McKenzie Beach...well kept secret of the Low Country {Litchfield Beach, SC}

If you've driven down Hwy. 17 into Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island then you have likely passed this property. I have wanted to shoot here since I moved to the area in 1997. 

A few years ago a dear client called me...actually her sweet hubby called. He wanted to surprise his wife for Christmas with some very special portraits of their children and as it turns out, their family owns this very property and this is where he wanted to shoot. It's quite possible you heard me scream with excitement if you were in the area.

Being the wonderful clients that they are, they were kind enough to allow me to shoot my daughters portraits on the property a few months later. These are just a very few of the images I shot.

If you've ever wondered about that dilapidated building (motel) and disheveled lot...there is so much super cool history! I mean, Duke Ellington played here!  Take a peek at what used to be McKenzie Beach and you will be surprised at the details.

I'm re-posting these images now, a few years later as the property is now for sale. With my fingers crossed I'm hoping that something incredible is done with it.

A dream wedding venue! {Kaminski and Stewart Parker House, Georgetown, SC}

If you travel south of Myrtle Beach for about 20+ miles you will come upon my favorite area of our beautiful coast...the Low Country. I am convinced that nothing on earth can compare to the beauty found in Litchfield, Pawleys Island and Georgetown. Making it even better, is the history of the area and the pride that the people in the area take in that history. If you can't find me in Myrtle Beach...there is a great chance I've traveled a bit south.

When Kim Leatherwood ask me to work with the Kaminski and Stewart Parker houses on a commercial shoot promoting the properties as a wedding venue and Georgetown the perfect place for a southern destination wedding, I was over the moon.

I cannot say enough about this property. Both homes and the gardens are stunningly breathtaking. Did I mention that George Washington himself was entertained in the Stewart Parker home during his tour of the South in 1791?

 

If you are searching for a unique wedding venue with endless possibilities, or if you know of a bride to be who is...I suggest sharing these images with them so they can take a peek at this gorgeous property.

Declan and Mandy {Mommy and Me Session Myrtle Beach State Park}

This is the third year that Declan and his mom, Mandy, have been in front of my lens for my Mommy and Me Sessions. What a wonderful tradition they've started. It makes my heart smile! What a joy it is to see this little mess grow and change through the years. Such a sweet little. Mom is doing a great job!

Jack is TWO! {Childrens session, Myrtle Beach State Park}

I fell in love with this little man the first time I met him when he was only a few days old.  Jack refused to go to sleep for his newborn session and he has been running full steam ahead every since then.

 So much personality and eyes that will melt your heart.  He also happens to give the best hugs.

Major points to his awesome mom Dawn who didn't mind a bit when he changed up our plans getting soaking wet.  What a blast it was watching him completely enjoy himself for his second birthday session.  You can hear his giggles in every shot!  I think we found his happy place... Myrtle Beach State Park.

Pure Gorgeousness! The Edge Family Portraits {Caledonia, Pawleys Island, SC}

Some sessions just fall into place so effortlessly.  This was one of those sessions.

Caledonia is one of my very favorite locations.  It is so versatile with stunning scenery, colors and textures around every corner and is a perfect example of the Low Country of South Carolina.  So when we arrived and found that the golf course and restaurant were closed ...that we had this entire property to ourselves. It was a little piece of Heaven.

Kat, Cam, Palmer and Carter were troopers in the heat and humidity and you can see that the kids had some fun as well.

Thank you to Caledonia for allowing us this time to capture these beautiful family memories.

Stella and Linc...monumental shoot in DC {Childrens Portrait Session}

The first time I was ask to shoot these munchkins in Washington DC we had the most fun running aount the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool. That shoot was three years ago. Fast forward three years and boy have Linc and Stella changed (Stella was kissing Linc instead of pushing him). This session was bitter sweet as it will be the last time I shoot them in the DC area. They are packing up and mmoving south (isn't that what everyone wants to do!) to Charlotte, NC. I'm already planning their family session for the Queen City.

Justin and Kelli {Engagement and Wedding Bucksville Hall, Conway, SC}

 Kelli and Justin love the outdoors and most especially the country and all things horses. Having met at Tractor Supply in Conway, SC Kelli tells the story with stars in her eyes. You cannot help but smile when you are around them. Their happiness is contagious.

When I first met Kelli for her consolation I knew their engagement session would be centered around the country and Justin's family farm. She is so laid back and up for anything it made for a spectacular session. Perfect. Absolute perfection. We played with her sweet horse, the goats, the dog and even in the boat. Sheer country love perfection. 

 The wedding was equally as picturesque. Set at Bucksville Hall in Conway, SC we were able to have a great time for their wedding portraits.

From this day forward I hope they are able to relive the emotions of the day each time they go through their album. What a wonderful day it was.

The Esker Family {Myrtle Beach family portraits, Myrtle Beach State Park}

Oh this family. I've had the honor and pleasure to watch these boys grow from wild child little boys dancing in the rain during their very first session with me many years ago...through the addition of their sweet sister, moving into a new house and now watching them grow into incredible young men. I have never seen a love between siblings like I see every single time I'm in their presence.  What a gift they are to each other.

Zane (that would be Mr. Blonde hair blue eyes) is absolutely hysterical and his heart is as big as the moon. That long hair you see was his idea because he wanted to be able to donate to Locks of Love. Yea, he is a ROCK STAR!

Logan, {Mr. Maturity with the eyes like the sea} is just perfect in my eyes. I've seen him care for his sweet mom, his sister and Zane like we all hope and pray I children will care for others. And brilliant. He is so smart!

Finally Miss Elise. Oh my goodness! She is her beautiful mom made over. Watching her dance around Myrtle Beach State Park in the sunlight is like watching a tiny fairy come to life.

I am so grateful for a job I love that allows me to get to know and work with such fantastic kiddos!

Girls weekend {Bachelorette Session}

 

Best Maid of Honor ever!

 

She completely planned and pulled off beautifully, this surprise photo shoot for bride/photographer Meredith Lanier. Of course photographers are never IN the photos so this was super special for the bride to be.

A girls weekend at the beach before the big day and we made she each of them remembered this time together for years to come. Meredith is blessed with such sweet and thoughtful friend!

Twice the love {mommy and me session}

Albert and Ireland...twins who had my heart before they were even born. Personality, sass and spunk do not begin to cover these two munchkins. I could hang out with them all day!

You can feel the love and hear the giggles in these images from their Mommy and Me Session...which means it was just perfect!