Lisa + Trevor — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

Bride's, if I could ever urged you to pull out your pen and paper and take some notes it would be right now. Lisa and Trevor's Sebring, FL wedding was delightful to the core. From the truly gorgeous getting ready and reception location at a family friend's log cabin home, to the private "first look" complete with a foot washing, to the unique and unexpected wedding ceremony where the bride and groom stepped out of the limelight to participate in a time of worship with their wedding guests, to the "throwback" to the post ceremony Receiving Line (you just don't see this that often anymore and I can't seem to fathom why not?), to the sweet and quaint afternoon soiree with the bride and groom's closest family and friends covered in delightful details handcrafted by the bride. Take note. But what I really wish you all could take note of is how, by calling the bride a dear friend of mine, I was able to watch this relationship grow, covered in prayer, and consistency and lots of love. The way their wedding day plans changed again, and again, and… yes again for a whole handful of reasons, before it landed on this beautiful celebration of the pair. And that's ok. And the way these two, grounded in their faith never lost sight of the marriage they where building on the foundation of the Lord (even in the haze of big day planning.) Thank you Lisa and Trevor for sharing your day with me and allowing me to capture all this sweet love!

xoxo,
Caroline

Thanks to the bride's super talented cousin, Jason Davies, they now also have the incredibly gorgeous wedding film to commemorate their day! Check it out by clicking below...

Wedding Film by Jason Davies

Credits:

Photography - Caroline Maxcy Photography
Second Shooter - Olivia Fryer
Videography - Jason Davies
Brides Attire: White by Vera Wang 
Bride's Jewelry: Highlands Jeweler 
Brides's Hair: Britney Lewis
Bridesmaids' Attire: Victoria's Secret 
Groom's Attire: Brooks Bother's
Wedding planner: Bride & Aunt
Wedding coordinator: Michelle Cathey
Caterer: Chef Mac at the Palms
Cake: Kip Drummond
Bouquets: Hobby Hill Florist
Wedding Venue: Bible Fellowship Church 
Reception Venue: Private Home

Kimberly + David — Island View Restaurant Wedding Photography — Sebring, FL

I sat down at the Sun 'N Lake Island View Restaurant in Sebring, FL on a sunny day with Kimberly and David to chat about their May wedding and knew instantly it was going to be a fantastic celebration. They are are the perfect mix of sweetness and fun and their ideas and plans for their big day was to wrap all that up into one really good time celebrating their love. Then I got to know them even better as we wandering around Sun 'N Lakes earlier this year for their super sunny, super sweet engagement session. I was pumped for their big day to say the least.

Then came the week before their wedding. And if anyone could change the course of events that week it would be me, a thousand times over. You see, when I compiled my wedding photography contract a few years ago I included a simple clause I wasn't even sure I would ever use... 

"In the unlikely event of the photographer is unable to complete the coverage due to unforeseen circumstances, the photographer reserves the right to appoint another photographer to attend on her behalf to undertake the photography."

"Unforeseen Circumstances" dropped into my family's lap on a Tuesday morning in late April like a ton of bricks, or boulders, or… it's hard to find the proper metaphor for the shock and heartbreak that comes from unexpectedly loosing your dad.

That is a whole other post in itself. For another time.

But what I will say is that in a time when the Lord Himself felt a million miles away He kept His promise of "drawing near to the broken hearted" through His children, their presence, their encouragement and their willingness to attempt to carry our burdens for us for a bit.

There is a long list of family and friends that acted as dear angels to my family during those first moments, days, weeks and even now into the months that followed our tragedy. But for myself and Kimberly and David—and the matter of their wedding set for the same date now a my dad's funeral—it was the dear, dear Sarah Sandel, my go-to Second Shooter and mind reader, who before I even had time to make that phone call, was ready and willing to step in for the day (and already had a list of folks who had volunteered to help.)

So while I was celebrating my Dad's life in a packed pavilion listening to the rain hit the roof above us for a few hours on a grey Saturday afternoon Sarah Sandel and Nikki Ogden (a This is the Day Photography Workshop Attendee) were capturing Kimberly and David's wedding celebration in the most beautiful way. Thank you. 

And luckily for me Kimberly and David were willing to let me still be a part of their marriage celebration by agreeing to a "day after" session (or rather a "two months after" session) where they got all gussied back up in their wedding day duds. The unpredictable Florida summertime afternoon rain had postponed us on our originally scheduled day so we opted for a try at sunrise. No words can describe the beauty that unfolded that morning and the breathtaking, blindingly beautiful sun that greeted us as the light made it's way up and over the horizon and back into the world again. 

Thank you Kimberly and David for being so full of love and life and understanding. 

Thank you Sarah and Nikki for being angels to me during one of the hardest of times. 

And Thank you God for continuing to draw near through your children and for bringing the breathtaking, blindingly beautiful sun back up over the horizon to greet us again day after day.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 ESV)

And here is a peek into that glorious morning when Kimberly and David were willing to get up at 4:30 AM to start getting ready for our sunrise session. It was way worth it, I'd say...

Credits:

Wedding Day Photography — Sarah Sandel
Wedding Day Second Shooter — Nikki Ogden
Bride and Groom "Day After" Photography — Caroline Maxcy Photography
Venue — Island View Lakefront Restaurant & Pub

Ricki + Riley — Island View Restaurant Wedding Photography — Sebring, FL

Spending this mid April day with this sweet pair at the Island View Restaurant in Sebring, FL was such a treat down to every last detail. These two are lover's of all things beach and designed a day that was a celebration of just that complete with hibiscus flowers and sea oats decorating the ceremony, to walking down the aisle to the song "Ocean's" by Hillsong, to combining sand and shells as their unity ceremony, to a glowing sea-life cake and a surf board guest book branded with their very own custom designed (by the bride!) R and R brand. The details were just perfect and Ricki & Riley were truly sweet as can be and such a joy to hang out with on one of the most important and exciting days of their lives! Thank you Ricki & Riley for invited me there to capture your celebration!

xoxo,
Caroline

Credits:

Photography — Caroline Maxcy Photography
Second Shooter — Sarah Sandel
Flowers — Hobby Hill Florist
Venue — Island View Lakefront Restaurant & Pub

Amanda + Elic — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

You may remember my post with images from a super dreamy, woodland engagement session with Elic and Amanda last fall (if not you can click here.) You may remember me reminiscing about when I first met each of them. You may remember me rambling about what sweet friends they had become to me. You may remember talks of a mature faith, commitment and love. Well, those two stood in front of each other this spring and said "I Do!" And I was there to witness it all (and capture images along the way… and wipe away a tear or two from time to time from all the sweetness.) I seriously feel like a guest of honor as a photographer. I get to hang out with these two stars for the day quite possibly more than anyone else. I get to see the grin on a freshly primped and pampered bride when you remind her she is GETTING MARRIED TODAY! You get to see the sweet laughter and tears between a mother giving a daughter advice for the day and for the life ahead. You get to capture eyes swelling with happy tears as a bride clutches her father's arm down the aisle. You get to take a walk with the brand new Mr. and Mrs. in their first time alone together as husband and wife (well, plus a photographer a videography and sometimes a second shooter or wedding coordinator. haha.) Needless to say I feel absolutely honored to be invited in by every single one of my bride and grooms for such a special moment, such a celebration, such a life changing day. Thank you Amanda & Elic for inviting me in to capture it all!

xoxo,
Caroline

Credits:

Photography - Caroline Maxcy Photography
Second Shooter - Sarah Sandel
Wedding Coordinator - Michelle Cathey
Hair - Jen Maxcy
Make-up - Holly Slade with Faces by Holly
Bridal Party Getting Ready & Formal Photos Venue - Inn on the Lakes
Ceremony Venue - Bible Fellowship Church
Reception Venue - The Circle Theater of Sebring
Catering - Chef Mac @ The Palms Catering
Florist - Hobby Hill
Wedding Dress - Solutions Bridal

Rebekah + Steven Sneak Peek — Grove Hill, AL Wedding Photography

I had to leave my roommate (and one of the most gorgeous brides) in Alabama this weekend but couldn't be happier or more excited to leave her in the hands of this sweet fella! Happy wedding day Rebekah & Steven! It was incredible, love and laughter filled and God-glorifying through and through.  

xoxo,
Caroline

Alecia + Craig Sneak Peek — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

Alecia and Craig got hitched this weekend and it was pretty much fantastic all around. Congrats you two!

xoxo, 
Caroline

Alecia and Craig's Sebring, FL Wedding with Caroline Maxcy Photography.

Lauren + Trent — The Stockroom Downtown Raleigh, NC Wedding Photography

When I left North Carolina almost 4 years ago I not only left a sweet state chocked full of some of the best BBQ, the most charming historic downtown photo op spots and a world full of southern culture I also left a precious handful of dear friends, classmates and colleagues. For 3 years before returning to grad school I was part of an incredible team of designers and business folks at the design firm Signal, Inc. full of some of the most creative and inspiring folks I know. They certainly became my NC family and many of those folks are still my friends and still inspiring me to this day. So when one of those folks, Signal's Director of Account Services, Phil, contacted me about photographing his daughter's wedding set to take place at The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh this past spring I couldn't resist. The day was simply breathtaking, seriously breathtaking... every last blush pink, gold trimmed, blooming floral detail. The bride and groom where incredibly sweet. Their families where warm and loving. And the entire celebration was Christ centered and faith filled. Breathtaking. Thank you Lauren and Trent for inviting me in to capture the day, to celebrate the love and to be a part of the fun all along the way!

xoxo,
Caroline

P.S. - And thank you to my incredible second shooter and host family for the weekend (and fellow Signal colleague too), Pam Brennan! You are a gem!

Credits:

Photography - Caroline Maxcy Photography
Second Shooter - Pam Brennan
Venue - The Stockroom
Wedding Dress - JCrew

Emma + Eric — Lake Placid, FL Wedding Photography

This spring I was invited into the sweetest southern affair to capture the love of Emma and Eric. As I was driving to Emma's family's lakeside home the day of the wedding I was literally squealing in my car with excitement. The day was gorgeous. Simply gorgeous. And the love between these two was something to marvel at all day long. From the lovely letterpressed invites with orange blossom details, to the magical azalea lined path, to the planting of a tree, to walks in a garden, to capturing the last sunlight of the day amidst the fragrant blooming groves, to dancing beneath the oaks and the stars and every blessed detail in-between the day was like a dream. Thank you, Emma & Eric (and your sweet families too) for letting me tag along with you all for the day and capture your love along the way.

xoxo,
Caroline

Photography: Caroline Maxcy Photography
Second Shooter: Sarah Sandel
Hair: Jen Maxcy
Makeup: Faces By Holly (Holly Slade)

Trevor + Lisa Sneak Peek — Sebring, FL Wedding Photography

This past weekend these two got hitched! And what a gorgeous, God glorifying wedding day it was. Love is oh-so-good for the heart and soul. Congrats Lisa & Trevor!

xoxo,
Caroline
 

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)