Second in the world? I'm just floored.

I got home last night after a delicious dinner in Chapel Hill at the famous Crook's Corner restaurant. Already content that the evening was going pretty well, it was quite a shock to get an email from my great friend Christobal Perez. He was congratulating me on my performance in the latest Wedding Photojournalist Association contest. Another email came soon after, from Matt McGraw, another buddy and WPJA member. Christobal and Matt have been slaying the contest in recent years.

I mention these two in particular because they have served as incredible mentors over the last couple of years. They certainly didn't have to waste their time with my dumb questions and offer advice, but they did.

In any case, these are the winning pictures. They are all from a wedding I shot in Virginia at the beautiful Berry Hill Estate.

A (d i f f e r e n t) office

After a few months of anticipation and planning and moving and sweat... I'm pleased to announce that I've moved to a new location with the amazing Joe Bun of Joe Bunn DJ Company. Joe found this great house near the Five Points area in downtown Raleigh and it really suits both of our styles. I have to give Joe credit for finding an amazing designer: Susan Tollefson. I think she really did an incredible job.

The goal was to create a comfortable, fun atmosphere for our clients. I look forward to meeting many of you soon!

The streak continues

I've been pretty lucky in the last year with contest entries. While I don't let photo contests define my career, I'm pretty excited about my standing in one particular organization. The Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association recognizes wedding photojournalists who use creative techniques to enhance images after capture.

For the second quarter of 2008, I had six images place in the contest. I really love looking through all the photos and seeing how truly international the contest is becoming. Stunning entries from Poland, the Philippines, Finland, and many more countries are showing brides the possibilities of artistic photojournalism.

Congrats to all my peers as well!

Here are the winning pictures:

The Trifecta

It was beautiful chance that brought Whitney and Ben into my office several months back. Whitney said she loved the way I documented her friend Jennie's wedding a few months prior. But the clincher was when Whitney realized another friend, Caroline, had also hired me to shoot her wedding. Tie it up with a Grace Beason Planner Extraordinaire bow tie, and the story is complete. '

Grace beautifully planned all three weddings! What a small world.

Whitney and Ben found a gorgeous mountain getaway in Highlands, NC, called The Farm at Old Edwards Mill. It was absolutely stunning. The grounds were immaculate and the decor was perfect. The beauty was truly overwhelming.

I'm thankful that Whitney and Ben are such amazing people with amazing friends and we all found each other. What a cool world.

Enjoy some photos from the rehearsal through the ceremony and reception:

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And the slideshow is here.