Fall is in the air

Beaufort

Sometimes, taking a vacation means setting an agenda.  Going to Disney World without a plan would be a complete waste of time (and quite stressful, I think).  My kind of vacation is the kind we just returned from.  I don't even think Carteret county even knows the meaning of the word "hurry."

When I was in college, my mom and I made our own tradition to visit the outer banks of NC, just the two of us.  We started talking about it almost like it was Christmas: "are you ready for Beaufort?!," "Beaufort can't get here fast enough," and so on.  Since Steve and I have been married, our Beaufort tradition has only gotten sweeter, more meaningful and precious.  My mom, Stephen and I were able to rest.  We rested.  It's the kind of rest where your body, mind and heart get enough of a break to restore energy.

This isn't to say we did nothing--far from it.  We didn't plan anything, and started with only a map.  We went from Kings Mountain to the Currituck Lighthouse, Nags Head, (did you know there's a Duck, NC??  Charming!)  the Bodie and Hatteras Lighthouses, and took the ferry to Cedar Island to drive to Beaufort.  We took our time and were able to see (and take pictures of, of course) so many things none of us had seen before.

Here are some of our favorite shots from the trip.  A short explanation of some of these:  the horses are wild ponies on Carrot Island, near Beaufort--nothing there but grass, ponies and sand fleas.  The only way to get to one of these barrier islands is by boat--we have no boat.  Stephen--the charmer he is--actually made friends with a boat owner who gave him a ride so he could make pictures.  Pete and Martha--thank you!!  Hope you enjoy the pictures; we were so excited to get them!

Mom, thanks for loving us the way you do.  We had a blast!   (365 days til Beaufort 09??)

The Wright Brothers Memorial

Currituck. . .



Bodie (I think this was our favorite)

Hatteras


Ocracoke 
Morehead City
Fort Macon

"So let's take two, and turn us into three..."

A week or so ago, Shawn and Anni invited us into their home--their home that was being turned upside down getting ready for their newest member of the family due to arrive in November. If anybody ever tells you that married people aren't romantic or don't have fun, tell them to call me. I can use Shawn and Anni as an object lesson to prove them wrong.

Taking these pictures felt to us a lot like an engagement session. It was so obvious that they are each other's favorite. We told them not to clean anything for us, and we were able to get a glimpse of their life together in these precious and fleeting days.

Shawn and Anni: Thank you for opening your home to us; it was such an honor. Thanks for loving and enjoying each other the way you do. It makes life sweeter being around people like that. We are excited to come back once the new one moves in; what a precious Christmas you have ahead!

Our Album

Congrats again to Justin and Jenna on their wedding in June!  We have started offering wedding albums to our clients in July and created a sample album using Justin and Jenna's wedding photos.  Steve spent weeks designing the book and laying out each page. (I personally think he's the master of this art!)  We are really pleased with the end result and can't wait to show it off!  We seek to offer the best-of-the-best products for our clients, and feel confident these are a great fit for what we offer.

Justin and Jenna: give us a call anytime--we have to show it to you soon!

Kevin and Monica

Our latest wedding was in York, SC at the Latta House--such a charming spot.  We had the opportunity to get to know Monica and Kevin over the past few months while planning their wedding, and I must say, we felt like family that day.  We were so happy to see this day arrive for them!  The bride and groom were so precious talking about each other and so excited about their new life together--that's so much fun for us to watch! 

Thanks you two for allowing us this opportunity to get to know you and to play a part in your beautiful wedding.  It was an honor for us! Congrats to you both!

This weekend we went on a hike with my friends Joey and Melissa Gray and their two dogs Lily and Lux.....two beastly dogs! We went to South Mountain State Park and went on a pretty intense hike up the mountain to an unbelievable view of the High Shoals Waterfall. Needless to say as we approached the top we really started to feel the burn as there were a million and a half little stairs to climb,

but the view was worth it! 

Meaghann's New Chapter

This weekend, we shot some senior portraits for a super kid who is now working on summer staff at TVR Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Plumtree, NC, where I (Stephen) worked as the staff photographer when I met CJ. Meaghann will be entering her last year of high school this fall, but has the head and heart that will keep her grounded and take her places.

Meaghann, CJ and I had a blast hanging out with you this weekend; we wish you the best as you enter into your college years!

Stevo : )