Just because I wanted to show off their pretty faces. ;) WAIT until you see all the images. What a gorgeous group of girls we had!
You, my ladies….rock.:)
Here is to Friday. Morning sunshine. Friends. Iced tea. Time with family. Work and play.
Here is to a beautiful weekend. Yes.
Crystal wrote: oh, cool! I'm excited to see the rest! (05/19/12, 4:32 pm)
Maddie!:)
Big hair, messy braids, funky jewelry, fabulous clothes, striking eyes….WITH ease and grace. And class. Oh yeah, and wit too. Maddie has this great sense of dry humor. Fun to photograph? Ummm, yeah.
Maddie, you are awesome. That’s all. The sky is the limit…all the very best as you head onto college!
Sisters and both so striking.
Rocking the hat like it was made for her.
Really loving the next two!
One of my faves…
Sweetness.
Loving the big hair!
Clean cut and classic and oh, so pretty.
Dennis Bullock wrote: Char these are all so awesome! (05/16/12, 10:20 am)
k. wrote: So beautiful girl. My favourite are these with hat :) (05/16/12, 11:22 am)
Chanelle and Matt are married!
If smiles and laughter and honest-to-goodness joy can be the foundation of love…then THAT is Chanelle and Matt.
Matt and Chanelle, I was so honored to be part of your lives and your beautiful day. Your ability to put everybody around you at ease, to laugh so easily, give gentleness and kindness…it is a beautiful thing. And what a privilege to watch through the lens. Here is to you and MANY happy days.
Thank-you Jeremy from Jeremy Bischoff photography and Diane from DI Images for working with me and being so awesome.
See the slide show HERE.
Grandmother, mother, and sister all getting in on the action…
Final touches.
Chanelle, we are all thinking….you are so pretty.
Hey Matt!
FIRST LOOK! Checking out the shoes…
LOVE.
Jeremy’s shot. Ask him how he got this crazy big shot!
Lori from Wildflowers By Design is awesome. She did a fantastic job with the bouquets.
Chelsea is sister and maid of honor. I am anticipating her wedding this summer. Yes, these sister are getting married a few months apart!
Lots of girlfriends.
Matt teared up as Chanelle entered…
Chanelle’s father surprised Chanelle by singing a song to her during the ceremony.
Pretty reception details.
Lori did the centerpieces. So pretty.
Laughs during the toasts.
Yaaay…this is the start of something really good! :)
Travis and Janelle!
It started in second grade. He had a HUGE crush on her when she played softball with his little sister. They started ‘dating’ ;) in 8th grade AND during their senior year they were named high-school sweethearts. How’s that for tried and true?:)
“Travis is incredibly sweet and selfless. He is always thinking of others and doing little things that make me smile. Like the one day before I had to go to work he drove over to my house and surprised me with a french vanilla cappuccino (my favorite!). When we were in high school, he came to my house to help me finish my math homework while he was having a Superbowl party at his house AND his favorite team, the Steelers, was playing.” Now THAT is a devoted man. :)
“Most importantly, Travis brings out the best in me. He is truly my best friend, and he knows me better than anyone.”
“I love that we are so different in some ways, but that we agree on all of the things that really matter. Janelle is everything I’m not, and I love that.”
“Two of our favorite things to do together are watch movies and play sports. When the weather’s nice, we spend hours outside. We love to play volleyball and Frisbee. We enjoy grilling and eating dinner out on the deck. Since we don’t get to spend a lot of time with just each other, we’ll occasionally plan dates that last the whole day. These days usually consist of our favorite things, like french toast, pancakes, and hot chocolate from Schwalms, shopping at King of Prussia, white chocolate mocha from Starbucks, a movie at the Regal, dinner at Olive Garden or Red Lobster, and then Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for dessert. These days couldn’t get any better!”
Actually, that sounds really awesome. Pancakes, hot chocolate, Starbucks, and shopping at King of Prussia….all together? I would take one of those days anytime!
Travis and Janelle…I loved your easy laughter. Your obvious trust in each other. Your strong friendship. Thank-you for being up for meeting me bright and early on a Saturday morning. Here is to you and many beautiful days together!
Pretty lady…
Loved this fun idea Travis and Janelle had…
Hey Folks! Today I am going to introduce to you Kristie and Sam.
I met Kristie and Sam for the first time at their engagement session. I feel so incredibly blessed to work with these guys as they are nothing but big smiles and big hearts. These two have known each other EVER since they were twelve and thirteen. Sam liked Kristie first….and Kristi decided that their friendship was not worth risking by ‘liking’ each other. ;) Yeah, somewhere along the way…that all changed and the BIG day is coming up this summer! Kristie loves Sam’s genuine heart and his love for others. AND, he can make her laugh like nobody else! Sam loves how Kristie’s love for God shines through her eyes and the way she cares for others. He told me, ‘I just loves being near her and think she is amazing.” Kristie and Sam…your awesome and I can’t wait to be part of your wedding day.
Love this first photo…
So pretty you are, Kristie.
Pink trees ALWAYS make me happy.
We ran into the city for a few…
Love the red and blue combo…
So….she fits in his arms just right, Dion thinks. And the only thing more beautiful than her sensitivity and gentleness is, Rachel herself. Rachel is smitten with that dimple. And the way he can make anybody laugh. These two love exploring and discovering. New places. New music. New ice cream flavors. Playing games, family, and making each other laugh…is HAPPINESS. :)
I first met Dion and Rachel at Mollie and Mike’s Wedding and remember thinking what a great looking couple with so much personality. When Rachel contacted me about their wedding day…I knew this was a day I wanted to be part of! Loved meeting these two. Rachel and Dion, I already love you guys. Your charisma and laughter was so fun to observe. Can’t wait to be part of your day!
I met Rachel and Dion on a beautiful estate where Dion is currently living. It was gorgeous with SO many great spots to photograph in.
My goal for each and every engagement session is to capture who the couple is in real life…creating a set of photos that ‘tell a story’ about who they are. Rachel and Dion love playing games and relaxing in Dion’s backyard….
Rachel, you are a gem. And so pretty too.
Then we headed into town for a few more photos. I LOVE photographing in new areas and this lovely, little town did not disappoint.
FAVORITE. :)
Loved the clean cut, classic feel to Rachel & Dion’s outfits.
Another favorite…
Sweet and simple….:)
And a few to wrap it up. This was literally right next to my car. So many pretty little streets in this town.
Thank-you Rachel and Dion, for being so fantastic.:)
Audi wrote: I love these!! That scrabble board with the ring! Awesome! And they look like such a sweet couple. And the setting is perfect. Great job!! and Congrats to the happy couple. (04/26/12, 9:14 am)
Jeremy wrote: Great session! Can't wait to be a part of the special day. :) (04/26/12, 11:29 am)
I absolutely love the rolling country side is spring time! We took full of advantage of this for Kara and Derek’s engagement session. Derek’s home farm….waaay out in the country was the perfect setting for this. These two love down home comfort, friends, family, and the simple pleasure of life. Such as enjoying the outdoors, riding Derek’s bike on the country roads, and spending time together while cooking dinner. Kara and Derek, thank-you for inviting me to the farm! You two are beautiful together and I am so grateful to have met you. From the details I have heard….I know your wedding day will be gorgeous! I truly cannot wait.
A little stroll?
Kara, you are beautiful.
Pretty lady:)
Love the blues!
Bike ride!
In honor of father, we had to take a photo with his prize tractor!
Country loving! :)
Tanya Swartzentruber wrote: Those are stunning photos! HOW do you capture the light like that?? (04/22/12, 2:44 pm)
Allow me to start by telling you about Jana and Anthony from my perspective. :) I met Anthony for the first time the morning of his wedding day. He is from way down south. His grin was warm. His handshake was firm. His eyes danced. He responded to my questions with a ‘Yes, mam.” With a deep southern drawl. Anthony was a southern gentleman at it’s best. Jana….Jana oozes grace and kindness. She carries herself with ease. And likes all things done well. Add Jana? You now have beauty. And a sweetheart.
So….Jana and Anthony together? I do not need to tell you. You will see. A match made in heaven. Truly. All their friends and family would testify to that. Their wedding day was filled with warmth, stories, laughter, and heartfelt moments. These two were surrounded by family, friends, and love that runs deep and strong.
Jana and Anthony, thank-you. Thank-you for inviting me to be part of your day. For trusting me to document this monumental day of your lives. It was a pleasure and such a honor. Many blessings to you.
Thank-you Daryl from Daryl Musser Photography and Diane from DI Images for working with me! Much appreciation.
See their slide-show HERE.
The ceremony took place in a beautiful church with stained glass windows.
Gorgeous.
Handsome.
A little mischievous. :)
:)
A candid moment…
All the pretty ladies!
In honor of Anthony being a musician, sheet music played a role in the wedding theme.
Grandma’s turn to be escorted down the aisle.
Aaah yes, the moment.
The ceremony was one of the most personal and heartfelt ceremonies I have ever witnessed. This is Jana’s father with a key (key to her heart:)) Jana gifted to him as a little girl. On this day, Jana’s father handed it over to Anthony.
Anthony sang a song to Jana!
Just married!
The flower girls:)
DETAILS, oh yes…Jana and her friends and family decorated the reception. It was splendid!
Dessert table.
Many, many stories and kind words were shared during the reception.
Sparkler exit.
Here is to you and me. Forever. :)
laura wrote: every single time i come to your blog, i fall in love. your work is STUNNING and this couple and their adorable wedding? wwoon. makes me wish I could get married again... (04/13/12, 1:10 pm)
Unique Weddings wrote: They really look so happy. I am so happy for you guys. The photos are really nice. Congratulations to the newly announced couple and the one who took the pictures. (04/14/12, 4:24 am)
amy j. wrote: J&A are such a cute couple...and the pics are just Beautiful! Great Job! (04/20/12, 10:42 am)
Alicia Horst wrote: AWWW CHAR!!!! That's my home church!!!!! My grandparents, parents, and Kendall and I were all married there! The images are beautiful!!! (04/21/12, 8:23 am)
Yaaay….have we got something in the works for this shoot! I love my senior girls. My heart and passion is to affirm and validate these girls. Enabling them to discover and recognize their honest-to-goodness TRUE beauty. I am so excited to announce the 2012 Senior Model Program! This program is designed to be an experience that will bless their socks off and make them feel like a million bucks. The selected models will be invited to an exclusive styled editorial shoot complete with a stylist, hair, makeup, and lots of fun. Models will also receive Facebook images from the shoot to show off, a custom Time-line cover, as well as the opportunity to earn some awesome rewards. Anybody like Starbucks and iPods?!!
How do I apply? Fill out the application here: 2012 SENIOR MODEL APPLICATION
Who can apply? All girls that are currently juniors.
Is there a deadline? Yes, April 19th. HowEVER, we can only accept a limited number of models…the cutoff date will expire when we all the positions are filled.
How will I know if you’ve picked me? Selected models will be notified on or before April 23rd. You will receive complete details of our Program if you are selected for our Senior Model Team!
When will the shoot be? May 2012.
Does it cost anything? The Model shoot is absolutely FREE. In addition, you can earn a free senior session and awesome rewards by referring your friends to book with us.
What are you looking for in a senior model? Spunk, inner beauty, personality, originality…girls who enjoy having their pictures taken and want to work with CHAR photography.
We have been hard at work planning this shoot. And we decided…we are gonna make this one EPIC. :) Here is a little preview of the what we have in the works. Sun-kissed, classic, soft denim, tousled braided hair, playful, slightly whimsical, and just the right pops of color…
We would love to hear from you!
Jen wrote: About four or five months ago I learned of you & your blog. Since then, I've enjoyed checking the blog every few days to see what fun pictures you've captures & thoughts you've shared. I read your blog about Char Photography growing & started dreaming of working for you; simply because there is so much about photography I LOVE & so LITTLE I know about it. But alas, I didn't meet the criteria listed so I came back to reality! (: I am just seeing this post for the Senior Model Shoot & wanted to say THANKS! Thank you for your desire to affirm & validate senior girls, enable them to see their true beauty, and have fun. I recall my senior photo shoot with a shudder. I felt ackward, ugly, and upon seeing the photos - utterly disappointed. It did nothing to increase my feelings of how I looked in photos. To know that you're going to make sure that doesn't happen makes me smile...even if I'm no longer eligible to participate! Thanks for using your God given talent to bless these girls! (04/11/12, 10:24 am)
Brent goes waaaaaay back in my life. As to wading in the creek at the cabin, Christmas gifts at grandma’s house, and the barn swing in grandpa’s barn. Am I getting old? Brent is my little cousin that is now married! Brent and Allison go together like cookies and milk. Sweetness, comfort and ease, the one is just right for the other, and everybody loves them. Their day was beautiful and I was honored to be able to photograph it. It was so fun to be able to photograph a wedding where half the members were my family!
Thanks to Jeremy, from Jeremy Bischoff photography for including me on this day.
See their slide-show HERE.
OK, so let me share bits of their day…
Just dressed….ready to start the day.
Allison’s sparkly shoes…simple and sweet, just like Allison. Love the deep royal purple paired with the springy lighthearted teal.
Brent and mother.:) Final touches.
Brooke! You, my dear, looked gorgeous! And made an awesome flower girl!
Danaaaa. Brent’s sister. Folks, if you ever want to know what a real life sweetheart looks like? Look no farther…Dana:)
Darwin, the man…ushering cousin Mechelle. :)
Pretty Krista, Brent’s sister, entering the ceremony. And then we have Brooke with her little brother Bryant…the ring bearer.
Aaaaaah, the moment.
Bryant waiting patiently and quietly doing the ceremony.
Bubble time! Daryl, Jere, Denise and my little sister Crystal.
Rain decided to hit right over the scheduled photo time and we had to scramble. We were able to get the following photos in approximately seven minutes, flat. I think. :) Despite the rain, Brent and Allison rocked these photos and I love the results.
FAVE!
Another favorite.
And then…reception, food, and FUN.
The first dance.:)
Cousins!
And who said we don’t know how to have a good time?!!;) This photo makes me laugh! The reception was SO fun. For the first time, I was able to not only take photos on the dance floor…but get in on the fun to!
Dana, Crystal, and Amber…you all look adorable here.
Congratulations Brent and Allison! Many, many blessing to you.
jamie wrote: Such a beautiful wedding and you did awesome in 7 minutes!! (04/04/12, 10:57 am)
Audi wrote: I love these!! The dresses and the color scheme are beautiful! I love the blue and purple together. Great job with the pictures! And congratulations to the bride and groom! (04/04/12, 11:07 am)
Ann wrote: love these!! beautiful bride!!! beautiful cousins! (04/04/12, 2:38 pm)
Char wrote: Hey Tanya! Thank-you for your kind words. Capturing light like this definitely happens late afternoon when the light is soft and pretty.:) (04/23/12, 3:05 pm)