There are several reasons why I loved this short little engagement session- in addition to Perry and Bailey being tons of fun to hang out with. Perry choose the location for the shoot at Briar Patch Inn, which is an adorable little get away down in Oak Creek Canyon of Sedona and the place where Perry popped the question. The property was a great change from some of the more popular venues we tend to shoot frequently. Even in January, I was surprised at how much awesome green landscape was surrounding the property. It’s a rare month, that I don’t love Oak Creek, but I was prepping the clients for a brown and fairly dead looking background. I also had a long conversation with the couple prior to our session about “props” in photo shoots. I’m of the opinion that you don’t want to have too many props just for the sake of props…. we see plenty of this. But, if it adds something about you, about your relationship, then prop away. I love any added elements that help bring personality to a photo session. In this case, Perry really does play the guitar and has a strong background in the arts, music and all things creative. I’m glad he choose to include the guitar for this particular shoot. Bailey is a new 8th grade teacher; which anyone who can teach middle school kids, has my vote! Congrats you two. ~Jamelle
Ever since the infiltration of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I have stopped sharing my family on this blog. I realized this week that this blog is an important place to share our personal lives because our clients are expected to share their most personal moments here, so I why not join the club and share some of mine. The kids were sick this week and I spent all week home with them (read: I’m ’bout to lose it) so when Daddy was home for the weekend, Owen and Harper were ALL about Daddy. Normally we divide and concur at bedtime but last night Harper said, “Daddy, read me stories, too.” I feel really lucky to be able to capture these type of moments for our family. It’s a treasure and it’s what I want to start doing more of for our clients. Incidentily when I mention it as an option, people freak out and tell me they don’t want to have me come to story time, bath time, breakfast time, etc. I’m here to tell you, people, forget dressing up fancy because these are the type of moments you’ll treasure forever. This was last night at our house. ~Cameron
Everyone should have a throw down, dancin-on-chairs-champagne-being-poured-in-your-mouth fortieth birthday party. These Texans sure do know how to party. The amazing entire weekend was planned by the one and only Mary Beth Events. Please check out the AMAZING chalk art that was done outside the restaurant just for this party by Hani Shiahada, the original NYC sidewalk chalk artist. This may look like it’s 2AM but it’s not, people, it’s a luncheon party and it goes nuts around 3PM. Ladies in heels dancing on chairs, sparklers, bartenders with Magnums on their shoulders or were they Jeroboams? It’s a French thing, apparently, the afternoon disco. Hell, this was a party to end all parties and it was over at 6pm! Let’s just say I’m planning this same party for Matt (well on a smaller scale) but definitely at Beaumarchais Brasserie in New York City. tech note: this client opted out of my usual off camera flash work — so I got fancy with my Nikon D3 ISO and went with more ambient light exposures. I think it turned out fabulous. The first few images are from the welcome party on Friday night, BTW.
It’s always nice to get to spend some time with the clients prior to the wedding day. In this case, engagement sessions are a great way to get to know us and get all those “I don’t look good in pictures” nerves out before the wedding. We had a great time with Rosanne and David a few weeks ago in Sedona. Rosanne is adorable and makes David smile, even if it’s mostly on the inside. Can’t wait for their upcoming May wedding at L’Auberge.
Ralph, Chloe’s father, gave a great speech about her at the rehearsal dinner. Apparently when Paul asked for Chloe’s hand (he flew all the way to NYC from Houston to ask permission), Ralph said to Paul, “you know she’s going to try to organize you.” That made me laugh. Chloe is a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to ask politely for it. She is kind, generous, charming and yes, very organized. During the wedding day, I noticed many times Chloe and her father having fun together. She thanked him numerous times during the evening and it struck me as a sincere bond that is hard to come by between father and daughter. It is always an honor to witness the various types of joy and love at our events. Paul is a risk-taker and so easy to get along with. The wedding combined elements of the Bride’s vintage style, and the Groom’s sense of adventure with their love for Charleston, where they first met. He created a short film about his love for Chloe, which played at the rehearsal dinner. I think if you watch it, you’ll get an idea of Paul’s personality and how genuine his love is for Chloe. Back to the actual wedding– what can I say, Lowdnes Grove Plantation is just glorious, as is Charleston, and the entire reception I felt like I was placed inside the Great Gatsby. The bride has a true love of vintage style, inherited from her mother. They both share an appreciation for antique aesthetics and art deco design, and the wedding embraced an elegant, festive, art deco look. Carrie Glasscock from A Charleston Bride orchestrated this theme flawlessly for Chloe’s event day coordination. Jamelle and I truly enjoyed working with her team. Please enjoy the slideshow if you are craving more photos– it’s one of the longest shows ever!
vendors:
location: Lowdnes Grove Plantation
event day coordination, decor, floral: A Charleston Bride, Carrie Glasscock
hair: Paper Dolls Hair + Affair Hair by Tanesha
makeup: Moore Makeup
wedding cake: Cakes by Jim Smeal groom cake: Cakes by Kasarda
caterer: Fish
jewelry: vintage finds in NYC and some family pieces
invitations: Six Pence Press Calligraphy: Jennifer Taylor
transportation: Absolutely Charleston
dress: The Bridal Garden {not for profit boutique benefiting kids charaties in NY}
band: Atlanta Ryhthm and Groove
Videography: Siegel Films {watch highlight reel here}
The best Christmas present! Little Carson was born on Christmas day 2011. Love.
