The Gregarious Photographer

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden presents Holiday Lights at the Garden and Santa's Workshop

November 27 to December 31st

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

These spectacular evenings will include displays with more than 600,000 lights, old fashioned trains, carriage rides, holiday carols, baked treats and other activities designed to fill the holiday season with memories that will last a lifetime.

Admission: Adults, $10; Seniors 60 +, $9; Children 4-12, $5; Members free each Tuesday, half-price Wednesday through Monday.

Sponsored by CaroMont Health and Lite 102.9. Train sponsored by The Duke Energy Foundation.

Children will also have the opportunity to be photographed with Santa, explore our holiday train display or take a tour through the Garden on our tram. As always, Santa has prepared a little treat for children to take home. Photo Packages available from Greg Briley Photography starting at $35 Date & Time: Saturday Dec. 5, 12, 19, 2009 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Beginning at the Garden’s grand entrance on New Hope Road, guests are immediately immersed into a Christmas wonderland.

Guests will travel past the still garden ponds and make their way into the Visitor Pavilion (above and below)

Upon arriving to the Visitor Pavilion, guests are greeted by white trumpeting angels, decorated in holiday splendor and sounds.

The décor includes a guest favorite, a spectacular 16-foot-tall Orchid tree, featuring more than 300 orchids.

In the Garden, guests are invited to enjoy a walking tour through a dazzling light display encompassing six separate gardens, The Orchid Conservatory and surrounding landscape that presents spectacular light displays at every turn. Guests can walk through a grand 30-foot tall tree of lights, visit the icy White Garden or the festive Canal Garden. A captivating display of lights engulfs guests in every direction.

The Orchid Conservatory offers a chance to warm up, and see two garden-scale trains snaking through the tropical plants (below) and holiday favorites.

Carriage rides through a portion of the display are available Thursday through Sunday evenings for an additional fee.

Santa will make appearances nightly to the public starting at 6:30 p.m. In addition, guests can grab a cup of cocoa, coffee, cider and baked goods at the Garden’s coffee bar.

Santa sets up his workshop again at the Garden to spend time with some very lucky children! During this festive occasion, Santa will read a story and spread Holiday cheer through a Holiday sing-a-long. After much merriment, Garden elves are on staff to help children create a special holiday gift for someone on their list, help decorate cookies and much more. Reservations Required Registration: Call to Register 704-829-1252 Sponsored by Karen Warner Catering.

Admission: Members, $12; Non-Members, $15. Includes admission for Holiday Lights. Accompanying adults must pay Holiday Lights admission.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Charlotte Weddings: Kyle and Marcia's Reception (click for slideshow set to music)

I enjoyed getting to sit down down with Kyle and Marcia over coffee for our first meeting. As I always do, I like to ask a couple how they met and hear their story. As a photographer, it allows me the chance to start getting to know them and see a range of emotions as they interact and let their story unfold. It seems to bring out that sparkle in their eyes accompanied by a hint of sheepishness and controlled excitement. Their story began when Kyle offered to help Marcia move. As they traded turns recounting their courtship, they shared laughter, adoring glances and those sheepish smiles. It's a great story if you haven't had heard it yet.

They enjoyed tying the knot and saying their vows in Charleston, SC at the aptly named and much sought-after Charleston Chapel, charlestonchapel.com. The Charleston Chapel is a quaint and intimate setting for a wedding. One week later, they held their reception in Charlotte at the Marriott SouthPark, www.marriott.com. This allowed more friends and family a chance to celebrate with them.

The well appointed dresses for Marcia and her bridesmaids came from David's Bridal, www.davidsbridal.com. They enjoyed beautiful bouquets from Anna's Flower's and Gifts, Inc., www.annasflowersandgiftsinc.com.

Last, but not least, I would like to offer a big congratulations to Marcia and Kyle Miller!

As guests arrived, they found wedding favors of Marcia and Kyle's in Charleston donning each place setting on the tables

Guests enjoyed thumbing through pictures of the wedding in Charleston one week prior

The bridal parties enjoyed having some formal pictures taken

Marcia having a good time during formals with her bridesmaid, Wendy Walker, her matron of honor, Stacy Wood, and her flower girl, Ashley Wood.

Marcia enjoyed being picked up by best man, Travis Miller, her husband, Kyle, and her brother/groomsman, Kyle Nunn

Above and below: I enjoyed some time with Marcia and Kyle. The Marriott SouthPark provides plenty of great photo opp locations throughout the property.

Unexpectedly, Kyle wrapped his lovely bride in his jacket to provide comfort, security and a great photo opp.

A shiny floor provided an excellent setting for the bride and her party

Ring bearer, Zachary Nunn, and flower girl, Ashley Wood await their turn to be announced

As he had a tendency to do, Zachary would leap into the air with excitement. Here he did just that as he made his way into the wedding reception after being introduced.

Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Miller are introduced and make their way through friends and family on their way to the dance floor for their first dance (below)

Others joined in on the moment

Above and below: The cameras captured lots of great moments during the celebration; Father/daughter and Mother/son

A little ... er, well a lotta dancing broke out as everyone had a great time

Marcia spends Ashley around on the dance floor

The stories told during the toasts always bring about some interesting moments.

The bouquet toss. Excellent toss, Marcia!

As Kyle began to remove the garter from Marcia, her dad checked-in to make sure all was well with his daughter. Kyle promptly behaved himself.

The recipients of the bouquet and garter enjoyed their moment in the spotlight

After all the fun, it was time to send-off Marcia and Kyle to their two week honeymoon to begin their new journey together as husband and wife.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Charlotte Wedding Photography: Jason and Meg (slide show link)

I have had the pleasure of knowing Meg for a number of years as working colleagues in the corporate community. I couldn't have been more thrilled when she approached me about photographing her wedding.

I was able to sit down with her and her new fiance, Jason, and their families to discuss their wedding day -- and what a plan it was. Their day began at the Marriott SouthPark. Meg and her bridesmaids were in the spacious and wonderfully appointed Presidential Suite. When I walked in on the wedding day to begin documenting, they were enjoying champagne, wine and h'ors dourves.

The guys? They appeared to be enjoying some golf on their flat screen TV, but I think they were just trying to quell their nerves a bit in anticipation of the day ahead.

The wedding ceremony was held at Providence United Methodist Church -- a very spacious and beautiful church. A big thanks to Michelle Fitzgerald, the wedding director, for making everything go so smoothly.

Also, a big thank you goes to the Marriott SouthPark for being such an accommodating host. It was obvious that the guests felt at home and were enjoying their time with the bride and groom. The Flower Diva donned the event with beautiful bouquets, rose petals and centerpieces. The cake was presented by Decadent Designs Bakery. It looked gorgeous and was enjoyed by all.

Finally, a BIG congratulations to Jason and Meg! Their celebration was filled with lots of fun, laughter, tears and joy. I was honored to be a part of it.