Christy and Brett were two of the kindest, easy going souls ever. I was thrilled when they booked me for their wedding, and so happy too that I was able to work with Hannah from WED! Lowndes Grove is always so beautiful and I think every event I’ve shot there has been totally different….

Since I started my pinterest page, I have decided to start sharing many more details, in hopes it helps new brides for ideas! I’ve also listed the vendors at the end in case you are interested!

Vendors:
Event planning: W.E.D., Hannah Alexander
Catering: Fish
Sara York Grimshaw: flowers
Rentals and lighting: Event Doctors
Ceremony music: Mark Lester (bagpipe) and Bill LeJeune (drum).
DJ: Creative Sound
cocktail music: Klezmer Local 42
Wedding Cake: the Cake Stand
Sweets and other cakes: Sugar Bakeshop
Programs: Steve Procopio
Invitations and save the dates: Laura Turner
Signs: Studio R

Bride’s hair: Katherine Bailey at Stuart Laurence salon
makeup: Bride did it herself!
Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier from Betsy Robinson bridal in Baltimore, MD

Bridesmaid dresses: Bella Bridesmaid. Pinckney St. dress by Carol Hannah in silk chiffon in mocha
Maid of Honor dress: Max and Cleo. Private boutique.
Flower girl dress: LulaKate

Bride’s earrings, Nadri at Nordstrom
Shoes:Badgley Mischka
Garters, handmade by Christy’s Maid of Honor
Favors: https://www.facebook.com/MrBsSustainableGlassworks

There was a point I had not seen my mom for about 3 weeks, and drove up to NC because she was in the emergency room. I walked in to see her with NO hair, her face puffed up and she was very pale. I was beyond shocked. I did not recognize my mom and I can’t even put into words what this felt like. My sweet aunt comforted me and talked to her like nothing was wrong. I just remember thinking,”what has happened to my mom??” I remember feeling very numb all over and just not knowing what to do.

Being at Duke hospital during this time changed my life. I saw sickness in patients of all ages and their families there sitting with them quietly. This is an experience I would never ever wish on anyone, but I will say, it forced me into a thought process I had never experienced.

Everything is very fast, people want everything, and they want it NOW. They watch celebrities as if they were Gods and almost worship them. People fill their time with tv shows that are mindless, trashy, teach them that lying, being obnoxious and deceitful is okay. Status, popularity, things, money, degrees, the big house, on and on, seem to be what people think make them better. It’s as if our self esteem is wrapped up in what we do and what we have is WHO we are. I will tell you it’s satan’s biggest LIE. If you don’t believe this now, one day you will. Any distraction to get you away from God, his purpose for you and your life, is satan’s plan. For many it works.

So…..Sunday I sat in church and cried. My husband had gotten up to take communion, and I was for a few minutes alone. All of a sudden a girl was sitting next to me asking if she could pray for me. I told her why I was crying and she was so kind, prayed with me and cried WITH me. I had never met this girl, and she went out of her way to comfort a me, to let me know it was going to be okay.

Being self centered in our world is so easy to do, but going out of your way to be kind is much more important. I will tell you, it will give you more satisfaction than any amount of money or prestige that you’ll ever have. We are designed to LOVE each other, to be thoughtful. Take time outside your day to do this. It doesn’t have to be huge. You might be surprised how the tiniest gesture will make someone’s day AND your own.

If you are struggling with your purpose, the direction of your life just know that God’s timing is different from ours. It may not seem like He is listening or there, but I promise, HE IS. Keep going, keep trying, be kind along the way, and keep praying. Your eyes will be opened and your path will be obvious. I could write a book on this! I can look back and see doors that opened AND shut because of the direction I was supposed to go in. And, hardships and difficulties will always happen. This doesn’t mean God doesn’t love you or you are a bad person. It’s life. It teaches us what is really important and to know that everything in this world is temporary. God will always be there, always love you, no matter what.

I hope this helps someone today! I just felt I needed to post this, maybe for a specific person? I am not sure, just following my heart!

We are looking to add a few photographers to our group!

Why team up with Riverland Studios?  You’ll be part of a close-knit group of people that share the same interests and passion for people, weddings, and we are all friends.  We know the industry, and have close relationships with vendors.  We have a staff that is committed to taking care of the business, marketing and post processing which lets you focus on that aspect you love – being with people and photographing!

Do you already shoot weddings on your own? No problem! Every one of our talented photographers is a freelance shooter.  Although the studio maintains the copyright to the photos you take, you’re free to add them to your own portfolio.

So what are we looking for? Down to earth artists with a great eye, are awesome with people, have attention to detail, and have a passion for creating beautiful memories for others.

If you’re a photographer with your own equipment and have experience shooting weddings, send an email to Mat, the studio manager, at mat.jones@riverlandstudios.com

We look forward to hearing from you!

Location: Pepper Plantation
Planner: Jubilation
Hair and Makeup: Cover Girl Brides
Band: Bobby and the Aristocats
Cake artist: Sugar Bake Shop
Caterer: Good Food Catering
Flowers: OK florist
Gown Boutique: RK Bridal
Video: SRA Films