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September 21, 2011 #bdtravlin, Personal

Las Vegas with Annie

The west is wild. They weren’t kidding! My good friend Annie and I took a little trip to Las Vegas to see Maroon 5, Death Valley, the Vegas Strip, and each other. I had never been that far west before and I was so surprised at how STARKLY different it is from the East Coast. Of course I have “seen” it in photos and I know how it is via movies and photos all my life, however… being there it a totally different ball of tricks. I was amazed at the lights and the SCALE of everything in Vegas. I had no idea that the casinos were basically cruise ships that were not on the water.  We stayed at the Palms Casino where we got to enjoy the greatness that is Maroon 5 in concert. We also took a day trip out to Death Valley, where it was 106 degrees, silent, alone, and enormous. I can’t even begin to make you understand the way it feels to be there. Annie read me an excerpt from her book about death valley and they described it to have “deep solitude” and “awful silence.” I absolutely could not have said it better. I felt like our car was a space ship that we could only exit from for short moments of time and then needed to rush back to the car for safety. It truly felt like another planet. I was so thankful that I wasn’t a person in a covered wagon- lost in death valley. It was awesome and terrible all at the same time.

Things I learned in Nevada:

  • Never take children with you when visiting Las Vegas, nuff said. What were those parents thinking??
  • Make sure to bring water with you to the desert.
  • Just because something looks like it really that far away doesn’t mean it’s close.
  • Neon signs are scrumptious.
  • I am not a club going party girl. I have no real interest in it at all, which was evident by my reading of Harry Potter in the hotel room.
  • The iPhone camera really is pretty darn sufficient for snapshots. Don’t try and make something amazing out of it however. I need to force myself to take out the huge 10lb camera when I really really want to take a photo for keeps.
  • I love the east coast.

So… we had an amazing time.



September 1, 2011 North Carolina, Weddings

Chris and Katy’s Raleigh NC Wedding

You may remember Chris and Katy from their engagement session at UNC Chapel Hill last January. It was a far cry from chilly weather for their wedding. It was so hot that when we went outside for a few shots our lenses fogged up!

I immediately got excited for their Ceremony when I was witness to Katy’s happiness in marrying Chris. She had requested that we take a photo of the two of them on either side of a door, before their ceremony. They held hands and Chris smiled. Katie smiled too but she also filled with tears. She was so happy to be marrying him. It reminded me of the emotional response that comes with a first look, without actually having one. She also took a few moments during all the bustle of getting ready and found a secret quiet place so that she could wrap her mind around things. I could tell that she knew the importance and significance of what was about to occur and she did not take it lightly. It really touched me to see a bride so in touch with the day and the moments within it.

Congrats Chris and Katy! May God bless your marriage and fill your days with happiness!

July 18, 2011 Engagements, New Hampshire

Kristina and Kevin’s Portsmouth NH Engagement Session

Kristina and Kevin both work in the drug industry… a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep and a Pharmacist that is! I caught up with them in Portsmouth, NH in a little pub called the Common Man. Kevin ordered me an iced coffee as soon as I got there, which makes him perfect in my opinion. It was such a nice thing to finally meet them after being hired as their wedding photographer for a long time prior! We headed to the river, but not before a stop at another bar for lemon drop shots! We took some photos near the river and in the historic parts of town, and walked through the city finding cute nooks and picturesque walls, (I have a thing for walls and nooks). To finish the evening, we headed over to their wedding site on the NH Coast. It was dreamy light on the shore and the absolute perfect temperature outside. It made me want to move to New Hampshire! Just before we parted ways for the day, we stopped by a local legendary ice cream shop, The Beach Plum!  I cannot wait for their wedding!!! -Bethany

 

June 28, 2011 New York City, Weddings

Britt and Tony’s Brooklyn NY Wedding

Remember Britt and Tony? We could not WAIT to photograph their wedding, and it completely surpassed our expectations. Being a witness to their marriage was such a special event for us, because you can feel the electric love between them when you are in their presence. They were married at the Most Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn, NY and then had a dancing march to the Reception at Office Ops, also in Brooklyn. The down-pouring rain moved the reception inside but the party was in no way calmed because of the change. We think you will want to be Britt and Tony’s friends… BEST friends.. after you see this wedding filled with emotion, personality, exuberance and pure sweet love!

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“Francie thought it was the most beautiful church in Brooklyn. It was made of old gray stone and had twin spires that rose cleanly into the sky, high above the tallest tenements. Inside, the high vaulted ceilings, narrow deepset stained-glass windows and elaborately carved altars made it a miniature cathedral.”  -A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 
 

Event Planning: Christine Paul Events | Make-up: Sharon Becker of SB Beauty | Florist: Rose, Red & Lavender | Hair: Joey’s Styles

March Music: The Stumblebums | Photobooth: Shootbooth | Reception Live Music: Baby Soda | DJ: DJ’s at Work | Catering: OME Catering

 


 

 

May 31, 2011 North Carolina, Personal, Weddings

Jon & Joanna’s Raleigh NC Wedding

Jon and Joanna have been dating only a year less than Dan and I have been together. They met the first semester of their Freshman year in college and have been together ever since. I remember one evening over four years ago that Joanna chased me out the front door of our parents house. It had been only one month into their relationship and she said, “Bethany, he’s the one. I’m going to marry him one day.” She was right, and I could not be happier for the two of them!

This wedding came together in a mere 6 weeks! You read that right. They were engaged in early April and the wedding was on May 15 in the NC Raulston Arboretum. It was a perfect day with a soft breeze and birds singing throughout the ceremony. It was a blessing to be a part of everything, both photographing as well as being in the wedding!

Congrats Joanna and Jon!!! We are so very happy for the two of you and we cannot wait to see what the future hold for your lives! We love you both very much.

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If you would like to see more, the slideshow is located HERE!