Bicycle Built for Two

I photographed my first wedding last year and instantly fell in love with this type of photography. Weddings give guests a look into the personalities of the couple from their choice of decorations to their sermon and vows. Thus, photographs of each wedding must reflect both the emotions of the day as well as the personalities of the couple and family.

    Recently, I had the pleasure of working with Kari Sederburg and Jay Dore, a couple from Michigan who came to Asheville to get married in front of a beautiful mountain backdrop. While Kari and Jay were as in love as any other almost-married couple, they certainly had their own way of doing things.

    For instance, rather than put a ring of Kari’s finger, Jay proposed with a bicycle! It might make more sense to explain that the two are avid cyclists. The gear shifts on Kari’s bike are adorably inscripted with “Will you marry me?” and the date of the proposal.

       One of my favorite things working with this couple was how relaxed they were. Their philosophy on their wedding was that it was a celebration of their union, that everyone should just have fun and be comfortable. They even laughed and joked intermittently through their ceremony making it delightful to listen to.

     But, certainly, one of the most unique factors of their reception was the food – always one of my favorite parts, anyways. As one of Kari’s favorite foods is tacos and Jay’s go-to meal is pizza, they each had a station dedicated to these, their favorite foods. And, to top it off, perched in the corner of the reception hall was a beautiful tower of donuts that looked (almost) too good to eat.

    The festivities wound down with toasts, dancing and chatting, but not before a gorgeous sunset dropped behind the mountains. There could not have been a better venue in which to capture the beauty of a mountain wedding! 

Congratulations again to Kari and Jay. If you are interested in booking me for a wedding, please email me and we can set up a consultation. 

Personal Progress

As a photographer I’m much more comfortable behind the lens than in front. So, what better way to take a self-portrait than while photographing the lake with my film camera?  

    At the risk of tooting my own horn, I thought I would focus my first artist post on my personal photographic journey.

    My first foray into the imaginative world began before I can remember. Documented evidence shows that I began my artistic career writing and illustrating my own books (at the young age of 5) with the classic, The Dad-Dad Monster, as my crowning glory.

    I quickly moved into sewing, creating my own clothing line for my American Girl doll, Samantha. I even taught myself to sew on an old – probably vintage, at this point - Singer sewing machine.

    I bought my first camera, a Canon point-and-shoot, in 7^th grade and from that moment on I was hooked. Everywhere I went, I took my camera - as my numerous Facebook photo albums prove.

    9^th grade was a big year for my right-brain. Trips to New York City and Paris not only showed me big-city life – a world I’d like to experience more of – but also introduced me to travel photography, a style that continues to influence me.

    My knowledge of photography increased immensely through high school as one of my favorite teachers, Anna Wakefield, introduced me to darkroom photography and film cameras. Mrs. Wakefield, along with her enthusiasm for the medium, is one of my greatest influences in pursuing photography.

    Through my studies at UNC Asheville, I have recognized my personal aesthetic; portrait studies showing the subjects’ personalities. The intent of my work is to convey the emotion and personality of my subjects in terms of their relationship to me as a photographer.

    In my dreams, my creative handiwork will lead me all over the world shooting people (with my camera, obviously) of all walks of life.

    

 I also journal a lot, both of my ideas for photography and simple day-to-day musings. Journaling is a very cathartic process and my favorite way to improve my photography and unwind after a long day.  

                         

Introductions

    When I first began looking at colleges, I had an idea in mind of the type of school at which I could flourish. As an artist and competitive runner, I had to find a school where I could participate in both an enriching art program and Division 1 sports. Fortunately, my mother - in her infinite wisdom - pushed me to look at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. And here I am!

    In the two years I've lived in Asheville, I've fallen in love with both the artsy, creative culture and mountainous, beautiful scenery that makes this city a travel destination. From artists in the River Arts District to restaurateurs throughout the city to city-walkers with rainbow mohawks, Asheville is buzzing with innovative people pursuing and sharing their art, whatever form. Also, Asheville’s setting in the gorgeous Smoky Mountains provides its resident artists with abundant inspiration and resources.

    As a photojournalist and avid lover of my new city, I have begun exploring Asheville, unearthing some of the city’s known and lesser-known innovators. To match the atmosphere of the place it resides in, UNC Asheville's new motto has appropriately become "seriously creative.” Thus, my blog will focus on "seriously creative" people in Asheville (and other cities when I eventually get to travel again) along with their art and inspiration. I hope everyone enjoys reading of my findings as much as I enjoy finding them!

    Today’s photos include some of the places I go when seeking inspiration: Downtown, Beaver Lake, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.