------ A Little Light on Kelly and Jacob.... An Engaging Workshop

Workshops are fun and productive... but even more so when you are surrounded by your closest friends where you can laugh and cut up along the way! Kelly and Jacob are getting married next October and you can tell with how they are with each other that they are so comfortable and at ease in each other's arms... love that look of love in couples. Thanks Ron for hosting this hands on session with us. We can all use a little practice and learning experience (me more than everyone else I assure you!) but it was fun hanging out with Stacy, Megan, Wes, Ron, Renzo, Joyce & Christy. We are all very talented and it means so much to me to come together to share what we know and pick each other's brains a little bit... It isn't very often that we get to do that! Big huggs to each of you- especially our fearless couple for being photographed by so many of us at once! It was a blast-Enjoy! ~S.

Jimmy, Genora & Eli Family Portraits

Life- is the one word I would use to describe Jimmy, Genora and Eli... They are all just so full of energy and have such a nice spirit about them. They all carry a great smile and possess such a zest for life! I love being around people who are very upbeat- makes my job so not like a job at all! It was a pleasure spending time with you guys and love Dan Zanes btw... He is great. Enjoy and hope to see you guys at the St. John's Riverkeeper soon! ~S.

Nicole

I had the sheer pleasure of working with Bethany and Sam Vargas this weekend at the Casa Marina in Jax Beach. Here is a sneak peek of the lovely bride Nicole... Just love this moment. Enjoy! ~S.

Things your Photographer wishes you knew: Part 2

Things your Photographer wishes you knew: Part 2

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Ciara and Zane Rock Hill, SC Wedding

Any day with crisp weather and Carolina Blue skies is a perfect day for just about anything in my book- but it was espeically so on Ciara and Zane's wedding day- As always, everything fell beautifully into place as they exchanged vows and said "forever" sealed with sweet kisses. They danced the night away beneath the stars with friends and family and enjoyed all that being young and in love has to offer. A huge thank you to my very good friend Kelly Jennings for helping me out all day.. Many blessings to you as you begin your new journey together. Enjoy! ~S.

Jessica & Josh... Ponte Vedra Gardens

What a nice note to end the wedding season on. I second shot with my very good friends Ron Wilson at the Palm Valley Gardens in Ponte Vedra. Jessica and Josh were married last Sunday beneath a beautiful sky surrounded by friends and family. If you have never been to this particular venue- I can only tell you what a treat the entire place is. From the house to the pond and the walking path along the way, it is beautiful and serene.

And speaking of beautiful and serene- Jessica and Josh's love for each other leaves one speechless. We could not have asked for a nicer location, more beautiful couple and a more fun group of friends than theirs... Our very best to you both!

Jeff & Megan Slaughter ~ Wedding Day

It seems like just yesterday that I received a text saying, "We're Engaged!" I had no idea who it was from- bc my crazy phone didn't leave me so much a phone number with the text let alone a name.... but suffice it to say I guessed right away and cannot believe that Megan and Jeff are married and settling quite nicely into married life almost a year later! And I also know (... as in I Knoooow and am so sorry to have made you wait- but it is so worth it) that everyone has been anxiously waiting for the slide show. For those of you interested in your photobooth pics, I am working on a place to post them so you may order them- much love to you guys, the ride has been the joy of my career- you don't know what a blessing you have been to me seeing just how deeply you love each other... just remember the love you feel now on your darkest days- never forget why you fell in love.... huggs to you both! ~S.

Morgan - Senior Session- St. Augustine, FL

Meet my lil cuz Morgan. She will be graduating this year and we are all so excited for her and proud of her! She has such a quiet spirit about her that I love and really enjoy being around. We had so much fun bouncing around St. Augustine and catching up on everything going on in our lives- we def have to get together more often!

Her slide show is fun- and even though she may not know it- there is a rock star in there just dying to be discovered! Enjoy your year Miss Morgan- it will be your favorite for a long time to come! Huggs~ Steph.

Heather and David... A Love Song

I met Heather through my friends Megan & Jeff~ who were married on October 10th. Heather was the MOH in their wedding and I am sure through all of the planning process she has received a lot of great pointers on what to do for their very own special day. The day of their shoot was a perfect day to have been out enjoying gorgeous Carolina Blue skies with the first touches of autumn in the air.

We started off in down town Rock Hill, SC ~ It has been so beautifully restored and is just so much fun to shoot with amazing alleys and exciting stairways just ready to be discovered! After leaving RH we headed down to Lansford Canal State Park. To be honest I wasn't sure what to expect, but was so pleasantly surprised with its simplicity. We really had so much fun just talking and enjoying the crisp feeling of fall as we walked through the park taking in the day. Notice how these two love to cuddle and kiss... Two very nice things for marriage don't ya think? Love was definetely in the air!

On the way home I decided to stop at this little cemetary that was barely visible on the side of the road going to the park. Much to my surprise it wasn't little at all- it went way into the woods and some of the head stones dated so far back they were not legible. Some of the ones I could read dated back to the 1700's! I know it is crazy, but I love cemetaries... they really are peacful- this one was just so intriguing the way the trails wound through the forest and the graves were just all about the area with no particular rhyme or reason. I like wondering what their life was like then- Did they face the same issues we do today- obviously the answer is yes and no, but really I think we are all very much alike at the end of the day. Life is meant to love- to enjoy the simple beauties found in it. It might be a walk around the lake, a cup of coffee with your best friend or morning dew on a spider's web. What is your simple beauty? Enjoy (the moment- for they quickly flee!) ~S.

The Steward Family...

I have to say that every now and then amid all the chaos we call life there are those moments that make you just laugh- not the chuckle we give when a joke is almost funny- but one that makes you giggle every time you rethink the moment... For me it is Emmert.

When we (i.e. his wife) drug him out for this shoot all we heard was, "Fine, but I am only taking 3 pictures and I am done..." Well, after the first 33 pics his tune went something like, "Hey how bout a picture with me and the boy/ with my dog?" I loved it and loved watching everyone having a good time together. It was a great start to my day and I had a lot of fun talking politics and life with ya Emmert. Can't wait to do it again soon!

Thank you both for a wonderful weekend and I LOVE my basket Mandy! I have it proudly displayed in my bedroom. Big huggs to you both and I will see you soon. Enjoy! ~S.

Ciara & Zane~ Engagement Session ~ Charleston, SC

Yes, I have spent a lot of time in Charleston recently- and have made the most of it while there on two seperate weekends. There is just so much you can do with a session in any given part of Charleston. And to be honest when Ron and I were trying to decide where the best area would be to shoot Ciara and Zane, I think we were a little surprised when we literally did not have to go more than one building over in any direction from where they were staying at the Mills House Hotel. The area is just gorgeous!

Thanks so much guys for coming down, I really enjoyed our time together and can't wait for your wedding in a few weeks. A special thanks to my dear friend Ron for your incredible eye and the very tasty dinner at my fav. hangout in Charleston- Hymans Seafood.... Enjoy and I'll see you soon! ~S.

Chris and Missy~ Charleston, SC ~ Weddings

I have always loved going to Charleston and distinctly remember my first trip to Charleston when I was just 14. I am in love with the city more today than ever~ With its southern hospitality and charm being everywhere you look along with incredible architecture and history, what's not to love? So when Chris and Missy asked me to shoot their wedding I was more than excited! Theirs was a dream wedding ~ Beautiful Carolina blue skies, a slight breeze and love in the air. The festivities began on Friday evening aboard the Spirit of Charleston for a dinner boat cruise around The Charleston Harbor (and a spectacular dinner might I add.) And it only got better from there. Many thanks to my friend Kelly for coming down from Charlotte to help me out. I thoroughly enjoyed your day and am honored to have been a special part of it! Enjoy! ~S.

Morgan Stamper ~ Senior Session

Meet my cousin Morgan... She is graduating this year and I had the priviledge of shooting her senior session this weekend past in St. Augustine. What a great time we had boucing around the city just catching up and of course trying out fun ideas. It seems no matter where you go around St. A there is always a great spot waiting to be shot! Love ya cuz and can't wait to get these to ya! All of them are so much fun- of course it is easy when you are this gorgeous! And a special thanks to our very willing biker friends who helped us for some fun shots! Huggs~ S.

The Wilson Family ~ Jacksonville Family Photography

After having chatted with Debbie on the phone a couple of times I was excited to meet with her and spend some time shooting her and her family. And how adorable is Kendall? She was the best baby ever and has the best smile. It was such a nice afternoon for a shoot- it was cool, breezy and beautiful. With weather like that you can't go wrong anywhere you choose to shoot. We began at the Ribault Club and had hoped to enjoy some of the grounds around the house but a wedding was about to beging so we opted to use some of the other beautiful scenary before heading to Talbot Island. Enjoy the sneak peek and I can't wait to get a slide show together soon. Thanks for trusting me and spending the afternoon with me. ~S.

Tressa & Anthony Slide Show

I don't really think words are necessary for this slide show.. I love, love, love everything about this session and it remains as one of my all time favs... Enjoy! ~S.

Christy & Matt ~ The Slide Show....

Wow... a lot has happened since the beginning of "wedding season" a few weeks ago- and it seems that I have not posted as I like, but please know that I have had the most awesome couples and I am so happy to be able to start off with Matt & Christy's wedding. The slideshow really does say so much about the fun and love you share in your lives (and how important great teammates are! Thanks so much to Wes Lester for teaming up with me for this wedding~) I am so honored to have been a part of your story.. Enjoy! ~ S.

Click here for the direct link...

Freda and Matt.. A Fairy Tale Story

What an adventure... Freda and I go back to high school and met through one of my very best girlfriends Tracy. Freda invited me to Disney to share their day with friends and family. As a special touch we decided to surprise Freda by Tracy coming along too! We had fun laughing over dinner and reminiscing about the New Kids on the Block... Yes, I was a fan- so much so I was convinced that I would one day marry Jordan Knight... but that's story for another day. Here is to you and Matt and an amazing fairy tale ending....

Missy & Chris (A Sneak Peek...)

I cannot say enough about this weekend in Charleston with Missy, Chris and their incredible friends and family. I can't wait to show more, but for now I have a quick peek for you. I had a wonderful time with you- thanks again for having me for your very special day! ~S.

Anthony & Tressa.. A Sneak Peek..

Every once and a while there is that person that you talk with and feel instantly that you have known them all of your life. With Tressa that is just so... Maybe because her aunt is one of my closest girlfriends- but we just click somehow and I love when that happens... We have been planning this fun shoot for what seems like forever- and all I can say is it was worth every minute and then some and I am so excited to share a sneak peek of our fun around town today! I could sit and edit all night, but I promised the kids a few min of my evening.. so let me know what you think! big huggs guys- I can't wait to get together again soon! ~S.