In the spirit of back-to-school, I began reminiscing my own "first day of school" memories. Photographing a special "last first day of school" for the senior class of a Raleigh high school yesterday had me thinking deeply about milestones in general. It's a special privilege to be able to see what the past looked like through photographs—both to celebrate it and to dream about the future. Some of these image highlights got me a little teary inside as they transported me back to my own "last firsts."

Event, SeniorsAmberAugust 16, 2016Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, Downtown Raleigh, event, Event Photography, Raleigh Senior, High SchoolComment

Andrew & Amy's Wedding in Raleigh, NC

When Andrew and Amy contacted us about shooting their Raleigh wedding, we were beyond excited about the opportunity! After hearing a bit about their love story and what makes them tick, we knew it'd be a true honor to document their special day. A couple nights ago, we had the privilege of revealing their entire collection of wedding images to Andrew & Amy at their home. We hope you love these image highlights.

Patrick's Surprise Proposal to Christen | Raleigh Engagement

Patrick and Christen have become all too familiar with the whole “long distance relationship” thing. Christen is currently living and working in Indiana, so when Patrick took a job in Raleigh, NC and relocated there earlier this year, they already knew what it would entail and how challenging it would be. This couple has certainly mastered the art of Skype dating and they definitely know how to make the most of rare, in-person time they do get. This surprise proposal will make your heart flutter and your knees weak...

EngagementsAmberSeptember 23, 2015Engagement Story, engagement session, Raleigh Engagement, Marriage Proposal, Umstead State Park, RaleighComment

Amy | Bridal Session in Raleigh, NC

Amy and her husband, Andrew, were married last Saturday and they had the time of their lives on their wedding day! They're probably en route home from their tropical honeymoon at this point and we're working on getting all of their wedding images finished up for them. In the meantime, I can't WAIT to finally share these gorgeous image highlights from Amy's Bridal Session a few months ago...

WeddingsAmberAugust 22, 2015Bridal Session, Bridals, bride, Raleigh, JC Raulston ArboretumComment

Longleaf School of the Arts | Class of 2016 Senior Breakfast

On Monday, I had the pleasure of being introduced to the Longleaf School of the Arts senior class at their Senior Breakfast. It's the school's first senior class EVER and the excitement was certainly in the air. Seeing the students, parents and staff mingle with one another was so neat—they are truly a unique, tight-knit little family. Cheers to their first full week of classes being completed and best of luck in their last year of high school! Here are a few "paparazzi" highlights from their event.

Event, SeniorsAmberAugust 21, 2015Longleaf School of the Arts, Raleigh, event, Event Photography, High School, Raleigh Senior, Downtown RaleighComment

Andrea and Vinny, BFF's | Real Life Session

Andrea and Vinny have a VERY special relationship with one another. Not only is Vinny Andrea's "furbaby," but they are also best friends. This personality-filled french bulldog has been at Andrea's side through thick and thin over the last few years. There isn't much they wouldn't do for each other, which is why this recent Real Life Session was such a privilege for us to capture.

Real Life: FamiliesAmberMay 29, 2015Short Story, documentary family photography, Pullen Park, dog, pets, Real Life Session, RaleighComment

Mimi and Charlie | Real Life Session in Raleigh

Anytime I have a chance to document motherhood, it's a true joy. This Mini Session with Mimi and her sweet little Charlie was certainly one of those opportunities. Mimi told me that she and her son had never had professional portraits together before, but that she loved the documentary style of capturing their "real life" together, so this Real Life Session with us was ideal!

Aaron & Elizabeth | A farmer's market Engagement Session

I don't think I'll be able to BEGIN to accurately describe the meaningfulness of this particular Engagement Session to us. Aaron and Elizabeth are two of our best friends in the world and we're SO excited that they'll be married in 34 days! The image highlights from this documentary Session at the farmer's market + a romantic stroll through the park tell this couple's love story.

EngagementsAmberMay 11, 2015engagement session, farmers market, Engagement Story, friends, Raleigh, Pullen ParkComment

Jacob & Ashlee | Christmas at a tree farm in Raleigh

When we casually met Jacob and Ashlee nearly two years ago at a conference in Atlanta, we did not imagine that today we'd be navigating life's journeys together as friends and roommates. We loved the recent opportunity to take some photos of them for their Christmas card and wanted to publicly thank them for their friendship. I hope you enjoy this story and these sweet image highlights...

Real Life: FamiliesAmberDecember 24, 2014Raleigh, maternity portraits, Christmas, tree farm, winter, North Carolina, family portraits, Short StoryComment

"Home" for the holidays

"Home for the holidays" was a complex phrase for us over the last ten days. This post is a quick little wrap-up regarding that very phrase for us while we traveled to see family for Christmas.

Chad & AmberAmberDecember 22, 2014Raleigh, family, personal, ChristmasComment

Raleigh Winterfest 2014

On Saturday, Chad and I went to our first downtown festival in Raleigh: Winterfest! Despite the rain, and even though it was 55°F (MUCH warmer than any "winter" celebration these northerners have had!) we very much enjoyed our experience. It turns out, you don't have to be able to see your breath to make it feel like Christmas. *wink, wink*

Read more about the festivities & take a look at photos from the event...

Chad & AmberAmberDecember 9, 2014Raleigh, Winterfest, Christmas, personalComment

Fall in North Carolina

Chad and I are learning all about the differences in timing of seasons here in North Carolina, in comparison to the northern midwest. Three weeks ago (Nov 13), we got up early and spent a weekday morning before work walking around Historic Oak View County Park. What perfect timing! The fall colors were absolutely beautiful and it was about 60°F—perfect for a fall nature walk. We soaked in the sights, took deep breaths, laughed together and didn't think about the challenges of life at all. Our focus was shifted, in the most refreshing way possible.

I hope you enjoy these photo highlights from our walk...

Chad & AmberAmberDecember 6, 2014Fall, Historic Oak View County Park, Raleigh, personal, nature, hikingComment

Alexa | Athens Drive High School '15

It was so great to meet Alexa! She's a senior at Athens Drive High School with a never-ending smile and a fun personality. We loved hearing about her involvement in school activities and sports. Alexa is an avid lacrosse player for her school as well as for a traveling team. Although she was very humble and didn't share many accolades, I just found an article about her online from earlier this year that named her as a 2014 US Lacrosse Academic All-American! Alexa, you're the real deal—congratulations!

A couple weeks ago, we went to Historic Oak View County Park for her beautiful Senior Session, which happened to be surrounded by lush fall colors. I especially love the set of images captured in the cotton field—so pretty! I'm excited to share these highlights from her Session below.

To view the entire gallery, check it out here »

Bryan + Katie | A beautiful outdoor Raleigh wedding

Katie is from Wisconsin and we actually have mutual friends there, but the first time we met her and Bryan, we ran into them in a random North Carolina parking lot. Chad and I were visiting Raleigh and told them we’d be moving there soon. We quickly discovered that we’d be attending the same church and that their wedding date was literally the first Saturday we’d be living in NC. It was clear that our meeting was “meant to be” and they practically booked us on the spot! We look back only to laugh now, as we’ve already become great friends.

Last night, they got to see their images for the first time at a Photo Reveal Party at their home. Today, we're so excited to share the story & image highlights from their beautiful, Raleigh wedding at the Babylon Restuarant!

WeddingsAmberNovember 12, 2014Raleigh Wedding, Raleigh, Wedding Photography, wedding, Babylon Restaurant, Downtown Raleigh, Outdoor, Wedding StoryComment

Setting The Trend On Glenwood South

Last week, through the course of a few fortunate circumstances, Chad and I were so honored to be the photographers at a Raleigh community event in the Glenwood South district. Several of the businesses there—restaurants, boutiques, salons, a new apartment complex, a car dealership, and countless other service-based businesses—were rallying together to show people what they have to offer. They threw a fun, free event for locals complete with live music, dancing, a fashion show, vendor booths, the unveiling of a few fancy Mercedes cars, and plenty of giveaways & drawings.

Check out more of the story, those involved and these fun event highlights...

Chad & AmberAmberOctober 22, 2014Raleigh, Fashion Show, event, communityComment