I did not meet Mandy & Ken until their wedding day, but I knew from our emails & phone conversations that they were going to be a couple I would LOVE working with. My intuition was right on! :) Not only has Mandy gotten me completely addicted to her amazing candles (you have to try the Creme Brulee!), but she really appreciates the value of great photographs & looks like she stepped right off of the cover of Vogue! :) Add to that a TREMENDOUS love for her very sweet and super successful groom, Ken, and you’ve got a recipe for an unforgettable wedding day. I loved everything about their intimate ceremony at the Biltmore. They only invited their immediate family & closest friends to share in their celebration, and there was honestly not a dry eye on the terrace as they exchanged the vows they wrote for each other. I hope these images will give you a small glimpse of the sincerely amazing bond these two share. There is no doubt in my mind ( after spending 16 hours with them!:), that this pair is meant to be. Thanks to Ken, Mandy & their families for being so gracious and welcoming. It was a weekend we’ll never forget!
Mandy had her make-up done at Turner & Co. & they used my favorite Laura Mercier products.. :)When we got back to the Inn at Biltmore, it was all about the details..don’t you just love her ring? Ken did a fabulous job choosing the perfect one.. Mandy’s vows made the perfect backdrop for this ring shot.. The window light was so yummy & golden..I’m thrilled to add these first two shots of Leah’s to the blog! Way to go, Leah! gorgeous silhouette.. Since Mandy did not get a bridal portrait taken before the wedding day, we decided to grab a few portrait-style shots before she walked down the aisle. Isn’t she stunning?Jeff caught these of Ken reading over his vows… a few rockin’ ceremony details.. There was a lot of laughter during the ceremony.. and a few tears… their super sweet kiss made me teary.. the bag-piper was so cute…and the white dove release was a great way to end the ceremony…another gorgeous shot courtesy of Leah! :) ( doves provided by A Spirit’s Wings)When Mandy went to give Ken a kiss after the ceremony, her veil flew over her head & I happened to catch it. I would never pose this shot, since I’m not a huge fan of “the veil over the head” setup..but I love that you can see the tears still on her face.. The whole fun bunch! their reception was in the wine cellar at the Biltmore. Super dark…but amazing ambiance..Congrats guys! Thanks for an incredible weekend!

Meet the newest member of the Kano crew…Sashimi!! ( we’re big sushi fans…:) Isn’t she a cute little furball? Life is pretty crazy at our house right now..Mark & I are both in the middle of our busy season, he’s trying to wrap up recording his new record (yay!), I have 7 weddings this month (crazy!!) AND we have contractors knocking down walls in our kitchen ( we are FINALLY going to be able to all sit down at the table together!!) I can’t wait to enjoy some yummy family dinners in our new kitchen. Maybe I’ll actually take that cooking class I’ve been talking about…:) Here’s a recent shot of Emery after running through the sprinkler… my sweet little monkey! And here’s a shot from Easter of Noah checking out a pink egg. He has definitely perfected his “serious” camera face. It cracks me up..:) Hope everyone had a family-filled Mother’s Day! Check back shortly for our first Spring Wedding Feature…Mandy & Ken’s Biltmore wedding!

I can’t say enough good things about Dee & Brian and their families. From the moment we arrived, Jeff & I were blown away by the hospitality and warmth of Dee’s parents, Tim & Alison, and the amazing “church ladies” coordinating the ceremony. We only shoot a handful of church weddings each year, and I have to say this was one of my favorites to date. Their ceremony was so wonderfully personal. Their minister spoke of how they met, their hopes & dreams and the amazing love & friendship they share. I watched a little boy in the balcony hanging on every word of the service ( so it must have been good! He was all of 6 years old..:)
I am SO thrilled for these two…they have been a joy to work with & I know I’ll be seeing them whenever they decide to expand their sweet family! ;)

We love comments…so feel free to drop us a line! This one’s a favorite b/c of the story behind it. Dee’s mom cried while putting on her shoes..it reminded her of when Dee was a little girl.. I found this cool spot that reminded me of my studios at the mill…old windows + fun fellas = cool shot! ;) The guys catching some air ;) Can’t forget the gorgeous ladies… I love this shot of Dee’s parents, Tim & Alison… Jeff caught this one of Brian’s HUGE grin when he saw Dee for the first time.. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during Dee’s dance with her dad.. Even her brother got a little teary.. :) Brian & his mom turned up the laughs! they were too cute.. The paparazzi was in full effect when we went outside for a few group shots! This little guy really enjoyed his cake.. ;) Then the party was on!! I am still traumatized by what a few unnamed groomsmen did to Dee’s car! She’s going to be cleaning up confetti for YEARS! :)This last shot sums up the feel of their day…pure crazy JOY!! Congrats Dee & Brian! I know you have a lifetime of love & laughs ahead of you..

Meet Delisa & Louis…another of our fabulous “Team 2008″ couples! Delisa was actually a bridesmaid for the famous Lisa & Cole’s wedding & I was thrilled when she called about her own big day! They are planning a garden wedding in Pawleys Island in September & I know its going to be so gorgeous!
These two are so much fun to be around and SO obviously in love… I hope these images give you a glimpse into their happiness… :)

Oh! and I was diggin’ Delisa’s red-hot heels! You guys know me..gotta have a shoe shot! My favorite of the session…hence the super-size! :) Don’t they look like they stepped out of a JCREW catalog?

Ashley & Jeremy had the perfect day for their engagement session, so we decided to trek all over Fisher Park & even made a stop off at Fishers Grill (one of their favorite haunts) They brought along their unbelieveably cute doggie, Winston, and we fell completely in love with him. He kinda looked like Benji’s long lost cousin.. but even cuter! I thought Leah was going to try to sneak off with him while we were shooting! ;) Thanks to Ashley & Jeremy for braving the bees for this first shot ( we walked right into a swarm of them…yikes!) I love it, so I’m thinkin’ it was worth it… :) Ashley has the best smile… Meet Winston. Doesn’t he have the cutest nose? :) Aren’t his little paws SO cute? This one made me laugh out loud.. Thanks guys! Can’t wait for August!

When we headed out for Chelsey & Brad’s wedding we were so excited that it WASN’T raining! It was nice to have a little sunshine for a change! ;) They had a perfect day from start to finish and we were honored to be there with them. They’re one of those couples who are truly meant to be. Even from our lofty spot in the balcony of their church ( we weren’t allowed anywhere else! :), their love was shining. It seems like forever-ago that Chelsey booked their wedding day, and I have loved running into them at Target ( they’re one of my few local couples! :) and sharing the happiness of their amazing day…Enjoy the pics! A few pretty details.. I love how her hand is peeking out of the dress..:) Brad had a fun bunch of guys… :) The lovely gals… a kiss for mom before she says “I do”..I just loved this scene at Grandover.. It looks like a postcard! The guys serenaded Chelsey…it was super cute! Check out the guy in the blue shirt..he was a singer in a former life! ;) Can you tell they’re having a blast?! :)Congrats guys! It was a beautiful day..

was the perfect way to start our busy season! We couldn’t have asked for a happier, more laid-back couple & despite the rain, their day turned out beautifully. I have spent a good amount of time with Jodi and her mom, Joyce throughout the planning process & have really enjoyed getting to know them. Jodi & I have so much in common..she loves photography, kids ( she’s a teacher!) and comfortable shoes. She rocked her Birkenstocks down the aisle..with blue toenails! ( her something blue ;) I love her cute, crinkly-nose “Meg Ryan” smile and the fact that she’s not afraid to dance in the rain with her hubby! She & Jimmy danced to “Purple Rain” by Prince…which happens to be the first song my hubby and I ever danced to!
Okay..enough blabbing from me…enjoy the pics! Love the twist on the “shoe shot”..No heels for Jodi! Just a little sixpence in her Birkenstock! ;) she’s ready to claim her man! ;) this is what true happiness looks like.. :) They capped off the evening with a dance in the rain ( per my request! :) It seemed only fitting… Congrats guys! Thanks for being an absolute joy to work with!

and I just wanted to share the amazing skyline we’re enjoying at the Biltmore this evening. Can’t wait for Mandy & Ken’s wedding tomorrow! ( yes, its a weekday wedding!) We’re kicking off the festivities with croquet for the girls and clay shooting for the guys bright and early..Check back for more pics soon!

One of my favorite families came back to visit me last week…with their amazing new addition, Milo! I’m sure you guys remember Felix & Kelley from last fall ( how could anyone forget Felix’s sweet face? ;) Well, now he’s a BIG BROTHER! And a really great one at that… I have never seen a newborn smile as big as Milo did throughout his session. He REALLY loves when Felix snuggles with him.. ( see below! :) Hope these brighten everyone’s Monday!

Oh, and we’ve been LOVING the comments! Bring ‘em on! :)
How sweet is this?? What a beautiful pair… :) Can you believe this face? There is so much soul behind those eyes… I LOVE this shot..so sweet!! Baby Power!! ;) Aren’t they a gorgeous family? :) Congrats guys! He is precious!

Audrey & John Mark have known each other since they were teenagers…and it shows! They are the best of friends and so, so happy. For those of you that know Audrey, you know its tough NOT to smile when you’re around her…she’s got one of the best laughs and is always the life of the party. She and John Mark are really lucky to have so many people who adore them. From their gigantic bridal party to their 500 guests…they were surrounded by love. In case you’re wondering about all of the kids in this post, most of them go to Audrey’s drop-in child care center, Bizi Kidz. This first shot really shows what its like to be around this fun couple…Enjoy! And feel free to leave a comment or two! We would love to hear from you! :)
Her Lazaro gown was seriously stunning… After a few fun shots with his guys.. John Mark takes a quiet moment to himself…(thanks to Jeff for this great shot!) Audrey & her girls were such a cute bunch!The happy walk down the aisle & the emotional give away..I love her dad’s face..so sweet.. Their killer kiss! Check out the minister’s expression! :)Cakes By Manfred did an amazing job, as always.. Miss Audrey was the life of the party!The kids had their own cake…and clearly couldn’t wait to cut it! :)This storyboard is for Audrey…Lets just say I had to wipe off my lens after visiting the kids room! ;) Gotta love the “love train!” :) Congrats Audrey & John Mark!