The Horse And My Great God

In the Bible the book of Genesis depicts God skillfully creating the universe and it’s inhabitants. Starting with grand themes such as the “heavens and the earth”, God’s creation eventually crescendoed into Man, His masterpiece, and final creation (besides that of his helpmate, the Woman).

This afternoon I was shoting a session in an open field and saw two horses. This might be weird but while we are getting to know eachother I will let you in on my little secret: Every time I see a horse I think about the creation account and recall that shortly before God created of Man he designed and breathed into life “the beasts of the field”.

In my humble opinion horses are only second to the Human race in beauty.

When I saw these horses today I couldn’t help but to worship our great God that graciously created something so beautiful for us to enjoy.

New Seniors: Heidi Smith!

I am still here in Alabama working on a few sessions (and taking a much needed break) and shot my cousin’s Senior Portraits today.

Heidi you looked simply stunning! Thank you for allowing me to serve you with this!

Thanks!

The Beach Boys were wrong…

We all remember the catchy Beach Boy lyric “I wish they all could be California girls”…Great lyric, but it might as well have been written by a blind man. As a man that has married the finest of Alabama women, I can personally attest that California gals pale in comparison to Southern Belles.  Today I had the pleasure of photographing one of them down in Alabama by the name of Merritt Murphy.

As many of you may know, Merritt and I grew up together and she eventually introduced me to my lovely wife, Ashley.

I have been looking forward to today’s session for months. Thanks Merritt!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Simply Unforgettable: An Alabama Wedding…

This weekend I shot the wedding of Michael and Ali Brainard in my sweet home, Alabama. Before you resign your thoughts to barefoot brides and trailer homes, lend your eyes and imagination to my memories from this weekend…this wedding was spectacular and nothing to forget.

The wedding was located at The Oaks Plantation just outside of Montgomery…STUNNING. Upon arriving guests were greeted by a long avenue of oaks that carry it’s passengers to the warm entrance of the plantation home. Lush rolling hills, massive oak tree’s, and cattle caress the home on all four sides.

In my humble opinion, views don’t get better than this, folks.

One of my favorite moments of the ceremony was the bagpipes. They’re Micheal’s favorite instrument and Ali surprised him by having the ceremony prayer close with a bagpiper marching by the ceremony piping “Amazing Grace”…Breathtaking, classy, and simply unforgetable. Good one, Ali!

Without question this wedding was in my top three of all time. Michael and Ali, thank you guys so much for  trusting us with your photography. You guys were so easy to work with. Know that Ashley and I will be praying for you guys!

God Bless!

Montgomery Engagements!

I shot some new engagement pictures this morning with two goods friends from back home! I think they turned out great!

Guys, thanks for trusting me with your photography! Can’t wait for the wedding!

Charles

Exit 121, My Space, and 6 photographers…

Today’s wedding was a blast. The ceremony was about 16 miles south of Louisville between two love birds by the name of Brad and Candace. Brad and Candace met on MySpace and the rest was history. Then, to boot, at their reception downtown I met SIX other photographers shooting weddings. It was an amazing afternoon.

And might I say, Candace, you should be a model-these pictures are traffic-stoppers!

Brad and Candace, you will be in our prayers! Have a blast in Florida and don’t forget to write!

Charles

Louisville Engagement, Bryan and Jacqueline

Tonight I had such a blast with my two new friends Jacqueline and Bryan. Jacqueline is a JPS school teacher who makes extra cash as a stand up comedian and Bryan is about to be the CEO of UPS. No, seriously.

Thanks so much for hanging out with me and trusting me with your wedding-I can’t wait!

Charles

Don’t Forget Your Senior Portraits!

Senior Portrait season is here friends and we would love nothing more than to be trusted as your photographer for this special time in your life. You will find no style like ours in the Ohio Valley and with our current specials, you will find no better value!

Email us at inf@csphoto.biz and book today!

New Engagements, Nathan and Katie

I realize my readers hear this alot, but it is worth noting again: I have been blessed by God far more than I deserve: I have been redeemed by a gracious God, blessed with a indescribable wife and family, and get to be a photographer while I am in seminary at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Any way you look at it, life is good friends. I don’t mean to seem arrogant. Quite the opposite, simply thankful that God doesn’t deal me the hand I deserve as a sinner in the hands of a just God.

Today was blessed with the privilege of hanging out with Nathan and Katie. Nathan (or Nate or Nathaniel depending on how stately he is feeling when one beckons him) is a superstar New York Life Agent with a heart for missions. I had a blast with their session and cannot wait for their wedding next year!

Thanks guys!

Rooftop Love: A Louisville Wedding…

Yesterday I was lucky enough to shoot one of, if not the most, beautiful weddings I have ever photographed, attended, or read about.

The setting was that of the Frazier Arms Museum in Downtown Louisville, KY. My day started at about 3:30, when I arrived to start getting some “detail shots” (flowers, cakes, tables, dresses, etc..). As soon as I stepped in the reception hall and saw hundreds of fresh flowers ready to be placed throughout the venue I knew this was going to be a beautiful day. Within minutes Stephanie and her girls arrived and began getting dressed. What a hilarious group of girls!

SIDE NOTE: Stephanie’s dress was, according to my wife, the most beautiful dress she had ever seen on a bride. Well done, Steph

Before long it was time for the wedding. The ceremony was held on the roof of the museum, looking out over the Ohio river…Spectacular. Within minutes the boys and their Groom were ready to welcome the gals and their Bride. When Stephanie walked down the isle all stood still for just a moment, and for that moment all eyes, thoughts, and dreams, were captured by Stephanie and Will.

After a special ceremony everyone migrated downstairs for great food and rug cutting (dancing, for you youngins).

What a blast!

Will and Steph, I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wedding. We feel honored that you trusted us with the most important day of you life.

We wish you well and can’t wait to see you again!

Charles Smith