – Real People and Style

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Sacha & Luke

Sacha & Luke are just plain incredible people. Their love for people and amazing character is so evident to everyone they come into contact with. Luke & Sacha are some of the most thoughtful and considerate people you could ever meet.  These two live a life full of adventure and chase after their passions with reckless abandonment. These two get what life is all about if you ask me.

Luke & Sacha are very talented videographers and photographers. There is no greater compliment than to be asked to photograph a fellow creatives' wedding. And their is no better place to be asked to do it than in Banff, Canada ;).  Their day was an absolute dream. Chris and I didn't feel like we worked for a second. Luke & Sacha are the type of people who think of everything. Their day was pure play and adventure. For their portrait session Sacha & Luke scouted out some amazing little spots and the four of us decided it would only be appropriate if we could somehow get to the top of a very high mountain together to shoot some gnarly photos. So we decided to take a gondola ride up a verrrry steep mountain for part of their portrait session! I have never been afraid of heights. but midway up the hill as the little gondola cart was moving around in the wind and I looked down I got a little queasy, eek! But once we got out at the top and looked around at the sheer beauty that surrounded us, it was well worth the rocky little gondola ride to the top :) 

There were so many moments that I just had to stop and smile throughout Sacha & Luke's day. Smile because we had the honor of being right there next to them doing something I love so much, smile because these two beautiful people had found and chose one another among six billion other fish in the sea. That to me is amazing. Enjoy a little bit of Sacha & Luke and our adventures in Banff!



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Charleston Engagement with Mahailey and Craig

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I love the triple shoots!  A year ago I had a client that signed up to do a Trash the Dress, then decided to do three shoots in one day!!!  This turned into a little collection that multiple brides have decided to take part in- choosing 3 separate portrait sessions, all designed around YOU!  Mahailey started with a boudoir sesh at her home…  I was so proud of her, she rocked the shoot and was up for anything!  Her pics came out awesome and I got to make a little album for Craig as a wedding surprise.  We met up for these engagement photos in Charleston, South Carolina.  It was right before sunset, and I had been eying a few streets that I had never shot on, so we adventured up and down just one road for 2 hours.  There are always so many backgrounds that go unnoticed.  My next and final round of photos with Mahailey will be her Trash the Dress…  Can’t wait to see what we come up with for her theme… Stay tuned :) .

We agreed on this as our fave from the sneak peek, we were playing in the leaves, but it was a given the girls would win because the wind kept blowing all of the leaves towards Craig… Luckily we got a few shots before we were buried :) .

Strolling the beautiful historic district in the sunset.

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. N :) Love finding cute homes and colorful spots for portraits!

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Lindsey + Patrick {Wedding in Key West, Florida}

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Lindsey and Patrick!!!!  I feel like I have known them forever.  I had the pleasure of meeting them at the very beginning stage of their wedding. I remember shooting their engagement pictures and thinking…I love how they just giggle constantly with each other!   After that I knew over a year ago that we would have a blast at this wedding.

Team Swankey (Swankey Events) was on this event and did a fabulous job as always!  Lindsey and Patrick’s had their Key West Wedding ceremony at the magnificent Audubon House. As for the weather, Mother Nature cooperated – every bride’s dream come true – and allowed for their reception to be on the pier at the Ocean Key. This wedding had some very whimsical and extravagant centerpieces and silver chiavari chairs…love. They were awesome!  And as you can tell below, Clint Wiley’s None Other Band rocked. the. house.-AS THEY ALWAYS DO!!!

I hope you two had a fabulous time in Greece!  See you in soon for your Afterthoughts Session!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

BLING!!!!!!  Scared me to death on that Pier without screw backs and safety chains!!!!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

Love Notes and Laughter…always PERFECT in my book!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West

Something Blue Anyone?  Sassy…..

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

LOVE!!!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

Another giggle again…LOVE!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Audubon House, Audubon House Key West

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Hangy thingy dangy…FAB!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

The tables were named after bars – even had cute signs!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

More Hangy Thingy Dangy!  PRRRREEEETTTTYYY!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Flippy floppies anyone?

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

1st Dance

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

CHOCOLATE!!!!!  Yum! Yum!  by Key West Cakes

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Clint of Clint’s None Other Band danced with this cute girl on the dance floor and it made her day!! FYI: I don’t think she ever left the dance floor…ever-LOVE!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Clint and Lyli rocking out from Clint Wiley’s None Other!

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Key West Wedding, Key West Photographer, Key West Wedding Photographer, Ocean Key, Ocean Key Key West, Key West Florida

Whoa!  Clint!!!!!  You Rock!!!

To VIEW THE ENTIRE GALLERY CLICK HERE!

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