LaRhonda’s Bridal Portraits at Lindsey Plantation, Taylors SC

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I met LaRhonda and her mother at Lindsey Plantation in Taylors, SC, to photograph her bridal portraits on a sunny late-summer day. The only thing shining brighter than the hot September sun was LaRhonda herself. This South Carolinian-turned-Texan simply glowed! She glowed when she put on her bridal gown, and she glowed when she saw the wide-open pastures and mountain views, but her light glowed the brightest when she talked to me about her soon-to-be husband Josh. After spending the afternoon learning about these two lovebirds (their new last name is actually Sparrow…), I have no doubts that these two are the real deal when it comes to love and adventure and lots of silly fun.

LaRhonda requested for her bridal portraits to be fairly natural and unposed, and I feel like her quirkiness, her effervescence, and her love for Josh shines through in these photos. Now that the Sparrows are officially Mr. and Mrs., I am excited to reveal these Bridal Portraits!

Introducing, the brand-new Mrs. Sparrow…

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THIS. This is LaRhonda, pretty much always!

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Lindsey Plantation has an amazing variety of spots for portraits, but the sun setting over the pasture can’t be beat.

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Heeyyyyyy! This sassy girl was so much fun. I cannot wait to begin working on her and Josh’s wedding day images. If you haven’t already “liked” Amy Clifton Keely Photography on facebook, please hit the button below so you can keep up with The Sparrows’ Sneak Peeks as I post them!

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LaRhonda, lady, you are incredible! I’m so happy to know you and to have played a small part in telling yours and Josh’s love story. Y’all are amazing!!

Friends, I love reading your comments, and I have no doubt that LaRhonda would as well. 🙂 Feel free to show us some love with a comment!

Emily’s Furman University Bridal Portraits | Greenville SC Wedding Photographer

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Emily is a Furman grad, and she had always dreamed of having her bridal portraits photographed on the university’s beautiful campus. I tell you, I don’t think it’s possible for me to get tired of shooting portraits at Furman! There are beautiful locations and gorgeous light every where you turn. Having a lovely bride, an elegant gown from Carolina Bride and Groom, and a sweetly Southern bouquet from Twigs sure doesn’t hurt either! Emily was married last Saturday, so I can FINALLY show off her bridal portraits. I hope you enjoy!

Introducing…Emily’s Bridal Portraits

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This is the shot that Emily chose for her portrait to display at her and Andrew’s wedding reception–simply beautiful!

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Emily is one of the happiest, most gracious and laid-back people I’ve met…but this girl can ROCK the serious sassy-face!

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Furman University’s Rose Garden has the prettiest gazebo–I love it!Furman_Bridal_Portrait_Greenville_SC_Outdoors_Twigs_Bouquet_Gazebo_Amy_Clifton_Keely_Photography 09

One of my favorites!

 

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Love love LOVE this one!!

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Such a cute and happy portrait!

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Emily is so timeless and elegant…

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Sweet, sweet mama and daughter

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A few more of my favorites…a happy face, and several more of her killer sassy-face!

 

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Positively regal!

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If you haven’t already, click here or at the bottom of the page to “like” Amy Clifton Keely Photography on facebook so you can be the first to see a Sneak Peek of Emily and Andrew’s wedding photos! And as always, it feels great when you leave a comment to show us some love! Many congrats to the newlyweds!!

~Amy

New Year’s Eve Rustic-Glamorous Elopement | Greenville SC Wedding Photographer

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New Year’s Eve–a day to reflect, a day of sparkles and glamour, and for Angela and JB, it was a day to begin their life together as husband and wife. Angela and JB were married in a private elopement at their picture-perfect rustic family farm in Greenville SC, and I was so lucky to be their photographer! Their sweet, intimate wedding reminded of several things:

1) the size of the wedding ceremony isn’t nearly as important as the amount of love in the ceremony

2) a country-boy-at-heart can get along just fine with a gal who likes some sparkle

3) family, friends, love and home–and a phenomenal pair of shoes–what more do you need?

4) I love–I mean really, really love–photographing intimate, outdoor, personal weddings and elopements.

Introducing Angela + JB…Just Married!

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Angela and JB live on his family’s farm, which is a beautiful 100+ acre oasis hidden in the middle of the city. So much Southern history is built on our people’s land, and it was special to watch these two begin their own family history on this special piece of property. For the ceremony, it was just the two of them, their dearest friends who performed as officiant and official bouquet-getter/chauffeur/comic relief, and me. It was a precious time, and I was honored to capture it for Angela and JB.

 

Angela’s late Grandmother’s Bible held their beautiful rings

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I went crazy over this woodpile when I visited their home for the first time, and I couldn’t wait to incorporate it into some photos! One of JB’s favorite things to do around the property is to chop wood; little did he know how it would inspire me. 🙂

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Angela’s gown from The Poinsett Bride was beautiful!

 

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JB proposed during a walk on the beach, searching for shells. He presented Angela’s diamond on this Lettered Olive shell–the state seashell of South Carolina!

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And Angela’s amazing blue velvet shoes?? LOVE!!

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Angela’s bouquet was the perfect blend of traditional Southern sweetness with a bit of rustic evergreens. Bouquet designed by The Embassy Flowers in Greenville.

 

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JB’s face was priceless when Angela made the walk from their house to the barn! He kept saying things like “stunning!” and “gorgeous!” 😉

 

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One of my all-time favorite ceremony photos. I love everything about this moment in their history…

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Angela’s precious friend Frances was their officiant, and it was such a meaningful part of their wedding day. Frances is beautiful inside and out, and she is fighting stage 4 breast cancer. This tough lady had chemo the day before the wedding, but she was completely perky and enthusiastic and shared her heartfelt prayers for her friends during the ceremony.

 

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So aside from how personal an elopement ceremony is, my next favorite part is that I have time to photograph a complete portrait session with the bride and groom!! Normally, we’re scrambling for time after a wedding, so it was a dream come true (well, maybe not JB’s dream 😉 ) to ramble around the property for “Couple Portraits.” Woohoo!

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One of my favorites!!!

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So even though JB is a country boy at heart, he’s quite the professional. My mom saw their Sneak Peek on facebook and said “He looks like a banker.” (Yep!)

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Sassiness!!

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Told y’all I loved this woodpile and shed!!

 

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So, Frances’ husband was chauffeuring Angela around in the gator, and we were joking about the painting “American Gothic.” JB pipes up and said , “Well I’ve got a pitch fork right over there!” Here’s their rendition…

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Another of my favorites!! Angela is a consultant for Stella & Dot, and her necklace is gorgeous!! I can connect you with her if you’d like to see the collection or host a party!

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I always love seeing how couples look at one another. <3

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Finally done with portraits, Angela gives the “parade wave” as we headed back to the house! 😉

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Once we got to the house, JB and Angela’s family/paparazzi were waiting to congratulate them!

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Their cakes were made by Angela’s friend’s mom as a gift, and their yummy food was catered by Mary Frances Brock of Key West Connection. I am obsessed with the old black & white family photos of JB’s family. I want to do a similar wall in our house!!

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The rings! It all feels real now!

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Sweet, sweet moment between JB and Angela’s mom. It’s a wonderful thing to love your in-laws!

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These two just started slow-dancing in the living room. Love love it!

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And finally, a couple of my favorite wedding portraits of the bride and groom! After wandering throughout the property, JB was about done with pictures, but we convinced him to go to just oooooooone more spot. I knew that the gorgeous pine trees would make a beautiful backdrop. JB–thank you for indulging us!!! Totally paid off!

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Angela and JB, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me into your love story. Your wedding–my final wedding of 2013–was absolutely perfect, and I wish you a lifetime of love and laughter!

Friends, if you know someone having a small, personalized wedding or someone who is eloping at home or afar, please put them in touch with me!

As always, it’s great to know you’ve stopped by! Please leave a comment below to show us some love, scroll over an image to “Pin It” to Pinterest, or click “Like” below to link to your facebook page!

–Amy

 

Marilynn’s Bridal Portraits | Asheville, NC Wedding Photographer

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Over the weekend, I did something I hardly ever get to do: I attended a wedding…as a GUEST! That’s right, bridal luncheon, rehearsal dinner, cried when the bride walked down the aisle, toasts, favors, and all! My dear friends Marilynn and Josh got married during a fun weekend wedding at Lake Lure, and it was important to Marilynn that I was able to enjoy her wedding as her friend rather than her photographer. I did, however, get to shoot their green and gorgeous engagement portraits in Seattle last fall (CLICK HERE for those), and I also photographed Marilynn’s bridal portraits at the NC Arboretum in Asheville, NC. I know I’m biased because she is my friend, but this bride rocks.it.out in front of the camera.

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The NC Arboretum is beautiful!!

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One of my faves.

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So classic and elegant…

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Cute and sassy!

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In the “Patchwork Garden”…

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LOVE this one too…

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Marilynn and Me, at the end of our marathon 3 hour portrait session!!

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And last but not least, I am pretty much obsessed with this image. Love, love, loving the ferns and Mar’s model stare!

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Marilynn and Josh, thank you for giving me the best of both worlds–I got to put my camera on you for two amazing portrait sessions, and I also got to celebrate your wedding weekend as your friend. I love you both, and I am so, so happy for you! (And a little jealous that you’re enjoying white sand and blue water right now…;-) )

As always, please leave a comment below to “show us some love!”
–Amy

Stephanie’s Bridal Portraits

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Congratulations to Stephanie and Clark–today is their wedding day! I’m publishing Stephanie’s bridal portraits from their reception, because I just can’t wait any longer to show you guys this beautiful bride! We shot these on a snowy Valentine’s Day weekend in Downtown Greenville SC, largely at the historic Westin Poinsett Hotel. Stephanie looked fabulous, and her sister Julie gets the MOH of the Year Award…I want to bring her on all of my shoots to help out. 🙂

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Looooove these….
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We braved the chilly weather for a few shots outside…and lots of cheers and best wishes from passers-by! I love this one…see the snow in the background?

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Stephanie’s veil is amazing, and was handmade to match the lace on her gorgeous Romona Keveza gown.
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Stephanie and sis Julie
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Don’t forget to leave a comment to “show me (and Stephanie) some love,” and check back soon for a sneak peek from Stephanie and Clark’s wedding!
–Amy