Ashley Sonday - Bridals

You know the ride at Disney World, "It's a Small World"? Yeah I hate that ride too but the saying can't be more true. Somehow two very separate parts of my life collided when my former roommate, Will Mitchell, met a girl who I went to high school with but never really knew. Even when I first met Ashley through Will, it never really clicked. But then at their engagement party, I got to talking with one of her bridesmaids and found out that SHE had gone to school with me too! She and Ashley were in the class of 02 at Green Hope High School, I was the class of 03. Then, like a wave of consciousness, I remembered Ashley! It's a small friggin world. (I promptly went home and looked her up in my year books). 

I was never sure who Will would end up with. I'd known him for years, living with us in two different houses, working at several different jobs and moving to three different states; he was a nomad and everyone knew it. Somehow North Carolina claimed him and as luck would have it, he met Ashley. She's already polished off a few of his rough edges and perhaps he has scuffed up a few of hers. They balance each other out wonderfully and make a beautiful team. Who could ask for more. 

Onto the point...I'm slightly in love with weddings. Can you tell? I love being a part of them. I love seeing a bride all done up and all a flutter with excitement. I love seeing a groom nervous as hell but deliriously happy. I love the opulence of a gorgeous dress. Which is why when my friends are getting married and I hear they're not getting  bridal portraits from their photographer, I ask if they'd mind modeling their dress for me for my portfolio. It gives me a chance to add pictures to my website and to practice my craft. It gives them a chance to wear that gorgeous dress on a day filled with much less stress and truly enjoy it. And it's downright fun! 

Some of my friends haven't gone for it and that's too bad but luckily it didn't take much convincing to get Ashley to agree to a free bridal portrait session. She left the venue option up to me and I choose The State Club on NC State's centennial campus. It's a gorgeous building that lent itself very well to a bridal portrait session. This building is complete with a massive room with polished marble floors, a grand piano, a grand staircase, lovely leather chairs and sofas, a massive chandelier and floor to ceiling windows. Perfect. 

I wish I could show you all of the gorgeous photos we captured that day but I don't want to ruin the surprise for Ashley's guests and most of all, Will. Ashley and I did agree on one photo that I could publish today. A lovely silhouette with just a hint of things to come. 

Ashley makes a beautiful bride. Will is gonna cry.

Liz DiNatale

www.oakcityphotographync.com

Photo Friday: Smartphone Picture

It really is a testament to how far phone cameras have come when the picture I'm using for this challenge doesn't suck. 

I remember the days when not everyone had a phone capable of taking pictures. I remember the commercials promoting those "picture phones". They would produce the most rudimentary, grainy, blurry but to us at the time, amazing photos. Nowadays my cell phone takes better pictures than my first digital camera. 

So the story behind this picture is a tale of a harrowing escape from doom. Also known as, my race against an approaching storm on my bicycle. Every Wednesday (or so) I ride with a group called Ol Mello Velo. We meet up in Apex and usually ride out into Chatham County, Morrisville, etc. The route on this day was directly in the course of an approaching thunderstorm. We all decided collectively and independently that we'd ride as far as we could and turn around when the storm got too close. All seemed fine in the beginning but then the storm picked up pace and all of a sudden it was on top of us. Some of us took a loop home, I turned around and bolted back to my car. That was the fastest pace I've ever held on my own (I might have had a trail wind). I had been at my car with my bike loaded no longer than a minute before the big raindrops started and then the heavens opened up. 

This picture was taken where I turned around. You can see the wall of approaching clouds so clearly. It was very ominous. 

Today on the other hand is absolutely gorgeous. What a rare treat in July. Enjoy today and the weekend! We've got one more month of hot temperatures ahead of us and this weekend will be a nice break!

Liz DiNatale
www.oakcityphotographync.com

Photo Friday: After Dark

Welcome back to weekly Photo Fridays!! It's been a while...I was preoccupied with passing the Professional Engineering exam and then passing it again because I didn't pass it the first time (whoops). But now I'm less occupied and getting the photography itch (I hear there's no cure). 

I'll start off easy with a photo I took almost a year ago. The Photo Friday challenge word was "After Dark" which inspired me to do the editing on this photo that you see. This pathway was at the top of the Craggy Gardens hiking trail. The trees are tons and tons of Mountain Laurel (or Rhododendron, I never can tell the difference if they're not blooming). The way the path whines and curves through the Laurel makes for a very ethereal/creepy scene. I imagine when these trees are blooming this path would be much more jovial than sinister. 

It's good to be back. I hope to post these Friday photos regularly now. Thanks for reading!

Liz DiNatale

www.oakcityphotographync.com

The Hamiltons

Have you ever had a "heart-dog"? Or cat, bird or any other pet (although I think cats and dogs have an easier time attaching to our souls). They're the dog that melts your soul and becomes your heartbeat so when they pass, your soul aches and your heart slows. The dog you'll think of for the rest of your life and you'll always say "Ah, she was a good dog; the best dog". I'm not Bill but if I had to guess, I'd say Krissy is his heart-dog. 

This dog has more nicknames than I can keep track of. The ones I remember are, Krissy, Krissy-Lou and Lou-Dog. I'm pretty sure there's many more. That's what you get when you're owner is this guy:

Bill got Krissy while he was still in school at NC State and she's been his loyal companion since. She's the only dog I know that jumped from level ground and caught a bird mid flight because it was taunting her. If you get her really happy, she'll grin her pearly whites at you. And when you can't find her in the house, it's because she's curled up in Bill or Mish's laundry basket. 

I'm sad to say that recently she was diagnosed with heart failure. But in true Krissy fashion you'd never guess by her demeanor. She's a little thinner than she used to be (due to the meds) but she still has that sparkle in her eye. 

And she's very lucky to have these guys as dog parents. They've gone to great lengths to keep her with us.

As a birthday present to Bill, I took these (and many more) photos around NC State's campus. While this was my second choice for locations I think it worked out better. It was rather fitting. 

Thank you Bill, Mish and Krissy for being great photo subjects. I hope Krissy has many more joyful months ahead of her. I'm glad I was able to do these photos for Bill and Mish. And I am so thankful for the strong heart of a hound. 

The Hamiltons - May 5, 2013

Liz DiNatale

www.oakcityphotographync.com

Margo - Class of 2013!

This latest post is from Jess and she writes:

Easter weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out with my younger cousin, Brandon, his girlfriend, Margo, and her family for some fun shooting around my home town of Lincolnton.  Man, things have changed there!

Margo wanted to capture some shots downtown, at the golf course, and on the farm.  Even though I grew up in Lincolnton, I haven't wandered around town in years so they had to give ME directions.  It was comical. 

We shared many laughs on the farm.  Between Ranger (the horse) trying to eat Margo, the numerous cows relieving themselves right beside us, and then us trying to dodge the cow pies, I'd say the shoot was an eventful one.

  Margo graduates in May and will begin her journey through college!  Thank you Margo for being such a fantastic photo subject! You'll do amazingly in life, and it's been a pleasure getting to know you behind the camera!

Jess Hawn

www.oakcityphotographync.com

Kat & Drew - {Engagement}

A few weekends ago Jess and I met Kat and Drew in downtown Raleigh for a couple hours of laughs, smiles and some competitive fiancè lifting. 

I asked Drew why he looked so happy. He said he simply enjoys lifting things.  

Kat and Drew were referred to SOR by our recent clients, Adrianne and Ricky and are shaping up to be just as fun! When I first meet people for photoshoots I typically give them a small disclaimer about myself. In this case, I asked Kat and Drew if they minded cursing because...well, sometimes I have the mouth of a sailor. They both laughed and Drew's response was something to the effect of "we don't give a damn". I like these guys.   

And they really like each other too. Which showed beautifully in their photoshoot. They are so damn cute together. 

Side note: City Market - One of my favorite places to do photoshoots now. Must return soon. 

I always ask my clients to bring a couple sentimental props with them. Kat and Drew brought a gambit of things including a picnic basket, teddy bear, champagne (!!!) and this adorable photo that Drew had taken the night he proposed. That is just awesome. 

And of course Kat said yes or else I would not be here talking about them right now. I'm not all that surprised she said yes either. I mean...Drew's a great guy and funny to boot, but this ring is gorgeous. 

Yeah, I know, it's not about the ring, it's about love and all that good stuff. But...so...shiny....

Thanks again Kat and Drew! We had a blast and are looking forward to more great times at your wedding!

-Liz and Jess-

www.oakcityphotographync.com

From Hawaii to Cary

Last weekend I had the opportunity to photograph two recent transplants to RTP via Hawaii. Anne and Bob found themselves back on the continental US about 6 months ago with their massive german shepherd, Storm. They promptly added another sure to be huge german shepherd, Hawk, and called me for a family photoshoot for the holidays.

We met at the Harrison Ave parking lot for Umstead and had a great time during their photoshoot. Storm and Hawk were so sweet, fluffy, lovable and cooperative. Oh, Bob and Anne were pretty swell too.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I love this time of year for all the family photoshoots I get to do. Thank you Anne and Bob for the opportunity to photograph your great family! Welcome to the area!

Liz DiNatale

www.oakcityphotographync.com