SASHA + SINIŠA - Antler Hill Barn Rehearsal Dinner

One word: SINASHA! : ) This is the term everyone used to affectionately describe this happy couple during their rehearsal dinner. I got a nice giggle out of it. I traveled up to Asheville, North Carolina to photograph Sasha + Siniša's rehearsal dinner at Antler Hill Barn at the Biltmore Estate in early May. Despite the random cold, un-spring-like weather, it was a beautiful event. I particularly enjoyed all of the heartwarming toasts. Every family member/friend/guest who spoke about Sasha + Siniša had such lovely things to say -- about them individually and as a couple. It really was endearing. Enjoy a glimpse into their special night!

Siniša's family is Croatian, and I loved all of the Croatian touches -- the table setting names, the appetizer flags, the authentic desserts.

How adorable is Sinasha's nephew?!

Everyone got a good laugh when Sasha's dad needed a music stand to hold his mile-long roast/toast. : )

Ahhh the wonders of technology. One of Sasha's bridesmaids couldn't be there due to pregnancy, so she pre-taped her toast and a fellow bridesmaid played it for her!

EMMA KATE: NEWBORN

Ohhhh, how I LOVE photographing newborns. Are you ready for your heart to just melt right out of your chest? Meet Emma Kate. You may remember her lovely parent's maternity session that I shot in Charleston not too long ago. I photographed Blair + Anna on February 9th and this little one decided to make her appearance on February 27th! You see, Emma Kate's due date is three days from today (April 18th). That's right -- you read that correctly -- she's still negative three days old. : )  Anna started showing signs of preeclampsia, so the doctor quickly recommended a c-section birth.

Emma Kate was born weighing a whopping 3 lbs, 14 oz. Such a TINY thing! She stayed in the NICU for 20 days before getting released to go home. As parents, I can't imagine how hard it must be to not bring your baby home right away.

Normally, I photograph newborns around 7-12 days old, but sweet little Emma Kate was so small (and not even allowed to be at home) that we waited until a more calm time. So now, here she is at 35 days old. Y'all, I can't even describe in words how much I loved photographing this sweet family of three (plus their adorable pup, Clemson!). Anna & Blair, y'all know how much I love y'all. Thank you for letting me be in Emma Kate's "top 10" list. ; )

Baby yawns are. the. BEST.

These blankets were given to Emma Kate as prayer blankets.

I love this photo because it looks like Emma Kate is on the lookout for something. Haha - cracks me up!

LOVE.

Love the burrito baby. : )

A favorite!

NANCY + JOHNSON - Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Wedding

Nancy + Johnson's wedding holds a special little place in my heart. You see, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is where my husband and I got married. : )

Their ceremony was held at First Presbyterian Church and the reception was at DSBG. I got all KINDS of teary-eyed (more than usual!) when shooting Nancy + Johnson's portraits around the gardens. They were such a joy to photograph (read: LOVE cuddly couples!).

I know Nancy from high school, and I'm so, SO happy she wanted me to shoot she and Johnson's wedding. Nancy looked so gorgeous (pretty much was obsessed with photographing her dress...you'll see), and Johnson was so warm and welcoming (the wedding day was my first time meeting him!). Everything went pretty flawlessly. I loved the stained glass windows of the church, and the florals were just breathtaking. Congrats to the newlyweds! And, Go Deacs and Vols! ; )

Bride's dress: Paloma Blanca Bride's shoes: TOMS Bridesmaids' dresses: B2 by Jasmine Groom and groomsmen attire: Vera Wang for Men's Wearhouse Bride's hair and makeup: William Henry Salon and Spa Florals and day-of coordination: Carey Roberts Design Co. Ceremony music: Suzanne Fairbairn, organ; Mary McFarland, carillon Cake: Brenda's Cake Gallery DJ: Nolan Walker of East Coast Entertainment Caterer: Best Impressions Programs: Minges Printing

Love this frame -- in their own little world. : )

Aren't these orchids stunning?!

I think this dude was picked up by at least half of the guests at some point during the evening. Love a fun dance floor!

THE VAHER FAMILY

In 2011, I donated a photography session to a fundraising auction for Girls on the Run of Gaston County, which is an after-school program for 3rd through 8th grade girls. The program focuses on instilling self-esteem and strong values through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships and physical training. I love the idea for this program and all the good it does in the home county where I grew up in North Carolina. (It is also run -- no pun intended -- by one of my "bonus" moms, who I think does great things for the community.) Fast forward to 2013: I finally got to meet and photograph the family that bid on my session! The Vaher family was so much fun to photograph, and I think we got some great images. Enjoy their smiles! : )

LOVE NOTE TO MY PUPS

Just because I love them and want the Interwebz to see their adorable faces from our walk yesterday. : ) (In order: Bella, Riley & Sadie.)