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.

South Carolina... yes, it really is that beautiful

I always giggle when I see the tourism ads for any given state. "Yeah, sure, they don't show you all the crappy parts..." But I can tell you that much of South Carolina is exactly like what's described - beautiful Spanish moss, gorgeous beaches, and plantation homes.

Wow, Emily and Jarod picked a great location for their destination wedding. Hilton Head boasts some beautiful scenery. Strip malls and shopping centers are carefully tucked away with some of the best urban planning I've seen for a beach town. While it's a bit difficult to find your way around at first, once you get used to it, it's like driving through paradise.

Congrats, guys!