Jessica + Derek - Biltmore Engagement and Sunflower Love

Jessica and Derek are tying the knot in October this year. We actually did TWO engagement sessions, which I LOVE! It got to show two completely different sides of their love; Love of the Gym and their connection to Biltmore and of course…sunflowers. I love the juxtaposition from the tough and interior gym shots and the bright, sunny, flowery shots at Biltmore.

Here’s the link to the gym blog post - https://www.studiomisha.com/blog/2019/4/21/jessica-derek-tough-love-engagement-session-at-south-slope-crossfit

So our Biltmore destination was a special memory for them, since Derek proposed to Jessica at Chihuly Nights. We actually went back to the exact bench where the magic happened. When I heard the recount of the story I discovered that, since they were already sitting, Derek didn’t go down on one knee. I had to laugh because almost 14 years ago now when my hubby proposed, he didn’t go down on one knee either (We were at a beautiful picnic at a park). So we re-created a proposal on the beautiful lawn by the gardens. Don’t get me wrong, it’s so wonderfully open these days to do whatever is in your heart or what you feel when it comes to a proposal; the beauty is in the meaning and the love behind the actions. But there’s also something nostalgically beautiful about tradition, at least to me.

We had a serious chuckle when we arrived at the sunflower field. For those of you that have been there before when they’re in peak season, it’s magnificent. The sunflowers are like 6 feet tall and the size of a bowling ball! When we got there……they were adolescents LOL. We made the best of it, and had some fun doing it! We were also lucky to find the train exhibit there in the gardens. With all of us being pass holders we had the freedom to go wherever we wanted. And there was an epic recreation of the Biltmore House in natural materials. Like a fairy house you would build in the woods, but on a grande scale!

I’m super excited for their wedding day. The weather is going to be Autumnal and gorgeous and I’m betting on amazing color by then. As their wedding photographer I got to experience it all with them. It’s why weddings are so magical for me, and I’m grateful everyday that I get to make this my career. Make sure to come back and see the wedding photos!

This is the perfect “Man Lean” achieved. I love when a groom rocks his model pose!

Anna + George - A Backyard Wedding of Blooms, Family and True Love

A backyard wedding is such a wonderful way to celebrate the sanctity of Marriage. Especially when the mother of the groom is a master gardener and flower arranger! It was so beautiful! Hydrangeas were hung in great bunches over the arch, white folding chairs were laid out with a little aisle in the middle, and a harpist play softly off the side, all awaiting the happy couple.

Purple dresses of varying shades and flower crowns made these already beautiful girls of the family look like woodland princesses. They joy of getting ready in the bridal suite was palpable. Hugs flowed warmly all around as the beautiful bride put on the final touches to her look. With nothing but close family in attendance it was really all about the family photos! When do you get everyone together dressed nicely and all photo ready? We took great advantage and had fun doing it.

George watched Anna come down the aisle with a glowing smile on his face. The ceremony was full of loving words from everyone, talking about how much they all meant to each other, and what this life held for them moving forward. For me, this is what a wedding ceremony is all about! I feel so privileged to be a witness to true honest love in this world, and not only to witness, but capture it for them to cherish forever. It just fills a special place in my heart.

After many a tear and laughing through tears (my favorite emotion!), smiles and hugs, and vows that sealed their lives together in this life, cheers and hugs abounded. Champagne was popped and of course, I had to break up the party to get more family photos LOL. The photographer has to be the buzz kill sometimes to get the photos, right?

Congrats to George and Anna, and the loving families that will be there for them on this journey. I am so happy that you asked me to be your wedding photographer. May the love and happiness you feel today shine through the years.