Visually Speaking

Country Chic and Lots of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:35:00 +0000

Zoe and Sean... it was beautiful!

original image... and finished image, minus me and water bottle. ;)

as a rule, I do not put brides in trees on their wedding days.

These gorgeous dresses were custom designed by __________ (Zoe? help?).

Figure-be-darned, I tried 3 of these flavors, and chocolate with salted-caramel frosting was a clear winner. But they were all fabulous. MMmmmm!

Thank you so much to all of Sean and Zoe's friends and families-- so much hospitality, spirit and good looks. It was my pleasure to work with you!

Did you Rehearse?

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:47:00 +0000

Sean and Zoe did. I was super happy to be at their rehearsal dinner... It really helped to establish some rapport amongst the guests as well as the couple! Plus there are all those little moments where people are meeting or seeing each other for the first time in forever.
On to what I got:

and happy autumn.

this last image is funny in a way. I saw this and thought it was lovely, but now I am reminded of my long ago personal blog, before I discovered I had some talent as a photographer myself, when I 'lifted' an image just like this from a photographers portfolio to decorate the site. Yes, taking images and putting them wherever is wrong. It is illegal, in fact. I put my name on my blog images for that reason-- so you're welcome to lift them and use them but please leave my name on them.

Anyway,
I was a teeny bit disappointed to not stay late enough at the dinner for the toasts. I heard that's where all the tears and funnies were. BUT. Sure did love documenting the moments I was there for, and did I ever get some awesome photos at their wedding. Oh, John was there too...yep. Stand by, more later this week. Have a happy!

hello again

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:44:00 +0000

I know it's been a long time since I posted. No sense going backward, best to move forward, right? Right?
The next month and a half will be busy busy with weddings. If you are getting married late November or December, I have some availability and would love to get you booked.

Tell your friends. ;)

Sarah & Clinton!

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:22:00 +0000

Gorgeous wedding in Flat Rock! I had the sincere pleasure of working with Allegra from Allegras Studio out of Virginia. Thanks Allegra!

Katie and Matt...

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 23:29:00 +0000

I looked forward to Katie and Matt's wedding for months! Not only were they beautiful and sweet to work with in their sessions before the wedding, I had extra enthusiasm because their reception was at Childress Vineyards! I put this little slideshow together for them to celebrate the awesomeness of their day:

Now I have to mention here that Shane Snider, of Shane Snider Photography was my awesome partner in crime at Katie and Matt's wedding. Shane is super funny, I knew this from the couple times we'd bumped into each other in the photographer world, but working with him was not what I expected. It was a lot like...being all by myself...only someone handed me these super awesome and already edited images to give out... hah!

Anyway, Katie and Matt, I know you will love our images. Here are my favorites...

Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}
Congratulations newlyweds!
More to come next week.

knockin'em outta the park

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Kim and Joe went to school at UNCC and had the wonderful idea to do their engagement session on the ball field. I know nothing about baseball at this point in my life, but that might all change some day. After all, these two were having fun just having me take pictures of them hanging out there!

See you at the wedding next year!

Katie B's Bridal Portraits

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 13:36:00 +0000

I've been on pins and needles waiting to share Katie's session with you. She went and got hitched last night.. (what a wonderful wedding!)..so now I can show you her portraits.

We headed to Duke Gardens, which is really a diverse little place for a session.

We had trouble actually working that day because Katie was literally stopping traffic! What a lot of fun that was!

Wedding coming next week!

Monamie+Sam...

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:41:00 +0000

The Indian culture has a huge variety of traditions that the bride can choose from... so researching for this wedding was almost futile. In the end, I did what I always do best; observe and seek out the moments and beauty. I loved being a part of this, and documenting it. I have to admit that I worked harder than usual, as there was so many various activities happening at once in different locations, so many details, so many things I wanted to shoot and I kept getting pulled away! I am still very proud of my coverage and can't wait to share all the image with the families and friends of these two gracious and beautiful newlyweds. Thank you and many blessings!

Monamie +Sam: coming soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:36:00 +0000

My very first Indian (Hindu) ceremony a couple weeks ago and still no blog post. This morning I finally found a moment to mark my favorites and will post as soon as I can and talk about this most amazing experience. It was truly a joy to the eye!

For now just the one tease.

Have a great Sunday!

Heidi & Adam wed in Chapel Hill!

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:19:00 +0000

I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Heidi and Adam again (click for the e-session) just a couple weeks ago. They started their day with a 'first sight' and jumped right into portraits before the ceremony. No getting ready pictures this time!

This flower girl booked down the aisle, then turned to get the younger flower girl.

Of all details, I am showing this one because I really love a church that allows you to drop petals. :)

The cocktail hour featured a blue-grass band playing in the corner. You can tell everyone just wants to have fun!

I adore how she tells him to behave, and he does. She looks mighty pleased. :)

There was a lil' scuffle for the garter belt. Men behaving badly. lol

Heidi honored her Grandparents with the bouquet. Sixty five years of marriage! That's wonderful.

Their DJ now has my vote as favorite ever. He LOVED himself some music, trust me. And he had a great way of working with the crowd. Here, they 'group hug' the couple when they hear 'That's Amore".

Adam lifts his bride in times of trouble. :)

Congratulations newlyweds! I had a wonderful time-- what a bunch of fun-lovers you are. :) More pics coming soon!

Fashion: Trash the Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:28:00 +0000

Couple weeks ago John photographed Laura in a post-wedding trash-the-dress way. I was blown away!

I love a great moment...my favorite:

Looking like Robin Wright-Penn from Princess Bride:

reminding me of Tori Amos discography:

My other favorite...

And here's where I go crazy with post-processing someone else's images. dang, this is hawt:

...maybe I should just start out-sourcing everything to John. Good job, babe.

Bringing you a smile:

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:57:00 +0000

My faves are New Guinea, India and Tonga. LOL!

Where the Heck is Matt? (2008) from Matthew Harding on Vimeo.
Isn't life Awesome, Matt? There's so much joy to be had!
PS, where can I sign up to dance around the world?
PSS, Vimeo has me laughing all over the place.

Erin and Hailey!

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:24:00 +0000

One thing I wish I had more of in life...pictures of me and my children interacting. Being us together (most especially in great lighting with pretty clothes on, hah!)...images that I could always look back on and remember details.

I tell you the truth, I forget the details of my life easier than most people. It really bothers me. I am hopeful that the images I make for my clients convey their stories for years and years, bringing it all back.

After nearly 3 years of not doing offering portrait sessions, I said yes to an inquiry. I don't know why I said yes, particularly. Maybe the whole memories thing? Maybe it was time to stretch myself that way again? Maybe I just really liked the sweet things Erin had to say about my work at her friends' wedding?

OK, so I'd done a couple basic traditional sessions in those years, but to me traditional sessions are kind of... Wham, bam, thank you ma'am... I think my style requires me to be more intuitive with my clients.

Posing a two-almost-three year old was next to impossible so I had to be Quick Draw McGraw, if you know what i mean. (What I mean is that I had to watch carefully for the honest moments between the two of them, and I had to be faaassstt on the trigger).

I'm so pleased with the results! And Erin tells me that Hailey's dad was happy with these, too-- his father's day present. Great! Maybe we can do a family session that includes him soon. :)

Looking at these images really makes me miss the feeling of my daughter's baby arms hugging me, the sound of baby giggles... OK, stopping before I get teary. My daughter is turning ten in August. Unbelievable. Time flies, take pictures!

Angela+Eamon are in Ireland...

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:40:00 +0000

I wish I was too! The weather here is so hot and dry dry dry, everything is baked and wilted and I regret not photographing my morning glories and John's water lilies already. Even the mini climbing rosebushes have withered and yellowed. Imagine the green of Ireland! Oh!

Thankfully I have beautiful weddings to shoot, such as Angela and Eamon's...

Wonderful bridesmaids have all your details on lists that they keep up-to-the-minute. One of Angela's 3 beautiful sisters.

This is the best wedding coordinator I've had the pleasure to work with. Here she is making a last second stitch of some sort on Angela's wedding gown! White Diamond Weddings.

This is the Main Post Chapel at Ft. Bragg.

So...the bridesmaids and Mom thought I accidentally tipped the table I was standing on. Pppssshhh! What I don't do for a laugh from my clients. haha...ah. Yeah.

back at Angela's family home for the reception.

No idea what's funny here. Maybe... Angela was like, "It's so hot, my candles are melting out there!" Angela was really nice enough to be able to laugh about that...

I like a couple that says, who cares about tradition! We're cutting the top layer!

Always, always always laugh. This is key, and they already have it going for them. Yay!!!!

Love from the fam. Something about trading Angela for swords, I really don't know what that meant, but everyone thought it was fair. LOL, j/k.

and, last but not least, always remember the joy you felt, evident here.

Angela was the sort of woman that many of clients turn out to be-- women I wish I could be friends with! She really is full of life. Angela and Eamon, I wish you joy in discovering more about each other!

We have plans to hit the road and beach tomorrow in Myrtle. I'm so excited! Yay! Personal picture taking opportunities. Wish us well.

Meghan Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:49:00 +0000

Hey! I am in the midst of hectic proofing, and my darling children are done with school for summer break. Hurrah! Busy busy, but I wanted to take a second to give a shout out for Meghan Coffee. I know someone who knows her, and I have exchanged emails with her about a certain photography seminar. So...yeah, I guess I still don't know her.

Love, love her voice:

Listen and enjoy. :)

Lila+Wes in the paradise called Cashiers .

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:32:00 +0000

What a glorious place to call home!

I have worked with some of these wonderful people before. Seeing them again was like revisiting old friends!

Lila's Aunt...Terry?...announces the approach of the bride for the guests attention. Great idea!

This amazes me. I cannot get over the majesty, beauty, grace and perfection of God's work.

I don't often witness so much kissing! It was heart-warming.

I was really fighting not to lose it and just sob in the corner. Lila's foster family and brother embrace the couple on the dance floor.

Jessica and Charles...2 years later! It was wonderful to work with you again!

Sometimes...love is overwhelming.

I have tears in my eyes again, just thinking back to your wedding day. Thank you so, so much, if was truly my honor to be there and work with you. Gallery goes live next week (I hope, there are two weddings to edit before yours) and I hope you keep in touch.

PS, I learned two things at least, that night. One, bring a flat pair of shoes to every wedding. Much easier to walk in. Two, do not scan the crowd while walking and run-- camera first-- into the tent pole. Oh, and three, don't tail gate on windy mountain roads and then try to drive a PT Cruiser over stray lumber. C'est La vie!

Tyler+Robert in Kannapolis

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 19:06:00 +0000

Tyler and Robert are two very evenly tempered people. They already seem to be almost one, in the way that only two people who have known each other a very long time can be. I recall a mentioning during the toasts as being 'about time'. I'm not exactly sure how long their dating period lasted, or the engagement, but it was obviously so long that everyone they love knew it was going to happen.

great friends can lighten the nerves

showing off matching manicures

an emotional toast...

The celebration was intimate, and all the more special for it. Thank you for letting us be a part of your day.
Best Regards,

Shelley+Richard, Hickory NC

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:33:00 +0000

Aren't they a gorgeous couple?
As you can tell if you scroll down a couple posts, Shelley changed her hair for the wedding! She looks gorgeous both ways (OK, I have hair envy), but I'll bet she'll tell you she's glad she had the bridal session as a trial run through. I know the flowers changed a bit, too....
Shelley made several of the details herself...like the rice holders.

but someone else did a darn good job on the flowers.

waiting for the big walk...

Shelley, I don't know how you feel about this, but who votes that she looks like Priscilla Presley?

cake...

more cake... you know, I just about don't eat cake anymore. John is very disappointed. I am all about the cheesecake these days....I digress.

"..so how big was the diamond she wanted?" haha, just kidding!

I can't say it any better...

best wishes!

Amanda+Brian at Revolution Mills

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 27 May 2008 14:54:00 +0000

May 17th brought this fabulous couple's wedding, I'd been looking forward to shooting since their e-session. Their day brought joy...

seeing the bride with her hair done... I love the expressions!

the dress...

the dress on the bride, her first view of herself.

So cute! These flower girls were just gleeful. They know sign language, too, way to go Mom and Dad!

Amanda's flowers were inspired by wildflowers. I really adored them. Must find out who did the flowers, best ever.

seeing his bride approach..

that's a big family you have Brian... WOW.

awwww...I'm teary just looking at this. Brian loves Amanda, I can tell. :)

A country pig-pickin' was the theme for the reception. Great idea! Home-made pie was substituted for the traditional wedding cake. Very cool.

OK, there was seriously awesome dancing, best ever. It appears everyone can swing dance in Amanda's family. Her Dad told me he could teach me in just under a minute, I just had to let myself be thrown around. Um, I was too busy (and two left feet?) to try.

What's a pig-pickin' without some games? Follow the leader, according to groom or bride's team. Great idea from the DJ!

Congratulations to two wonderful families, plus one brand new one!
We're planning an "After Session" for the couple photos, and based on their engagement session from last year, I'm certain it will be beautiful. I can't wait-- so glad I get to work with you again!

wom

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 27 May 2008 02:01:00 +0000

WOM is code for 'word of mouth'. This is the biggest compliment you can possibly pay me. You know, telling your friends that you had (or saw) this great photographer and recommend me. That's priceless. It's like tipping me, only you don't have to put your hand in your pocket and I'm STILL all happy. I've sent chocolate covered strawberries to clients for that and much less, just so you know.

Oh, and as if just telling your engaged friends about me (us) isn't easy enough, I've added our name and phone to the pics here SO YOU CAN JUST PASTE IT online wherever and share it that way. Hint: don't take it off. This does not help me and John at all. It even makes me sad when I see it. :*( Please, if you hate the name and number thing, at least mention my name somewhere on your site. It's, like, good karma and a rain shower of blessings on you will follow.

THANK YOU TO INFINITY to the best clients in the world: mine!

Shelley's somewhere in the Bahamas...

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:46:00 +0000

with her husband, Richard, so I guess I can show her bridal portraits! My favorites:

The session was at...some park in Greensboro, NC. The session was unfortunately short, there were issues with the place to change, a wardrobe malfunction, and...well...I can't remember anymore since it was last fall. But Shelley was so cool, and it shows. Thanks Shelley! More to come in a week or so. Have fun!

Amanda + Brian...tease

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Sat, 24 May 2008 12:57:00 +0000

Before I go do my weekend work (and, ok, visiting with my friend in Asheville!) I wanted to give Amanda and Brian's family some small snippett of the wonderful day John and I documented for them last weekend.

This is Amanda and her father considering how much more entertaining the processional might appear if they walked ala "We're Off to See the Wizard...". Sad to say they stuck with convention on the actual walk...

More soon!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend everyone.

Music ----->

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 23 May 2008 21:37:00 +0000

As I work on the computer, editing image files and designing albums, it's not like I can walk around outside or watch TV. Additionally, we live in the country so there's always significant drive time to engagement sessions and weddings. I listen to a lot of music. I want to hear things that get my creative energy going, you know? So, yeah.

I recently discovered Pandora! I am in LOVE. For, like, three weeks now that's all I listen to. I created my own station by naming my favorite artists, and the cool little dealio they have over there plays them plus other (frequently obscure) artists with similar harmonies and tempoes. I can give it a big fat veto if I don't like a song and they promise to never play that particular song again... I can fast forward songs... I can add artists or songs to my station (to influence the music)... I can remove artists (The Beatles are great but didn't fit the flavor of my station).

So over there...on the sidebar..I added a widget that shows my recently bookmarked songs. But feel free to listen to my station, one of thousands of other stations, or create your own. ...I need to add my station to my phone and I'll probably never have to listen to anything else again. Did I mention Pandora is free online?

PS, I am realizing that I really like some techno. Who knew?

Elizabeth+Robby: some e-session

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Engagement sessions are short. Mine last about 90 minutes. Which means..driving to Charleston to do a session with Elizabeth and Robby seemed like a definite no at first. OK, well, whatever, I'm glad I 'bent' this time because it was 100% worth the 8 hour round trip. You just can't get this stuff in the countryside. ....well, hmm, no, not all of it.

This is Macy, the couple's very cute dog. He escaped their truck before we needed him, but I didn't mind at all. Although when I was being spun around by that...plastic?...rope as he chased some other dog.. let's just say, I have yet another reason to wear my cameras while I shoot. LOL

This is where the dog...gets attacked by an alligator.

After the panic passed, and we realized the gator was going to stay, but he was going to keep staring at Macy and not come and try to eat us, Elizabeth and Robby were ready to get down in the sand.

This one may be my favorite...

Holy hotness, Batman! That was an amazing session. Thanks for dragging me down to Charleston, and I am absolutely pumped for your wedding now.

Kristine+C's album: Poe House

noreply@blogger.com (Lacey Gadwill) — Tue, 13 May 2008 12:21:00 +0000

Haven't shown an album design in for so long. Here are a select few spreads from K&C's album; they upgraded their book to 60 pages and of course chose their images. I'm using the same spreads in the new metal book.

If you haven't ordered your wedding album yet, get crackin'. I can't wait to get started!