by Kim | Sep 21, 2011 | Children, Family |
Since it is all glum and overcast outside today, this sunny Kiawah Island beach session is just the remedy to brighten things up. The Moore family came back to visit the place where “Mommy and Daddy” first became Mr. & Mrs. Moore. We went back to the Sanctuary grounds for some pictures, sitting on the lawn right where their ceremony was held. And the kids got their first “toes in the sand” experience on the beach just behind the Ocean Course clubhouse. What the family wanted most were some classic black and white shots that could grace their walls and some fun candids of the kids playing. ...
by Kim | Apr 26, 2011 | Engagement, Events |
It’s exciting to photograph a proposal…there’s this nervous anticipation of how the bride-to-be will react, the real and unposed reactions of the moment. My favorite part, though, is meeting such delightful and thoughtful young men who prepare so carefully for this moment that they even consider hiring a photographer to make sure the day is thoroughly documented. I was charmed from the very beginning by Chad and his manners. He was all “yes, ma’am…and thank you, ma’am” in every email he sent. Something I learned from my time with Chad was that Betsy’s dad is an accomplished architect. He designed the house Betsy grew up in, and that her parents still live in on Pawleys Island. It was important to Chad we use the house as the backdrop for the pictures. Chad also made sure he obtained Betsy’s dad’s permission to marry his daughter. He secretly drove from Florida to Pawleys Island one weekend to visit with Betsy’s dad, and he was the only person for quite some time who knew of Chad’s intentions to propose. Fully-Verfied suggested the best options to make the day even more safe and secure. On an otherwise normal weekday, Chad arranged for Betsy to get the day off without letting Besty know. He called Betsy’s supervisor and cleared it with him to pick Betsy up and start the day of surprises. The couple spent the day in Charleston eating and shopping before heading out to Pawleys Island. Betsy believed that her parents were out of town on vacation and that she and Chad would be house sitting for them. But Chad had arranged...
by Kim | Apr 5, 2011 | Bridal, Weddings |
Jennifer and Brett are full of that contagious kind of laughter… plus the smirks, giggles and cute jokes. They don’t take themselves too seriously, so the result is a truly laid back affair where everyone has fun. Jennifer laughed going down the aisle! They laughed as they exchanged rings. Brett smirked and scratched his head all silly like when he realized they’d been pronounced “husband and wife”. You know, I hope their children and grandchildren look back on these wedding pictures with a sense of wonder at all the joy shared by these two. Let’s be real now. There wasn’t just a bunch of kissy kissy going on. Jennifer and her girls can tear up a dance floor! Oh, my!! Darrell of The Connellys set up his very popular photo booth on the grounds for added entertainment. Jennifer might have been in 99% of the pictures. The camera loves her and she loves the camera! Well, that is easy to see below. Jennifer and Brett, I wish you continued happiness and a long life...
by Kim | Mar 11, 2011 | Weddings |
Not every story is easy to tell. Some stories leave such an impression that words don’t seem adequate. It’s every photographer’s hope to help tell these stories with meaningful photographs. This couple briefly stepped into my world and I can not stop thinking about them. Their story is still somewhat of a puzzle to me, one where I have only a few of the pieces. First, they are the youngest couple I have ever photographed being wed. He is a sailor. Old enough to serve our country but too young to celebrate the marriage with even a champagne toast. She is a college freshman living on the opposite coast from her beloved, still at home with her mother. She wore an anchor charm around her neck and came down the stairs barefoot to meet her groom, not a bit of makeup on her clean face. He never uttered a word until he was asked to give his vows, just stood there with his hands folded and face a little red. I’ve never seen a young man so nervous or hold his breath so long. Her mother was in attendance and their only witness, other than the officiant and myself, to the wedding. I’ve named them Romeo and Juliet for a few reasons. His father does not approve of their relationship….too serious at too young an age. He is someone of importance in the film industry in Hollywood, and I imagine he has his own expectations for his son. They intend to keep their marriage a secret until they feel it is appropriate to announce it. Or to recreate it...
by Kim | Mar 5, 2011 | Family |
Lori and her family have known my family since our children were in school together at Montessori. And then at the next school. And then living in the same neighborhood. And then we found ourselves a part of the same church. The many intersecting circles of our lives. It’s such a joy “doing life” together! As her twin children find themselves heading off to high school, Lori knew family photographs were in order. Time to “stop time” with some memories to hang on the walls. This brother and sister are definitely siblings. Plenty of love/punches, smiles/snarls, giggles/screams. I loved being a part of their afternoon and playing right along with...
by Kim | Jan 31, 2011 | Engagement |
Jennifer and I have known each other long enough that I can’t remember how long. Years. She knows the wedding business inside and out given her time at LWSE. And she knows just about everyone in Charleston that has anything to do with weddings. But she never really saw herself as a bride in the “get lost in the moment giddy over the details” sort of way. But wouldn’t you know that love can change all that! : ) And without a doubt, Jennifer loves Brett. Alot! (Brett, you know you’re a very, very lucky guy, right?!) This girl is completely at ease in front of the camera….which totally makes up for Brett’s disdain for the camera. They balance each other in many ways. : ) They have a mutual adoration for their “brownies”. That’s the cutie pie nickname Jennifer has for their chocolate labs. You wouldn’t believe how long it took me to figure out that all those facebook posts she made about laying in bed with her brownies every morning wasn’t some peculiar eating habit. Just some sweet puppy loving. So of course Gibbs and Layla had to be in some of the pictures. Wedding in three...
by Kim | Jan 26, 2011 | Weddings |
Jennifer and Travis are…. fun, perfect for each other, compassionate, sweet, smart, funny, down-to-earth, and a match made in heaven. Jennifer was voted “Teacher of the Year” for Dorchester County Schools and is in the running for the state award. Travis has played some serious football in his time(betcha couldn’t guess that, though). Parents love them, kids love them, I love them… Jennifer has a DIY streak. She knew what she wanted and set about making it happen. There are lots of personal touches…like the vintage family photographs displayed beautifully in the antique deli counter. And the antique homemade quilts that lined the candy bar. Their “B” monogram graced the tea cakes to the coffee stirrers. She even convinced the very manly men of the family to hoist a Christmas tree over the serving table, having it dangle upside down by cables. The trees were decorated with ornaments that served as personalized favors for the guests. This fun-loving couple didn’t let the cold or the rain dampen their day. The smiles were plentiful as guests indulged in a warm and hearty brunch of lowcountry favorites. It was served by the groom’s parents who own the restaurant that hosted the reception at Main Street BBQ. Another insight into Jennifer and Travis’ spontaneous and carefree nature, they shot all of their photos in the rain without a fuss. Boy, they made me proud! We had planned months before the have an elaborate outdoor shoot at the old train station and under the live oaks…something I must admit I had my heart set on. But these two suggested we go around...
by Kim | Jan 18, 2011 | Children, Family, Maternity |
Welcome back to the blog (I’m telling myself)…the holidays were heavily weighted in the direction of my family, and quite intentionly so. The blog took a back seat to holiday portrait sessions, weddings, Christmas cards, albums….and so on and so forth. The best part was that the kids got lots of homemade goodies and we made tons of holiday memories. Where should I start? Since I just visited Annie for a newborn session today, I thought posting her maternity shots from December would be a good place to begin. Annie, Jeremy, and Landon hiked all over the place for these photos. Hard to believe Annie was just a few weeks from delivery here, and she never complained a bit about the long walk or the odd places I had her sit. What an adorable...
by Kim | Oct 21, 2010 | Weddings |
Jessie and Scott were married at St. Luke’s chapel in downtown Charleston. The reception followed at the Rice Mill building set against the Charleston harbor. If there is one time of year I appreciate an air-conditioned indoor venue, it is July and August. It’s the time of year my colleagues and I joke about freezing our *ahem* undergarments before heading to an outdoor shoot. I usually pack a change of clothing for days like this one. But my dear Jessie was not inclined to “glisten” for her wedding portraits, so she thankfully opted to shoot mostly indoors. The always fabulous Luke and Megan of Luke Wilson Special Events provided some of the decor and were on hand to make sure the day went perfectly. Katie Bell of Timeless Designs created the bouquets and all the floral decor. The beautiful cake was another splendid creation from Lauren at The Cake Stand. The guests danced through the evening to live music from Soul Fish. That look says what we were all thinking… it is HOT out here! This little cutie was trying on the “princess” shoes while we waited those last few moments before the ceremony began. I just love how every single picture of the bride and groom, from the processional to recessional, they were grinning ear to ear at each other. It is beautifully evident what they were feeling right here. This was a pretty sweet and normal cake cutting up until this moment. We have undeniable proof here who started the cake smashing! And I spared the couple by not showing the last dozen shots in this...
by Kim | Oct 11, 2010 | Children, Family |
Meet Henry. Things you should know about Henry: he loves his mother, he loves water, he loves horses, and he LOVES bananas. Henry looks so much like his dad Charlie, but dad steers clear of cameras. You won’t see him in any of these pictures. Amy (otherwise known as mommy) didn’t intend to be in too many of these pictures, but Henry loves his mom. Wait, I said that already. Henry has a special name for water. I wouldn’t know how to spell it if I tried. Nobody is quite certain where the name came from or what language it might be, but it sure is cute to hear him say it over and over. That’s his “all wet” face. He immediately forgot about being wet because his favorite animals walked by. I must say children are fascinating because they are so easily fascinated! I love seeing the world through their eyes. Even though the family lives in Virginia, Amy and Charlie still call South Carolina home in many ways…her parents live here, they were married here, and let’s not forget they are the best Gamecock fans north of the Carolinas! : ) This series is just too cute! The faces progress from wanting to pet the doggy to running in fear from the doggy to wondering where the doggy went.These next few are my favorites. Sweet and timeless. They remind me of photos of my dad from his childhood. Thanks for coming all the way to Charleston so I could photograph Henry! I’ll remember to bring bananas next...
