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Suzanne & Pat {Carolina Photosmith Engagement}

Posted on August 31, 2010

Pat is a huge baseball fan, so we were a little bummed when we could not work out getting onto USC’s new field to snap a few engagement shots at the home of the College World Series champs. But it was fitting I had a double-header photo session on this unbelievably steamy day. Suzanne’s bridal session was absolutely divine, but of course, I can’t spoil the surprise of how lovely she’ll be on her upcoming wedding day. After she traded her gown for a short, fun dress, her fiance arrived at their wedding site. The light is so beautiful there, so all we can hope is for a repeat on wedding day — minus about 20 degrees.

I am so completely happy that this couple has found each other. Can’t wait to photograph the wedding!

Tags: Carolina Photosmith, Charleston portrait photographer, engagement photos, Jennifer H. Smith, Millstone at Adams Pond

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Pattison’s Academy Educates and Rehabilitates

Posted on August 25, 2010

Several years ago, some dedicated parents, social workers, therapists, and teaching assistants came together to host a unique summer camp catering to the needs of children with multiple and severe disabilities. Their goal to create a year-round charter school serving these same children was lofty to say the least, but with the tireless support of an enthusiastic community, talented fundraisers and passionate board members, their vision has become a fantastic reality!

Yesterday, the community came together to celebrate the opening of this amazing school. Speakers included Pattison’s mom Pam Sloat, executive director Sloan Cooper and Mayor Joe Riley. Beth and Darius Rucker joined some of the students to cut the ribbon and welcome the community to tour the classrooms. Beth has been on the board since its inception, and the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation made key contributions to Pattison’s Academy.

Like other schools in Charleston County, Pattison’s Academy opened its doors August 18. It was truly humbling to be surrounded by the people who have made this happen and to meet the children, the teachers, the founders and the local people who have provided funding, energy, transportation and a wonderful facility. My words are truly inadequate to describe yesterday’s celebration full of hope and joy, but I am grateful for the dedication and generosity of my friends and our community to engage 32 children with playing, learning and laughing every day.

Tags: Charleston charter school, Darius Rucker, Hootie and the Blowfish, Mayor Joe Riley, PACE, Pattison's Academy

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Charleston Museum Birthday Bash {Carolina Photosmith}

Posted on August 9, 2010

I’m finally catching up with editing some personal photos, and I had to share about the great party we had for my daughter’s sixth birthday! A Charleston July is way too steamy for a traditional backyard celebration, so we look for indoor fun or watery experiences. This year’s Charleston Museum birthday party was so much fun! “America’s first museum” offers a variety of themes for boys and girls, but I knew when I read about the history doll theme that it would be a great fit since my gal was counting on receiving Lanie, the American Girl doll who is all about nature in her backyard.

The museum staffers hadn’t met Lanie before, but they created the perfect morning for us. We started in the classroom checking out various Lowcountry animals and learning about some of their habits. Next, the girls painted beautiful butterflies and decorated binoculars for exploring at home. We went on a scavenger hunt in the museum, stopped in the children’s section to dress up, then carried on to the impressive Natural History Hall. After all that learning, it was time to hydrate, sing to Cidney and enjoy cupcakes. The museum even provided balloons and goody bags. Only a couple of Cid’s guests had attended a party here before, and we can’t recommend it enough! Also, it was surprisingly affordable for an off-site adventure. In fact, all of their children’s programs look interesting, so we’ll be joining the museum this year to take advantage of all the great exhibits and special programs.

Tags: America's first museum, birthday, Charleston Museum, child's birthday, doll theme, Lanie

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Ben & Colleen {Charleston Engagement}

Posted on August 3, 2010

These two were such troopers for braving the 100+ heat index for this engagement session! They’ll marry next spring, and they were eager to have some shots for a save-the-date card. Ben is a merchant marine, so he’s heading out this week for another month off the Louisiana coast, on a ship that is currently assisting with oil spill cleanup. Colleen, who occasionally babysat for my kids during grad school, is set to start work at a new charter school specializing in children with multiple and severe disabilities. These two have such big hearts, and it was great fun wandering the steamy downtown streets with them. Congratulations, y’all!

Tags: balloons, board games, Carolina Photosmith, Charleston wedding photographer, engagement photos, historic Charleston, Jennifer H. Smith, Scrabble, whimsical props

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Babycakes! {Charleston Baby Photographer}

Posted on July 30, 2010

I learned several things while photographing this handsome boy just after his first birthday:
1) Boyish colors are not always enticing on a cake. (In fact, orangey-red and gold look like ketchup and mustard!)
2) Vegan cakes, while allergen-free, are not enticing to little people. (Or to big people: bring on the buttercream.)
3) Chocolate, on baby’s hands and near baby’s diaper, does not look so much like chocolate.
4) A fair-skinned, plumpalicious babe and the magnificent afternoon light in my sideyard trump all of the above.

Look at gorgeous Maguire! Who cares if he approached his questionable cake cautiously? He was so happy and content. Thankfully, he recovered quickly from his cake-induced meltdown. Speaking of cakes, it’s too bad you can’t see the 4-layer fondant cake his mom and grandmama made for his cowboy b-day party. (They live a few hours from Charleston, so I didn’t see it in person either, but wow!)

Thanks again for everyone’s participation in the cake smash baby contest, and congrats to Maguire!

Tags: baby, cake smash, Carolina Photosmith, Charleston family photographer, family portrait photographer, first birthday, photo, photo contest

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What’s In a Name? {Bridals}

Posted on July 25, 2010

As a gal who has gone by Jen Smith for more than a decade, I have been known to envy people whose lively personalities mesh well with a fitting and/or memorable name. Facebook, in addition to hosting an not-so-exclusive group of Jennifer Smiths, offers glimpses of stellar names like Smartt, Brilliant and Witty. Singsong I’d-like-to-buy-a-vowel names like Bartoccini, DellOlio, Alimova. Whimsical names like Sass and Looney. Edible names like Bacon and Curry. Cowboy names like Cash, Frye and Wyatt. (And don’t get me started on my friend Kelley Kelly!)

Back in May, I had my very first bridal session with a fun-loving beauty known as Katie to those who love her most. Turns out this sweet, petite bride married a Spaniard with a name much bigger than she is. Although she wed in another town (while I was on my annual family vacation), she trekked to Charleston to spend an hour or two giggling with her sis and sporting her gorgeous gown in three locations, all within a couple of miles of my house. Hopefully the images below are fitting for the regal Mrs. Francisco Blanco-Silva. Congrats, Kaitlin!

Tags: bridal portrait, bridal silhouette, Carolina Photosmith Wedding, carolinaphotosmith.com, Charleston bride, Charleston wedding photographer

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Making Waves {Portraits}

Posted on July 20, 2010

Thirteen is clearly not what it used to be. (Surely I wasn’t the only teen who suffered as the “before” picture on Stridex ads while reading Judy Blume books.) Hayleigh’s braces are about the only thing reminiscent of my youth. Isn’t she lovely? And you’d never believe her opening admission: “I hate to have my picture taken,” she shared with a wince. Well Hayleigh, hopefully you’ll get used to it. And next time, bring your surfboard!

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Seaside | {Family}

Posted on July 18, 2010

Summer vacations. Gotta love ‘em! I have the pleasure of photographing mini family reunions, and the fact that I just returned from my own clan’s beach trip might explain why my blog has suffered a bit of neglect. Well, it’s time to catch up, so without further ado, here’s a sampler from a fun session. My one-time co-worker Kim gave her partner the wonderful gift of family photos. Her children’s beautiful families and precious grands made for some lasting memories and laughter shared by three generations.

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Try a Little Tenderness {Wedding}

Posted on June 16, 2010

Marriage is all about the journey, and in this case, the destination. Neal and Emily, based in Washington, DC, chose Charleston for their big day. A knowledgeable wedding coordinator ensured all the details came together perfectly. Even the family and a large contingent of Lone Star state guests agreed the event was almost as big as a Texas fete! With two gracious families, the art-deco murals of the Riviera as a backdrop and a rockin’ band, Emily and Neal had a fantastic wedding weekend.

Church: Trinity United Methodist
Reception: Riviera Theater
Entertainment: Soul Function out of Myrtle Beach, SC

This was my first time working as a second shooter. Emily Horton and I made a great team. For large-scale multi-hour events, two photographers are recommended to ensure every moment is captured. Also, with a large wedding party (and I’m not just referring to the four very pregnant bridesmaids!), it’s useful to have a extra hands assisting with the formal shots so everyone can get to the reception.

Tags: Charleston wedding, downtown wedding, Riviera Theater, Trinity Methodist

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Blissful Getaway {Field Trip | Little St. Simons Island}

Posted on June 7, 2010

So just yesterday, I was biking along a desert-hot path after shell collecting on a remote beach with my family, when a greenish-black mass in the middle of the narrow sandy road opened its jaw and hissed at me. A beach cruiser has never done a 180 so fast — especially one toting a 40-pound kid!

As a Lowcountry resident, I’ve pedaled past and ambled by gators before — on Charleston plantations, Hilton Head golf courses and boardwalks in the Okefenokee swamp. Usually they’re just taking in some sun, oblivious to passersby. But the large hissing gator was another thing entirely! I let my daughter hop in the bike trailer, too, and I cruised past while Dad engaged the protective gator-mom in conversation long enough for us to dash by without her taking my children for Scooby Snacks. Whew!

Just another day in paradise. Really, Little St. Simons Island is a paradise. We spent 24 kid-free hours there celebrating our 11th anniversary, and the kids joined us for day two so we could share the island with them. Everything about this too-quick mini-vacation was perfect (except its brevity) — the intriguing history of a pencil resource turned boys club; the gracious, easygoing staff; and the phenomenal meals shared with fun people from Georgia, Tennessee and the more-crowded island of Manhattan. Normally, I don’t have the pleasure of frequenting resorts lauded by Conde Nast, but this all-inclusive escape is well worth it. Everything you could possibly need, without fuss or pretense, provided by people who absolutely love sharing a piece of their world with a handful of guests at a time.

10,000 gorgeous acres of watery green grasses, home to European fallow deer (we saw both spotted and white ones), marsh bunnies, armadillos, painted buntings, and roseate spoonbills (and I thought flamingos were the only pink birds). The solitude was an event in itself, inspiring me to just put down my book and embrace the breeze that whooshed grasses, leaves and fronds as it rose over the bluff. Taking in an afternoon storm from the screened porch of our cottage was another highlight. Fast and furious, the winds whipped, the horizontal sheets of rain pelted the ancient oaks, and the sun reappeared, turning the last drops into rising steam that cast a dreamy haze… then, the bell! Flashbacks of summer camp came and went as the fishing guide/bartender welcomed us to cocktail hour before a delectable dinner of beef tenderloin and green beans plucked from the organic garden. Mascarpone cheesecake enhanced with a touch of goat cheese and gingered Georgia peaches was one of many tasty desserts from the bakery. (Come to think of it, maybe I should’ve frantically pedaled my 80-lb kid trailer a few more miles to compensate for the homemade granola bars, brownies and warm cookies I indulged in.)

I could ramble on, but this is a photo blog, right? Plus, I have to save some descriptors for my forthcoming Garden & Gun assignment on my next trip to the island. (Pinch me, just dreaming!)

We cannot wait to go back! With friends, family, kids… anyone who can appreciate beauty, tranquility and a staff willing to pack your day with adventure or let you lounge. We’re lucky we can fish, paddle, beachcomb, read and nap in Charleston (or any number of other places), but the laid-back luxury of Little St. Simons is too close to ignore for long.

Tags: birding, Carolina Photosmith, eco-resort, Georgia, getaway, Little St Simons Island, naturalist, vacation

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