Ellie & Caleb | Inspired & Intimate Wedding | Atelier Studio & The Virginian | Lynchburg, Virginia
I’ll alllllways cherish a wedding that captures who the couple is; and, surprise, that’s exactly what Ellie & Caleb’s wedding was. Even though it was the beginning of January with a bit of snow still lingering, they brought the sunshine and ushered in spring to their wedding. Ellie & Caleb had to change their date and plan multiple times due to COVID-19, so when it came to the final plans, they knew what they wanted and rolled with it – and it was dreeeamy.
I’ll alllllways cherish a wedding that captures who the couple is; and, surprise, that’s exactly what Ellie & Caleb’s wedding was. Even though it was the beginning of January with a bit of snow still lingering, they brought the sunshine and ushered in spring to their wedding. Ellie & Caleb had to change their date and plan multiple times due to COVID-19, so when it came to the final plans, they knew what they wanted and rolled with it – and it was dreeeamy. All of the vendors were great to work with – especially a floral designer & wedding planner I already knew. (Never underestimate the network of vendors that vendors have!)
The bridal party got ready in a stunning, sun-light filled house 5 minutes from their ceremony and reception, which gave us the sweetest getting ready photos and some beautiful bridals. We headed to Atelier Studio for their ceremony and it did.not.disappoint. The backdrops at Atelier are dreamy and editorial, and easily one of my favorite parts capturing this wedding. I mean, did you even see that pink backdrop?! During the ceremony, communion had all of us teary eyed as we watched Caleb serve Ellie communion and pray over their marriage and new family.
After their intimate ceremony, we popped over to The Virginian Hotel for the reception at the Skyline Restaurant which overlooks nostalgic Downtown Lynchburg. The tables were set with colorful goblets, vibrant flowers, and little hints of color and texture in every detail. The family shared sweet goodbyes as the couple drove off into their forever.
Basically, if I could do this wedding over and over again... I would. Which means someone else should, no, needs to get married and use the backdrops at Atelier and have me capture their wedding. Cheers to Ellie & Caleb, thank you for bringing sunshine into the winter months with your gorgeous & beautiful wedding.
The Find lab | Fuji 400h | Portra 400 | Hp5 | pentax 645n | Nikon f6 | Sony A7riv
VENUE | Atelier Studio & Skyline
Coordinator & FLORALS | Max & Dexter
HAIR & Makeup | Cami Joy Stylist
CATERING | William & Henry
BRIDAL GOWN | Celebration Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS | ASOS
CINEMATOGRAPHY | Alyssa Swedick
INVITATION SUITE | Hannah Gwaltney
5 Reasons Why You Should Attend The Ordinary Workshop | Charlotte, North Carolina
Last week, registration for The Ordinary Workshop went live and a couple of those 8 spots have already been taken!! So you’re still on the fence? Let’s get you over to the other side, here’s 5 reasons why you should DEFINITELY COME.
Reason 1 | You don’t have to shoot film like me. But “whhhhhhhat? Isn’t this where I learn film?” Yes! BUT just like digital, two people using the same equipment and shooting the same subject doesn’t equal the same photo. So in film, if two people are shooting the same format, same film stock, and even using the same scanner, it doesn’t equal the same photo. Why? Because the biggest variable is YOU and your preferences.
Last week, registration for The Ordinary Workshop went live and a couple of those 8 spots have already been taken!! So you’re still on the fence? Let’s get you over to the other side, here’s 5 reasons why you should DEFINITELY COME.
Reason 1 | You don’t have to shoot film like me. But “whhhhhhhat? Isn’t this where I learn film?” Yes! BUT just like digital, two people using the same equipment and shooting the same subject doesn’t equal the same photo. So in film, if two people are shooting the same format, same film stock, and even using the same scanner, it doesn’t equal the same photo. Why? Because the biggest variable is YOU and your preferences. For example, here are two photos edited 3 different ways.
They weren’t even scanned different scanners - just edited according to different preferences. So come learn film with me but don’t think that what you shoot HAS to look like my work. Our goal is to help you explore and find your preferences!!
Reason 2 | The FIND Lab. They are freaking sponsoring this workshop and will be providing some awesomeness for attendees. They know their stuff and even if you don’t want to use them (seriously, no pressure), they are an INCREDIBLY helpful resource.
Reason 3 | The workshop is a business expense - read: tax write off. Investing in yourself and your business should absolutely be a priority. I could write a lot about this, but I’m jumping off my soapbox because there’s still 2 more reasons.
Reason 4 | Payment Plan. Look, We’re not stupid, this workshop is extremely affordable on purpose. We really love film and teaching and WANT to make this as accessible as possible -- and part of doing that is a payment plan. Don’t want to pay the full amount upfront? No problem. Three easy payments of $250 will get you where you need to go. Send me an e-mail here and I’ll get you set-up today.
Reason 5 | You get to learn from someone else! Surprise!! KC Lostetter will be joining us to teach sessions and help with the workshop. She’s another amazing film photographer and when I met her, she hailed from Hawaii. She just recently moved to Colorado with her adorable family and if you stand close enough, you’ll get a dose of her fantastic humor. She’s a serious color master and her double exposures and light leaks basically transport you to another world. Check out her Instagram here.
R - photo by KC Lostetter | L - photo by Annie Groves
So let’s go! Grab a friend, sign-up together, and let’s get this Ordinary party started
*Check out the FAQ's here to get the skinny on The Ordinary Workshop
Annnnd Baby Schwenk is a ... | Charlotte, North Carolina | Film Photographer
Nate moved to Charlotte and I stayed in Lynchburg for a couple weeks wrapping things up before heading to Chicago via Richmond for #Hamilton.
The DAY before I left Richmond I found out I was pregnant. That Sunday morning -- just me and Henry in our empty, but dearly loved downtown loft. I cried in disbelief when I saw the positive test and then disbelief turned into wonder. (Read why here). Obviously I had to tell Nate asap...so I facetimed Kathryn. I knew Nate would be working that morning and I couldn't just text him. I figured this was the type of news you tell your husband, the father to your growing baby, in person.
Nate moved to Charlotte and I stayed in Lynchburg for a couple weeks wrapping things up before heading to Chicago via Richmond for #Hamilton.
The DAY before I left Richmond I found out I was pregnant. That Sunday morning -- just me and Henry in our empty, but dearly loved downtown loft. I cried in disbelief when I saw the positive test and then disbelief turned into wonder. (Read why here). Obviously I had to tell Nate asap...so I facetimed Kathryn. I knew Nate would be working that morning and I couldn't just text him. I figured this was the type of news you tell your husband, the father to your growing baby, in person. Kathryn and I brainstormed ways to get to me charlotte and back in one day but nothing was feasible. So I lived the longest week of my life (eating the best pizza and fulfilling my broadway dreams with my friend Sarah) and planned for how I would tell Nate when I arrived in North Carolina.
Every year we pick out an ornament that represents a special memory from that year. So I let Nate know I had found the perfect ornament in Chicago aka Hallmark online. It was a rocking horse that said “Baby’s First Christmas 2018.”
I knew it was important to Nate to capture this news on video. He had been veeeeeery clear about that. So I schemed with Kathryn and Drew and they got Nate to set-up his own video equipment under the guise that he’d be recording something for them. So as the video begins, that’s where you find us. Sitting on the couch pretending to be Drew and Kathryn so they could see the video frame and approve the crop. And it worked like magic.
As for the gender, thanks to SneakPeek, we found out at 9 weeks was baby Schwenk was. We received an e-mail, had Drew print it, and place the results in an envelope for us to open. And well, we’re excited. Thank you friend for being part of our journey. Our baby is already loved by so many - we could never begin to adequately thank you.
So, were you surprised? Any suggestions for me now that we know? We welcome any and all tips and advice!
Tobi & Josh | National Museum of Dance | Saratoga Springs, NY
If I had to pick one word to describe Tobi and Josh, it would be exuberant… and all the synonyms that come with it. We first met this dynamic couple when they were in the bridal party at Kat & Shaun’s wedding and it was a no brainer from there – we absolutely wanted to capture their wedding day.
If I had to pick one word to describe Tobi and Josh, it would be exuberant… and all the synonyms that come with it. We first met this dynamic couple when they were in the bridal party at Kat & Shaun’s wedding and it was a no brainer from there – we absolutely wanted to capture their wedding day.
They chose to get married in Tobi’s hometown, Saratoga Springs, New York at the National Museum of Dance and even though the rain was on and off the entire day, you’d never know. Especially because the reception was inside and that’s when the good sky dumped. I’ll take it.
The day before their wedding, Nate and I drove around to get acquainted with this town that is basically ageless. I’ll I wanted to do was take photos of the eclectic hotels and parks for a series on Saratoga and the people who live there. After the best tapas I’ve ever had, we walked along main street and it was evident why people love this area so much. It’s like small-town living met big-city culture and Saratoga Springs was born.
Our hope for every #kncouple is that they plan and enjoy a wedding that is meaningful to them. It was evident that #jobiforever did just that. Josh’s grandmother was the flower girl, he wore converses and had Lego Men on his boutonnieres, and Tobi picked their portrait locations based on what she had dreamed about.
We did their first look outside of a Carousel in Congress Park and we received permission to take it over for a little bit. As well, right before the reception, we headed downtown to Northshire Bookstore to capture some portraits of them doing what they normally do together.
We loved being a part of this celebration and I guarantee you’ll love it too! I mean look at their faces during the first look! Congratulations Tobi and Josh! We’re cheering you on in your marriage.
