A word from the bride! 
" I am so thankful for our love story. We were both running towards Jesus and when it was time for us to look up we saw we were running together. That was the coolest thing ever. We knew from the first day we would get married, love people and make a difference together forever" 

. . .

Derek & Morgan celebrated love in a time when we needed something to bring us together. Lead by God and surrounded by their family the started their life long journey. The experience was new with the restraints that the pandemic put on the event, but throughout the whole day it was apparent that Morgan and Derek were experiencing a wedding that was memorable, intimate. Morgan and I talked about how the day had no rush, with a feeling of ease. That with this ability to take each moment in stride, those moments became exceedingly special. They were not overlooked but appreciated and cherished for the incredible gift they were. 
From moments of prayer with bridesmaids, talks with grandmothers over facetime (yey technology!) to surprise friends social distancing on the lawn ready to shower the couple with bubbles and congratulations. Every interaction was lovingly intentional. I am so proud of my friends Morgan and Derek and their determination to face our world together as one. Love you both!

Enjoy just a few images from their wedding day ! 

“I know not who you are, or how I came to find you, but may I just say … hi. How ya doin’?" - Flynn/Derek ;D 
             

Flynn: “You were my new dream.”  Rapunzel: “And you were mine.”

Beginning with this sweet detail placed on the bride's bouquet, we start a glimpse into Jim and Madison's wedding day. Filled with precious thoughtful moments surrounded by those they love.

This first piece here is a handmade pin from Ireland, an Irish tradition fulfilling the iconic "something old, something new, borrowed and blue"! I love this and if you know me I also love chickens haha, so this was very neat to see. 



While the bridesmaids and bride began getting ready the flower girls waisted no time fixing them snacks.
 
     



 

We were able to have a moment with Madison's father and grandfather who would be walking her down the aisle. I love when there is time for things like this.

Moments before the ceremony Jim and Madison exchanged words at their first moment together of the day. This was filled with laughter and sweet thoughts that they shared together. They were so ready to get married!

Once we were done at the church we were off to the Booshoft! This lighthearted venue lent itself perfectly to the bride and groom. When they told me their for sure wanted photos with the yellow slides I knew it was going to be fun.

         
       

This cup below was handmade from a single piece of wood. Such incredible craftsmanship! This cup held lots of meaning for Jim. It had come from the carpentry workshop of his grandfather who passed when Jim was in third grade. Their family friend Lee Dickinson used the wood to create this for the couple to use on their wedding day.

Madison & Jim were so relaxed in front of the camera, constant laughs as they did silly things to make each other smile. They made my job easy on a beautiful fall evening. Up for anything we took advantage of the open fields, colors and even large rocks! And they brought their sweet puppy Zoey, and who can resist a dog in a photo. (Zoey loves all the treats ;D ) I loved getting to know this couple, talking with them about their interests in farming and new endeavors into sunflowers this year. 

It makes the wedding day even more sweet when I get to know who I will be spending so much time with by doing an engagement session. 

Enjoy some of their beautiful moments together

Puppies are cute in close quarters, but have stinky breath haha. Zoey has no idea!

Taking silly photos like 

Until next time!!

1.4.2020

Kristen and Jake heard about one another through their families. Their loved ones knew that they would be a good match with their personalities and family loving values. They began by going out on dates and spending lots of quality time together. After a trip to Gatlinberg they knew they had something special. In April Jake took Kristen's father to dinner to ask for his blessing. This was right before Kristen and Jake were to put an offer on their to be home. After receiving a yes from Randy Jake popped the questions on April 12th completely surprising Kristen! They set the date for December 8th eager to start their married journey together.  

Kristen and I have become close over the years working in the Art Department at Waynesville. Kristen started talking about Jake and I knew something was different when she was unable to keep back smiles when he came up in conversation. They wedding day was full of energy and excitement. Kristen was calm and ready, while the bustle of the day was all around Kristen was the steady. She had found her love! And Jake.... Jake just wanted to be done with photos so he could go get married!!! He was beyond excited to see Kristen walking down that aisle to him. 

I love you both and wish you all the happiness <3  

Enjoy a few of the photos highlights from Jake & Kristen's day!

I was so excited when my high school friend Emilee contacted me about being a part of her wedding day. My interest peaked when she said we were going to be at a beach!! This beach side Michigan wedding was the perfect combination of the simple beauty of nature and love. The commitment these two were making to one another was complemented by the elegance of their surroundings. With family gathered close these two gave their vows at Emilee's family vacation spot, only adding to the significance of those sandy beaches. The reception was at the boat dock where dancing ensued under the setting sun only to close the night out with fireworks! There couldn't have been a more perfect evening!

Wishing  all the best to you both as you make this life journey together! Enjoy a few of the photos from the wedding! 

These two, where do I start?! This engagement was perfectly executed and Leah was sooooo surprised having no idea that the "photo shoot for me and my Zach" was actually just a ruse to get her and a camera in the same place ;D Zack Greene planned it to the T and wrote the sweetest note to Leah expressing his love for her and the hopes he had for their future. The whole time reading Leah was turning into a complete puddle repeating "are you kidding me?!" about 10 times haha. The awestruck look and tears in her eyes were a release, a physical display of the over pouring joy in her heart. These two have worked through thick and thin for the past 4 years  learning to show one another a Christ like love and how to build each other up to be the best version of themselves they can. 

Leah, my kid sister, my best friend, my "wey", laughing partner, and goofball. I can not even begin to express how proud of you I am. Your drive for life and love for those around you has taught me so many things. You have worked so hard to be where you are and you and Zack are going to do great things together! I am so excited for your special day where you make a life commitment to your best friend. But more importantly I am excited for the days after, the stories and adventures this journey will bring you. What a beautiful experience marriage is <3 I love you both and I can not wait to gain another brother. 

Here is to the soon to be Mr. & Mrs. Greene!!! 

These are pre proposal, Leah though I was "testing the light" for her to take photos of us ;D

That was the signal! Arm around her = go time!

She can't handle the excitement !

Zach got her nail polish because she wanted her nails to look nice whenever he popped the question. He thought of everything!

Zach kept everything in his sock!

The love between these two is enlightening! Each of the times I met with them their personalities complemented each other and they were nothing but encouraging and kind. During their first look it was obvious that these two could not wait to tie the knot. Their union brings together two amazing families who have a heart for each other. There were special moments like the bride's dances with her brothers, the bride and groom praying together and dancing lines flowing out the door that made this wedding so unique.  

Bill and Ruthie set a beautiful example of Christ's love for the church. Their commitment to give 100% to each other and live their life lifting each other up is a reminder of how we should all treat each other. Thank you Ruthie and Bill for allowing all those in attendance including myself to be reminded of God's love and sacrifice for his bride. You two are wonderful human beings and I can't wait to see your love grow! 

With that enjoy just a few photos from their special day! 

This couple got to celebrate for a whole week end as they blended two wonderful cultures into one. Saturday evening was a traditional Nigerian ceremony, to which I had never attended before so I was incredibly excited! This gathering was for families to meet and give blessings to the new couple as they showed their commitment to their family, faith and love. Each part of the ceremony was intentional and provided visual aid for the guests in attendance to follow the story of these two families coming together. 

The life and energy these families brought into the space just made you so excited for Justin & Olamide's union. Each time a family, bride and her bridesmaids or groom and his groomsmen entered the room dancing ensued and smiles broke out on everyone's faces as they celebrated with them! Prayer and God fearing praise filled the space as hands were laid on the bride and groom. There was truly the moving of the spirit as these families lifted up their thankfulness for these two finding each other and for the future they will build together. 

I could not be more enamored with this ceremony and its representation of the union of marriage. Thank you Justin and Olamide for the opportunity to be there with you! Enjoy just a few of the photos from this lovely day :) 

What an incredible couple these two are! They spent their gorgeous summer wedding at Rolling Meadows Ranch where each part of the location breathed light into the moment. Their celebration began the night before during their traditional Nigerian wedding ceremony where friends and family from across the country and even out of the country to join them in celebration! Justin & Olamide may come from different cultural backgrounds but at their core they bonded over faith and love. The character of their families shone as they showered the couple with prayer and rejoicing. It was refreshing to see the uniqueness of their wedding and how they let it reflect both of them. So much color! And so much dancing! It was impossible to not dance a little too while photographing the action :D Watching them through the night these love birds displayed such pride in one another. They held nothing back as they spoke words of commitment to each other not only in their ceremony but in the moments in-between. As they prayed with their dearest friends before the ceremony to affirmations towards each other during couple's photos, they proclaimed their love again and again. 

The unconditional support these two displayed demonstrates an understanding of one another. Time well spent learning each other's love language. I enjoyed this wedding so much and couldn't have asked for a more lively fun group! Thank you to both families for being such encouragers you made the day a breeze!

Enjoy just a few of the shot from this awesome day! Go team swirl !! 

Watching as life changes and there are ups and downs I am in awe of the way we are asked to step up and take a chance. But that is what was done for us, calvary was a chance on us, a chance on love. A family is a prime example of that love in action. So be thankful for the family you have been given, and that will look different for everyone. They are the ones who stand by you, encourage and inspire you. I love that I can consider these beautiful people as my family too!

Enjoy looking through a few of the photos from this session and I hope you smile as much as I did when editing them! 

Lillian wanted a good squeeze! And Carter got squished!!

She was hiding! The trees were all to far away. What are mom's dresses for but to hide in anyway.

We call this one "hmmm". Lillian LOVES to play hide and seek. She will even act like she doesn't know where you are when she does! 

Tickle fight!!!!! So many giggles!

Lillian wanted to take the photos so bad. She kept saying "neck, neck" to put the strap around her neck. So this next one is one of her's (with a little help ;D ) but I think we have a photographer in the making! 

Done with photos, time for rock climbing!!

Love for little sister! She can not wait to help with Ellie.

And this is why our sessions are fun! :D 

Hiding again haha "Bepi hide and seek!" hmmm wonder where she could be...

Love Your Wedding Planning

Besides being a photographer, I am also a high school art teacher. In that career I help others find their creative voice and make something that can be displayed for others to experience. Each student being unique in their ideas and feelings toward the project. There are always those that stare at the blank page and shout “I don’t know where to begin!”, and it is debilitating for them! I have come to realize weddings are the same, and I have made it my mission to ease that stress and help others create with confidence.

Weddings bring out the creativity in us, they allow couples to create a beautiful display of their love, sharing it with their friends and family. That display can be large and it can be small but no matter what, it is a reflection of their vision and style. A couple’s personality shows up in the decor, location, sentimental items and music! Remember as a bride and groom, this day is absolutely about you!!! So be confident and do what you want!

In talking with brides over the years one thing keeps coming up, where do I start!? Just like that blank paper in art class, the beginning steps to completing your vision can be overwhelming. Sometimes to get over that block you just need a little something to get you started. Below are some tips that I have used and seen work for other brides, as well as a helpful vendor booking timeline from Wedding Wire. This timeline gives you a visual aid (Teaching art I love visual aid :D ) of when to hire who. This way you don’t feel as though you have to do it all at once. Each month it gives you a task to complete and check off your list! Yay for getting things done!

 My tips:

• Make a list:     

Writing things down can help you stay organized and remember what you have already done.

• Delegate!

The people who love helping with weddings will come out of the woodwork so if you have someone volunteer to help give them a task, they will love it! Plus then you can just focus on the parts you are most excited about.

• Create a budget

Figure out how much you are going to be able to and want to spend and stick to it! Things can add up and money can be stressful so let your budget help you stay within your means and still create the feel and look you want.

• Nail down the Guest List

This can be one of the hardest parts but very important! Decide if you want to host anyone who wants to celebrate with you or if you would rather it be an intimate experience with just close family. The amount of people you have there affects everything else. You may want to invite a lot of people, and you can, as long as you can support the cost that will come with each person there (for example, food, seating, if you do favors, etc.) Make the list together, you are combining two lives worth of people! Start with a non trimmed down list and then go from there and remove as necessary.

• Ask your vendors!

We have done this all before and see the best and worst of it. Your day may bring different questions so ask us to share our experiences. We want your day to be a success!

• Timeline & Photo lists

Map out with your photographer when things will be happening. Photos can run smoothly and it helps to have a plan that gives you time for each part of the day. Having a list of names for family shots allows you to not worry if you forgot someone or a certain group you wanted together. When you are in the moment and just happy to be married things like this can slip your mind.

• Do we bring the kids?

This is one of the things that changes from wedding to wedding. Decide what is most important to you. The things to think about when it comes to kids: There is a potential for disruption. But they can be the life of the party and help get people off their seat during dancing! Do you have kids that you are close to? You can get away with letting just them be there by giving them a role in the activities of the day so they have to be there. Or you can do an age minimum. Most 5 year olds and up can behave during a ceremony. Be overly specific in invitations if you are not allowing kids. People like to assume that they can bring them and if you are tight on your seating you could run out of space. Guests may not come because of having to get childcare, or they may love the chance to get out without the kids. Just pick your fancy and stick to it.

• Don’t talk about the wedding

What? That’s a curious thing to say right? Planning can be consuming as you feel like you always have to be working on part of it to get it done. Your relationship was built on more than that, so don’t forget to still date. Make sure to give yourself time to just be engaged!! It is an awesome time of reflection and anticipation not only for your big day but the rest of your life. The wedding day yes takes time and planning, but to not get overwhelmed have some non wedding planning time. Enjoy it and each other :)

Click HERE to make a Wedding Checklist  & HERE for venues searches

I hope this helps calm you down and gives you somewhere to start. That this wedding planning experience will be a positive one that reflects the two of you in the art of creating your special day !

Much love, Bethany

Rachel you are my hero, thank you for always lifting me up and being you. Call me often! I love you! 

This little lady holds a special place in my heart. Today she came to my house all smiles ready to take pictures with aunt Bepi! Thats me :D She was ready to run around and I got my work out in. We sat by every tree per request by Lillian hahaha and she looked perfect at everyone! There were also some poses she came up with near rocks, donkeys, sticks and a post in the ground haha! She was quite the model.

Her mamma is my oldest and one of the closest friends I have, so when I found out she was pregnant with Lillian two years ago I was elated. And I cant believe it has already been two years!  It has been a true pleasure to watch Lillian grow and discover, each day gaining more and more to her personality. She lives in a home of love and you can feel it when you look at her photos. Such a bright spirit in the world. Thank you Sarah and Carter for allowing me to be a part of your lives and I look forward to the adventures of the future with all of you! 

Enjoy a few of the shots from the day and I hope it inspires you to get outside and love a little <3 

Kyle and I have been together since January 2011. When talking about the possibility of getting engaged, my response was always, "I want only two things: 1) pictures of the proposal, and 2) for it to be meaningful in our own special way."

At his family's Christmas party, we were required to put our phones in a basket at the front door so as to eliminate distractions and spend time with family. I did as I was told. At the end of the Christmas party, individual presents are given. One by one, the presents disappeared from under the tree, until one present was left. I heard Emily (Kyle's little sister) call out "To Andrea and Butch..." and hand us the present. Inside was a vintage saucer. I had no idea what it was until his family began to shout "It's a ring holder"!

It's tradition in Kyle's family for his Granny Turkey to gift a ring holder to the lucky young lady that she believed to be the soulmate for her child/grandchild on Christmas. Kyle was especially close to his Granny Turkey, but I was never able to meet her. She passed away shortly before Kyle and I began dating. But I know how much he loved her and he always told me that Turkey would've loved me if she had met me. After his Aunt Sarah stated that it was a ring holder, all of his family were excited.

I turned around and Kyle was on one knee with the most beautiful ring. I said YES! Then his family began shouting "Did any one record that?" "I don't have my phone!" "We don't have any pictures!" Everyone's phones had been confiscated into the basket at the front door. Luckily, Kyle had kept his phone with him and Emily had recorded the entire proposal and taken multiple pictures.

He accomplished it all - the most thoughtful proposal with pictures perfectly capturing the moment. The date is now set - 11.19.2016 - for the future Mr. & Mrs. Francis...

........

Kyle & Andrea's wedding day was filled so much love! I had the privilege of spending time with both of them before the ceremony and they both talked so highly of each other and the excitement they had for becoming man and wife. The genuine care for one another and time spent understanding each other's love languages was apparent through their actions. Thank you Kyle and Andrea for allowing me to help capture the love shared between the two of you! I wish you many happy years!

Enjoy a few shots from their day