As the weeks flew by, I was so excited to meet Miss Jaime and to photograph her amazing “diva” elegance.    Jaime may have the shape of a siren and the face of a vixen but she is ALL heart.  This woman is so very sweet and polite but I could tell with just a few clicks of the shutter that she could party like a rock star when she feels like it.  My kind of girl! 

Jaime’s parents were there for the shoot and were both so fun and gave her lots of support and cheers of confidence.  The love for their daughter was so very apparent and made the shoot so very enjoyable. 

I simply must thank the Westin in Charlotte for all of their cooperation!  And of course, Jaime’s fab style was by Elizabeth Tolley.  Thanks for giving her that glam, lady!

Jaime and her man Shawn were married at a private family home in Lake Norman this past weekend.  We adored spending the day with them and their families.  The event was beautiful…but that is for another post!

Enchanted Brook with Courtney and Toby

We can’t say enough about Court and Tobs.  They are couple that we met a couple of years ago when they were neighbors of dear friends of ours.  We always liked them and made conversation whenever we saw each other.  Last year, when we photographed them as guests at one of our AWESOME clients’ wedding, Christine and Austin Fenn, we were so tickled!

Fast forward to Toby proposing to Courtney, she saying yes, and beginning their plans to wed at the Westglow Spa and Resort  in gorgeous Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  When it came to photography, like all of our clients who choose us, the decision of who to work with and what the final photos would look like became paramount.  We were so thrilled to be hired to capture their day and we couldn’t wait to do their engagement session!  But Courtney and Toby didn’t want a traditional engagement session or even a modern or eclectic engagement session.  Courtney specifically wanted a pre-wedding session, with Toby, and in their wedding attire.  We had never been asked this before, but as the majority of our clients are super unique and down to earth people we were excited by it!

We tried to understand, did they want a post wedding session so that we wouldn’t need to worry about ruining the dress and we could go all over the mountains?  Did they want to do a bridal portrait on location and then change into non-wedding clothes and add Toby into the mix?  Nope.  Courtney had a vision of presenting a portrait at the wedding of her and Toby together.  They had been dating for years and their love and bond runs deep.  She couldn’t think of a photo without him in it.  Not being superstitious, we planned their awesome session five weeks before the wedding to give us enough time to choose and print and frame a masterpiece. 

In hindsight, Casey and I were so thrilled to do this shoot for them for the simple fact that we had sunny blue skies on the portrait day and no sun in sight for their actual wedding.  Their wedding weather was so unique, and for another post, but still it was amazing to have the contrast of the two events for their history. 

One of our favorite things, besides all of our sumptuously organic locations, was hearing Courtney keep exclaiming over and over again, “Ohh, I love you Tobs” or “We’re gettin’ hitched Tobs!”  Giggles, smiles, kisses and building excitement was the mood of the day.  Witnessing the real love between a couple is always such a blessing.

Not sure if we’ll get another request for a pre-wedding session but we do know that we are thankful for the opportunity to create Courtney and Toby’s dream.  Their wedding day was an inspiring celebration and gathering of powerful heavenly love.  We can’t wait to share more with you about this wonderful couple.

 I don’t usually gush on about personal things on our blog.  I love the opportunity to use our blog to genuinely praise our couples, vendors we work with and describe the musings we have that make us continue on as artists.  But occasionally, I get side swiped by life’s cyclical motion and my heart and mind need to be cleared. 

Two weeks ago, I lost an uncle who was very dear to me.  I looked up to him in many ways and love his wife and grown children.  My aunt is an adorable woman, a talented artist, and always made me feel like my creative inclinations were sound and necessary.  My uncle instilled the spirit of the entrepreneur in me and helped solidify my appreciation for florals and weddings in general, as he owned a floral shop for a very long time. 

My uncle lost a sudden and painful battle with stomach cancer.  When we got the news of his diagnosis, I was devastated; Casey and I had witnessed his Father’s painful war with cancer  four years ago before he died.  When” Unc” was moved to hospice only eight weeks later, I was relieved that he would soon be free from pain and onto his next journey.  I thought that I was fine and that though I was sad, this was just a part of life.  But it was important for me to attend the funeral out of state.  My mother also insisted as he was her brother that her children represent, but it was important even before.

I rode in a mini van for a combined total of 8 hours each way with most of my grown siblings and two of their well loved spouses.  The surreal trip was just like a script, odd occurrences, unusually elevated behavior and even some hilarity and fun.  But as we pulled up to my Aunt Ann’s house with disco music blaring, cheering “hey!”, we were instantly reminded by the look on her face that this was not a typical family party.  We all retracted our mood and slowly breathed in the loss before entering the kitchen filled with familiar family recipes and nostalgic aromas.  We scanned the room to see who needed a hug, a tissue, a shoulder or a stiff drink.  We, my family and I, came to the rescue as we often were responsible for providing the frivolity for any occasion. 

But this time, it wasn’t easy to remain jovial.  We all knew that we lost someone so unique and beautiful.  But more than that, we all looked at each other knowing that someday we would all have to stand around and do the same for one another.  My Uncle Anthony’s death drove the point home that even the strongest of families and bonds of love, are temporary.  We have limited time on this earth and we must make the best of it and fill each moment we can with compassion.

For my uncle’s funeral, he had a few requests.  One was to be cremated, to be laid to rest in a military cemetery as it was his right as a soldier who served our country, and for all who gathered around his final resting place to sing a favorite song that described his outlook on life. My father sang this song to me many times when I was growing up.  The lyrics are listed below and were made famous by the great Nat King Cole.

Medea and I went to college together, for part of the time, were in theatre together and a band together.  I adore her and her son.  When Medea married Adam and became part of his family with his two boys, they blended into one amazing gang of folks who love so well.  When Adam and Medea commissioned us to make their family portraits, we were so excited and so nervous.  Sometimes photographing the people you know and love can be intimidating as you understand so much about them and want to put it all in one image.  We are thrilled with their session and they love their images.  We are all looking forward to making their photo wall come to life and will keep you posted on the blog of the final product. 

Please enjoy some of our most favorite images from the Darden’s session.

So beautiful!

We look forward to photographing many more unique families this fall.  Make your appointments soon as the dates are filling up.

This family has been in front of a camera a time or two.  They are coordinated and stylish while being laid back and personable.  Casey and I had so much fun with them, stay tuned for some faves and outtakes tomorrow.  The Brennans are a great mix of grown up sensibility with ultra groovy roots.

We hope you enjoy their slideshow!

If you have already seen the custom slideshow from the Salandy Family’s visit to our gallery, then you know that they are all so precious.  What moved me the most about working with them was their geniune spirit of love for their daughter and for their new journey of parenthood.  We had a wonderful time, spending an hour and half moving at Chloe’s pace to capture authentic reflections of their love.  Everyone who reads this blog knows that I am one to gush on and on about things that make me happy so this post is no different.

We were able to get Chloe to sleep, a team effort, but I love helping new parents! 

What mother would not adore the above image?

So many people love sleeping baby photography.  Of course the little ones looking like angelic love puddles has one big draw to it, but the other is that as parents we so seldom get them to sleep when we want them to sleep.  Part of being a parent is dealing with less sleep, some more so than others, but in those rare windows of uninterrupted slumber you can fully absorb the grace and beauty of your biggest blessings.  The dreamy newborn becomes curious and active in a moment’s time and I am so thrilled that the Salandy’s paid me a visit.

Don’t you just want to give them all a big squeeze?  Congratulations!

The Salandy family brought their three week old baby girl, Chloe, into the gallery to capture her newborn stage of sweetness.  This tender phase lasts but a moment and I am always so thrilled to work with families during this process.  Read all the details of the shoot and see my favorites later today. Congratulations to the Salandys.

Hello near and dear ones, and new friends.  Before I head to bed tonight, I felt the need to share a little something with you.  My family and I are getting ready to have a  yard sale, and no, I am not asking you all to come and buy our stuff. ;)  I am simply setting the scene for you.  As we prepare for our yard sale, going through closets and drawers and various boxes, we have come across many little treasures.  The most important and valuable of all have been the forgotten photographs.

Even professional photographers occasionally get some loose 4×6′s printed and forget to put them in a scrapbook or frame and they get tucked in a box or drawer for later good intentions.  This evening, my son found some small prints that a friend from California gave us of our family when my son was only 9 months old.  My hair was super short, pretty sexy I must say, Casey had more hair and still spiky, and my son was wearing his first pair of shoes.  We had gone to a friend’s birthday party and I was instantly transported back there and felt as though I could reach out and touch that time again.  Of course, I teared up with happiness.

Photography truly is a priceless medium and something that only appreciates in value.  For example, you might buy a fabulous car that is perfect for your life style.  It’s got everything you want and though it’s more than you thought you would spend on it, you buy it and feel great about it.  The minute you turn the key and drive off of the lot that vehicle starts depreciating in value.  You will not be able to get the same money out of it that you put into it period.  The same could be said for a 30 year mortgage, a pair of designer heels or heck, even the amazing dinner that you enjoyed on a recent date.  A printed image only becomes more valuable and special as each year you move further away from it’s reality. 

Of all of the things you might collect in your lifetime, why not collect memories?  Collect something that sparks conversation, imagination, joy, nostalgia and happiness.  The instant satisfaction of a Facebook album is powerful yet fleeting.  Do you still own a floppy disk? Go ahead and try to use it.  Ten years from now will all of us even remember Facebook or Twitter or will they seem like Rubik’s Cubes or antiquated forms of communication like the rotary phone?  A tangible gift of a photograph does not expire, if printed by professionals, and it does not go out of fashion, if created by true seasoned artists.

Most of our clients want wall art, albums and small collections of prints.  Some spend a couple of hundred dollars and some spend over a thousand.  No matter what a client spends, it is simple math to see that personal art is worth every penny.  Let’s suppose you spent $100 on a print for your home.  It will hang in your house every day for more than likely the rest of your life.  Even if you only kept it out and visible for one year, you really only spent 27 cents per day to have that reminder of joy.  It’s less than a trip to Starbucks or the Dollar Menu for that matter.

And art stays with you, from place to place and move to move.  If using a professional, they take care and every means to safely protect your images so that if a worst case scenario were to present itself you could go back to them years later to purchase replacements.  An artist can also help you design what you are trying to achieve for your home.  Why DIY it and risk wasting money on a image that you wrongly size or don’t know how to retouch?  I certainly don’t ask the chef to give me the ingredients please so that I may make my own four star meal; after all, I have cooked before.  Let an artist do their job, which is to make you look amazing.

My parent’s wedding album will be 53 years old this September. We had it rebound for them for their 40th anniversary.  All of my siblings will fight over who gets to keep that precious book.  The same argument will happen for the wall portraits of our grandparents and our parents.  Photographs are our common history.  Resting in the knowledge of your place in this world gives meaning to life. 

My advice to everyone considering hiring a professional photographic artist to capture their portrait, their family or their wedding is to weigh the real value and importance of your memories.  How tangible would you like them to be?

On May 8th, Emily Baldwin and Matt Falls became husband and wife at The Point Lake and Golf Club in Mooresville, North Carolina.  It was a sweet and charming ceremony, simple and pure.  They were surrounded by their nearest and dearest friends and family,  the shimmering waters of Lake Norman…and a couple of enthusiastic boaters.  For Emily and Matt, they wanted to be married and have a party.  They wanted friends and family, good food and a fantastic band.  All of their wedding dreams came true!   

We adore Emily.  She is a pin-up girl who acts like one of the boys.  She is classy, stylish, hilarious and kind hearted.  Matt is positively adorable, fun and has a warm and hospitable nature.  We were so very happy to be Emily and Matt’s photographers.  Getting to know them and their families was awesome and we wish them a most blessed and joyous marriage.  I don’t do this often, but Emily’s words about their big day were better than I could have summed up for her so I am letting her do the talking.    

CPArtists: We loved your dress.  Who was the designer?   

Emily: Claire Pettibone.  I bought it at Belle Couture Bridal in Mount Pleasant, SC.   

CPArtists: Tell us about your bridesmaids dresses.   

Emily: I had my girls pick out a black dress that they could easily wear again…that kept the gals on a budget and the opportunity to wear a dress that they might already have hanging in their closet.  Seriously, who ever wears a bridesmaid’s dress again?  Two dresses came from White House black market and my maid of honor wore a cute strapless number from Express.    

CPArtists: Did you have any special shoes or accessories?   

Emily: Blue Christian Louboutin were a little pre-wedding treat for me My bouquet consisted of all handstitched fabric flowers.  The fabric came from my Mom and her Mother’s wedding gowns. So special!!  Two things that I will never part with.   

CPArtists: Something borrowed, old, blue, etc?   

Emily: I borrowed pearl jewelry from my Mommy, my old was my most treasured engagement ring-a serious piece of hardware  believed to be dated from the 1930′s. ”Blue”= my shoes- a new tradition started by the Baldwin gal cousins  four years ago.    

CPArtists: Who took care of your hair and makeup?   

Emily:  The gals were knockouts!  Thanks to the killer talents of stylist/owner Michelle Fanning of Salon Elle, Mooresville.  Makeup was by Heather Ayris of Mooresville.   

CPArtists: Any DIY projects?   

  Emily made a chic collar for her dog from a vintage 50′s dress.

Emily:  I love doing projects!  The following were created in many of my arts and craft hours, my way of killing pre-wedding stresses:  cake topper, collars for the pups, assembling my fabric floral bouquet.   

CPArtists:  Any neat transportation?   

Emily:  Nothing special here…limo funds were reallocated to ensure a rockin performance from the Ross Coppley Band.    

*Just a side note: we thought it pretty darn funny that such an obvious country crowd packed the dance floor for “Enter Sandman”. 

CPArtists: Speakin of the band…   

Emily: Ross Coppley Band.  I found these guys on the internet.  After one Youtube video I knew they were “it”!  I saw them play a few times live and then booked them.  Lots of energy and a ton of talent.  How do you follow up a performance at the Baldwin/Falls wedding… play at Charlotte Speed Street!   

CPArtists: Inspirations for the wedding…what were they?   

Emily:  I’m not really sure where the evening’s inspirations came from.  All I knew was that  I wanted a party!  We got down to business with a short and sweet ceremony.  There was (or at least I hope there was) a relaxed atmosphere, sunny skies, a breeze, a lakeside wedding, good food, fun music, and many smiles.   

CPArtists: Were there any favorite little touches or details?   

Emily:  My brother Wes wrote and performed a song for me, “Little Sister”-really it was the sweetest thing.  I have heard so many songs from Wes over the years…all awesome, so creative but to have one especially written for you-priceless.  I was also very lucky to have my girls (2 of my bridesmaids) with me that day, long time grade school friends, Jessica and Claire.  We have shared 15 years of undoubtedly the best supportive, loving, and fun time friendship.    

CPArtists: Was there a favorite moment of the day?   

Emily:  A tough question…all of them!  Too many to name-every aspect of the day was just so amazing!  Probably silly to most…but having my pups there with me…I just felt better that they were there and they kept me calm while I was getting ready.  Precious little doggies!   

CPArtists: Would you like to share your experience working with us? Any advice for future brides?   

Emily:  Brides worry too much about everything during the wedding planning process…thanks to Casey and Drea the photos didn’t cross my mind twice.  After a friend’s recommendation, a visit to the Cunningham’s website, and a meet and greet with this fabulous pair…we knew without a doubt that this is who we wanted taking photos at our wedding.  A combination of positive attitude, carefree spirit, and amazing talent made Matt and I feel at ease and comfortable in front of their cameras.  Remembering back to the wedding day, I don’t even remember them there…that is how much they seamlessly blended into the evening.  The beautiful pictures bring a big smile to my face as I look through them today, and tomorrow…Expectations exceeded!  Casey and Drea, thank you for perfectly capturing our wedding day.   

CPArtists: Can you hand us that box of tissues? We heart you too.

Ansley now at 2 1/2!

My love for this next family goes back, way actually to when their mum Melissa was pregnant with her first born.  We met Melissa three days before she delivered Ansley and did one of our most memorable maternity sessions.  When little Ansley came into the world, we photographed her multiple times over the first 15 months and compiled one of the most stunning baby books I’ve ever seen.  Melissa chose our company for our lifestyle and undisturbing approach to family and we have been blessed to call her a client and friend.

http://cunninghamphotoartists.blogspot.com/2007/12/precious-baby.html Check out Ansley’s first feature on our Old Blog.

About a month ago, Melissa called me to let me know that their precious baby boy had arrived!  We were so excited for them and of course could not wait to meet Owen!

These are just a few of my favorites from Owen’s first shoot.  Owen is so mellow and cuddly.  I look forward to watching him grow and getting even more sibling fun captured for their family.