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!

And also, because it’s the first Mother’s Day that my mom won’t have her mom here with us, here are a couple of my wonderful Nana, who is missed a whole lot:

Thank you to The Schultzes for these treasured memories. Love you, Mom.

Rachael is so much fun in front of the camera — I had a great time photographing her (and special thanks to her sisters and mom for the help!). Enjoy. : )

The ceremony was held at the Fred W. Symmes Chapel — aka the pretty place — in Cleveland, South Carolina. My GOODNESS this place has gorgeous views; it is tucked away in the Appalachians near the NC-SC state line. Love those mountain backdrops! And it is so peaceful there. The reception was held at the Highland Lake Inn in Flat Rock, North Carolina. Both were lovely landscapes for a wedding day!

Bride’s dress: Modeca
Bride’s shoes: Coloriffics
Bridesmaids’ dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom and groomsmen attire: Vera Wang
Bride’s hair and makeup: Carley Smith of Lather Salon
Florals: Debi Warren, family friend
Coordinator: Moxie Studios
Ceremony music: Four Seasons Ensemble
Cupcakes: Donna Threlkeld
DJ: T&B Sound Designs
Caterer: Season’s Restaurant at Highland Lake Inn
Programs: Delphine Press
Rings: Diamonds Direct

Courtney & Shane, y’all were a pleasure to be with and photograph. Thank you for letting me be there! And a quick fun fact for everyone: the groom’s twin sister was a past bride of mine. And get this: the bride has her own twin! I LOVE twins — so great! : ) Enjoy this wedding, y’all.

Twin moment. : )

Love the color of the bridesmaids’ dresses!

Courtney placed her late grandmother’s brooch on her bouquet.Shane was so pumped to see his bride!

Twin getting emotional. So sweet.

Gorgeous girl!

LOVE this one.

So adorable!

Courtney’s late grandmother’s sister. She and her sisters got a little emotional when saying goodbye.

Hilarious bouquet toss sequence. I think Courtney and her twin planned it?! : )

Shout out to Amy + James on the left! Heart y’all. : )

I first met Bernadette while studying abroad in Sydney, Australia during college. From our first conversation miles away from both of our homes, we pretty much clicked and spent a lot of time together. I couldn’t have been MORE thrilled when she asked me to shoot her wedding (I think I did a happy jig/dance while talking to her on the phone — not exaggerating!). : )

I’m so happy she met Casey in Baltimore; they couldn’t be more perfect for each other. My favorite part of their wedding day was simply witnessing how they looked at each other. It melted my heart from behind the camera, that’s for sure. They got married at Old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and the GORGEOUS reception was held at the Four Seasons in Harbor East. I think Baltimore is my new favorite city… at least, the harbor views left me breathless. ; )

Bride’s dress: Augusta Jones, purchased from Betsy Robinson’s Bridal Collection
Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Monique Lhuillier
Groom and groomsmen attire: Black Lapel
Hair and makeup: Alison Harper and Company
Florals: Uncommon Events
Coordinator: Uncommon Events
Ceremony music: String Poets
Cake: Patisserie Poupon
Band: The Source
Videographer: CinemaCake
Caterer: Four Seasons Baltimore
Invitations: Green Kangaroo
Rings: Nelson Coleman Jewelers
Rolls Royce: Her Majesty’s Service

Coming away from this wedding, the beauty of it and feelings from it leave me without words. It really was a perfect day. Everyone had a smile on their face the ENTIRE time! Let me get to the photos because I had SO many favorites. Bernadette & Casey, y’all know I love you guys and wish you a lifetime of happiness and FUN!

*Special thanks to Alison of Freckle Photography for helping me shoot and Melissa and Amanda of Uncommon Events for making the day go flawlessly!

Love these two gals.

Gorgeous bride!!!

Sweet mama/daughter moments.

Father of the bride taking in the awesome views…

Studs!

LOVED Bernadette’s sparkly nails!

Adore this mom/sisters shot. : )

Grandmother’s dog couldn’t WAIT for the bouquets to be used — thirsty pup!

Such a fun group of ladies!

Casey & Bernadette’s first look was so, so sweet.

Iconic Baltimore…

The ring bearer and flower girl (brother & sister) were SO CUTE.

Love this moment between Casey’s dad and the couple.

Isn’t this cake SO unique!?

Great toasts throughout the evening…

I LOVED all of the floral details at the reception!

The band was AMAZING!

I wanted to take this farm table (and everything on it) home, y’all.

Gorgeous!

After the garden center, we headed to Freedom Park (on a chilly day!) for some outside shots.

And here is the one Courtney chose to display as a canvas at their reception!

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!

Precious little Emma Kate’s newborn session will be on the blog tomorrow — can’t wait to share this one! : )

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!