Lauren's Bridal Session — Raleigh, NC Wedding Photography

This past weekend in the heart of Raleigh, North Carolina feels like anything but a blur. From the moment I stepped off the plane and into my rental car for Lauren and Trent's wedding weekend I tried to embrace the reprieve from my day-to-day and vowed to take it all in, one moment at a time. Right off the bat I knew it was going to be good. To my joy, Raleigh was in bloom, my favorite season. I breathed it in. I just so happened to still have my alpaca mittens in my purse to keep me perfectly warm on my surprisingly chilly leisure walk location scouting through Pullen Park. And I pulled up to Hayes Barton Cafe and Dessertery at the exact moment it was opening for the day (I seriously dropped $30 on cake slices that were worth every-lovin'-cent!). By that point I was only 2 hours into my trip and on the road to a dear friend's house with my favorite pizza and delicious cake in tow. The rest of the weekend couldn't have played out any better. Unexpectedly beautiful wedding day weather, celebrating with the sweetest of families, a tear-jerking ceremony, and stunningly gorgeous details filling The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh rounded out the wedding weekend. I really can't wait to share this one with you all. But while I am still pouring over the images from the weekend I've decided to give you all a peak into one of my top two bridal sessions with the lovely Lauren in downtown Raleigh last fall (okay, okay, I have only done two bridal sessions in my existence, both were stunning. Seriously, why don't more brides opt for this??).

Lauren and Trent's were set to get married at The Stockroom on Fayetteville Street in the heart of the city (to give you an idea of the gorgeousness that is coming with their wedding day photos). So what better location could we find for Lauren's bridal session? We stepped into the gorgeous historic building mid afternoon on a Monday and spent the next few hours following the light across the room, stepping out into the street and taking a meandering stroll around Raleigh's capitol building in the height of fall. The results were breathtaking in my book...

xoxo,
Caroline

Emma + Eric Sneak Peek — Lake Placid, FL Wedding Photography

This past weekend's wedding with Emma & Eric was truly magical. You couldn't have asked for a better day and a sweeter pair. Here is a little sneak peek into the day...

Emma & Eric's Lake Placid, Florida wedding with Caroline Maxcy Photography.

Daveigh's 5th Birthday Featured on 100 Layer Cake-let!

To God be the Glory!

100 Layer Cake has been one of my favorite most "drool-worthy" blogs since I can remember following blogs. Their posts are always filled with beautiful, bright and unique details and ideas. So when they said they would like to feature Daveigh's Tea Party 5th Birthday on their family blog last fall I just may have squealed. And then we waited… for just the right time… when things were in bloom and fragrant spring days were in sight. That time was last week when the images of the light and laughter filled day graced the 100 Layer Cake-let blog. In case you missed my Facebook announcement, head on over to 100 Layer Cake-let to revisit Daveigh's Birthday from coming up on one year ago and gush over all the precious details again. Thanks for the featured 100 Layer Cake!

xoxo, Caroline

Caroline Maxcy Photography and Daveigh's springtime tea party birthday featured on 100 Layer Cake-let.

Emma + Eric — Lake Placid, FL Engagement Photography

This weekend marks it… the beginning of my 2014 weddings! I am soooo looking forward to this year and the couples I get to join with on their "BEST DAY EVER" experiences to capture all the love. So far 2014 is taking me all the way from a restored historic landmark in the heart of North Carolina's capitol to a Ringling Brother's mansion on the southwest coast of Florida but we start off right here in the hometown warmth of central Florida with Emma and Eric's home grown celebration. Can't wait! We just so happened to get around to their engagement photos at Emma's family's home (and the reception location) just a few weeks ago and I am dying over what we captured. These two were so super sweet together and totally ate up the camera (even with Eric just a little under the weather, you never would have know. What a trooper!). Well, now that the two of you have the "being awesome in front of the camera" thing down let's get you married. :)

xoxo,
Caroline

This is the Day Photography Workshops are Back!

In case you missed this announcement tucked into my Valentine's Day post last week, or perhaps it could had been the haze of hearts floating above all of our heads, either way I am excited to share with you all that This is the Day Photography Workshops are returning this Spring! And this time we are doubling it up with a Beginners Workshop designed to acquaint avid shutterbugs with their fancy-pants camera and the power it holds plus the brand new Mentoring Workshop geared to the photographer entrepreneur looking to  develop their craft and hone their skills in the process of growing a photography business. Please head on over to our This is the Day Workshops site by clicking the image below to get all the details, dates and registering information including an early bird discount through the end of February. And you might want to step-to-it with limited seating available and registrations already rolling in these workshops will fill up fast! It's going to be a blast, y'all!

Bonus: To get a little peek into what the day will be like you can check out these images from our 2011 Workshop (yes, that was three whole years ago when we were on the cutting edge of kiss-y lips and mustaches on a stick!)...

Double Bonus: Sarah and I took turns in front of the camera to get some headshots for you all, and to let you know that we aren't all that scary, most of the time. Yes, it might actually be enjoyable to hang out with us all day. Here you have your This is the Day Instructors: Sarah Sandel and Caroline Maxcy...

Kim + Richard — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

In case you hadn't noticed today is February 14th folks. The day of love. And one year ago I was launching a love of my own. Yep, on February 14, 2013 I launch Caroline Maxcy Photography as you see it today. New branding, new website, new blog, new life behind it all. We had a party complete with heart shaped cookies and a pink ombre cake (there were giant balloons too, which were a big hit with the kiddos, but most of those didn't last through the evening). It was fantastic! And after a year of refining that business, collecting Facebook likes and telling beautiful stories I can say that I am more than ever excited about what the future holds.

I have brought on Sarah Sandel, whom I simply adore, as a sort of "Studio Manager." She is a fantastic person to bounce creative ideas off of, to collaborate with on fun projects and shoots and to help me better run my business (she keeps me organized and on track too. Bonus!). We even just announced today our This is the Day Workshops dates for this year. Yay! If you are looking to learn more about your "fancy" camera to better capture your everyday life or if you are looking to grow a photography business (like myself) you can check out all the details here about what it is all about and what to expect. And you should come on along. Serious both workshops are going to be at the most adorable artist's studio/log cabin on a lake that is oh-so-inspiring, there will be yummy food, lots of coffee and even better conversation and opportunities to grow in a creative community all. day. long.

And lastly February 14th this year has my heart all a flutter because it is the first year I have had a "Valentine" in… well… a long time. The Lord has taken me through a journey and a process of brokenness and healing that landed me in the path of a pretty incredible guy. And I think that is kinda cool. Seriously though, my love for Valentines Day has grown more in the years when I was single than any other year. It was a time to focus on other loves, like friends and family and even my clients (I love you all!). But ultimately it allowed me to focus on the best of all kind of love, the love that comes from our Savior and I never want to loose that. So as I head out to pick up a V-day gift for my hunny (yes, I waited to the 14th to get this) as promised, I leave you all with one last celebration of love from 2013. The wedding of Kim & Richard...

When I meet with Kim and Richard earlier last year I was invited to their beautiful lakeside Sebring vacation home to sit down at their dinning room table and chat details. And from the moment Kim opened the door to her warm home, smile beaming I knew this was going to be a good one. Kim is the definition of sweetness. She seriously glows, y'all, and the glow can't helped to be contagious. After any amount of time in her presence you kinda feel like you are glowing too. We chatted details and logistics, talked about flowers and timelines and albums and on and on through all their exciting details (you know I love this part.) Then it came time for me to ask them about "their story" the love story that brought the two of them together. Richard, who had been quietly sitting on the couch for the length of this meeting, leapt to his feet spread his arms wide and with the biggest grin on his face headed over to the dining room table with Kim and I. "Let me begin…" he said, smiling through the entire story starting at their meeting at The 12 Hours of Sebring and ending with their plans to marry at one of Sebring's most beloved restored historic sites, The Circle Theater. My heart skipped a few beats I am sure. What delight these two have been since moment one and I was simply thrilled to be their on their wedding day to capture all the joy, all the love and all the fantastic celebration of their future together as husband and wife.

xoxo,
Caroline

A few more thanks goes all to all the other folks that helped make this day so special for Kim & Richard…

Second Shooter - Sarah Sandel 
Wedding Coordinator - Callie Maddox
Florist - Hobby Hill Florist
Venue - The Circle Theater (built in 1923)
Cake - Lisa Thomas of Cakes 'n More in Sebring
The Band - FunkMonster (found through GigMasters.com)

Chelsey + Kyle — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

Get ready for your heart to melt over this gorgeous wedding celebration I have for you all today. Chelsey and Kyle A-D-O-R-E each other. There is no doubting that. And their wedding day was nothing less than a celebration of that adoration in ever detail, ever blessed moment all. day. long. Thanks Chelsey and Kyle for having me there to capture your day!

xoxo,
Caroline

Rose + Johnny — Boca Bay Pass Club Wedding Photography

I simply adore love, so it is no question that when February rolls around on the calendar I am looking towards it's 14th day and all the ways to spread the love between now and then. Last year I was invited into a handful of some of the most precious expressions of love ever invented, the wedding day and ultimately the marriage celebration (Thank you Jesus!). And throughout the year I have shared with you glimpses into some of those glorious celebrations I was blessed to be a part of but there are still a few precious days left to share with you all. So for the next three days leading up to the beloved February 14th I will be sharing with you my final three weddings from 2013 in all their breathtaking glory.

We start things off today with Rose and Johnny's sunny seaside celebration at the Boca Bay Pass Club in Boca Grande, FL. Rose and Johnny chose to get married on the quaint and gorgeous Boca Grande Island, a special place in each of their hearts, giving their guests a chance for retreat and the space for relaxation amidst genuine celebration. From the tearful moments between a mom and daughter, to a gorgeous "first look" and a walk down a banyan tree lined lane, to a perfectly placed cloud over the seaside ceremony and a spectacular surprise fireworks display send off for the bride and groom, the day was a truly breathtaking celebration between a gorgeous pair inside and out, and I loved being their to capture it all.

xoxo,
Caroline

A few more thanks are in store for helping create such a gorgeous celebration...

Photo Assistant - Rebekah Ritchie Adams

Venue - Boca Bay Pass Club

Wedding Planner - Julianne Greenberg

Florist - Native Gardens Florist

Cake - Publix Bakery

Band - The Boca Band

Bride's Dress and Flower Girl Dresses - David’s Bridal Mall of Millenia

Bridesmaids Dresses - Nordstrom  

Suits - Maxcy's Menswear

Courtney + Dusitn — Honey Lake Plantation Wedding Photography

Just in case you didn't get to see Courtney and Dustin's summer time wedding on Style Me Pretty Florida (and The Southeast!) last week I thought I would share even more with you here today. Courtney and Dustin’s day and entire weekend was joyous and sweet and love-filled through and through. You couldn’t have asked for a more naturally gorgeous location nestled in the North Florida richness of Honey Lake Plantation Resort and Spa in Greenville, FL. And you certainly couldn't have asked for a more genuine, laid-back and charming pair at the center of it all. Thanks Courtney and Dusty for inviting me in to capture your beautiful celebration!

xoxo,
Caroline

Featured on Style Me Pretty The Southeast!

So excited to have Courtney and Dustin's Honey Lake Plantation wedding featured on Style Me Pretty Southeast today!  Thanks Courtney and Dusty for inviting me to capture your truly gorgeous celebration! You can check it all out on Style Me Pretty's blog by clicking here.

xoxo,
Caroline

Caroline Maxcy Photography featured on Style Me Pretty