Jewish Irish Destination Wedding

There’s always something special about a couple who have embraced and committed to each for years before their wedding ceremony.

After dreaming of their beach wedding, it was great to see the bride and groom interact and joke with their friends before the ceremony. You can see from their first look photos, how connected the bride and groom felt to each other.

engagement ring and wedding band rest onto of a piano for a macro shot

bride poses in hallway with her reflection in picture frame before her wedding ceremony

bride and groom share a first look before the wedding and bride kisses groom's cheek

bride and groom face each other smiling and holding hands before their wedding

We were worried that the weather was going to rain on our parade, but the Corey-O’Conner destination wedding ended up having a beautiful sunny day. Emotions were heartfelt throughout the ceremony as a blend of Jewish and Irish traditions framed their union. Having a little boy myself, I enjoyed watching their son and all of his poses. He had a mind of his own and brought energy and laughs in boatloads.

niece kisses bride as she gives her away during the wedding ceremony

bride smiles will cupping the groom's face during the wedding ceremony and a happy moment

Bride and groom smash a glass as a tribute to jewish wedding traditions

bride and groom laugh and smile while walking down the aisle as husband and wife

the couple's son jokes in the hotel lobby with thumbs up

I was impressed at their reception hall too. Deb and Steve seated their guests on the 16th floor of the Hilton. When you walked into the room, the ocean side was nothing but windows! Light poured in and the food smelled delicious as we all sat overlooking a blue sky and calm ocean.

the dessert table included a beach theme wedding cake, cake pops, and cupcakes

When Deb and Steve cut the cake, it was one of their cutest moments from the night. Deb fed Steve and, instead of cake smashing him, took a bite off the end of his piece and kissed him.

bride and groom share their wedding cake during the reception

the wedding couple pose cheek to cheek for portraits at the beach

The chair dance was a lot of fun too! Between Steve teasing Deb and all of their friends and family tearing up the dance floor, the day was none short of perfect.

bride and groom kiss at the end of the their first dance surrounded by the wedding party

groom dances with his son as their enjoy the band and reception party

the bride picks up her son and twirls him around as the groom looks at them lovingly.

bride and groom laugh and enjoy the jewish chair dance during the wedding reception

groom dances during a jewish tradition with family and friends

bride points up to the sky during the wedding reception

bride, groom, friends, and family jump in the air during the wedding party for a fun photo

Overall, I was impressed with them. Steve and Deb planned and coordinated a successful wedding by themselves. Congratulations to you both, I wish you many more years of happiness!

bride and groom pose on the beach for a wedding portrait

Vendors:

Ceremony/Reception: Hilton at Kingston Plantation

Florist: Callas Florist

Photography: Carl Kerridge Photography

Videography: Reuben Long

Cake and Desserts: Croissants Bistro & Bakery

Entertainment: Permanent Vacation

Art: Why does it matter?

A good piece of art can be the “spine” of its chosen viewers. It can select, provoke, inspire, nurture, and excite its audience.  

I’ve read art referenced as, “…a necessary escape and refuge of the mind from the chaos and trouble-ridden world.” I’m not too sure I like that description. It leans towards locking art into a recreational activity from reality. 

“The arts matter because we matter, and our stories matter. We are moving miracles, walking creators engaging in a cosmic dance. The art we express is timeless.” –Mohammed Sheriff

I like how Mary Boone explains it, “I don’t really believe that art is escapist. I believe that art provides a sensory experience that, on the contrary, can be restorative… What one needs is the curiosity and the desire to truly see and feel. To perhaps be a bit uncomfortable as you learn to decipher how different art works make you feel, but to learn that on the other side of that discomfort lies pleasure – the pleasure of discovering a work that “speaks” to you, or the pleasure that comes from simply gazing at something beautiful.”

So, why should you care about it? 

Well, let’s look at some fun facts:

  • -Arts improve individual well-being. 63 percent of the population believe the arts “lift me beyond everyday experiences,” 64 percent feel the arts give them “pure pleasure to experience and participate in,” and 73 percent say the arts are a “positive experience in a troubled world.”
  • -The arts unify communities. 67 percent of Americans believe “the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity” and 62 percent agree that the arts “help me understand other cultures better”-a perspective observed across all demographic and economic categories.
  • -Access to art is linked to better health, safety, and education in lower-income neighborhoods.
  • -Art Therapy shows promise as a means of treating hard-to-treat symptoms of combat-related PTSD, such as avoidance and emotional numbing, while also addressing the underlying psychological situation that gives rise to these symptoms.

 

One of the most valuable form of stress reduction and relaxation is the enjoyment or practice of art.” To me, it sounds like the beginning of a solution to long term problems. That’s the hurdle advocates face, the misunderstanding of long term importance because of short term ideology. It matters because of the emotions it invokes.

Emotions and intentions are what anchor art to us. 

“The arts matter because they extend our lives. I’m not talking about years added–though certain artists, through their creations, can claim a type of immortality. Rather, the arts allow us fully to inhabit other personalities, perspectives, and states of perception. The arts thus elongate human experience. And while it can’t be displayed on a standard chronology, who’s to say this qualitative increase in life doesn’t translate to a quantitative one?” – Sunil Iyengar

So, would you like more art in your life? Talk to me, how would you do it? Will you venture down to your local art walk and bring your friends? Would you finally go, take that yoga or dance class you’ve always wanted to try? Could you rent out a studio space to photograph the composition in your head?

Dare to see that there is more to you, that is the art of your originality.

To see more of my art work please visit www.bwfineartphotography.com

playing around with art shots

 

BlogPaws and Wagging Tails

When BlogPaws first approached me with photographing their event, I thought taking pictures of puppies and kittens was one of the coolest jobs offers this year!

I had a wonderful time with all of the associates and attendees of BlogPaws. Afterwards, I was pleasantly surprised when Scott Smith featured us in his article reviewing the event:

“If BlogPaws had an MVP award, photographer, Carl Kerridge would’ve won it, hands down. Between the attendees, brands, and sponsors, there were a lot of moving parts at the conference. Carl was sticking and moving in and out of rooms catching the pivotal snaps with the prowess of a professional boxer. And the best is, he had a smile on his face the whole time and could not have been more pleasant.

At one point, I was going to ask if he had an identical twin brother. I couldn’t comprehend how one photographer handled the entire conference. If I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it. Carl is the real deal.

Carl Kerridge has been dedicated to image making since obtaining his first film camera at the tender age of seven. Mostly self-taught, Carl’s passion is in creating images that narrate a story, focused on natural light, real emotion, and strong compositions. Based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Carl’s high-energy approach to photojournalism was in full force during BlogPaws.”

The “identical twin” comment made me laugh! It truly was a great experience.

For my lovely readers, I put together a post so all my puppy and kitty parents could enjoy these fur-babies.

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rainbow dyed dog at blogpaws conference

wine and design with your pet at blogpaws

sleepy puppy looks out from his basket at blogpaws conference

Chihuahuas pose for their photo at the blogpaws conference

a shitzu sneaks a treat while walking around the blogpaws conference

kitty enjoys her new toy at the blogpaws conference

great dane poses like he's getting a bath at the blogpaws conference

puppy with a bowtie poses for his picture at the blogpaws conference

k-9 unit and his dog pose during awards at the blogpaws conference

jack russell lays her head down during the blogpaws seminar

golden Labrador plays with his ball during the blogpaws conference

french bulldog pose in his shirt for a pictures during the blogpaws conference

owner holds her cat in a batman costume at the blogpaws event

husky parades down the red carpet in a pink tutu

Chihuahua poses in his hat for the red carpet at blogpaws

husky poses in his tux on the red carpet at blog paws

Pomeranian poses in her sunglasses on the red carpet at blogpaws

cat dresses in a victorian gown on the red carpet for blogpaws

animal parents and fur-babies pose on the red carpet for a candid moment during the blogpaws conference

To read more about all of those wagging tails, check out the full article on BlogPaws here. I hope to see everyone again and welcome new visitors at the next conference! We’re going to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come!

Myrtle Beach Just Cizlin’

Abu Doggie totally approves! We had a rainbow reception and the weather in Myrtle Beach was Just Cizlin’!

bride's dog poses for the camera before myrtle beach wedding

bride and groom pose under a rainbow at their myrtle beach wedding reception

Cass was stunning as she waited to put on, or should I say glue on, her wedding dress! Her momma beamed with pride when she turned towards her.

salon and spa 18 styles bride's hair before her myrtle beach wedding

hair stylist and bride are photographed in a candid mirror reflection

wedding rings sit on the rose bloom for myrtle beach wedding

bride smiles and giggles while sitting next to her wedding dress

bride bursts out laughing as her bridesmaids glue on her wedding dress

mother of the bride beams as she looks at her daughter getting ready for her myrtle beach wedding

Our bride and groom were wed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church first outside of Myrtle Beach. The Priest was energetic and purposeful as he reminded us, we choose to continue loving our partner everyday with a selection of “4” letter words. He revived our hope for the future’s lows and its beautiful highs.

Our couple rivals even the best romance novels. Cass and Mark are a real life love story. This dynamic duo were partners in crime long before Team Cizler was shouted in Myrtle Beach, but what brought them to the Grand Strand?

groom hugs mother of the bride as she gives away her daughter

bride and groom admire each other during their catholic wedding ceremony

bride places ring on grooms finger in front of the catholic priest

bride and groom put their hands in the air to celebrate being man and wife

groom jokes and makes a funny face as his wife signs the marriage licenses

bride and groom kiss in front of St. Michael's Catholic Church

Wedding party pose on Carolina Limo's trolly with Abu Doggie

Myrtle Beach is where Mark first said, “I love you,” to his Alabama Belle.

bride and groom cuddle for a couple's portrait on the trolly

Look how Mark sneaked one more kiss before their grand entrance and first dance performance. Perfect 10!

groom sneaks a kiss from his bride before they enter their myrtle beach reception

bride and groom perform an amazing first dance

I want you to feel all the emotion that wrapped around the couple for their wedding day. Friends and family flew and drove hours to attend their union. This wasn’t just another friend’s wedding in Myrtle Beach. The Cizlers’ wedding guests are a part of the roots that support them in everything they do. It was evident in every heartfelt speak, every invitation to dance, and every laugh they shared. Everyone is family.

bride and groom invite the flower girl to come dance on the floor with them

bride jumps in the air during the dance festivities at the reception

Groom and pals dance to make the bride laugh

bride laughs as two female friends act out the song lyrics

groom and mother of the groom dance off

bride tears up during the myrtle beach reception toasts

bridal party laugh during portraits on the beach

wedding party pose for styled candids in Myrtle Beach

bride looks into her grooms eyes as they share a moment during portraits

bride and groom walk down the beach with overcast skies

bride and groom dance in the middle of a circle of friends for the last song

My friends, I can’t wait to see you again. Your wedding moved me. You have everything you need in life, so I hope you prosper and explore the world. Oh, and let’s not forget…

bride and groom smile at each other under the wedding veil

“War Eagles and Go Cowboys!”

Hair and Makeup: Salon & Spa 18 – Wing Wong
Cake and cupcakes: Croissants Bistro and Bakery – Heather Cameron
Flowers and Draping:  Elegant and Classy Events – Sommer Sholtes
DJ: Myrtle Beach DJs – Chris James
Reception Venue & Catering: DoubleTree by Hilton
Photography: Carl Kerridge Photography

Proposal and Fairytale Wedding

I feel as if I’ve watched Jamesha grow up, so I was thrilled when I head of her proposal. I first met her when she danced in Horry County Dancing with the Stars, representing the Early High School Education Program. She and her partner performed a beautiful tango. The past few years, Jamesha as bloomed into a Myrtle Beach professional and dazzled the social scene.

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Last year at a friend’s wedding, a little birdie rumored that a proposal would soon be in the works.

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As the story goes, Kelly had a plan A, B, and C for the proposal. After sharing her birthday by going to the beach, enjoying herself, and dinner with her family, Jamesha would get her biggest birthday surprise when she returned to their house. Kelly called her out into the living room. As she walked out, he was down on one knee proposing in the perfect place – their home.

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I enjoyed shooting their engagement portraits and watching them plan their special day. Kelly surprised Jamesha with priceless Diamonds for her wedding gift. Jamesha surprised her Beau equally, with a very authentic and timeless treasure. Our beautiful couple said “I do,” at Atalaya Castle with friends and family. He father was our jokester and her mother was as beautiful as she’s always been. Speaking of fun, who could forget the roast and toasts? The weather couldn’t have been more perfect as our couple photobombed each other, danced and cut up the entire night.

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I can not think of anything but happiness in the future for this couple. I am very thankful to have been apart of this chapter in their lives and I consider them dear friends. 

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Guys, congratulations! May every year increase with happiness and may all the days of your lives be full of adventures.

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Planner/Florist: Willow Event Designs
Catering: Gourmet Cafe
Rentals: Event Works
Entertainment: DJ Bryant White
Lighting: RSG Events
Desserts: Flower Child