On a rare Saturday off

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Mell and I don’t have a wedding today so we’re to Columbia to see the Gamecocks beat the UAB Blazers (26-13). It works out because our May 16 wedding couple lives in Columbia so we were able to do their engagement portraits on the Horseshoe at USC.

We then attempted the drive home, but our car broke down in the center of Columbia (luckily at a stop light). We found some very kind guys who helped push the car into a parking space. We then were turned away from two hotels because it was Parents Weekend at USC. Thankfully, the Gamecocks always take care of their own, and we got the last room in the swanky The Inn at USC. Not bad at all for breaking down close to midnight!

The next day, we went to the church Nathan attended in college and got directed to a mechanic who IS open on Sunday. Everything happened within a mile radius. The breakdown was only 4 blocks to the hotel, the church was only 3 blocks from the Inn, and the mechanic was only 2 blocks from the church. Thank God that we didn’t break down on highway and that our car only needed a new battery!

Trixie and Scott’s Wedding at Cottage on the Creek, Mt. Pleasant, SC

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Update: We have posted the full wedding album!  Click here to see!

You can tell a lot about people by how they handle stress and disappointment, and I can say that Trixie and Scott’s whole family is just top notch.  Their wedding was September 6th, which was the day that Hurricane Hanna was supposed to hit Charleston.  Their original ceremony and reception site, Seabrook Island, closed for storm preparations, and they had to completely pick up and move their entire event in 2 days.  Fortunately Cottage on the Creek, near Shem Creek, came through with flying colors.  Everyone, especially Trixie’s mom, Vicki, were so upbeat and happy and positive throughout the entire event, and it was a real encouragement to me.

The rehearsal dinner happend right in the middle of what was then Tropical Storm Hanna. It was very rainy. Trixie and Scott were good sports and went out for some pictures in the rain.

The rehearsal dinner happened right in the middle of what was then Tropical Storm Hanna. It was very rainy. Trixie and Scott were good sports and went out for some pictures in the rain.

The wedding day, of course, was sunny and warm and beautiful. Trixie was very insistant that we do pictures outside.

The wedding day, of course, was sunny and warm and beautiful. Trixie was very insistent that we do pictures outside.

Shem Creek is wonderfully characteristic of Charleston. I love their ceremony site.

Shem Creek is wonderfully characteristic of Charleston. I love their ceremony site.

People, sparklers are just meant to be waved at a safe distance. Please do not throw the sparklers at the bride and groom. Common mistake.

People, sparklers are just meant to be waved at a safe distance. Please do not throw the sparklers at the bride and groom. Common mistake.

International Wedding Photography

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The wedding in France, outside of Paris, was phenomenal.  Follow the captions below on the images to get a bit of the story.  The album design will be posted before the end of the week!

Louise got ready in her childhood room at her parent's house. Lots of windows and beautiful light.

Louise got ready in her childhood room at her parents house. There was beautiful light and lots of windows.

Alexander had the rings custom designed by a jeweler in New York City. The design is completely unique with their initials incorporated into the pattern.

Alexander had the rings custom designed by a jeweler in New York City. The design is completely unique with their initials incorporated into the pattern.

There were three weddings scheduled at this Beautiful Gothic Cathedral, so we didn't have much time for pictures. I got more time with Alexander beforehand, but unfortunately didn't have as much time with Louise.

There were three weddings scheduled at this Beautiful Gothic Cathedral, so we didn't have as much time to do portraits as I wanted. I had more time with Alexander beforehand.

Louise Entering the Church

Louise Entering the Church

The Ring Exchange. The Priest actually paused in the middle of the ceremony and invited me to come up closer for a better picture.
The Ring Exchange. The Priest actually paused in the middle of the ceremony and invited me to come up closer for a better picture.
Funny Guy. We was italian, so when I told him I was a 'paparazzi' he seemed to like me. He did hit me on the back of the head once though...

Funny Guy. We was italian, so when I told him I was a 'paparazzi' he seemed to like me. He did hit me on the back of the head once though...

I had about 2 minutes to take bridal portraits in the church before they had to leave for the next wedding... I think we nailed though.

I had about 2 minutes to take bridal portraits in the church before they had to leave for the next wedding... I think we nailed though.

Well, that’s enough for this post.  The full wedding album will be posted in a few days, and I’ll provide the link here!

International Engagement Shoot

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On Friday the 29th of August we met with Alexander and Louise for their engagement shoot in the small French villa called Jossigny, where Louise grew up.  The family was gathered at her parents house getting decrorations prepared for the wedding day, and I borrowed Louise and Alexander for a shoot.
Their home had a beautiful garden with fresh rasberries.

Their home had a beautiful garden with fresh raspberries.

And a Courtyard with a fountain and statues.

And a Courtyard with a fountain and statues.

This is a characteristic little doorway not far from the one-room school house that Louise attended as a child.This is a characteristic little doorway not far from the one-room school house that Louise attended as a child.
)
Louise’s parents, uncles and cousin were gathered to help prepare decorations for the next day. They sat down for lunch after the shoot. Wine and cheese 🙂

Stay tuned for the update of the wedding the next day!

Race to Charleston!

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We we are wrapping up and getting ready to brave Heathrow airport and their Draconian carry-on restrictions tomorrow so that we can try to beat Tropical Storm Hanna to Charleston to make the storm preparations.  We will post picture updates when we are back in the states and safe from incliment weather!

Nathan

Tea with the Queen

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We made to London yesterday from Paris via the Chunnel. And last night, we met some missionaries and took some fun family portraits of them around their home and at a local park. They graciously made us a home cooked meal. We can’t wait to share with you some of the shoots we got.

Later today, we meet up with some close friends of Valerie’s to take some couple pictures around London Tower. I was hoping that we could do a photo shoot with the Queen as well, but I think she is otherwise engaged. Maybe next time. Cheerio!