Storytelling and Love

Biltmore in B&W

June 30, 2010

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Self portrait & the site for a perfect intimate wedding. As of now, Cat’s.

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Views from the house.

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These are better in color : )

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Cool facts about the Biltmore:

– Finished in 1895 by George Vanderbilt- 33 years old at that time.

– It has 4 acres of FLOOR SPACE! That’s approximately 174,240 sq. ft.

– 250 room mansion (65 fireplaces, bowling alley and an indoor swimming pool)

– Property spans 125,000 acres of forests, farms, and a dairy. 30 miles of roadways.

– Yes, you can retreat to the mountains at the Biltmore Inn.

I hope to revisit again in the near future with an awesome couple : ))

Thanks for being here. xoxo

Posted in Places

Hot! Hot! Hot! This young couple sizzle! And playful! I can’t ask for any cuter couple than Amanda and Patrick. Amanda…well, is obviously gorgeous. Perfect cheekbones and smile. Patrick..well, totally adore Amanda’s cheekbones and smile and everything else. He is just one lucky chap!

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She laughs..often. He makes her laugh.

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After a quick outfit change…

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I love all these bright colors on Amanda. Even though I don’t wear them often, I get all excited when clients show up in them.

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Oh, I can’t wait for their awesome wedding this October! Hint: It has pink in it!

Special THANKS to Brenda Neace and Chesney Brashear for the beautiful gardens. It makes my passion look so much better : )

Take a look at more images of Amanda & Patrick by clicking here for their SLIDESHOW.

Posted in Engagement

by CHRIS

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July 5, 2010 - 10:20 PM

Phyllis Eastwood – Christine, what a wonderful job! You are a terrific photographer.
Amanda is my grand-niece. I haven’t seen her since she was very small. What a beautiful young lady she has become! Must have been a treasure to photograph.

June 28, 2010 - 4:15 PM

Michelle Callahan – Christine,
OMG!!! These are gorgeous !! My daughter has much inner beauty, but you have captured her inner and outer beauty !! Thanks for the terrific photos !! You are great !! Can’t wait to see what you’ll capture at the wedding !! God Bless, Michelle Callahan

Biltmore

June 24, 2010

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Posted in Places

by CHRIS

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June 25, 2010 - 10:04 AM

Brittany – I can’t wait to see the rest – this image is beautiful (great tones)!

Cat’s summer

June 24, 2010

It has been a long 3.5 weeks. Cat spent some time with her grandmother Gail doing what she enjoyed most- swimming, reading, watching tv, playing games and solving puzzles. Yes, she had a FULL 3.5 weeks! At the end of her visit and we met in Asheville and visited the Biltmore Estates. I’ve been wanting to visit for years but never got a chance. This time we HAVE to! It was cloudy when we drove up to the gates and then the sun and HEAT came about just as soon as we got our tickets. Another hot day I thought. We spent a few minutes just outside the HOUSE snapping pictures of this magnificent home. Like a tourist, we took pictures of ourselves and of the expansive yard. Cat was getting anxious and yes, it was getting real hot under the sun. We entered the house to cool off (no air conditioning but the fans were going) and followed the self-guided tour. It was amazing to see the rooms, art collections, furniture and the most shocking thing to me was the fireplaces! One room had 3 giant fireplaces- heating a room about 40’x60′. It must get cold there in the winter. After an hour or so, we headed out to find us some lunch. As we put out names down for a table at the STABLE CAFE, Cat spotted a candy store and other kid friendly stores. Is she happy to be here or what?

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Lunch at the STABLE CAFE- we are actually eating in a ‘stall’. They left the worn tile (behind her) and some scuffed wood on the wall.

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Ice cream after lunch. Wish they had icee or something.

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Artist (Shane Kindschi) was there to autograph his print on the Biltmore house. See more about him here. http://www.kindschi.com/store/print.htm

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Farm at Antler Hill Village.

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Cat played with some ‘royalty’ chicks and chickens. A MUST SEE for everyone!

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Sigh… so much to do but so little time. We will come back for sure with a little more time to spare. Check back tomorrow for more images of the grounds.

p.s. I can’t wait for next month’s Engagement shoot right here at Biltmore! xoxo

Posted in Babe, Personal

First Look: Rachel + Shane

June 23, 2010

Rachel was giddy all day anticipating an awesome FIRST LOOK shoot. She was really hoping for some couple shots the day before her intimate- family only wedding. But when I suggested a FIRST LOOK, she was all over it! I couldn’t be any more excited for her and her new husband Shane. She bought a simple short dress that fit her perfectly for this hot summer day. She paired it with a simple necklace and oh-so romantic heels. Take a look…

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Hand tied hot pink roses and magenta flowers to complete her look.

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Something sentimental: Her Mom’s heart pendant necklace.

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Love Rachel’s gorgeous smile!

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Rachel & Shane: Best wishes to your new life and adventures together! AND thank you so much for these beautiful moments : )

Posted in Wedding

Babe: Alayna is turning 3!

June 22, 2010

YES.. 3 years! Alayna is still her sweet self. But now with gorgeous, long strawberry blonde locks and purse pink lips. She loves to play with her princess wand and help out in the kitchen when her mom Michelle is baking cakes and cookies. She stirs, tastes, and samples when she gets a chance : )

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Enjoy more images of Alayna by clicking here: SLIDESHOW. Thanks so much for stopping by : )

Posted in Babe, Lifestyle

Wedding: Casey + Joshua

June 20, 2010

They were a few miles apart during the morning of the wedding day. But they were close at heart. They had anticipated this day for months and finally it’s here. Yes, Casey was anxious about how the day was going to turn out. Well,weather was on everybody’s mind. The forecast called for 60% chance of rain and for a wedding (of any kind) it’s not welcomed. I wish all our prayers were answered but it DID rain. Thankfully, not for long. The sun shined and the heat was on.

Casey’s dress was devine. Simple but elegant. See her exclusive Bridal shoot HERE if you’ve missed it.

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Casey has her Man of Honor Hank on her side. He was the lucky one in the house for a few hours- surrounded by beautiful girls. Here he’s being a good helper.

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The bridesmaids wore olive green short dresses in three different styles and paired them with Sam & Libby champagne slingback heels. Just gorgeous!

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While the girls were getting ready, Josh and his ‘party’ were chilling in their super sharp suits by Genos Formal Wear.

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Result >

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Beautiful floral design by Doug Smith of Lexington, KY.

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There’s nothing wrong with this lineup. Crystal the Woman of Honor is Josh’s girl best friend growing up. Naturally she’s on his ‘side’.

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Josh had his eyes on no one except Casey.

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A quiet moment just after the I DOs as husband and wife.

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Mean while, at the reception site (Red Fox, KY) I had a great time capturing all the pretty details – just before the guests arrived.

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Breathtaking views at the 4 Star Catering property at Red Fox, Kentucky.

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Josh’s best man Dustin had quite a few words to say. He confirmed for Josh that Casey felt the same way. Yes, she REALLY love him!

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We could all watch Casey and Josh dance all night. They can be romantic and playful at the same time. No doubt they are crazy for each other.

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What a wedding it was! Casey and Josh wanted a PARTY and they PARTIED the night away. The dance floor was crowded and EVERYONE had an awesome time. But, in the end Josh and Casey couldn’t for their honeymoon- in Turtle Island, Fiji. I’m sure it is beyond words and I wish them the very most beautiful life together. Thank you both for making me look good : ) and for the great honor : )

Special appreciation to:

Wedding Dress: Moonlight, Pretty Impressions, Hazard, KY (606.435.2717)

Bride’s Shoes: Touch Ups

Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid shoes: Sam & Libby

Bride’s Hair: Allie Patrick

Tux: Genos Formal Wear, Lexington, KY

Rings: Revard, Lexington, KY

Floral: Doug Smith Designs, Lexington, KY (859-494-2209)

Ceremony: First Presbyterian Church, Jane Rose Britton (Church Coordinator)

Venue & Catering: 4 Star Catering, Red Fox, KY

Cake: Teresa Caudill

Stationery: AdEast (606.439.3865)

Pianist: Letha Patterson

Vocalist/ Guitarist: Luke Davis

Reception Music: Brent Booth

Rentals: R & R Rentals

Transportation: Trolley, City of Hazard

Thanks so much for being here. Click here for their SLIDESHOW.

Posted in Wedding

by CHRIS

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June 21, 2010 - 2:08 PM

Terry – Chris, you have captured the essence of joy in your photos of Joshua and Casey’s wedding. Thanx

Bridal: Casey

June 15, 2010

O.M.G! When I saw Casey is her Moonlight wedding dress, I knew the afternoon was going to be unforgettable. We decided to do a BRIDAL shoot due to the uncertainty of weather and also to spend a little extra time for portraits. Who wouldn’t LOVE that? Anyway, Bridal shoots are very popular in the SOUTH and becoming more so everywhere else in the country. I love it because I get to spend a some quality time with the Bride and provide a lifetime of photographs her children & grandchildren will cherish years from now. The wedding day is often too stressed and rushed for awesome portraits. Don’t get me wrong. It can be done but on a day like this, we get to play and be a little more creative. Also, a Bridal shoot allows the Bride to try out her Wedding day look- hair, makeup, etc. Casey chose a simple low side bun with loose curls around her face. SO HER. No fuss, just chic!

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