S. Carter Studios

Central Virginia Wedding, Engagement, Family & Event Photography
  • scissors
    August 11th, 2010sabrenaBridal, Engagement, Life, Photo Booth, Wedding

    Well, it’s been OVER a months since I posted. I know, that’s quite unusual but the truth is,  the past 6 weeks have been too! Three dear friends decided to get married within the same five weeks! For Kristen’s wedding I was a second shooter and a number 2 in both Angi and Jenna’s weddings. I love them all dearly and, as those of you whose weddings I’ve had the pleasure of working know, I can’t do anything halfway. I also celebrated my 25th birthday, was asked to return to teach at Liberty & recaptured newlywed spirit with my wonderfully talented husband. I was able to keep our Fan Page updated regularly so some of this won’t be news to any of you who are already fans but we’ve got some AMAZING sessions coming up on this blog! Here are previews of the beauty to come!

    Collin & River’s Indiana Wedding

    IMG_4791 copy

    Steve & Breanne’s lovely Lynchburg wedding & Trivium reception

    IMG_5527 copy

    John and Kristen’s Barren Ridge Vineyard wedding

    IMG_6054 copy

    Kent & Alisha’s Roanoke wedding & rooftop celebration

    scarterstudios 0021 copy

    Solomon & Angi’s Avanel wedding

    scarterstudios 0002 copy

    & their wedding photo booth

    IMG_8121 copy

    Emily’s bridal portraits

    IMG_8014 copy

    Daniel & Emily’s challenging & rewarding Phenix, VA wedding

    IMG_8803 copy

    and finally, the icing on the cake, all the way in Alaska!

    Lane and Jenna’s engagement session

    IMG_9343 copy

    and Inn at Tern Lake wedding in the rain

    IMG_9707 copy

    Do you feel tired yet? haha. We so look forward to sharing about these events with you!

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    July 7th, 2010sabrenaFamily, Life, Portrait

    It’s time for the truth, there’s another man in my life. He’s a little too young for me but that doesn’t keep me from laying kisses all over his cheeks, fingers and toes! This summer I became part of Ezra’s life on a regular basis and I couldn’t be more thankful for the perspective he brings. I knew we’d be busy this summer and the temptation when you’re busy with weddings and editing weddings and looking at other people’s photos from weddings is to get caught up in a world that isn’t realistic and certainly doesn’t encourage any selflessness. So, God hooked me up with the best distraction ever: Ezra. As a secret project for his parents I brought my camera with me a few times to capture his silly faces and little glimpses of his life as a brand new 1 year old.

    A normal day: I get there early and we play.

    scarterstudios ezra0010

    scarterstudios ezra0022

    Then, when he gets a little grumpy he crawls up to me and this means its time to eat.

    scarterstudios ezra0017

    scarterstudios ezra0037

    I mean really, look at that face!

    scarterstudios ezra0040

    Part of the reason I can’t eat bananas like I used to.

    scarterstudios ezra0062

    Then we get down and do some crawling.

    scarterstudios ezra0092

    scarterstudios ezra0143

    We do this until we get grumpy again and then it’s time for lunch.

    scarterstudios ezra0113

    I promise, he’s teething, I’m not torturing him but just look at that expression. Have you ever sen anything so sad?

    scarterstudios ezra0101

    George ( a throwback from his dad’s time) keeps us company.

    IMG_9244 copy

    But the truth is, Ezra is a messy eater.

    scarterstudios ezra0162

    So somtimes lunch time is also followed by bath time.

    scarterstudios ezra0125

    Which is followed by nap time.

    scarterstudios ezra0166

    Nap time is very helpful for renewing.

    scarterstudios ezra0188

    Just one standard, 1 year photo session shot. Which is now hanging on my fridge.

    scarterstudios ezra0076

    scarterstudios ezra0088

    I’m sure it won’t be long until he can crawl up in that chair all by himself, but until then, I’m thankful I get to be there to help!

    scarterstudios ezra0192

    Tags: , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    July 6th, 2010sabrenaHand Picked

    We’ve been super busy, as you may have seen on our Facebook fan page, but not too busy to take a little bit of time and share another Hand Picked project with you! I got this idea from a project on my friend Jamie’s site Julia’s Poppies. I LOVE monograms. It’s a little taste I picked up during my time in the South. So, as I was looking to decorate for Spring I came up with this handy little project which I realized would be great for the right wedding too!

    Supplies: Monogram letter ($2.50 at ACMoore), ribbon ($1.50 at ACMoore), hot glue gun, one glue stick, recycle fabric (old shirt ruined by a rogue post-it note in this case).

    IMG_6039 copy

    Step 1: Draw two different sized circles on the fabric, these are about an 1.25 in & .75 in. Cut out.

    IMG_6040 copy

    Step 2: Place smaller circles inside larger circles.

    IMG_6043 copy

    Step 3: Pinch together, add glue to desired location on monogram.

    IMG_6044 copy

    Step 4: Place the “point” of the flower into glue, then twist the flower in the glue to desired shape.

    IMG_6045 copy

    Step 5: Cut ribbon to desired length, apply to back of monogram with hot glue.

    IMG_6046 copy

    Step 6: Install! This one lives on our front door and it makes me smile each time I walk in!

    IMG_6048 copy

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    June 21st, 2010sabrenaWedding

    What a day indeed. You may remember Emily’s bridal portraits and how we were battling rain, the same was true on her wedding day! Off and on we were showered putting her outdoor Winridge Manor wedding & reception in jeopardy. It worked out in the end and yes, we were all a little damp but I think everyone there would agree that it was worth it. I’ve never been to a wedding that was so obviously crafted by the bride and her family. Emily’s mother made the bridesmaid dresses, Emily handcrafted Michael’s tie. From peacock feathers to hydrangeas Emily’s stamp was all over her wedding. It was a delightful combination of sweet & sassy! I’ll let the photos speak for themselves!

    IMG_2402 copy

    IMG_2421 copy

    My, oh, my, how I was LOVING this vehicle!

    IMG_2387 copy

    IMG_2457 copy

    See the picture below: a groom tearing up as he waits for his bride. Well, it was beyond welling, for both of them! Full on tears from start to finish. Emily’s started before the wedding when she accepted a phone call from him and through a tear smile relayed to her bridesmaids, “He’s just so good to me.”

    IMG_2490 copy

    IMG_2521 copy

    IMG_2509 copy

    IMG_2533 copy

    The mist turned into a drizzle but I really don’t think Emily or Michael had a clue. They were pretty wrapped up in each other. It was just lovely.

    IMG_2555 copy

    It was beautiful and brief and then just like that they were husband and wife!

    IMG_2637 copy

    IMG_2718 copy

    There weren’t many tears after that, just big joyful smiles.

    IMG_2731 copy

    IMG_2758 copyIMG_2745 copy

    IMG_2848 copy

    Props to my intern Julie who lined this shot up!

    IMG_2854 copy

    Just a few horses in a pasture with mist rising up off of it, no big deal!

    IMG_3020 copy

    IMG_3026 copy

    IMG_3074 copy

    IMG_3270 copy

    IMG_3334 copy

    Loved their moms who held hands several times and celebrated God’s goodness together.

    IMG_3351 copy

    a sparkling exit

    IMG_3387 copy

    in the classic car

    IMG_3392 copy

    so classy. Thanks for letting me be a part of your celebration Emily & Michael It was such a pleasure to be there!

    IMG_3404 copy

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    June 3rd, 2010sabrenaEngagement

    I know it’s been a while since I posted but it’s certainly not because we haven’t been busy. If you like to stay on top of our new content then I would encourage you to become a Facebook Fan, you’ll get a chance to see the latest content first! There are about 8 sessions/weddings on there that have yet to debut here. I know it’s sad but we’re working on it! So, anyway! Let me introduce you to Devin & Katelyn. They are some of the best clients a photographer can dream of. Not only did they really come ready for anything but they trusted me completely and even agreed to a sunrise session! I hadn’t really thought they’d take me up on it when I offered but I am so glad they did. We had a great time wondering around taking beautiful pictures before most people even brush their teeth. We finished our photo date off with breakfast at Market at Main.

    Between lots of laughing & comments about hairspray we talked about our families, challenges of married life and what we hoped God would do with our lives. It was like being with old friends! So, please feast your eyes on S. Carter Studios first ever sunrise engagement session! Seriously, leave them some love for being this good looking at 6:30 am.

    IMG_6339 copy

    IMG_6408 copy

    IMG_6426 copy

    If you found yourself driving over the overpass into Lynchburg and wondering who those crazy people on the side of the road were taking pictures, well, proudly I’ll answer, it was US. I think they’d agree it was totally worth it.

    IMG_6361 copy

    IMG_6364 copy

    IMG_6374 copy

    After a quick outfit change (which was clever to pull off at 7:30 am in Lynchburg) we were back in action at a more relaxed location.

    IMG_6482 copy

    IMG_6442 copy

    one of my VERY favorites!

    IMG_6472 copy

    IMG_6488 copy

    Bling, Bling.

    IMG_6478 copy

    IMG_6462 copy

    We went down by the water and I asked them to just go and have fun, this is what I got in return lol

    IMG_6503 copy

    IMG_6505 copy

    IMG_6509 copy

    IMG_6522 copy

    IMG_6525 copy

    IMG_6533 copy

    IMG_6539 copy

    Take a look at the slideshow for more photos from this awesome session!

    Devin & Katelyn – Engagement Session from sabrena deal on Vimeo.

    It was such a pleasure to spend time with you guys. Thanks for letting me celebrate with you!

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    May 20th, 2010sabrenaTake A Look

    Sometimes my couples will call me, on the verge of purchasing a pocket cam (industry code for camera that fits in the pocket as opposed to massive thousand dollar cameras and lenses hauled around at weddings/events), and ask what I suggest. So I thought I’d go ahead and do this week’s take a look on that very subject. We’ll get the first part out of the way and say that I always, always recommend Canon cameras. My very first digital camera was a Powershot and I’ve been ever so brand loyal since! I’ve even gotten my family to purchase three or four as well as several friends. Wait, there’s got to be a way that I can start making money off this…. I have several Canon DSLR’s but it’s my Canon Powershot SD880 that is always at arms length! Let’s show off a few images taken with this camera before I do some serious bragging.

    This one taken in Mystic Connecticut (thanks for the extra day Jen & Matt)

    IMG_4591

    This one of our little house of love taken during storm 2 of Snowpacolypse 09-10

    IMG_5197

    This one taken to show texture and in celebration of a trip to Georgia to see our family.

    IMG_2183

    Fireworks last 4th of July.

    IMG_2311

    Virginia Tech monument to those who were killed April 2007.

    IMG_1947

    So what are the things I love about this camera? Well, it has facial recognition, image stabilization, 4X optical zoom, video capabilities, 10 megapixels (really anything over 6 on a pocket cam is just silly), selective color shooting (picking only blues to show in color and everything else in gray scale , etc) and a sweet 3 in LCD screen & can go up to ISO3200.  Another reason that I love it is that it’s resiliant. I’ve had the camera for 2.5 years and in that time it’s travel all along the eastern coast as well as down to Brazil where it took the photo below.

    n55700084_34546221_2075

    The battery life on this thing is incredible, if I used it daily, I would only need to recharge it once a month! I don’t use it every day so I recharge it about every 2 to 3 months. Now, for the best reason of all: one day it took a swim inside my purse. Let me explain, I carry water bottles around with me. One particularly sad day my water bottle tipped over. This wouldn’t be a problem except that I’d forgotten to properly screw the top on and it flooded my purse. You can imagine my distress as I fished my wallet, iPod, cell phone and camera out of the bag. Even after being submerged & then left alone to dry for three days in a bag of rice, this little camera just keeps on kicking! We had actually bought a new one and took it back once Frankenshot was resurrected!

    Picture 1Picture 2

    I haven’t seen them in Best Buy (which is where I originally purchased mine) but here’s a link to a few you can purchase from Amazon.com! They come in silver or gold, but do yourself a favor and get the silver! It was a graduation gift to myself but was also the camera we took on our honeymoon. I promise you won’t regret it if you go with any of the Powershot cameras.

    So, here’s one final picture, taken recently (months after the disaster) of me and our new intern Julie, she’s the cute blonde one, lol!

    IMG_5511

    Tags: , , , , ,
  • scissors
    May 18th, 2010sabrenaEngagement

    Nathan and Courtney were the first couple to sign up for our engagement mini sessions & they came with ideas & style! I loved that they took so much ownership during their session and were flexible and completely trusting of my ability to help them celebrate this crazy time in their relationship. That’s really a win win combination for anyone! I always get a little nervous when shooting for another photographer but was excited to be able to encourage & discuss the biz with Nathan! Enjoy some photos from their session!

    scarterstudios n&c (26) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (142) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (111) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (45) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (66) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (144) copy

    Courtney didn’t wear shoes at any point of the session which turns out is how she normally rolls and usually Nathan doesn’t either so we had him take them off. I  love this image, it just makes me think, “All you need is love.”

    scarterstudios n&c (125) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (40) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (120) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (109) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (36) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (88) copy

    scarterstudios n&c (75) copy

    Congratulations you crazy kids, I think you’ve got what it takes to make it!

    scarterstudios n&c (52) copy

    Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    May 13th, 2010sabrenaTake A Look

    mg_1874

    Today is a slightly sad day in S. Carter Studios history. We’re saying goodbye to our very first intern: Jenny. I remember the first time that she emailed me, about a year and a half ago, just asking if we could get together for coffee and a few questions. I’m not sure that either of us knew what God had in mind from there but I can tell you that looking back, I’m not sure what I would have done without her! Instead of having some photos of her (because she’s asked me for a rain check ont hem) I’ve decided to encourage you take a look at some of her work!
    mg_6016
    mg_82931

    Just take a look at what she’s done over the past year: edited over 15,000 photos, packed and repacked camera bags and batteries, helped pack and move an entire office, swept the office floor, gift wrapped albums, organized random props, seen me get a speeding ticket, slept in a king size bed with me, done my dishes, dealt with irritating mothers of the bride, battled demanding priorities, moved bookshelves into the creepy basement, entered hundreds of receipts, started a new company, entered the blogging sphere, carried gear, done your first wedding by yourself, began to twitter, and developed a complete identity for paper napkin photo!

    flowers

    She’s pushed me to be a better photographer, to be a clear communicator, to not take anything for granted, to really live the things that I say I believe and to be organized and focused. I’ve been encouraged by her joy, hard work, commitment, sense of humor, willingness to try new things, ability to rise to meet the challenges put before her, humility, and love for other people!
    mg_5351-copy
    I have seen her grow so much in shooting, editing, and professionalism. I am proud to suggest her to potential clients because I know that they can trust her to do her very best and I know that you’ll honor the Lord with the talents and gifts that he’s given her.  So, Jenny, you’re officially an S. Carter Studios internship survivor and I couldn’t be more proud to be able to say that I was a part of your journey!

    Tags: , , ,
  • scissors
    May 12th, 2010sabrenaEngagement

    I’ve known Brenton for a while, we marathoned it in his little truck on the way back from Nate and Bekah’s wedding! That was a long but fun trip, plus it ended with fireworks, literally, so how can you beat that. After that I’d see him around, always with this bubbly young lady who I anticipated, after a while, would end up being Mrs. Brenton some time in the future. They got engaged earlier this year and when we started scheduling our engagement mini sessions I was hoping it would work out for us to celebrate their engagement together! Everyone should have engagement photos, or at least that’s my opinion. It was a pleasure to hang out with them on just one of a few weekends before they tie the knot! As it turns out my wonderful intern (though sadly not after tomorrow) Jenny is taking their wedding photos so you can keep your eye on her site for some pictures after they say I do!

    scarterstudios b&a (43)

    scarterstudios b&a (5)

    scarterstudios b&a (9)

    He makes her laugh, I believe this was the story about discussing a mammal of the donkey family in 4th grade. I had to laugh at that one too.

    scarterstudios b&a (29)

    scarterstudios b&a (47)

    scarterstudios b&a (60)

    scarterstudios b&a (69)

    scarterstudios b&a (22)

    scarterstudios b&a (14)

    scarterstudios b&a (72)

    Just 5 days until they tie the knot! Best of luck to you both!

    Tags: , , , , , , ,
  • scissors
    May 4th, 2010sabrenaEngagement, Life

    IMG_1086 copy

    Angi grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri with her mom, step-dad, three brothers, a sister, and a dog.  Solomon grew up in Nonthaburi, Thailand with his parents, two brothers and a sister. How in the world would these two end up meeting, becoming friends, dating, falling in love and finally preparing to be married? Well, Liberty University played a key roll as did soccer, ministry, thai food, thai language & Global English school. She helped him through heart break and he helped her through a broken toe. The rest is three and a half years of history! Angi and I became true and wonderful friends while she spent the year in Thailand. She was there the day I got engaged and I was so thankful to be there when Solomon popped the question to her! I love how he makes her laugh, how he takes such great care of her & really anyone else who happens to be around him. I love how she makes him feel special, loved and important and how she cooks thanksgiving dinner for him, even in April. They are a pretty good pair if I do say so myself, so Josh and I couldn’t help but go all out on their engagement photos! This is a long one so buckle up, but enjoy photos from their 3 part engagement session!

    Part 1: Cute & casual

    IMG_5853 copy

    IMG_5850 copy

    IMG_1026 copy

    IMG_5862 copy

    IMG_1011 copy

    IMG_1006 copy

    IMG_5865 copy

    IMG_0998 copy

    IMG_0963 copy

    S. Carter Studios S&A (2)

    IMG_5912 copy

    IMG_1033 copy

    Part 2: Ode to soccer roots

    IMG_5976 copy

    IMG_5990 copy

    IMG_5991 copy

    IMG_5964 copy

    S. Carter Studios S&A (1)

    IMG_1046 copy

    IMG_1062 copy

    IMG_6013 copy

    Part 3: Cuddly & Cozy Picnic…inspired by one of their favorite and frequent dates

    S. Carter Studios S&A

    a plate full of this month’s DIY, button flowers!

    IMG_1131 copy

    IMG_1105 copy

    IMG_6027 copy

    We waited a long time for this bling!

    IMG_1116 copy

    Can’t you just imagine how great looking their kids are going to be? Seriously.

    IMG_1076 copy

    IMG_1106 copyIMG_1093 copy

    That’s all for now but it’s surely not the last you’ll see of these two as we prepare for their end of July wedding!

    Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
  • « Older Entries