Happy Birthday to Jacob

"Who's that?"

That was the first thing I said after seeing Jacob for the first time way back in high school as he walked down the hall. We had a few encounters before we actually started dating. The first time I had a chance to talk to him, he was in trouble (such a rebel!) and was sitting in the math department near my mom's desk. I offered him some Cheeze-Its and he politely turned me down. That was the end of that encounter. The second time, I offered him some pizza on the way to a party with mutual friends. Again, he turned me down (geez, I needed a new strategy!). But that time we had a chance to talk and ended up talking in the corner most of the night. Now, a little over eighteen years later, we're married and have a daughter. It was hard to see into the future back then, but I'm pretty sure we knew.

Happy birthday to my best friend in the world. I love you!

And to show something Jacob and our friend Brandon did for my Mother's Day/birthday present, take a look at the wood wall they created below. I had seen a cool scrap wood wall online and asked if Jacob could do one for us. I didn't anticipate the amount of work that would go into planning it, making all the cuts, staining and putting up each individual piece before the two of them actually got started. It was a beast, but I think it looks great. Are they happy with the way it turned out? YES!!! Would they ever do it again? NO!!! In fact, Jacob and Brandon wrote a hate note to the wall on the back of the last piece of wood they put up. But--come on--it's cool, right?

Lynne and Alston | Raleigh Family Photographer

I was driving to Wilson and was just about to get off the exit when I heard it. It was a sound I'd only heard in movies, but I knew it wasn't good. I started to slow down to hear it better and then heard a loud POP! I'd gotten my first flat tire. Here I was, about to do a photo session and I was stranded on the side of the road. Things weren't looking good for the session at that point. Thankfully, Lynne came to my rescue and picked me up so that we could do our session in downtown Wilson. What lifesavers!

Thank you for saving the day and for such a fun session!!

PS: Jacob drove out to meet me afterwards and changed the tire for me. After having watched him, I feel like I could do it if it happened again...but I wouldn't welcome the opportunity : )

Virginia + Jordan Wedding | Destination Wedding Photographer

Virginia and Jordan are married! I was so excited to photograph their wedding, because I knew it would be a fun day--and it was! I photographed Virginia and Jordan's engagement session only a few weeks before the wedding and really enjoyed seeing how funny, goofy, and loving these two are.
The wedding took place in Black Mountain/Montreat, just outside of Asheville. There were many personal touches that day, with many of the decorations being made by Virginia, her mom, and her sister, Clare. Some of the flowers came from Virginia's mom's garden. Clare made the cones (made from maps!) that held flowers and adorned the doors throughout the reception area. Virginia's mom hand painted the sunflower for the "guest book." Jordan's family raises cattle and they brought all of the meat for the reception--over 300 pounds of it!
There was lots of dancing at this wedding, which was very entertaining. But perhaps the most entertaining event was seeing the guys decorate the getaway car and surprise Virginia and Jordan with water guns. Scroll down to see what happened : )
I must give a HUGE thank you to Stacey Baker for second shooting! You were so awesome!


















































































I have so many pictures with goofy faces (below right). They just can't help it! Too funny : )