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!
Annaliese & Ben | Chic Urban Wedding | LongView Gallery | Washington D.C.
At the risk of sounding cliche, Annaliese & Ben’s wedding was a dream. But for real.
This couple is dynamic in every sense of the word. They make everyone who crosses their path feel loved and accepted for who they are. We were extremely fortunate to connect with them through Anne, one of the Groom’s sisters, who is also a photographer and part of the same network that we’re in. It’s things like this that make the internet world feel smaller and like a true community.
At the risk of sounding cliche, Annaliese & Ben’s wedding was a dream. But for real.
This couple is dynamic in every sense of the word. They make everyone who crosses their path feel loved and accepted for who they are. We were extremely fortunate to connect with them through Anne, one of the Groom’s sisters, who is also a photographer and part of the same network that we’re in. It’s things like this that make the internet world feel smaller and like a true community.
It should go without saying that I’m so happy that we did connect because these two are just as kind as they are stunning -- attentive to their family, community, and the animal world. Direct proof of this was the inclusion of their beloved dog, @rescue_charlie in as much of their wedding day as possible.
Charlie, in his dapper tux, was part of the first look that melted hearts in the heart of DC and the wedding favors were coffee beans from Dean’s Beans appropriately named “Rescue Charlie’s Good Boy Blend.” However, he wasn’t the only intentional thing about their day. Anna’s brother was the priest who married them and as a sweet surprise, during his toast, presented them with a framed Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis.
After photos at Meridian Hill and the ceremony, we headed to LongView Gallery for the chicest reception space I’ve ever seen. Hanging greenery highlighted the head table and the gallery art kept the modern twist on the space -- keeping it minimal but classy. We capped the night off with macarons, dancing, and an epic sparkler exit. Thank you for having us capture your day, we’re still cheering for you two...and obviously Charlie.
VIEW THE FULL GALLERY HERE
PENTAX 645NII | NIKON D810
PORTRA 400(+1) | FUJI 400H | HP5 + 3 | MASTIN LABS
THE FIND LAB
COORDINATion | Etc. Coordinators
FLORALS | Designs by Oochay
Vegan CAKE | Sweetz Bakery
VENUE | Immaculate Conception & LongView Gallery
HAIR | Behind the Veil
MAKEUP | Sivan Beurbe
CATERING | Spilled Milk Catering
BRIDAL GOWN cORSET tOP | BHLDN
bRIDAL gOWN Skirt | Martina Liana from Elegance By RoyaL
BRIDESMAIDs | Dove & Dahila from Weddington Way
Men's Wear | Michael Kors from Menguin
CINEMATOGRAPHY |Toy Box Studios
DJ | Energy Productions
qUARTET | String of Pearls Quartet
Transportation | A La Carte Limousine
Favors | Rescue Charlie's Good Boy Blend
Officiant | Father John Ruetemann
Macarons | Olivia Macaron
Tia & Aaron | Earthy Blue Ridge Wedding | Heartstone Lodge | Lexington, VA
Like every #kncouple, Tia & Aaron dove into their relationship and it was evident that their wedding day reflected them and their community. Tia rocked her tattoo in her custom MyWony gown with blue undertones and Aaron’s hair was wild and free – adjectives that also match his expressions for his bride. Another thing that was important to them was supporting local businesses so each vendor was handpicked and even thanked by the couple during the reception.
Tia & Aaron – I like to refer to them as the most joyful and earthy couple. Tia was my second roommate during my time in grad school and I LOVE that we were able to not only share in their celebration but to capture their wedding day on film. Plus, their wedding served as a mini-vendor reunion for us and we didn’t mind that one bit.
Like every #kncouple, Tia & Aaron dove into their relationship and it was evident that their wedding day reflected them and their community. Tia rocked her tattoo in her custom MyWony gown with blue undertones and Aaron’s hair was wild and free – adjectives that also match his expressions for his bride. Another thing that was important to them was supporting local businesses so each vendor was handpicked and even thanked by the couple during the reception.
In lieu a first-look, Tia & Aaron exchanged notes before their ceremony where Tia also gave Aaron a chest of sentimental items that she’d collected throughout their relationship.
Much like their epic engagement session, Tia & Aaron got married in the Blue Ridge Mountains right in Lexington, Virginia. Their hill-top ceremony landed them right in front of a massive wedding tree that Petal Flower Company worked magic on. And to further their relational intentionality and bohemian romantic vibes, their vows, music, and communion brought everyone to tears. Right after walking up the aisle, Tia and Aaron took a moment to honor and thank their parents and that was the second time I cried.
The night ended with their dreamy reception set under stars and string lightbulbs with plenty of delicious local Lynchburg desserts and dancing that could’ve lasted for days.
Though there’s a million things I loved about this day, the couple takes the cake (and those adorable tulle clad flower girls). Congrats Tia & Aaron, we’re honored to not only be your wedding photographers but also your friends.
View the Full Gallery Here
PENTAX 645NII | FUJIGA645 | NIKON D810
PORTRA 400(+1) | FUJI 400H | HP5 + 3 | MASTIN LABS
THE FIND LAB
Day of Coordinator | Ashley Eskridge
Florals | Petal Flower Company
Cake and Desserts | Mrs. Joy's Absolutely famous treats
Venue | Heartstone Lodge and Retreat Center
Hair | Jessica Comiskey Hair Design
Makeup | Kristi Taylor
Catering | Candace Vinson from Culinary Group
Bridal Gown | MyWony Bridal
Bridesmaid Skirts | DressBeautiful
Groom | Asos
Invites | Pipkin Paper Co
Cinematography | Levi Moyers
Timeless Southern Bridal Session | The Biltmore | Asheville, North Carolina
Much like family sessions, I never knew how much I would love doing bridal sessions. They sneak up on you with time and creative space that weddings don’t always allow for. So if you’re thinking about a bridal session, let’s talk!
Now that Rachel & Will are married and the film from their South Carolina wedding is at The FIND Lab, I can share some of my favorites from Rachel’s Bridal Session.
Much like family sessions, I never knew how much I would love doing bridal sessions. They sneak up on you with time and creative space that weddings don’t always allow for. So if you’re thinking about a bridal session, let’s talk!
Now that Rachel & Will are married and the film from their South Carolina wedding is at The FIND Lab, I can share some of my favorites from Rachel’s Bridal Session. From the outside, it might not seem like narrowing these down for a post was hard but it was! To give you a little insight, I miiiight have shot 11 rolls for this session and, I kid you not, I could’ve shot more.
As far as the setting for this session, the classic Southern Bride knows that the Biltmore is the place to have portraits taken. Boasting the largest estate in America, it spans a little under 7,000 acres and you could spend a good three days there and still have more to explore.
For Rachel, it was important to her that her wedding dress was timeless. She wanted to be able to look at her wedding photos any year down the road and have it frozen in time by style. I would say she nailed it. Rachel chose a classic A-line ball gown with a lace overlay for the top. And to complete her gorgeous ensemble and sentiment, she wore her mother-in-law’s beautiful lace cathedral veil. Regardless of whether you’re looking for something traditional, modern, or anything in-between, what’s most important is that you know what you love, what represents your relationship, and what you feel comfortable in because that’s what makes it timeless because it’s you. And this is completely Rachel.
