S. Carter Studios

If all your photographer friends were honest they would admit that there are certain couples they wait on the edge of their seats for in hope will call as soon as they are engaged. For me, River & Collin were definitely one of those couples. Not only are they RIDICULOUSLY good looking but they have genuine hearts filled with love for each other, for their families, compassion & devotion to the Lord. Add it all up and it’s a knock out combination! Josh & I hung out with them several times over their engagement and got to know them well. Their engagement session was one for our record books, I mean a couple who is up for field photos, water balloons and high class downtown pics all in the same few hours, truly awesome! I knew their wedding would be an incredible event and I was right. They flew me to Indiana and as soon as I got there I knew I was part of the family. For starters, one of the bridesmaids was waiting outside with my name scribbled on the back of a pack of eyeliner to indicate the Town and Country was here for me. We arrived just in time for the rehearsal where nervous giggles and many, “I can’t believe it’s finally here”‘ statements were heard. River herself picked me up the day of the wedding, nervous, excited and happy to take me to grab some McDonalds for breakfast. It was wonderful to watch her undergo the transformation from bride to be to BRIDE! She looked absolutely breathtaking, with a dress to die for & a smile to match.

They opted for a first look and it was wonderful to be there as she shared a journal with him that she’d been writing in during their year long engagement, I melted my heart a little when she shared that it was inspired by my gift to Josh on our wedding day.

I gave them some privacy and took a few detail shots.

A note: the rocks below were handed out to the guests as they entered the ceremony. The pastor led the group in a prayer and asked them to silently pray for the new Mr and Mrs. The rocks were collected at the end of the ceremony and are displayed in their home!

While we waited for the ceremony to start, the guys  were pacing back and forth in a room listening to the US men’s world cup game (which we sadly lost) praying for a history making victory!

Don’t they look great as newlyweds!

After a joyous exit, we traveled to a property about half a mile down the road and I hit the photography jackpot! A private residence that we had complete access to and around every corner it got better and better! I could have literally shot there for HOURS.

I was IN LOVE with her gown. Beautiful on, in motion, laying still & easy to “poof”, just ask her Maid of Honor.

One of my absolute favorite all time wedding photos EVER taken.

and after they tore me away from that gorgeous place we had a great reception. These glasses were the same used at Collin’s parent’s wedding!

Happy to end this post with this: gorgeous, suave, classy & not afraid to get a little messy! Thank you so much my friends, Josh and I wish you the very best and can’t wait to make more memories with you!

Where to begin with this couple. Our friendship began when we took their spring engagement photos in 2009.  We bonded over shared love for the movie Hocus Pocus. I saw them during the year at James and Johnna’s wedding where they tore it up in the Photo Booth. Always excited and bubbly, we all looked forward to their wedding. Now, if you travel often you can imagine that it’sn ot always very fun or exciting to be gone every weekend and sometimesy ou dread the trip even if it’s worth it. I was battling this feeling when I woke up for my freakishly early flight to Atlanta for their wedding but as soon as Candace and her wonderful mom picked me up from the airport those thoughts completely disolved. It’s very unusual for the bride to be one to pick me up so that was quite a treat. They treated me like family and that’s what I was for the rest of the weekend. Family just as much as any other guest who was there. I joined their family and friends as we celebrated at probably the most laid back, simlpe wedding celebration I’ve been to in years. Enjoy a whole slew of photos from their event including lots of happy details!

The courtyard of the church hosted the reception and it was just gorgeous!

Awesome bridal shoes. Candace LOVES shoes. Really, she does.

A little surprise for the groom.

If you know Mike and Candace well you probably already know that they love the Lord, each other and people in general very much. This was so clear at their rehearsal dinner when they went around to the over 40 people in attendance and personally introduced each person and shared what an impact that person had on their relationship and why they were glad they were there. Including me! It was such a beautiful thing to see and be a part of. They just don’t make them like that all the time. Way to go Lumpkins and Thurmans! Example 2: Moments before walking down the aisle, Candace is filling out Thank You cards.

Okay, getting to the really good stuff.

These guys were killing me. Such a great group and so happy to pose.

A sweet moment as mom was dropped off by her sons.

After all those months, all that planning, all the waiting, they became Mr. and Mrs. Everyone was thrilled!

It was like a midafternoon dream. Gorgeous light shining, beautiful couple. No RAIN! It doesn’t get much better than this!

One of my all time favorites.

Oh yeah, there was a reception too, lol.

Gotta be one of the very best cake smashings I’ve been a witness to. Including my own!

The best part not showing here is when Candace’s mom came to help her followed by her Grandma. Mike was arms open ready to accept her help and was brushed past with quite a look, left to his own devices for cleaning up. It was too funny.

VICTORY!! For the maid of honor of the year who flew in early that morning and left that evening!

Just as quick as it started it was all over and the newlyweds left in a flurry of bubbles and laughter. Each time I look through these pictures I relive the experience, I could do this wedding 3 times a weekend. It was such a pleasure to hang out with these awesome people!

So, remember that weekend when we got 20+ inches of snow? Well, right at about an inch and a half, Josh and I took off for our great winter migration to the South. We drove through snow and ice for 6 hours and stopped just short of the turn off the highway for Ryan and Kristina’s wedding. The craziest part of the whole thing was that when we got to their ceremony site, 20 minutes form our hotel, you couldn’t even tell there had been a storm! Don’t get me wrong it was FREEEEZING but their awesome bridal party hardly whimpered as we took them outside for photos. I think Ryan and Kristina would tell you that it was all worth it! Enjoy photos from the last wedding of 2009!

PS. I must take a moment and brag on my seriously handsome and talented husband: Josh Deal. A lot of these photos came from him as my second shooter. I really did hit the jackpot with this one! Just to prove it to you I’m going to post a J.D. after each image in this post that belongs to him.

Yes, I’ve mentioned it before but I’m in love with Kristina’s big, beautiful eyes and lashes. I mean really, look at them!

their flower girls were JUST adorable.

Here’s part of the J.D. love fest

J.D.

J.D.

J.D.

J.D. {It is good to note that I had gotten the “talkin to” by the church lady and was dutifully hiding behind a large column no further forward than the first row of guests and not encroaching on the stage AT ALL. So Josh got the job of getting these fun shots}

J.D.

J.D.

J.D.

A brief pause in this tribute to show an image of mine!

and back to the action

J.D.

J.D.

The chapel had beautiful natural lighting flowing through the windows.

Just trying something new.

Absolutely classic as we took picture outside, Josh turned around and got THIS.

J.D.

Gotta say this is a favorite from and old S. Carter Studios standard.

and back inside to warm up again.

I’m convinced their kids will have great eyelashes too, lol.

aaaand back out.

They had their reception in the lobby of the pharmacy school Ryan graduated from at Campbell University. They even brought in a gorgeous Christmas tree for guests to put gifts under. It was covered in ornaments which served as favors!

Reasons to get a 2nd shooter. I get this while Josh gets the one below

I love the way he sees things!

They had stations around their reception with their favorite desserts and the stories behind them. Everything was soo tasty.

Beautiful Christmas themed decorations made it a cozy holiday celebration.

As quicky as it started, their celebration was over and they headed off. But not without some mischief first.

J.D.

J.D.

I had no idea but was thankful for this shot!

A note: Many of these photos from Ryan and Kristina’s wedding were available on Facebook shortly after the event. I wait to blog them until after I’ve completed editing so the blog readers can get a full selection but if you’re itching to see the work as soon as it’s available then by all means, join 843 of my closest friends and become a Fan on facebook. New content and updates as soon as it’s loaded as well as special Facebook contests and prizes to be announced! Just for the heck of it you should follow me on twitter too!

The more I learned about Brian and Libby, the more excited I became. She grew up in Thailand and they were incorporating that into the wedding and reception. Yes, my friends we’re talking about parasols and authentic Thai food and even a Thai dancer! They couldn’t have picked a more perfect day and I was so glad to get to spend it with them. They surrounded themselves with great family and friends who braved the cold weather to do whatever was asked of them. She was simply beautiful and the vows they’d written to each other were so sweet. Enjoy a few of the moments from their wedding day!

I couldn’t get enough of these super cute kiddos.

We headed up to the monogram and had some stunning light to work with.

They had their reception at the same place Josh and I did and it was the first time I’d been there since. I just think there is something a little magical about this building. I’m probably biased.

A super cute and original cake topper.

Despite feeling under the weather, she sang a song to him that she’d been singing to the Lord for years about finding her love.

What a beautiful, wonderful night. Thank you for letting me share it with you!

Some couples just have the “it” factor, they light up when they are around each other and that light has the watts to power Vegas for a few decades. Matt and Jen are like THAT. They bring so much joy to each other and everyone around them that it’s undeniable! I took their engagement photos last winter and caught a glimpse of what it’s like to be near so much joy but their wedding weekend was a testimony to how wonderful it is to be a part of their lives. It was the PERFECT weather and I was definitely in awe during my first Fall in New England experience. It’s really just breathtaking. Josh and I had a blast scooting around town in our rental car but the real fun was definitely where Matt and Jen where! They had a bridal party that we couldn’t get enough of and made photography a priority! I hope you can enjoy just a few photos from this celebration as much as we enjoyed the entire experience!

She was stunning and everyone who saw her couldn’t help but smile!

Especially Matt who lit up when they had their First Look!

I asked her if she thought she’d cry and she said no, but Josh caught a few tears as Matt pulled her close.

We gave them a few minutes alone and then hit the grounds of beautiful Connecticut College for photos!

Yes, they were LOADS of fun.

So proud of my husband for grabbing these three!

I was trying a little something different, we think Matt will like it.

We took a break from photos for one of the sweetest ceremonies I’ve been a part of including a time of family prayer.

Leaving photos are always my favorite.

Yes, my favorite couple in the New England area wanted even more photos when we reached the beautiful Inn at Mystic for their reception! We were more than happy to oblige.

Just classic.

The party began after a tasty dinner and went into the night as we celebrated with the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Douglas.

Oh, boy, the dancing was great!

I remembered Matt’s sweet moves from Adriel and Amy’s wedding and he did not disappoint!

A few tasty details on the way out

A photo book of Mystic through the seasons that they had people leave messages for them on the pages. It was a beautiful idea.

A super tasty cake decorated to match the lace on the bridesmaids’ dresses!

The cake topper, the same one that graced Jen’s grandparent’s wedding cake, was personalized to look like the bride and groom!

They left in a flurry of cheers, post-it notes, and sparklers!

Thank you for a wonderful weekend of love and celebration of God’s work in your lives!

One year and two months ago we were swaying back and forth in our hammocks as our boat traveled down a river in Amazon River basin. We slept next to each other in hammocks, and with about 18 other people including Travis and Collin, as we traveled and put on children’s programs, assisted in medical clinics and even pulled teeth! Look, I have proof! I was already engaged and planning my wedding and we shared silly details while she told me about her boyfriend Matt. Several months later, Matt asked Naomi to be his wife! We celebrated and laughed as the number of single people on our team dwindled! In March, Naomi and Matt, along with several other team members celebrated with Josh and me at our wedding!

It’s wonderful how God brings people together. I was so excited when Naomi contacted me about being a part of her wedding by being her photographer. The ceremony was just perfect. Naomi’s father gave a challenge to them individually and the one he gave Naomi struck my heart and challenged me to be a better wife! They had planned on a simple, nature themed wedding and pulled it off beautifully. The reception site was perfect, the food was great, the dancing was spirited and the joy their friends and family had for them was contagious. Thank you so much for letting me share this with you guys!

I couldn’t get over how stunning she was.

I love this picture because of the out of focus man on the right who looks as though she truly took his breath away!

Matt built this arbor as well as everything that was used to decorate the ceremony site.

…and just like that, they were husband and wife.

The music for their first dance was provided my some friends and couldn’t have been more perfect for them.

So many wonderful details!

Tables 11 & 12 brought the action on the dance floor!

A quick picture together before they made their grand exit!

Congratulations my friends. May God bless you as you serve him together!

I am having trouble figuring out how to start this post. Should I flash back to meeting Justina, Josh’s sister, and taking her wedding pictures when Josh and Michelle were just beginning their relationship? Should I talk about the way Michelle kept telling all of her bridesmaids how beautiful they were in the dresses her mother made for them? Should I rave on and on about the AMAZING location and stunning Sunday afternoon after a week of rain and bad weather? I’m not sure what’s best to start with but I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of these families for the weekend. The Wyckoff’s are a wonderful bunch that I was glad to be reunited with and the Lusts are so welcoming and fun! I hope you enjoy the pictures from their perfect garden wedding!

Michelle and Josh opted for a First Look so we had an hour and a half to wonder around this gorgeous location and take pictures until we couldn’t think of any more pictures to take!

One of my favorite parts…the bike! Josh rented it for them to ride out on. I couldn’t get over it. neither could anyone else!

The ceremony took place in the middle of a field on the grounds. The perfect setting for the beautifully simple ceremony Josh and Michelle had planned.

Their parents came and prayed with them after they said their vows.

Just like that, a moment a year in the making! [ This is the perfect place to point out the Ivy coming out of the bottom of Michelle's bouquet. This ivy was cut from the tomb of the unknown soldiers in Arlington cemetery by Michelle's great grandmother. She buried her husband and her son there and brought this ivy home with her. Since then it has been in the wedding bouquets of Michelle's grand mother, aunt and mother. She carried on the tradition by having the ivy in her bouquet and in the boutoniers. They also planted it in little hand painted pots for guests to take home with them! ]

I loved that their first dance was to the song “Until you” by Dave Barnes. I may or may not have sung along the whole time.

The exit was one that legends are made of. Exit bride and groom on amazing Harley amidst a flurry of rice!

Congratulations my friends. I’m so glad that I could be a part of your day!

It was my first wedding of the season..I was nervous to get back in the saddle again. I wasn’t nervous about chemistry with the couple, their engagement session had taken care of that, just nervous like you get when you hop on the your bike for the first time after a few months of riding the stationary bike at the gym. That kind of nervous. I was warmly received by their family, who became friends to me over the three days I was with them. The house we stayed at was inspiring to say the least! Everything was perfect, just perfect! The cool, gentle breeze that blew her AMAZING dress in the wind as she walked down the sand, the flowers the wonderful matron of honor Jacqui spent hours doing popped vibrantly against the simple green dresses. The guys suits couldn’t have been more perfect for the beach wedding she’d always dreamed of. I was in photographers heaven! I’ll add a few more comments in between the photos but I’ll let you guys enjoy them without further distraction.

Okay, so one distraction. But when your bride looks like this…does life really get much better? I’m sure Jake would agree. As a photographer I’m sure anyone with a camera would agree too!

There ceremony was small and intimate, perfect for the occasion.

I love this picture because they had the exact vases that Josh and I had at our wedding! Being married and a wedding photographer is three times as rich and meaningful as I could have imagined. It made me miss him terribly but it was like having that passion and excitement renewed for me as I experienced it with them.

They had one of the very best bridal parties I could have asked for. I’d love to see them all again at a wedding in the future!

The front of the house…I think it slept like 30 people. It was great!

I couldn’t resist taking this photo, their dresses were too perfect for spinning.

This was taken in the hedge that separated the house from the boardwalk to get to the beach. I was told they hated this hedge all week, but I’m going to have to say it worked out pretty well for this shot.

There is a great story behind this photo. Apparently Jake and Patsy’s first kiss was meant to take place in a lifeguard chair. As her mom tells it, Jake went in 90 but patsy didn’t go in 10. I don’t think they’ll have that problem any more! The lifeguard chair was a nice touch and it was great for showing off her beautiful gown!

The reception was filled with happy little details.

Seriously, could it get any cuter?

Patsy and her dad have a  special relationship. Their dance together was very sweet.

One of the funniest things at the reception was the people in the house next door dancing on their balcony. Look for them in this picture!

And just like that, the wedding was over and Jake and Patsy were headed, without fear, to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico for their honeymoon. Cheers to you guys! It was an amazing, beautiful, perfect wedding. May God bless you both!

I have known of Nate for six years. On June 28th he married a very dear friend of mine named Bekah. I can’t describe how wonderful it was to spend four days in Alabama making new friends and seeing old ones. Nate and Bekah were married on the shore of Lake Martin in Alabama and getting there was a 12.5 hour adventure! I wouldn’t trade my time spent with both families and the gift of being able to be a special part of this day for anything. I am so excited to see what God does with this couple!

It was so nice to spend a weekend at home and be able to take photographs at the wedding of Daniel and Ruthanne. I had taken their engagement photographs several months before and it was so exciting to see all the plans we had discussed brought to life! The two were married in Madison Heights Virginia at a beautifully well-kept historic church. Having been dating EIGHT years, since they were seated together in 8th grade, the couple was happy to finally tie the knot. Congratulations Bradleys!

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