S. Carter Studios

The memory is fresh in my mind, my face exhausted from all the smiling, the soles of my feet black from dancing with my shoes off and my glittering left hand being held gently by my HUSBAND! I can vividly recall that my excitement as we drove away from our reception. It’s hard to put into words but I plan to try. It’s the excitement of endless possibilities, the fruition of months and months of planning, the joy of having so many dear friends and family members celebrating with us. It was the fancy dress I had tried on so many times finally getting to see the sunlight (and on our day, snow, sleet and rain). The vacation that lay ahead and the comfort that I belonged to Josh and he belonged to me, officially! There is absolutely nothing like being a brand newlywed! I love that moment at each wedding when the couple clasps hands and heads into their future leaving the wedding behind them and marching forward into life together as it appears in the day to day variety without beautiful cakes and photographers following them around. This is why I stay, to the very tiring end, because the getaway is the beginning of that transition! It’s worth it to me to capture the very last minutes of that day that will forever mark the beginning of their lives as a family. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing many getaways and am happy to share a few with you! Assuming most of you don’t attend as many weddings as I do, I’m happy to provide some getaway categories with you too. Enjoy!

There are the sweet, classic getaways…

Michael & Brittany

Gerald & Erin

Justin & MaryJo

Mark & Maria

Then there’s the brave getaway (could also be called the messy getaway)

Eric & Tracy

Ryan & Kristina

Probably the messiest of all…EVER…Nate & Bekah

There’s been one foiled getaway…. Dayton & Rebekah. Planned by Rebekah’s band of brothers and the best man, they captured Dayton and tossed him into the pond behind the reception.

and last but certainly not least the glamorous getaway!

Peter & Marianne

Wayne & Lacey

Matt & Jen

Jon & Lindsay

The biggest and baddest of all glamorous getaways has to go to Josh & Michelle who took off on a beautiful Harley Davidson brought in JUST for the occasion.

My husband and I, who incidentally celebrate six months of marriage today, dated for 5 1/2 years before we were wed. We had the title hands down on longest dating relationship before marriage out of our friends but this weekend I photographed a couple who blew us away! Michael and Brittany began dating 7 years ago! They met in high school at Northside Christian Academy which is part of Northside Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. What began before they could drive with stood many life changes. It was so special to see them tie the knot inside the same building in which their relationship began. I must brag on the amazing video they couple created and showed before the ceremony which incorporated both photos and video from their childhood to today. I hope that I can find online soon and share it with you! Their wedding was beautiful and memorable. Brittany’s grace and composure was inspiring as the day unfolded. Michael and his band of mighty men had me laughing early in the day and the smiles didn’t stop until the couple made their get-a-way several hours later. Enjoy some photos from this great September wedding!

This picture was great as the girls recalled over a decade of memories in front of this tree including class photos from second grade and after school pick up in fourth! I was also LOOOOVING the beautiful dresses the bridesmaids wore.

I mean, look at her, what an absolutely gorgeous bride. 

The pastor shared memories of a gangly middle school point guard in Michael and Brittany who made scores of hand-braided bracelets for an entire youth group on a mission trip. It’s not every day that you get to be a part of such a highly anticipated wedding!

After the ceremony we tromped around the beautiful grounds to take the formals. I love their facial expressions!

I’m not sure how many times they stole kisses around this building over the course of their relationships but they won’t have to sneak them anymore!

Loving this ring shot.

It wouldn’t be right if I didn’t post a picture of Michael and his mother dancing. The Joyner family takes their dancing VERY seriously (see below)!

I’m excited to share what are probably the best bouquet and garter shots in my portfolio!

and in what seemed like a wink, they were off to Mexico. Congratulations you guys!