On a completely different note, the results from the Winter 2009 ISPWP contest are in & we had a few wins! It’s especially important to me to have placed 6th & 9th in the “Emotional Impact” category, as the emotional moments are always a major focus with each wedding we shoot. I’m so blessed to work with couples who share my vision for capturing the raw emotion of their day. Congrats to Kilbi & Sean for BOTH winning images in the Emotional Impact category & to Ellison & Jeremy for their rainy day engagement win! Stay tuned for a barrage of blog posts in the coming week…wedding season has officially begun!!

Kudos to our model Liz for braving the chilly temps to make this shoot happen ( she makes it look easy! ) and thanks to my new studio intern Katie ( more on that later.. ) for rocking the reflector to make a dreary winter day look like spring. Be sure to pick up the Spring issue of Weddings Unveiled & you just might see a few more of these shots in Elissa’s new ad. Hope you guys enjoy this little slice of vintage goodness…

Styling- Elissa Keno
Dress- Junko Yoshioka provided by Tre Bella
Bouquet- Tre Bella

I remember writing a report in 3rd grade about what I thought the world would be like in 2010, and it looks like my prediction of flying cars and living in space hasn’t quite happened— YET :) I for one, am glad to still be here on earth, being inspired daily by my family & my desire to capture beautiful moments for my clients. I have so much to share with you guys I hardly know where to begin. The holidays were a time of reflection for me…I forced myself to close down the studio for what turned out to be one of the best weeks of my life. The days of Christmas were spent breathing in the syrupy smell of my boys as I watched them color, play piano, dance like crazy ( dance parties are a big deal at the Kano house ) and love every second of having my undivided attention. I came out of that week revived, re-inspired and ready to make big plans for 2010. I made a list of all of the things I want to do and be this year..and can’t wait to share it with you all. My biggest hope for this year is to connect…with all 25 of our couples, with old friends I haven’t seen since I opened this studio 3 years ago…. and with you. Yes, you. Our readers and twitter friends who have traveled this journey with us & offered support along the way. This blog has grown so much over the past year & has helped me build so many beautiful connections that I’m so grateful for. Here’s to a brilliant 2010, my friends… :)

Before we bid farewell to 2009, I have a very special couple to share with you. Vaneesha & Logan’s wedding was the perfect end to an inspiring year full of love. I had never met V ( this is what her friends & family call her..and how she signs every email to me :) before that chilly December day, but the minute I saw her and we hugged, I knew she was one in a million. She & Logan have an incredible bond. I couldn’t stop smiling while I was with them. The entire day was so full of energy, I left feeling like the luckiest person alive to be a part of such happiness. As a surprise to V, Logan gave her a laminated copy of the journal entry he wrote when he realized she was the one. I got chills as I watched her read it, and thought to myself- ’she’ll show this to their kids one day.’ What a sweet moment it was…

Hope you enjoy this peek into the story of their day. To Logan & V…thanks for letting us share in your joy. I’m still smiling :)

Dress- Monique Lhuillier
Shoes- Manolo Blahnik
Bridesmaid Dresses- Jenny Yoo
Suit- Hugo Boss
Tie- the Tie Bar
Flowers- Floral Dimensions
Cupcakes- the Cupcake Shop
Paper Goods ( menus, napkins, etc)- Posh Paperie
Coordination- the fabulous Sherrie & Andrea of Bustles & Blooms
Best DJ in the Southeast - DJ Joe Bunn

Manolos + converse + fun socks = LOVE :)

I rarely post images of the groomsmen together, but couldn’t resist with this cute bunch. I love their crisp, tailored suits & green ties..

Merry Christmas Eve-Eve, everyone! I’m off to finish my shopping!

Dress: Pronovias
Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Flowers: A Beautiful Event
Cake: Crumb de la Crumb
Suits: Calvin Klein
Ties: Ties that Don’t Suck
Programs: Peacock Invitations

love this moment….

another favorite…

To see 75 more images that tell the full story of their day, please click below. You don’t want to miss this one, folks….grab your tissues! :) The song is courtesy of the brilliant James Morrison.

And while we’re on the subject of connections….meet Ashley & Matt. When we met up over the summer, we clicked instantly & I can’t wait for their barn wedding in May. I know these two (along with our amazing 2010 line-up of couples) are going to make next year one of the best yet!

Thanks to my 6 year-old, Emery for inspiring these first 3 shots. He’s always on the hunt for the perfect heart leaf :) Happy Monday everyone!

I love this series…it makes me happy :)

I know Leslie has been checking the blog every 2-5 seconds (no really, she told me so! ;) so I’m going to get straight to it. I dare you not to fall madly in love with this sweet couple & their heartfelt wedding day..

Oh, and a big thanks to Celeste & Joe for sending Leslie & Joey my way… we love you guys! :)

Dress- Watters & Watters
Shoes- Jimmy Choo
Florist- The Place for Flowers

And if you don’t have Dina Holland’s charming southern-inspired wedding blog White Thread on your list of must-reads, you need to add it immediately! She features beautiful imagery & fun inspiration for Southern brides. I was thrilled to have 2 of our KKP couples featured within a week of each other! Go check out Robyn & Jordan’s wedding & Ellison & Jeremy’s rainy-day engagement session. Congrats to all of our fabulous couples for the features! Well done, guys!! :)

So as you can imagine, I was curious to meet the fella who managed to snag such an amazing gal. After spending the day with Jamie & hearing the toasts his groomsman gave ( which referenced his “mad dance skills” more than once ), it was pretty obvious that Kyle had found a keeper. During the toasts, they held hands the entire time & didn’t leave each others side for most of the night. And I have to say….regardless of what his groomsmen think, I was pretty impressed with his dance moves. Any groom who belts out “Livin’ on a Prayer” in the middle of the dance floor, with fists pumping surely gets 2 thumbs-up from me :)

Here’s a little peek into their day:

Leah’s shot:

I had a blast with these two running around downtown & cracking up at Daniel’s “serious face” ( which isn’t all that serious ;) We found this random desk in a parking lot & I couldn’t resist…