Caramanda’s Bake Shoppe has been providing Lexington with awesome cakes and cupcakes since 2007.  I’ve seen their work at countless weddings, and it’s always, always top-notch visually and taste-wise.  When the owners Melissa and Steve Henderson called on me to do photography for some upcoming advertising, I was flattered to say the least.  I mean, c’mon…they work IN the wedding industry and know alot of amazing photographers.  Just a weeeee bit of pressure, right?

In addition to photographing their tasty products, we also spent some time photographing the Henderson’s two daughters, Cara and Amanda.  It’s only fitting that they appear in the advertising, since the company’s name was derived from their first names.  They did great and were more than happy to help out with setting up the cupcakes.  After some posy shots, we let them run for a bit and then dive into some baked goodness.  Best part of the shoot?  Melissa sent me home with a dozen of the cupcakes.  Score!

Shooting downtown and Keeneland is a pretty popular combo when it comes to engagements.  There’s a nice contrast between the two, and both places have a ton of variety.  I can get bored pretty quickly, so its a must for me that each session has something fresh, you know?

I’m really happy with how this session turned out.  Lauren and Jay were super-easy to work with.  They just had fun and trusted me to do my thing.    It definitely doesn’t hurt that they’re both really good-looking folks!

To Lauren and Jay—thanks for being cool to work with!  I’m looking forward to the wedding!

Here are a handful of my favorites from the shoot:

Thanks to my assistant Candi for rocking the reflector on this shot.  Love that warm light.

My favorite.

After you watch the slideshow, I’d love it if each of you would leave a comment below and then connect with me through Facebook and Twitter.  Thanks for stopping by, y’all! -shaun

I was talking with a photographer friend in Louisville last week, and the topic of “my clients” came up.  When I say “my clients,” I mean the people who are so perfectly matched for me that we instantly recognize each other.  There’s no interviewing per se.  They see my work, read my blog, and they know that I’m the one for them, sometimes even before they’re engaged.

It’s a two-way street, though, for sure.  When we meet for the first time, I know them immediately.  They’re laid back.  Loving toward people.  Real.  Optimists to the happy end.  They smile a lot, even when a camera isn’t on them.  They work in professions where they get to help people.  Teachers, dentists, doctors, nurses, veterinarians, attorneys, salespeople— all really common among my couples.  They’re dog-lovers.  They’re tight with their families.  They like a good party.  And they love photography…yes, for the artistic element, but more importantly, because it stops time, documents real moments, and highlights the loving relationships they have with each other and those around them.  I can spot these folks a mile away.  Why?  Because we’re alot alike.

Katy and Jeff came to me last July without having secured their wedding venue, but they already knew that they wanted me as their photographer.  That’s pretty flattering, and crazy…lol.  After talking with them for just a few minutes, I also knew.  I knew that I would do anything to be their photographer.  They are “my clients.”

Here are some of my favorite shots from the day:

The girls met for hair and makeup at Euphoria Salon.

That Saturday was particularly warm (understatement), so we ventured out to Gratz Park in downtown Lexington where we could find plenty of shade to keep everyone comfortable.  Here’s a shot of Katy and Jeff seeing each other for the first time before we started their photography.  They loved the idea of doing all the formal photography ahead of time, so that they’d have a seamless transition between the ceremony and reception.  It was really important to them that their guests wouldn’t have to wait long at the reception for their arrival.  I think that’s awesome that they care so much. Plus side of doing all the bride and groom shots beforehand?  There’s plenty of time.  Instead of feeling rushed, they’re able to enjoy things.  Imagine! 

Flowers from Ivory Rose Floral.  Beth Sampson is awesome.  She was the florist at my and Katie’s wedding, too.  Love her work and her spirit.

Such a sweet candid moment that my second shooter Betsy Whiteman captured.  Nice.

Favorite shot of the day, thanks to the breeze.

Beautiful.

First United Methodist in Lexington is timeless and picturesque.  I’ve always been very impressed with this church’s wedding coordinator, Bonnie Lail.  Things just work perfectly.

Cake by Mondelli’s Bake Shop.  Yummmm.

Maybe one of my favorite reception coordinators to work with is Ginny Adkins at the Hilary J. Boone Center.  Events at the Boone Center are always perfectly executed by Ginny and her staff—while smiling.  The food (and service) is out of this world.  The ambiance is elegant, yet warm and cozy.  I love it there.

Live music was provided by See Alice.  My first time hearing them.  Uh. Mazing.

Love this.

Thanks for stopping by, everybody!  There’s a slideshow below with all of my favorite images from this wedding.  After you watch it, would you do me a favor?  Please feel free to leave a comment, connect with me through Facebook and Twitter, and pre-register to see all of the images HERE.  You’ll get a gift credit toward prints for registering early.  Cool?  I hope you enjoy the show!  Stay in touch, y’all!  -shaun