Merry Christmas!!!

From Darren, Jennifer & Bella Cassese



Thanks to fellow photographer Troy Tomlinson of Flaming Chicken Studio for taking this image of our family for us.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

I'm so excited to read this book in March 2009. Please check out this author's website and watch the trailer for the book. It promises to be a fun read.

I provided all the photographs of the author, Carrie Ryan.

-Darren

http://www.carrieryan.com/

Bride Returns to Childhood Home for Romantic Wedding

As the old saying goes...Good things come to those who wait. And so it was with Kristin and Jeff. Kristin waited 40 years to find her soul mate. It also gave her plenty of time to plan the perfect wedding at her family home in Kiawah Island, SC.

What an amazing setting for a wedding of extraordinary families. It was a pleasure to witness the union of these two wonderful people.

Congratulations, Kristin and Jeff! I look forward to working with you on your album!

I also thought I would share some of the wonderful comments that Kristin & Jeff's family and friends have made about their wedding collection. Thanks for all the kind words, everyone! It was my pleasure!

*Your photographs are absolutely lovely. The photographers were worth every penny--the best wedding photos I have ever seen! They captured the heart and spirit of your beautiful day. I was so surprised of how many different places and emotions were caught on film. I love, love, love the photos of you and Jeff on the golf course during the day and at sunset. I see that one framed in his office (a definite plus given his profession). My next favorite was the one when you were coming down the stairs and the look in your dad's eyes--breathtaking! Of course there are the quirky ones with your school friends--what the heck were you all doing? When did you do all that? How funny! Thanks so much for sharing you day with us and reminding us of the important things in life.

*I'm speechless. Those are the most exquisite wedding photos I've ever seen. However much you paid them, it was worth it! I looked at the highlight reel. Haven't gone through the other one yet, and I thought the highlight pics were just wonderful. The lighting is so good and the subjects, well, just gorgeous!!, of course. I love the one of you and your Dad hugging at the bottom of the stairs in the hotel and the one of Jeff looking lovingly at you coming down the stairs. That's some tricky lighting there - indoors with those super high ceilings, and the photographers did a great job. You all have such nice expressions.
I also really like the outdoor one of you alone on the lawn from the waist up (I think) with your veil blowing a bit in front of you. Great shot. You look like a movie star. And your dress was dynamite!!
There are several dozen other pics I just loved, but those struck me most. I like all the ones of your mom for sentimental reasons. I smile when I see those. I enjoyed so much that first trip to Kiawah when your folks were there. I feel in love with them immediately. They were wonderful to us. You are really blessed to have them. I know they are so proud of you. Your wedding was a beautiful day for us all. And it was a fun time, to boot. I enjoyed it so much. Thanks for including me in your special day.

*Kristin, Let me say one thing.....I have no idea what you paid your photographers, but a penny less wouldn't have been enough!!!!!!!!!! Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous!!!!!! I'm not saying this just because you're my friend, but these are some of the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen. I'm sure you had a hand in some of the pictures, ha ha, but you should be very proud of your team. Some of the pictures are honestly breathtaking! I can't wait to get home tonight and show them to Josh. I guess the scenery and pretty people probably helped out in taking good pictures as well, ha ha!

*Wow, what beautiful pictures! You and Jeff look fabulous, as does everything else. The photographer captured the event so well that I feel like I was there. I can tell it was definitely a magical and joyous day for you guys. I am sure it is going to be difficult to pick out your favorite ones for an album. Thanks so much for sharing. I wish you and Jeff a lifetime filled with happiness, health and magical moments similar to those created on your special day!
*Dear Kristin, I so enjoyed seeing your wedding pictures. They were so beautiful. I think the photographers captured the the wonder of the special day. How great to have those memories.
*Kristin, your pictures are absolutely gorgeous! Your photographer did a wonderful job. They are some of the nicest wedding pictures I've ever seen. You were just beautiful. I love your dress. Everything looked so elegant. You look just like your mom! It looked like you had perfect weather and Jeff is sooo handsome! You did good girl! HA

*Dear Kristin, The pictures are spectacular. Thank you so much for sharing. I have been able to relive your magical day several times.
*Absolutely beautiful pictures!! You look amazing, beautiful family and wedding!!
*Great pictures, Kristin (of course)!

Bella

It's a little late but Bella wanted to say Happy Halloween! It's never too late for a picture of a baby in a pumpkin suit, don't you think?

What does a photographer do on his day off?

I have lots of client blogging to catch up on...but before I do, I thought I would share some personal images as well. Plus, I haven't done a Bella update in awhile. Jennifer and I had a little mini vacation recently. And what do we do on vacation? Take pictures, of course!

It's fun to get out the point and shoot. Well, a point and shoot for me is a cheap lens on an older camera that covers a wide range of 18-200mm and automatic shooting mode so I don't have to think.

Jennifer and I took a day away from Bella (wasn't easy) and headed up to Asheville for my first-ever trip to Biltmore. Our first stop was the winery.

Biltmore wine isn't tops on my list of wines, but the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir did hit the spot.



After finishing the bottle, Jennifer got friendly with a local:



We tried some self-portraits putting the camera on my camera bag.



Then asked for a little help from a fellow tourist. She did a nice job with this shot, I think.



I like taking pictures of Jennifer. She's a lot prettier in pictures than I am.




She also likes to be goofy, which I enjoy:



By the way, does anyone know what the heck this thing is?



And last but not least, my only shot of the whole house, with Jennifer in the foreground. I guess we were too busy goofing off the whole time to really take good pictures of the grounds. Oh well!

New Photos Coming Soon!

What will Darren blog about next...Stay tuned for some shots from a Kiawah Island Wedding and a Reception at the Mint Museum.

Bella is 14 weeks!

She's getting so big so fast, so we decided we couldn't wait for 4 months before we took more pictures.

Kathy & Richard - Engaged

OK - as you can see, Mr. Slack Daddy is behind again. I'll pick back up again with some photos of Kathy & Richard. This fun couple decided to announce their engagement by picking a gorgeous outdoor garden location. Between some brief downpours, I think we got some really great shots. I'm really looking forward to their Spring wedding!











Never let a little rain ruin a good session!




A change to casual clothes to mix it up a bit...

Amber & Justin - An Oversea Romance Comes Home

Amber & Justin met when Amber was working overseas in South Africa. They quickly hit it off, but when Amber had to return to the United States, Justin quickly realized how much he loved her. A very talented musician, Justin sought recording opportunities in the States so he could follow his heart. Things finally fell into place when the two tied the knot at Morning Star Lutheran Chapel, possibly one of the cutest chapels to marry in the Charlotte Region.

I was lucky enought to meet Justin early during an engagement session here in Charlotte. I already knew Amber because I had shot her friend Christina's wedding last year. But I didn't know how playful she was until she was in Justin's arms that day! See for yourself:














Amber and I didn't get a chance to shoot her bridal portrait, although she's thinking about it...hmmm, the wedding is over...could a Trash the Dress session be on the horizon? Her friend Christina did it...Stay tuned!

Their wedding was a fun time with close family and friends present to celebrate the day. Amber used none other than Kym McClean of "Who's the Fairest" for her hair and makeup. As usual, Kym did an amazing job. Here's some shots leading up the the ceremony:













And the ceremony itself:












For those who do not know (I didn't), signing the marriage license during the actual ceremony is a tradition in South Africa.











This little butterfly hung around the ENTIRE day. It seemed like it wanted to bless Justin and Amber personally, so Justin easily coaxed it into flying up on his finger. Isn't that amazing?






The reception was held at The Pewter Rose in Charlotte. It's an elegant reception site that makes incredible food and provides stellar service.












Justin surprised Amber with a special song he had written just for her for their wedding day. It was about as touching a thing I've ever seen. Oh, and the song was great, too!

They had their first dance to it...





Then he played it for her...






Then they partied the night away!