MARRIED: MISTI + JASE

Winter weddings are my favorite. Forgive my sappiness: the cozy quality of the love shared between two people contrasted with the cold of the season is striking in so many ways. Misti & Jase's wedding was no exception. The two had a small wedding in Columbia, a reception themed after their home states–Louisiana and South Carolina, and afterward an intimate time shared at Sesquicentennial State Park, a gorgeous area just a few minutes from the church where they wed.

One of my favorite things about shooting small weddings is that more likely than not I know several of the guests. Since I've known Misti since I was a freshman in college, there were loads of friends at the wedding, including a few friends I know will be getting married soon! The ceremony was early in the day, so the reception was a combination of breakfast and brunch-type foods from LA and SC, including a cereal bar, a king cake and pralines galore.

Jase and Misti's charming exit to bubbles led spectacularly into their time at Sesqui. The sun was high, but the shade that the trees gave was just right and the cool winter colors did nothing but wonders for these two. I'd liken Misti to a Snow White of sorts in these photos. I've been skeptical as of late when shooting weddings, stressed to the brim on timing and all that, but Jase and Misti's wedding was a refreshing delight. And I'm still in shock it's been almost a year. Here's to the Ellises.

ENGAGED: SARA + JUSTIN

Okay guys. These two are just perfect. I'd known Justin for a little while in college, and I met Sara at a party a couple years back. Thrilled when they asked me to take their engagement portraits, I was really looking forward to getting back to campus to shoot where they met and fell in love! These two are bright and lovely, and I'm sure their wedding in September will be the same! The cutest. 

ENGAGED: MATT + LEE ANNE

Okay. Technically, these two are already married. This is their one-year photo session to make up for their lack of engagement photos. Matt and Lee Anne were my supervisors the first time I worked at FUGE Camps in Black Mountain, NC. Black Mountain feels like home to me, the fresh air and the colors of fall. I met these two at the base of the mountain and we climbed and hiked through the greenery to have a little fun.

The sunrise at the summit summed up the brightness these two give off, the whole three years I've known them. They met and were married in the beautiful place, and it was the perfect time of year and of day to capture them, I'm so glad they trusted me with such special moments.