Tamara's Blue Ridge Mountain Bridal Session

Tamara is a dear friend of ours, and a very talented photographer. We shot her bridal session at Lake James and in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she grew up and where she still calls home. We spent several hours roaming around Lake James, venturing down her favorite trails that led to a quiet creek, and ending her session with a beautiful sunset overlooking the parkway. She loves these mountains, and I think you can tell by her photos just how much. She wasn't afraid to kick off her shoes, hike up her dress, and set out for that perfect spot by the creek.

Tamara's dachshund babies, Shelby and Harley, stopped by for a quick visit as well. I'm so happy we were able to document this special time for her, it was just a perfect day!

A huge thank you to Jason Ritchie for assisting, and also to moms Dana Honea & Rindy Watkins for helping and venturing out with us!

Henderson Family - Salisbury, NC Family Photographer

I first met this sweet family in 2013 for their son's newborn session. Keaton is now a happy, spunky, adorable 4 year old and his sister Ella is already 2! It just amazes me how fast they grow up, and I have really enjoyed capturing it all for them.

Their mom dresses them in the cutest outfits, has the best photo ideas, and the kids always do such a great job! Keaton loves when my daughter Taylor comes to help, and she caught a butterfly for him this time.

This session was shot at Gold Hill Park while the azaleas were in full bloom. Gold Hill is always so pretty but especially in the spring. Here are a few of my favorites, enjoy! :)

Spring Session - Salisbury, NC Family Photographer

Spring is finally here, and that means lots of sunshine, sessions and happy faces! I was hired to photograph four of the most beautiful, well-behaved, fun children over the weekend. Their mom & dads stepped in for a few shots as well. Check out these sweet, smiling faces! 

Most of my spring weekend dates are booked, but I still have several weekday sessions left. Contact me to book yours! :) 

Fall Sessions - Salisbury, NC Family Photographer

One of my goals for 2017 was to start blogging more, and even though it's March already and this is my first blog of the year, I still plan to make this happen! So no judging, one is better than none, right? 

I wanted to take a look back at our fall/winter sessions of 2016 because it ended up being one of our busiest seasons to date. I LOVE family sessions so much. I love the small ones, the ones with fur babies, the indoor lifestyle sessions, and the extended ones with the grandparents too! Time passes by so crazy fast, and there is no better time than now to take some pictures with the ones you love most and make some happy memories. After losing my precious grandmother last June, I feel more strongly about this than ever. 

Many of our new clients ask "what type of pictures can we expect from our family session?" I prefer to do a mixture of traditional poses (but fun!) with candid pictures too. I usually get the posed shots done first, so we can relax and have fun for the rest of the session. The candids are usually mom's favorites! :) I also think it's crucial when photographing children that we make it fun for them. Not only do I want mom and dad to have pictures they are proud to hang on their walls and share with their family - I also want children to have a positive experience so it's something they look forward to instead of dreading. 

So with that said, I want to share several of our beautiful families that trusted us last fall to take their family pictures for them. There are way more here than in a typical post because I wanted to showcase all the different types of photos that can be taken during a family session with us. I also want all my readers and future clients to know that perfection isn't my goal when photographing your family - I want to capture your real love for each other, your smiles and hugs and laughter. Thank you to everyone who made last year one of our most successful years ever, and I can't wait to see you all again soon! 

- Tonya Ritchie

Andrea's Maternity Session - Jetton Park in Cornelius, NC

When Andrea told me she was expecting twins, I couldn't be more excited for her and her family! Andrea is a fellow photographer and such a sweetheart. When we talked about her vision for her maternity session - I knew it was going to be amazing. We did her session at the gorgeous Jetton Park in Cornelius. Her husband and her adorable son joined in for a few.

You would never know this session started out with a down-pour just minutes before, actually just as Andrea was in my changing tent! We waited patiently, and it paid off with lots of sunshine & smiles! :)

Andrea's beautiful, twin babies came a little early,  the very next day after her session to be exact! Whew that was close! They are happy and healthy and now a family of five! 

- Tonya Ritchie

Shelton Family - Salisbury, NC Family Session

I had so much fun hanging out with this adorable family! Their session was shot on their gorgeous property in the countryside of Mt. Ulla. I suggested their property at sunset so the children could roam about and be in their natural element. We mixed in some posed shots with lots of fun, candid, real moments too. I love that we ended the session with the children swinging on a rope swing built by their grandpa - so very special. 

- Tonya 

The Brown Family - Maternity and Newborn Session

I absolutely adore this family! I first met Brandon and Christina as a newly engaged couple in 2010. Later that year, we photographed their beautiful wedding, then a maternity session earlier this year, and now, their precious son's newborn session. 

The Brown's maternity session was shot at a local park in Salisbury. Christina's vision was a winter/woodlands them, which I absolutely adored, and thought it was perfect. We found a beautiful spot with the gorgeous, golden light spilling in all around us. Christina's dress was the perfect pop of blue that stood out against the natural colors of the park.

Their newborn session was a documentary style session in their home. These are more relaxed and natural, and it allows me to focus on the newborns tiny features, the connections with mom and dad, and of course all together as a new family. A lot of couples always worry about shooting inside their home. I start in the nursery, and mom and dad's bedroom can sometimes be a great room as well, but we can also use any other room in the house that has simple decor and great, natural light. No worries about the mess, your pets, or anything like that. I have 2 children of my own, and I completely understand. Being in the comfort of your home means you can change and feed your baby when you need to. Most newborn sessions last around 1.5 hours, but some can last 2 hours or longer. We never rush them. 

When I began photographing couples and weddings, I knew I wanted to continue documenting their life events even after their wedding. What I didn't know, was what a blessing it would be to witness a young, engaged couple become married, expecting a baby, and then on to becoming parents. It's such an honor beyond words! 

April & Matt's Elopement - Winston-Salem, NC

I photographed a very sweet and intimate elopement this past week. April and Matt tied the knot at the Forsyth County Hall of Justin in Winston-Salem. I was really shocked at how simple of a process it was. And....the awesome lighting inside the courthouse for pictures....who knew?! After the ceremony, we walked around the cool streets of Winston for some couple's portraits. Winston has some beautiful murals and fun artsy places to visit if you're ever in the area!

If you are getting married (big or small) and would like more information about our wedding or elopement packages, please send us a message. We'd love to chat with you!

- Tonya Ritchie

Villarreal Wedding - Rock Hill, SC

I met Sarah & Joan last fall for their engagement session in Salisbury. I just loved their energy and the love that was so obviously shared between them. It was almost like they were the only ones there, and I knew their wedding day would be so very special.

They were married at the beautiful Magnolia Room in Rock Hill, SC. This was our first time shooting at this venue, and it was a wonderful place for a wedding. This venue is nestled in a quiet, upscale community, and really just doesn't do this place justice from a distance. Everything there is amazing, from the bridal suite, to the lighting, to the staff, all were just perfect. Sarah & Joan chose an outdoor ceremony followed by an indoor reception in the beautiful ballroom. They danced the night away, played the "shoe game", had a money dance, ate a little cake and ended the night with a glow stick exit (very unique!).

I have really enjoyed getting to know this couple, documenting their engagement session and now their wedding day. I can honestly say from day one - they have been an absolute dream to work with, and I feel honored they chose us to photograph their special moments!

- Tonya Ritchie

Wedding Venue - The Magnolia Room in Rock Hill, SC

Photography - JT Photography

Videographer - New Morning Weddings

Caterer - Melissa Shoupe

DJ - Sharkfin Productions

Wedding Coordinator - Sherry Peele (Also w/Sharkfin, awesome coordinator & MC!)

Photo-booth and Uplighting - Bridal Affairs

Cake - Rock Hill Publix

Hair & Make-up - Blushing

Music - Tito & Ozzy

Rentals & Decor - Ribald Farms