Seize The Photo Photography Blog » Bridal

Open your eyes, chica!

cathy — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:39:08 +0000

Yep, that’s what I told myself this morning. I’m working on a very awesome bride’s wedding album right now, so I found myself rummaging going through this year’s archives in search of photos for the book. I happened to stumble across the bridal session of one of my most stunning brides to date…and I realized I hadn’t blogged it yet! DOH!

I cannot keep this off the blog anymore…she’s too much of a sweetheart and a stunning bride to not share with you guys! Tricia got married at the Peacock Inn in Newton, NC, just down the street from my studio. I love this place and the staff there is awesome. Everything about the inn is gorgeous to say the least, and Martha and Mike have done an amazing job creating such a wonderful venue. When Tricia told me she wanted to do her bridal session there, I was stoked. Check out how the combination of an awesome bride and a breathtaking location turned out:

A classic beauty…

cathy — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 20:54:43 +0000

She flat out nailed it.

I’m lost for words when I think about how wonderful my bridal session with Ms. Andrea went. She’s one of those girls who has it all…awesome dress, great smile, and “the look.” I personally look like a dork when I try to do “the look,” but Andrea doesn’t. She’s amazing. It’s just something you have to have, and she does.

Not only did I have an awesome model and bride, but this session was also very unique. I got to travel to a beautiful, private farm in Cherryville, NC and photograph Andrea with a fully restored vintage Chevy truck! If you know anything about me, I love classic vehicles. My dad used to take me to car shows all the time when I was a kid, so I LOVE anything about a classic car or truck.

When I arrived, it was actually raining and my heart dropped. I was really looking forward to this session with Andrea, so I was determined to do whatever we could to complete the session. It ended up being another “perfect storm” for me…we had moody clouds, a vintage truck, an awesome bride, and a beautiful pastoral setting to photograph. All in all, it was quite the successful session, and one of my best bridal sessions to date. Check out some of my favorite photos below, and leave Andrea some love in the comments and let her know how awesome she did!

For your inner fashionista…

cathy — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:53:58 +0000

What is the one thing that a girl looks forward to most when she gets engaged? THE DRESS! It’s the one time during the wedding where she’s surrounded by everything she loves: fashion, family and friends, glitz, glamour. From seeing the look of pride on mom’s face as she finds “the” dress, to the thoughts that fill her mind as she thinks of her fiance’s face when he first sees her, it’s truly one of the most exciting times during the engagement.

I have to admit that I’m guilty of being a fashionista too. Each wedding season, I LOVE imagining myself in any of the new styles that I see on runways…I have to admit that it’s exciting. I frequent fashion blogs myself, and I’ve seen some pretty cool trends so far this year. It seems as though a few trends from 2010 are back, like romantic, vintage gowns and trumpet skirts. A few new trends have surfaced too, like shorter cocktail gowns (for the actual wedding gown, not just a bridesmaid dress!) and black accents on gowns (gloves, bows, sashes, etc.). Its always a really exciting time for me to see what styles my brides choose and the drama that it brings to the wedding day, but it can get a little confusing knowing what all the fashion terms mean. I’m here to help though. I wanted to post a few photos from our past brides to help “translate” the fashion-isms, to make your life easier when searching for a gown. Enjoy, and email me if you need a referral for a great gown shop or a translation for any “fashion-ism.”

1) Black sashes and accessories
You may see a lot of black (and color) accents on dresses this season, including sashes, bows, and even gloves! Don’t be afraid to use color in your gown, and in your shoes. After all, it is your wedding and you only do it once!

2) A flashback to the style of the 1950′s, shorter cocktail dresses are back in style. Not only are they incredibly cute, but they make waves because the style is so against the grain compared to traditional longer gowns.

3) Dramatic, longer veils:
As a photographer, I really dig a longer veil. There are so many added benefits to it, including drama on the wedding day and cooler, unique photos. This is actually my veil from my wedding that I let my brides borrow if they want a little added drama in their photos.

4) Lace…it will never go out of style. Many dresses in the past have had lace overlays, but current styles are going a step further and making the entire gown out of the delicate fabric.

5) Trumpet skirts: A more modern version of the mermaid dresses of the 1980′s and 1990′s, the trumpet skirt shows off your curves in all the right places while still creating a dramatic train and silhouette.

6) Vintage: Vintage gowns are making a huge comeback. The style has a soft feel to it, including romantic draping, lace overlays, broaches, and many other classic details.

Source: Helen Jones, “Wedding Trends 2011-Wedding Dresses”

New Year’s Resolution.

cathy — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 04:46:54 +0000

So everyone has them, but how can a girl make one without sounding too cliche? I’m going to try, and here’s my attempt. This year, I want to use my blog to open a door into my life so you can get to know me more…so you can see that I really do want to make STP the most personal, REAL photography studio out there. It’s my personal belief that this is not only my job, but my passion and my venue to share my gift with others. You can go anywhere and get a photograph taken. That’s true. However, I want to give you guys great photographs and a truly personal experience. I want you to feel like you’ve gained a friend and a photographer when you walk out of our doors. I want you to feel like you are a part of every step of the journey with me, whether I’m photographing your wedding or your family. Why? Because you mean a lot to me. I value your opinion. Most of all, it’s because of YOU that I’m able to do what I do. Without every single person’s support who has read this blog, or smiled in front of my camera, I wouldn’t be here today. So for that reason, I am going to work even harder this year to show each of you how important you are. I want to get to know you. I want your photographs to scream YOU. I want you guys to see the things that make me tick…I want you to see the passions that drive my creativity…I want you to enjoy life with me, and see a little piece of what makes me ME. With that said, look for new posts almost every day (but not Sundays!), in hopes of opening a door to my life so we can get to know each other better. For this post, and the next few, enjoy a few of my favorite photos from 2010′s photographic year.

Today: favorite bridal portraits of 2010
Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

My favorite photo of the year in the bridal category…
Why? Because the light was SO delicious and because Alison was bringin’ it!

This one tied for my favorite bridal photo of the year. Everything was perfect. Ashley was gorgeous, her smile was perfect, the veil (that’s MY veil!) movement was perfect, and the sky was gorgeous! How could you NOT love this photo?

Another one of Ms. Ashley…the camera simply loves her.

I fell in love with this photo because of the light and how delicious it was, but because of something else. I’m a country girl who loves the outdoors, and everything about this picture just “fit” for me. I love the deep greens…I love the golden sun shining through the leaves…I love the creek in the lower left corner. Everything came together for this shot, and Brett was simply gorgeous in her gown!

One word: Simple. Drama. Okay…that’s two.

Ms. Julia Roberts. Yes, I photographed Julia Roberts’ wedding this year. It was pretty cool. But what was even cooler is how fun this little lady is…she let me do anything I wanted at her bridal session, and it turned out pretty awesome. This photo screams “fun,” and I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.

That’s it for today and this weekend, but tune in on Monday for my first post from the studio! Have a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

Back to my old stompin’ ground…

cathy — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 04:53:13 +0000

I miss Cullowhee with all of my heart. I left my heart there a long time ago, and for good reason. The mountains are gorgeous, I met Lee there, and it’s where I went to college at WCU. I’ve explored miles, upon miles of trails in the backwoods and am in love with the area. Naturally, when I get a chance to go back, I jump on it.

Alison called me back in May and booked us for her wedding in Cullowhee the Lake Club in Lake Glenville. She said “Lake Glenville” and “Cullowhee” in the same sentence, and I jumped on it! I don’t think she even had time to finish! After talking to her more, I realized just how beautiful the wedding was going to be. Wildflowers, candy apples, rustic woods, and a log cabin…all on Lake Glenville! You can’t get any better than this.

Fast forward a few months to Alison’s bridal session…
I knew that she was gorgeous and sweet, but I NEVER imagined how incredible the session would turn out. This has got to be one of the strongest bridal sessions I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph, and I enjoyed every minute of it. This girl is talented, and you’ll definitely see her all over our website in the near future!

Anyway, enjoy some photos from her romantic mountain wedding to Mr. Jay Moody, and her ridiculously gorgeous bridal session…don’t forget to leave your love for the bride and groom in the comments!

Julia + Jarvis :: wedding

cathy — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 05:34:12 +0000

I love it when all of my friends and family are with me. I love it when I can be myself, more than ever, and have the time of my life doing so. It’s rare I get so many of my family and friends together at the same wedding, so this one was extra special for me.

Julia and Jarvis met at pizza hut. According to my wonderful mom (I’m tellin’ ya, my whole family was there!), ever since Julia and Jarvis met, “that boy would do anything for Julia.” Apparently, Jarvis was smitten from the first moment he met her. Julia is bubbly, fun-loving, and has a heart as big as Texas. Jarvis is sweet, intelligent, and one of the few gentlemen left in this world. Put them together, and they make a pretty awesome couple. My own sister has had the pleasure of being Julia’s best friend since elementary school, and you could never pry them apart.

Everyone who meets Julia and Jarvis loves them, especially me. Especially for a few reasons:

1) Jarvis really loves Julia, and brings out the best in her. Plus, he’s a GOOD MAN.

2) Julia’s got the sweetest smile and personality, especially when Jarvis is around.

3) They swam in a waterfall for me at their engagement shoot. In their clothes. A fish swam up her dress. Now THAT is an awesome couple.

4) They are dripping with awesomeness. Literally. They swam in a waterfall for me.

5) Jarvis’ last name is Roberts. Technically, I know now have a celebrity wedding under my belt. Julia Roberts. YEAH!

Before I forget, I want to send a special shout out to one of the most awesome wedding parties ever, especially to Tiger and Steve. You guys rock! One more shout out…my lovely sister, Melissa Price, made the gorgeous cake. Great job sis! Lastly, Ava Phillips of AKP Creative Services did a beautiful job designing and coordinating Julia’s wedding. This girl knows what she’s doing, so give her a call some day!

Okay…enough about us. I’m sure you want to see some pictures, right? Enjoy some photos from Julia’s bridal session, the engagement session, and the wedding at Woodmill Winery. Thank you both so much for allowing me to share this wonderful day with you!

Julia’s bridal session:

Julia and Jarvis’ engagement session:

And now for the wedding: 10.16.2010

I couldn’t resist…

cathy — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 06:15:47 +0000

I got home tonight from Ericka and Brian’s wedding at Mosteller Mansion and couldn’t wait to look at the pictures. While starting to look through them, I noticed something that really caught my eye–Lee’s photos. I am so lucky and blessed to have him by my side at weddings. He will never tell you himself, but he is an amazing photographer. Yes, he carries equipment. Yes, he’ll never ask for any credit. But dang it, it’s about time he got credit where credit’s due. This dude is an amazing photographer. Sitting there looking at his photos tonight, I realized that he really does try to better himself each wedding. He’s so strong at what he does, and I really can trust him with ANYTHING. That is so valuable. We just hit a groove with working together (working with spouses is challenging, but we finally figured it out!) and the past few weddings have been amazing. I guess I’m here to say that I love him, am proud of him, and couldn’t do this business without him. God has blessed me with such an awesome partner in life, and for that I am truly thankful.

Okay…on to Ericka and Brian. Ericka…goodness…I could talk all day about her. I love this girl like she’s my own sister…she’s got one of the best personalities (and Southern accents, to boot) that I’ve ever encountered. I’ve NEVER had a dull moment with her, and I adore her family. She has made this wedding one I’ll never forget, and I’m SO thankful that I met her.

I bet she’s thankful she met Brian, too. Brian has got one of the most piercing set of blue eyes I’ve ever seen in my life. Ericka told me that’s one of the first things she fell in love with. When you see these two together, there’s no question. They are gorgeous together, and they are perfect for each other. I’ve had nothing less than a good time and wonderful experiences with them, and I am so grateful to know each of them. I adore this couple, and I hope you all enjoy a sneak peak at their photos!

A couple engagement photos:

Some of my favorites from Ms. Ericka’s bridal session:

Ericka and her precious bulldog Daisy…

And some from today’s wedding:

One of my favorites from Lee

Another “Lee” favorite!

Yet another…

Ashley :: bridal

cathy — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:25:04 +0000

Ever heard of the phrase “the perfect storm?” If not, its a moment when several factors come together at one moment to make one epic event. This is what I call Ashley–my perfect storm. This girl is literally and uberly (I don’t know if that’s even a proper adverb!) talented and I can’t even find a word in the dictionary to describe her! She knows how to pose, she’s confident, she did everything I asked with ease, the dress she chose was perfect for her figure, and to top it off, she’s got such an awesome personality! When you couple her talents, with our passion, and a beautiful location with delicious light, this is what happens…

Angie :: bridal session

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:41:20 +0000

I love different things. I love doing things differently. Naturally, when I met Angie Lowman Davis and heard about all the wonderful ideas she had surrounding her bridal session, I was really excited. First, her dress was totally handmade Sabastian Ready, who owns a local bridal boutique (http://www.sabastiansboutique.com/). Angie also wanted to remember her father in a very sweet way; he passed over a year ago and she really wanted his memory to be part of her wedding day. We visited his grave and got some photos of her bouquet and Angie sitting on a memory bench. Check out the photos below and see how beautiful she looked!

Julie :: bridal session

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 15:38:15 +0000

What’s a great combination in wedding photography? A gorgeous Maggie Soettero gown plus a sweet, southern bride named Mrs. Julie Ann Cardamone! I had a great time photographing her engagement session back in the fall, and her bridal portraits were very classic, elegant, and timeless. Check out a few of my favorites from her shoot at Rock Barn Golf and Spa Club.