When I first met Erin and Mark I was working as their Wedding photographer. They are the definition of "cool-couple". They were cool, their Wedding was cool, their friends were cool, and I had a great time. I was truly hoping that our paths would cross again. Well, ta-daa!!! Erin and Mark are expecting the first addition to a wonderful family. I was recruited to do the pregnancy pictures. I was very excited because I knew that they would have a fun time with it and do some cool stuff. We shot these on Sunday. Erin is 36 weeks and counting. To all my 3rd floor nurses...take care of these two when you see them come your way, I know they're in great hands!!! 

n

When you think about Downtown Wilmington several things come to mind. The Battle Ship, the river walk, horse drawn carriage rides and trollys, old brick streets, quaint little places to eat, shop and stay, and of course the Cape Fear River. Well, Kendra and Mitch decided to incorporate just about all of those things into their Wedding day. They spent the beginning of the day getting ready in two rented suites at The Wilmingtonian, a perfect place to get ready with your peeps. A trolly was recruited as a shuttle to take the guests and the Wedding party down to the Cape Fear River Deck where the ceremony would take place. After the "I do"s, we took our time (sort of) walking down the streets and alleys, stopping for photo opps along the way on the route to the reception. The Wedding reception was held at The Balcony on Dock (just above Yo Sake). If that isn't a classic Downtown Wedding, I don't know what is.

**Photo Tip**  Try and look for some added details. I knew that Kendra and Mitch were going to use her parents wedding vows. (something borrowed) I knew their Wedding Album was there and I knew that I wanted to document the Vows but on their own, the images is a little flat, so I ran back and grabbed the Wedding rings again and used them to add a little interest. I found two words that I could highlight with the rings placed over the top and there you have it. 

**Photo Tip**      Group shots can be tricky, especially if you are dealing with a very large group of people. If you get a good center of gravity and shoot several shots from right to left, you can layer these photos together in photoshop. If you are not photoshop savvy you could take your shots to a professional lab and have them do the grunt work. Not ideal in all circumstances, but it does work. What I DO NOT recommend is sitting on the top rung of the safety railing while shooting. I slipped and nearly fell into the Cape Fear. Yikes!!!

The Balcony on Dock was designed perfectly to reflect Kendra and Mitch's personalities. A joint effort by Salt Habor Designs and A Carolina Wedding. The table settings were rustic and simple and the flowers...the flowers...the flowers....

**Photo Tip**  This is yet another way to merge two photos together to get the same effect as above. Separate, these two photos do not have much story telling "punch" but when you see them together and see the reactions on the guests faces while Kendra's dad is speaking, it has way more impact.

Just as many Brides do, Whitney warned me ahead of time that her fiance' Jamison may be a bit "nervous". I can't tell you how many times I have heard that before. With in no time Jamie was suggesting locations and possible shots. He made a great assistant that day. That has to be a tell tale sign that he will make a great husband too! Right? I wish I could have a Police Officer along with me on all of my shoots, i could be a little less paranoid about my camera bag being more that 10 feet away from me! ;)

Jamie is not the only one who can stop traffic. Take a look at those eyes....WOW!!!

I loved the contrast between her dress and the painted wall. Thank you Fort Fisher Museum!

**Photo Tip**: We have these amazing Carolina Blue skies here. I am always thinking about using negative space to my advantage to really make those skies pop. Pop your subject into the frame near the bottom left or right and let the skies take over. 

Ann and Bo are local kids. If you are into the music scene here in Wilmington, chances are you have heard about Bo Gunn. He graces our air waves with great music every day over at the Penguin radio station. A previous client of mine gave them my name and Voila'... another great client-photographer relationship was born. I shot their Engagement session and Ann's Bridal session (seen here in an older post) but they were headed to Jamaica for the Wedding and did not have room in their suitcase for me. Boo!! Because of Bo and Ann's relationship with good music we started our day out at CD Alley in downtown Wilmington, snaked through Blue Post and Barbary and then ended up at the beach to finish out our day. Good weather, good people, good times. Thats what its all about!!!

So, I know it has been done many times before, but i just had to get the "two peas in a pod" shot. The sincerest form of flattery, right?? Too cute!!

**if you are interested in the gardens please contact event coordinator Abi Blackerby at: abi.blackerby@ortonplantation.net or visit: http://www.ortongardens.com

Following Almira, in addition to a little bit of rain, was the very entertaining group Ten Toes Up, who didn't mind getting their feet wet at all.

One of the highlights of Ten Toes Up's performance was the crazy percussionist who went from his bongos to sharing the drumset and then sharing a bass.

The third and final act of the evening was J.J. Grey & the Mofros who filled the stage and rocked the crowd.

Nikki's is one of their favorite haunts on Front Street. (one of mine too!!) Too bad we didn't have time to grab a roll or two.

A dancer at heart and at work, Kendra shows off some moves. Mitch dedided not to "break a leg".

If you have been downtown on Water St. lately it would be impossible not to notice the Peacemaker that has been docking there this month. A true pirate ship. (shiver me timbers)

We headed up to Level 5 for a bit. Many of Kendras productions are held in the theatre there so it was a natural fit. Mitch and Kendra have decided to keep it in the family by having their Rehearsal dinner at The Little Dipper and the Wedding reception at The Balcony on Dock. Fun-fun-fun.

We decided to mix it up a bit and go for some softer backrounds by headind down the road to Greenfield Lake. We are just around the corner from full bloom here but we found plenty of color that day. Their outfits were perfect for this location. They were just as colorful.

As we were heading out of Level 5 Kendra opened the door and this blast of light filed through and lit her up. I decided to throw Mitch in that doorway with her, add in the exit sign and Voila', the parting shot of the day.