Shelli + Sean: Sneak Peek

The past week has been ever-so-exciting! Between shooting Shelli and Sean's wedding at Parc 73 and then heading to Chicago for a mind-blowing photography workshop, I've been a busy little bee. As I was sorting through their photographs from the day, I couldn't help but share a few. Here are a few of my favorites from their first look...

Stay tuned for more of their outdoor wedding on the blog next week!

Lauren + Ryan: Part II

As promised, here's part two of Lauren and Ryan's sweet and dainty affair! From blush bridesmaids, natural flowers, to the most perfect feminine touches. Their day was just a sweet mix of Southern cocktail hour at sunset and perfectly quirky vows, filled with ruffles and laughs in between.

And in case you’re planning a wedding, or perhaps you just love Lauren’s planned out details, here are a few of her ever-fabulous vendors from the day…

Venue: The Lakehouse Mandeville

Wedding Dress & Lace Duster: BHLDN

Bridal Prep: Marvilla Guest House

Makeup: Kendel with Makeup by Kendel

Invitations and Programs: Magnet Street

Paper Garland Flowers (pictured in Part II post): Love Embellished

Flowers: Florist of Covington

Videographer: BGP Productions

Photographer: Kali Norton

Lauren and Ryan, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for the opportunity to document this time in your life.

Pastels & Succulents - Kelsi + Darren

She's a girl who knows what she likes. Soft, Southern charm with the perfect pop of color is precisely how I'd describe Kelsi's taste in weddings. When we arrived to her room to start photographing that afternoon, the room was empty and it was like a heavenly bliss that allowed for us to document her details so perfectly, uninterrupted. The girls arrived shortly after we photographed her perfect succulent accented bouquets for us to catch a few key moments, then head out for a cushioned time block Kelsi and I had planned for photographs. The day just went as smoothly as the pretty shades of pastel were to my eyes. Here are a few of my favorite moments and details from Kelsi and Darren's day...

Everything was so soft, with the perfect interjected pops of sweet color for her Spring wedding.

I loved the style variations in the bridesmaid dresses, cohesively bound together by their matching bouquets and nude pumps.

And can we take a moment of silence to pay our respect for these fabulous boutonnieres? 

Their flower girl killed me. She was sweet perfection.

 Kelsi and Darren, I wish you a lifetime of happiness. Thank you for the opportunity to document your planning, details, and momentous day through my lens.

FEATURED IN: Emmaline Bride

So excited that it's Lauren and Ryan's wedding week AND their engagement sesh is featured on Emmaline Bride today! Hop on over to Emmaline's blog and check it out. (:

North Cypress Member Perks

I've had a few minimum wage-esque jobs in high school and college, most of which were at gyms, coffee shops, or heck, even coffee shops IN gyms. I'll tell you, there's something about working in both of these atmospheres that just brightens your day--or it did for me, at least. I loved the spirit of uplifting people I met in both of these places so much, that I always say someday, perhaps when I retire, I'll go back and work in a gym or a coffee shop--just for the sake of meeting bright and beautiful people. Perhaps its the good endorphins flowing and the routine-oriented people that frequent these places, I don't know. But I'll tell you, they're a bunch of happy humans.

Health and wellness are a pretty big deal to me. I think caring for your body and fueling it for success and longevity is one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself. It invigorates the mind, as well as the physical body, it breeds an environment of goals, and it paves the way for personal achievement. We've been members of our particular gym for a few years now, and I'll tell you, the faces we come to see every day there, just become sort of like an uplifting family.

Well, it turns out, our already AWESOME gym is in the process of a $3 million dollar expansion. Yep, you read that right. A fabulous club that already has a sauna, outdoor pool, tons of group exercise class offerings, a bistro, a salon, and childcare is now expanding EVEN MORE. Part of their expansion will include larger group exercise rooms, tons of new equipment, a sports complex, a private poolside party room, and some pretty cool new training concepts. The best part? Our monthly membership is EXTREMELY affordable. If you're local and want to read more about the expansion, you can do so here.

Anyhow, what's the point of me telling you this on my photography blog? Well, I'll tell you. (: As part of their new expansion and courtesy to members, new and old, North Cypress is partnering with a few local businesses to provide savings exclusively for North Cypress members. I'm so thrilled to announce that I've decided to partner with them for the upcoming year! SO, if you're a member or thinking about becoming a member, feel free to contact me or the club for more information on these sweet deals exclusive to YOU. I'm so looking forward to meeting you and expanding Kali Norton Photography with these offerings this year!

And if you are a local and would like to meet me and see more of my work in person, I will be at Imagine Boutique in downtown Hammond next Friday, April 4th from 6pm til 10pm for Art in April.  Our little town is so great at putting on events to celebrate art and local business, all with the most festive atmosphere. So come stop by, browse Imagine Boutique's PERFECT new Spring arrivals, and have a glass of bubbly with me! I'd love to meet you!

Stephanie + Joel - Part II

Happy first day of Spring! Oh how optimistic I am about blooming flowers and sunshine. As promised, here's the second part of Stephanie and Joel's sweet, sweet engagements. Since we are welcoming in the first day of Spring today, I thought it was appropriate to share this part with all of the pretty white blooms... 

These black and whites were both Stephanie and my favorites.

 I hope you enjoyed part two of these little lovers. Stay tuned for some Cabo goodness when they say their nuptials next May! Have a fabulous weekend, my friends.

Stephanie + Joel - Part I

I'm quite a girl. In fact, Preston wouldn't fight anyone on the notion that I'm as girly as they come. With that being said, we girls tend to have a bit of a rep for changing friends much more frequently than guys as we go into adulthood. Tis' ever-so-true. Stephanie and I were pretty attached during some of our younger years. As time went on, we drifted, then went on with our lives. But what I love as I look back on all of the various friendships I've had from childhood to adulthood, is that I look at where most of the ladies I've had the pleasure of being close to have grown to be, and well, it's just a beautiful thing, this life. Perhaps it has a lot to do with the fact that we are living out our twenties with eyes for adventure and ambition. Nonetheless, dream-inspired and goal driven seems to be a common theme.  This is absolutely true of Stephanie and her fiance' Joel.

Stephanie and Joel most certainly seize the day, and it's something I find so admirable about their relationship. After meeting Joel for the first time, I instantly saw the comforting love, security, and adventure he provides Stephanie. They are equals and they work life so beautifully as a team. This was so very apparent to me just from being around them. They even backpacked through Europe for 5 weeks last year, just taking time to soak in people, food, and culture. Are you in love with them yet? I am. (:

As I mentioned with a few past engagements, when photographing an old friend, a beautiful nostalgia comes into play. This was most certainly no different as I photographed Stephanie and Joel. We had a ball, laughing and chatting the entire time.

The comfort they had around one another seriously just found itself so perfectly on the screen of my camera.

Stephanie and Joel, you both exude beauty, inside and out. I'm so very grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with your contagiously warm and bright souls this year. And of course, I most certainly cannot wait to document you tying the knot in Cabo next May. Here's to love, travel, and doing life so big. Cheers!

Allie + Dalton

Mylanta, where do I even start? Allie was one of my best friends in high school. In fact, we were pretty much inseparable for a while. We drove to school together every day, lived only a few streets apart, and were pretty much together all hours that we weren't obsessing over school activities and insanely high GPAs. The insanely high GPAs makes me chuckle a little now. While that was undoubtedly so very important and I FULLY support striving for the highest academic achievements, our unwavering need for nothing less than a 107 percent was a little insane. I think, perhaps, I could have stressed a little less and enjoyed my youth a little more. Nonetheless, I can't say I've changed much--presumably, it's come in handy running a business.

Anyhow, as I went to college, Allie was a couple of years younger than me and, naturally, we drifted a bit. It was fine, though as we both have personalities that seem to fully embrace the change and seasons of friendships, which I love. I've always found that the best friends are the ones who understand these seasons, and nonetheless, can pick up right where we left off.

I hadn't seen Allie in quite some time before her engagement session, but you would have sworn we'd kept in touch weekly by the banter that ensued during. And, of course, I should have known that Allie would end up with a gentleman who fits right in, interjecting his own entertaining comments as if he's known a person for years. This is exactly how my Allie is. She's got a heart of gold, an adventurous spirit, and a drive for the utmost success. She's full of talent and her wit never misses a beat. After spending time with Dalton, I learned of his perfection for her, on all counts.

Being around Allie had me laughing harder than I've laughed in a long time. I forgot how absolutely entertaining she is. This girl could light up a room with her wit and ability to make people laugh.

This is pretty much how most of the session went, belly-aching, face-palming laughter. And then, OH THEN, there was Copper. Copper is the adorable little guy below, Allie and Dalton's 5-month-old "baby." He's SO smart too. He performed all of his little pup tricks for me and sat ever-so-perfectly for photos.

This next one was my favorite photograph from the session. Cozy, warm, AND cable knit cream...right up my alley...

We ended their session on the water at sunset just opening some beers and hanging out by the water--how I recommend ALL engagement sessions should be. We just relaxed, talked, and got some photos in that truly represent Dalton and Allie. Plus, they brought Shiner's Holiday Brew, Holiday Cheer, which I came across this year at Christmas time and is an absolute favorite of mine now. (:

Allie and Dalton, I'm so elated for your future together, on so many levels. I could not have picked a better match and I truly adore every aspect of you two and the start of what will be a life of beautiful adventure and, undoubtedly, never-ending laughter together. Moreover, I'm ever so grateful to have the honor of documenting these first moments of your life together. I love you both.

New Orleans Riverside Wedding - Casey + Brett

Much like the city in general, New Orleans weddings exude rich tradition and culture like no other weddings I've ever had the pleasure of attending or photographing. I feel almost as though a large majority of the culture of the city comes together, balled into this one night. For those growing up in South Louisiana, it's an intense feeling of comfort and of home as they begin their lives together under the celebration of such deep rooted traditions. Coming from beautifully large and close extended families, Casey and Brett chose to embrace all things rich in this culture on their day. All of the love, tradition, and comfort of the South...

They got ready at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, overlooking the boats and other happenings along the Mississippi River. I loved that both Casey and Brett were getting ready at the hotel, as it allowed us plenty of time to capture the details and emotion leading up for both of them.

As the emotion and tradition were both free-flowing, I felt it appropriate to use lots of black and white to convey the sentiments as I saw them.

As if the classic details weren't enough, the emotion that filled the day between family, friends, and all who love Casey and Brett left me in awe...

We don't always get a chance to document the men getting ready, but I  must say, it was quite entertaining watching these guys figure out the meticulous placing of their suspenders. Although, they seemed to have the bow tie part down, like the backs of their hands.

Casey has a twin sister, Jessica, as well as a younger brother, Nick. We couldn't help but have a little fun with Nick.

Their  ceremony was held at St. Francis of Assisi in New Orleans--and oh my word. Casey and Brett's ceremony was truly one of the most beautifully spoken ceremonies I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing. And well, the actual beauty within the architecture of the church simply speaks for itself. I also happen to love this little shot I snagged of the ring bearer giving high fives. (:

And well, I can't say I don't love the beauty in a crying bride, so very overwhelmed with the emotion of the day...

After the ceremony, we headed back to the Hilton to board the Creole Queen Steamboat and cruise The Mississippi. It was fabulous, and undoubtedly, the whole bunch knew nothing less than how to have the best time.  Casey and Brett, we truly felt like family surrounded by everyone who loves you so much. Thank you, truly, for allowing us to document your day.

A Southern Louisiana Wedding - Ashley + Matt

A girl born and raised near the mossy trees and cypress knees of South Louisiana, Ashley knew in every ounce of her being that her heart desired the most traditional Southern Catholic wedding with hints of all things reminding her of her sweet childhood and heritage. Both food lovers and raised near the bayous of South Louisiana, these sweet Southern elements came easily. I love the soft tones, mossy grey hues, and natural light that filled Ashley and Matt's day.

Ashley gifted her parents sentimental tokens of her appreciation on the morning of her wedding day, and for her mother, that meant Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. I'd like to imagine this book holds sentimental value for a few of us. I don't think I'll ever forget my own personal memories of the countless times my granny read it to me as a child...

Her wedding party was small and her colors were classic--all making for a timeless compilation of color and emotion to encompass the day.

Ashley and Matt did not opt for a first look, however, her dad hadn't seen her dress or any elements of the day, so she had a very special moment with him.

Ashley and Matt had a traditional Catholic Mass, followed by a traditional South Louisiana reception. If you know anything about South Louisiana weddings, you know this means the dance floor wasn't empty. (;

Both Ashley and Matt's mothers were not shy of a good time, and our cameras were thankful.

 Ashley and Matt, thank you for choosing us to be a part of your day. I hope for you nothing less than a lifetime of love, cherished moments, and happiness.

Lauren + Trey {engaged} - Part II

I just adore the class that these two exude and the sweet dynamic they share. In case you missed the first part of Lauren and Trey's session, you can check it out here. Now, if only I wouldn't be so antsy to see all of the fabulous planning Lauren has up her sleeve for October. Undoubtedly, it will be breathtaking.

For now, here's part two of their sweet engagement sesh...

Happy Friday!

Lauren + Trey {Engaged} - Part I

When Lauren and I began collaborating on the style of this session, I knew our outcome would be fabulous. And oh my word, it was just that! My jaw dropped and wheels started turning as I learned quickly how much I adored these two, how much this session would come to feel as though it were straight out of a Jcrew magazine, and how excited I'd be for documenting their wedding next October.

Lauren's a sweet Southern girl and an organization obsessor after my own heart. And Trey? He's just the type of comic relief most of us Type-A girls need for the perfect balance in our lives. That's just one beautifully pieced dynamic I learned about their sweet relationship. Scroll, and swoon, over part one of their classic, timeless style...

When Lauren showed up with red wine AND s'mores, there was no question she was destined to be my bride...

This little fella? His name is Teddy. He's perfect. Trey shared with me that he briefly debated naming him Chewie before they decided on Teddy...and then I died.

Lauren and Trey, from your sweet, Southern hospitality, to your classic style, to your inviting persona, you had me at "Hello." I cannot wait to get to know you even more and collaborate with you to create perfection for you next October. Stay tuned for Part II. Happy Hump Day!

Bethany + Chase {Engaged}

She's bubbly, he's chill and quiet. Friends for years and now planning to spend their lives together, Bethany and Chase wooed me full force during their session. Not only were they beautifully smitten with one another, but they were perfectly comfortable in front of the camera. In fact, they fell into place so naturally, it was almost as if I weren't even there -- just how I like it. (:

What I loved most about them was that even Chase was incredibly comfortable in front of the camera. But moreso, the interaction he had with Bethany that naturally unfolded from him taking the lead to make them both comfortable and natural, was so, so very beautiful to me. A man leading his lady so delicately is a beautiful thing. I adore these two so much.

I loved Bethany's low-back maxi with her soft curls. They both worked it! In fact, I told Chase I'll need to hire him to direct men for me at weddings. Kidding! But really...he was a pro.

There's little in life more beautiful to me than a happy woman. While, of course, happy people and general are great to be around, there's something specific about a woman. Every single time I capture photographs where I can tell, genuinely tell, that the woman in them is happy, content--that all is right in her world--I fell an immense feeling of satiety inside me.

Bethany and Chase, I absolutely cannot wait for our year of adventure and planning together. And what's more, I cannot wait to document you two becoming one next October. Stay beautiful, radiant, and in love always.

Creating an Inspiring Workspace {Part I}

I'm not sure if it's the part about me where I'm an organizational freak, or if it's the part where I've been "designing" my own bedroom since I was like eight years old, but as a creative entrepreneur working from home, an aesthetically pleasing workspace is directly proportional with my drive for positive productivity. Or...that's what I've been telling myself at least. Shh...

But really. I think when you work a job that requires you to be on your toes in the creativity department, it's very important to have a workspace that mirrors that. Additionally, for a while now, I've had a vision of a place where I could meet with brides and prospective clients that was professional, inviting, and most importantly, me. A space that fit my style, that fit my brand, and that fit all of the warmth and professionalism I want with my clients and friends. Because almost all of the time, my clients become dear friends. And the more my brand has come to define me--who I am and what I represent--the more this rings true. Which truly, y'all, is what I have always envisioned--a business that exudes warmth and top-notch professionalism, but where my clients feel like they know me enough for us to cozy up on my couch with a glass of wine and cheese and have the best conversation.

Anyhow, more on that topic is actually for another time. This blog is just a small introduction into my workspace, and moreso, how FLIPPING AWESOME my parents are. Seriously. If you follow me on Instagram, you know that my parents built me this amazing wine shelving similar to one I loved at Pottery Barn. The wine shelving? Oh yeah, they refurbished it from an old entertainment center. I'm truly bragging about them because this is a disclaimer: I HAVE NO HANDS ON TALENT WITH BUILDING OR PUTTING THINGS TOGETHER, WHATSOEVER. Seriously, it's embarrassing. But hey, everyone has their strengths, and my beautiful parents have the best knack for refurbishing and building things. My mom says it's stress relief. My dad? Well, he grunts and groans a little, but I think he loves it. (;

Their newest project, after I sent them a photo I liked from Wouldn't it Be Lovely, is this ahhhmazing shelving made from plumbing pipes that has my office almost complete. This would have been incredibly hard for my talents, but according to my dad, it was "fairly simple" in the putting together world of things--for those of you now itching to try it (small tutorial below). But scroll on, and enjoy the beginnings of my new workspace...

Almost everything on my shelves has some sort of significance. This magazine clipping is from one of the first-ever photographers to inspire me to follow my whims and enter the wedding industry. To create a journey for myself that would give me the courage to define my style and embrace the vision I had for an experience between my clients and I, instead of taking every job that came my way. And the lovely vintage cameras? Compliments if my way cool father-in-law. He finds the most awesome of things.

This last photo may not seem like much, but for me, it has the most significance to me on the entire shelf. Lara Casey's Make it Happen print holds so much weight in my heart for the journey I've been on this past year identifying my brand, my business, and what matters most. It reminds me that I only have one life and executing it as beautifully and meaningfully as I can by filling it with as much love and beauty as I can, is what is important.

And those stack of babies on the right? That's the beautiful new stationary that goes out to my clients. (:

For those of you now wanting to try this at home, materials for the shelf alone costed me $254.81 (tax included). Not bad, considering all furniture I was considering buying with this much storage space and style was at least double that.

We roughly used the outline of directions from Wouldn't it Be Lovely, but tweaked it a little.

Here's what he used:

 Tools: - Power Screwdriver/Drill - Stud Finder - 1" Hole Saw - Circular Saw/ Hand Saw/ Table Saw (or some other way to cut the boards to length) Channel lock pliers or pipe wrench

Materials: - black 1/2 inch pre-threaded pipe (I got mine at Home depot) I bought the following lengths for this shelf: - 6 of 12 inch

- 3 of 10 inch

  - 9 of 18 inch

- 11 of 8 inch

- 14 elbows

- 12 three-joint connectors (AKA Tees)

- 6 wall brackets (AKA end flanges)

- 4- 1 x 12 boards, (we used #2 & better pine because we wanted a knotty look) 3 cut 78 inches & 1 cut 46 inches( these lengths allow 7 inches hanging out on each end of pipes, if you desire less shorten accordingly)

wood stain

#14x2 inch wood screws

Directions:

- Clean the pipes, this is messy, but helps a lot

- Paint Pipes with Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint. We used Rust-oleum Universal Metallic Oil Rubbed Bronze.

- Using the Stud-Finder, find the Studs in your walls that are best spaced for the shelf & mark them. - Mark where the corresponding holes will need to be on the pine (32 inches on center, apart from each other), drill 1 inch hole 1 1/8 inches to center from outside edge, this will leave 5/8 inch of board to edge so it won’t break during assembly. NOTE: You will only need holes in the front. - Stain the wood & let dry according to stain directions. I wanted my wood a little white-washed to match my style, so my mom used Annie Sloan paint, then wiped off, and added Annie Sloan Dark Wax to get this effect. 

We actually didn't even screw into the floor, just the top wall, and everything is quite secure. Trust me, my dad is a triple checker. - Start building from the bottom up, screwing the pipe into the brackets and joints, adding the boards as you go. NOTE: the backs of the shelves are resting on the elbow joint, it's very sturdy and does not need to be attached in any other way than through the one pipe in front. Once assembled, make sure everything is level and lines up before you screw the brackets into the wall.

 So, there you go. If you feel like being handy, go get it! Happy Tuesday!

Chateau Country Club Wedding: Amy & Barret

Amy and Barret's Country Club Wedding was the perfect mix of glam, hints of preppy fab, and the creams I scream from the rooftops about. And as I mentioned in this post, the lighting and locations throughout Amy's entire day made it a photographer's heaven and created the perfect setup for nothing less than perfection in her wedding portfolio. Amy was timid, but I could tell time and time again throughout her day, that she is truly loved by the people who surround her. Her friendships genuine, her new marriage, already deep-rooted in love and family--Amy's heart shines golden. Scroll to see her soft details that made everything perfection.

After a long day of shooting, even Preston looked at me and noted how much Amy's preparedness and trust in me as her photographer truly made the day one of the smoothest ever for us. I loved Amy and Barret immediately, but after hearing her desires for big hair, an intimate first look with Barret, and the most classy forms of bling, she had me.

A special thanks to the fabulous vendors...

The entire staff at Chateau Country Club

Gorgeous blooms from Claire at Blumen Lendle

Brock and Natalie at BGP Productions

Hair and Makeup from the girls at Candies & Company

Some dope beats from Quinn with White Oak Productions

Cake from Haydel's Bakery

Amy's nerves were playing games with her in the beginning of the day, but she took care of that like a girl after my own heart...

It's a tie between birdcage and cathedral veils for me, but for Amy, oh my goodness she rocked this with her adorable bob like nobody's business.

Recognize this little angel? It's my sweet Ellis that I've been photographing since she was a wee little newborn. Ellis's momma, Jennie, is a long-time friend and old roommate of Amy's, and they were both in the bridal party. This alone, makes my heart so, so very happy.

It's always a toss-up if the little ones will be petrified or excited to walk down the aisle. Well, little mister Braden did it once, then said ever-so-adorably, "C'mon Ellis, let's go do it again!" The most perfect prelude to Amy's stunning entrance...

I adore this photograph so much. This is Berklie, being held by her great-grandmother. Capturing moments like this fills my heart to the brim.

Amy and Barret, thank you so much for allowing me to witness and document your day. I'm ever grateful and wish you nothing but countless years of happiness.

Meet My Second Shooter...

He is my comic relief, my voice of reason amidst my frequent female freak-out sessions. He’s a genius brain and knower of any random fact. He is my avid video gamer, Pop Culture lover, Scout Sniper and Reconnaissance Marine. He’s my textbook reader and fixer of all electronic devices. He is my Mister Social, risk taker, and limit pusher.

He pushes me when I’m scared, picks me up when I fall, and challenges me when I’m stubborn. Our adventure in love has taught me more about life than I ever could have imagined, and brought me an eye for documenting life and love in a whole new light. It’s taught me to embrace life’s moments and the huge story, feeling, and era that lies behind each photograph. He connects with people and sees life in a whole different dynamic than I—and this is why he documents your day alongside me.

When you hire us for your wedding day, you're getting more than just a photographer and second shooter, you're getting a team of newlyweds who know the adventures, successes, trials, and monumental moments you will experience in this crazy next chapter -- because trust me, it will be crazy. And it will be beautiful.

Some of the most monumental times in your life are ahead. There will be beauty, there will be breakdown, there will be all emotions in between. There will be days when you need to listen to your wedding song after a fight or look through those pictures to remind you of how you felt at those moments, to remind you. This is why we document.

Making Time for Styled Photos on Your Wedding Day

The wedding day and events leading up can be a stressful experience, but there is something I've learned to mention to my brides in the planning process that creates monumental differences in the outcome and mood surrounding the entire day. One of the first things I discuss with my brides when we start the planning process is the first look or some designated time for creative photographs before the ceremony. I personally am a huge advocate of the first look, however, some of my brides do like to keep tradition and I can certainly respect that. This day is about you, your first day of starting your new life together, so it is certainly not my job to tell you ultimately to see your groom or not. I am a professional however, and what I can tell you is that it will make for a different kind of intimate and special experience on the wedding day and will add priceless benefits to the outcome of your photos. I'm here to tell you of the elements it can add, for you to personally weigh the pros and cons.

When I look back at my wedding day in its entirety, having a timeline of photographs from the entire day is very special to my memory. It's a time capsule, all you have left to look back on the feelings you felt and the people surrounding you. Despite that though, the photos that are most special to me are the ones that I can see the emotion between Preston and I. The ones that are professionally stylized, yet are photos where we had time to be ourselves and get creative with our friends and family before the wedding. These are the ones I could print to hang on my wall as a piece of art. And what I found wasn't at all that this took away from my wedding day, but instead, added a whole new element to it. We got to spend time with each other, close friends, and family before the ceremony and had styled photographs, as opposed to posed traditional indoors photographs, with those special people who were nearest and dearest.

Regardless of whether you decide to do a first look, I think setting some time aside in the wedding day timeline for creativity has great benefit. Here are my outlined reasons for feeling so strongly about it:

1. Having more time for photographs beforehand equates 100% to less stress during the entire wedding day. It allows the stress to be taken off of my brides and their families and their trust placed in me to do my job as it should be. It allows them to breath a sigh of relief before the ceremony and not have to focus on ANY sort of to-do list during the reception. Let's be honest, you've probably paid a pretty penny for 3-5 hours of reception celebration and I think you should enjoy every minute of that with your guests. You've worried and planned for this moment to be perfect for months, now it's time to enjoy it.

2. Arranging time for creative photographs means you have MORE time for photographs and more final photos. As a photographer, it is my job to tell you what scenarios will create the best photographic outcome. Hands down, time for an outdoors location and photo styling before the ceremony will create the best outcome. It allows for more photographs of the bride and groom, jazzed up family photos, and more time for creativity across the board. It allows you to get the most bang for your buck and utilize my creative expertise that made you want to hire me in the first place.

3. It allows for a calm, intimate moment with your future spouse before the hustle and bustle of the day gets your head spinning. You get that private moment with one another -- this does not happen after the ceremony is over.

Not all of my brides opt for a first look. Chelsey and Kaleb did not in these photographs. While Chelsey didn't want to see Kaleb before the wedding, she wanted creative, posed photographs with Kaleb, her wedding party, and family. We planned out her wedding day accordingly and had ample time for photographs. This made for a fabulous outcome. It allowed us to scope out all areas of the plantation and utilize the most beautiful spots for leisurely creative photographs. Chelsey and I collaborated based on the creative outcome she wanted and we created a photo situation perfectly catered to her desires. For her, a spin on tradition worked perfectly.

So, I encourage you to be open-minded. I encourage you to trust the professionals you hire for the creative mind and professionalism that made you hire them. I encourage you to collaborate, voice your desires, and listen to their suggestions. When all of these things mesh, the photographic outcome of your wedding day creates a end result more perfectly catered to you than you ever could have imagined. Trust me. (;

How to Join the Creative Process Alongside Your Photographer (For Brides)

This is a post for those of you who want more than just photographs documenting a timeline of events from your wedding day. It's for the bride who wants to feel something -- a bigger story, if you will -- when she looks back on her photographs. A story, that when she looks back, doesn't remind her of the miniscule happenings or stress surrounding the wedding, but instead, a story that tells her of her place, maturity, experiences at that moment in life. A feeling that tells of her place with her brand new spouse at that time -- of the ripe, new relationship. It's for the bride who wants to look back on her photographs and feel every inch of the person she has become since then. Because, for me, a beautiful nostalgia or prideful feeling of accomplishment are the greatest gifts photographs can give us...

There is a difference between a photograph taken by someone who's a stranger and someone who knows your style, your personality, and the dynamic within your relationship. What I've found to be the absolute key to getting organic images full of pure emotion and style, is an experience based firmly on communication. This is why I base the planning process with my brides on a system centered on certain specific points of communication that I believe to be essential to a welcoming relationship and great photographs.

Let's talk more about some ideal communication. Good communication breeds a relationship that makes a bride feel like a friend to me. In addition to our frequent emails, perhaps a Skype meeting or two, and maybe even a little dinner double date in my home, I encourage my brides to join me in communication in a few simple ways:

1. BLOGS AND PINTEREST: Let's face it, Pinterest has become a common theme of our generation and what a beautiful tool it is! I encourage you to create Pinterest boards for your own personal inspiration, but I encourage you to invite me to join the process. Even more than Pinterest, I encourage you to find wedding blogs that speak to you. Tell me about them. Tell me of your overall style, vision, and FEELING you're trying to acheive. This gives me such great insight on your personal style and a look you may be trying to achieve, but cannot put into words for me. It allows me to see and interpret your style, see what inspires you, and mesh them together after getting to know you to create the perfect curated story that is all your own.

With that being said, please don't submit to me specific Pinterest photos you'd like replicated. That's a different story and won't create anything authentic for YOU.

2. SOCIAL NETWORKING: Invite me to join your social network. While Pinterest is great for styling and creative direction, this allows me to get to know you on a more personal level. It allows me to interact and learn about your personalty, the things you are passionate about, or maybe a little of your relationship dynamic. Let's make the most of social media. (:

3. ENGAGEMENT SESSION: Engagement sessions are a fabulous way, and in my opinion THE BEST way, to join in on the creative process. During the process of collaborative planning for an engagement session, I truly get to know you as a couple, what you're like when you're not dealing with wedding-esque things, and the you that makes you two who you are. Essentially, engagement sessions allow me to really learn the foundation and dynamic of your relationship. They allow me to learn what the both of you are like behind the camera, your best angles, and how to make you feel most natural on the wedding day. Engagement sessions create the foundation for a beautiful tradition of taking photographs with one another. This is a tradition I feel very strongly about among married couples in the first years of marriage (and well, always) for the many benefits it brings. You can read more about those sentiments here.

I hope this post helps inspire you a little. I can't wait for us to become great friends!

Kelli + Ryan {Anniversary Session}

Kelli and I have known each other since kindergarten, so when she contacted me about her upcoming one-year wedding anniversary session, I was more than stoked. As I emphasized in this post, regular photo documentation after all of the wedding craze is done is, perhaps, even more special to me. You know, once you're living together, growing together, and realizing the true beauty unveiled in sharing your good, bad, and ugly with that other person. It's magical and scary, all in one sometimes, which is why I find looking back on these professional photographs can be such a rewarding experience for a couple.

Here's Kelli and Ryan. I loved their chemistry and the flow they brought to the session. Everything about this makes my heart sing. Kelli and Ryan, I pray that you look on these photos and see the beauty in your marriage now and forever. I hope that in a year when you look back on these photos that they bring you a nostalgia and whole new sentiment and appreciation for one another. And most of all, I pray that you always remember to document your life together and cherish the ways you grow with one another each year.

Thank you for allowing me to document. I wish you the happiest first wedding anniversary. Cheers!

Connie + Mike {a surprise wedding}

A bubbly personality, an eye for detail and an appreciation for the beautiful things, a cup that overflows with a breathtaking fervor for life and for love. This is Connie. I met with Connie once before her wedding day, then spent that day with her and, yet, I feel like I've known her much longer. That is simply the radiance that embodies her -- and undoubtedly, I know that it's that precise radiance that gives Mike such desire to honor and cherish her for the rest of their lives. Mike is no different. I'm pretty sure he doesn't meet a stranger. And it is with those irrevocable qualities these two have that left me after one day feeling like we could be great friends.

In case you're wondering what the surprise wedding title is about -- well, Connie and Mike's beautiful lakefront wedding was just that. After sending out the invitations below, family and friends anticipated attending a Bon Voyage party, in which would precede Connie and Mike's wedding alone in Jamaica. Once guests arrived, an announcement was made that the wedding would be held immediately. What a beautiful surprise! Fabulous reactions, love, and joyous tears were a common theme.

As a photographer, to know I had the pleasure to be paired up and witness a couple with such a fervor for life, love, family, and friends is truly what leaves me captivated by my job. I am not a portrait photographer to capture still, posed images -- I am a lifestyle photographer, capturing life as true, raw, and beautiful as it happens. So, Connie and Mike, thank you sincerely for allowing me that opportunity. The opportunity to meet you, document you, and take a little of your love home with me. You two are radiant.