Kevin and Thomas, Autumn Portraits

Kevin called me wanting to do some portraits outside. We scheduled the event during what seemed to be a fun packed weekend for the two of them. After our portrait session, they had plans to play Football, go to a Halloween Chocolate and Pumpkin Festival, cheer for Thomas' uncle in a local election.... I was a little envious of the fun packed weekend they had! Luckily for me, it all started with a portrait session. We did some nice portraits.... and you'll see on the last photo, I just had to get action flying shots of Thomas. Thank you so much guys for fitting this into your busy schedule! I hope you enjoyed the session as much as I did!

Garden Party Pretties

When I was at the General Store Cafe's Garden Party I brought my camera along to document the new space. The details of this party were so pretty! I wish there was a way to describe how good the food was too... the cupcakes were literally the best I have ever tasted! Blossom in Pittsboro, NC was the florist. Yummy pretties.... I love it!

Bobbi and Ron won the Free Engagement Session!

Thank you to all the brides and grooms that came out the General Store Cafe last Sunday for the Garden Party! Bobbi Harris and Ron McCoy won the drawing for the free engagement session! Thank you to all who entered, I hope that I get a chance to photograph all of you at some point! Good luck with the planning....

Mia and Rivers

Mia and Rivers had the most beautiful wedding at Snipes Farm, and the craziest I have seen by far (check out the garter toss shot)! Here is a little preview of the images from the wedding... There were so many amazing moments, I had a hard time choosing what to post. Enjoy!





















Thank you Mia and Rivers, I had a blast at your wedding!

Holiday Cards!

It is that time of year! It is time to order your holiday cards from the past photography session. What? You haven't had a session with me? Well, lets plan a family session, then you too can order fabulous holiday cards from Jessica Benton photography, card design by Uniquely You!

Shakori Hills!

Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival of Music and Dance (and fire-hooping) is always something to look forward to here in Chatham County. This past weekend, I got a chance to attend and capture images of what was happening. There are photos here from the bands Dub Addis, and of course Howie DeWitt! I'm not sure what band the fiddle player was from, anyone out there know? Also the amazing Julia Hartsell of HoopDrum wowed everyone with her fire hooping.

Howie Dewitt rocked it out on the Grove Stage and had the eclectic crowd (see the chicken) begging for more even at 1:30 in the morning. You may remember them from when I photographed them back in February. I'll be seeing them again at a wedding in Chapel Hill that I am photographing next week. I can't wait!

Summer Memories

Personal projects always get placed on the back burner don't they? These images are from my trip to the beach with my family in August. A few quiet moments....



Remember to click on the photos to see a larger version.

Lauren and Mike ~ Lake Norman Wedding

Lauren and Mike had the most beautiful wedding on the bank of Lake Norman. The early September weather was lovely and the lake was glistening, creating the perfect backdrop for their exchange of hand written vows. My sister Katie Nail helped me photograph this wedding. She got that image of the beautiful bridal bouquet on one of the dock chairs. Look out for more of Katie's work in the future! Thank Lauren and Mike for being so kind, and may you live wonderfully ever after!

Kaitlin - Senior Portrait

I had a wonderful time photographing Kaitlin for her senior portraits. In between torrential downpours, the sun came out and make everything glow. She had a few outfits to change into and we went to different locations including her parent's land and the beautiful Edible Earthscape farm. Good luck with your school year Kaitlin! I know you will do well!

Twin Lakes Lodge

I photographed the beautiful Twin Lakes Lodge in Greensboro, NC last week. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the photography session. Anita Gill is the wonderfully friendly inn keeper. If you ever need a cozy and relaxing place to stay when you are in Greensboro, I would definitely recommend the beautiful Twin Lakes Lodge.

A Cherry Grove Morning

Simon and I spent a week at Cherry Grove Beach in North Myrtle, SC this month with my family (soon to be Simon's family also). My Aunt Lia wanted some pics of her ridiculously cute family. Right after the sun came up early on Friday morning, we went out to the natural marsh preserve and had fun getting some portraits. Simon was helping me and he took some cool pics of me working which I thought would be cool to post up here also. Look and see if you can figure out how I get those kids to smile :)...

The Good Looking Folks are....
Dad: Kevin
Mom: Lia
Tallest Boy: David
Redheaded Boy: Tyler
Cute as a Button Girl Cousin: Nora

July... 64 years ago

As I am getting married this year, I'm looking at my family for support, advice, and love. Mama recently came to the Bridal Luncheon that my sister Katie and my Aunt Lia threw for me. Through Mama's characteristic tears, she told me that she wished that my married life would be filled with much love and happiness. That means a lot to me coming from a woman who raised three boys, guided many more as a school teacher, loves her family, and loves her husband who she has been married to since 1945! I've had wonderful examples of steadfast love in my parents and grandparents... I hope that Simon and I can live up to their example. Enough for the sappiness... don't you love the wedding announcements and the cutting of the cake photo! My Papa is looking adoringly at Mama. I also love the picture of Mama and Papa in front of their first apartment... I love family photos!