sacred roots | michelle

In a lifetime, pregnancy is a relatively fleeting season of life, but it leaves deep, deep grooves in the heart. The stretching, patience and ultimate surrender it brings is transformative in a way that cannot even be uttered in words.

Michelle, carrying her third child, joined me in the woods in early August, hesitant about how the next few hours would feel, but confident that this sacred season should be documented. The hours flew by as we waded in the river, sat at the base of trees deeply rooted, and stood in silence as the river roared around us.

Today, just a few weeks later, her baby is on the outside and already these images are nostalgic. That’s the beauty and the ache.

welcoming lincoln | asheville newborn photography

Two and a half years ago I photographed Whitney and Sam’s wedding on a snowy winter evening (my very favorite kind of evening). The wedding was the warmest, jolliest, intimate affair complete with homemade pies and a jam circle. This summer Sam and Whitney welcomed their son Lincoln into the world. I was very honored to be asked into their sacred postpartum space to capture the early days, which pass by so quickly.

The whole session was absolutely jam packed with authentic, precious moments, I teared up multiple times and pinched myself with how wonderful it was to be present for such wonder. The record player was spinning, Whitney whipped up some cookies, and we all just enjoyed the gift of this sweet baby. We also explored the river nearby and their garden. Their home was just like their wedding, dripping in warmth, art, and love.

As I left, with a handful of warm cookies, I cried happy tears and thought to myself, “I’m so glad they have each other.” What a precious family they are.

Enjoy!

www.helenjoy.com

andrew + blair | charleston, sc

I met Blair my Sophomore year in college. She was an incoming Freshman with bright eyes, a captivating smile, and the kindest heart. I knew immediately I wanted to be her friend. I’ve been to many a wedding with Blair and she would always lean in and whisper to me, “Whenever I get married I want you to photograph it!”.

Years have gone by and I always wondered to myself what jewel of a man would get to marry Blair Christie. And then Andrew came into the picture. Handsome. Tenderhearted. Grateful. And full of the same laughter as Blair. Before too long they were engaged to be married and I was beyond excited to be asked to photograph their wedding day.

Andrew and Blair’s wedding day was drinking gratefulness.

As flowers wilted and schedules got thrown out, they both remained present and grateful. As someone who used to do several dozen weddings a year, I will tell you how refreshing and heartwarming this is.

When Blair walked down the aisle to marry her love, she was singing at the top of her lungs about Jesus. The day before Easter, the resurrection and life was all wrapped up with the new life in their own marriage and how it wasn’t possible without Christ. I was both sobbing and smiling ear to ear. Andrew’s vows included saying that Blair had treated him differently from any other girl.

Not many couples are living their vows before they even say them, but these two have already been through so many trials and they keep choosing each other.

Their reception was filled with the most delicious low-country food chosen by the groom ( who is a trained chef), chilling with their closest people, dancing to live bluegrass, and catching the sunset over the Ravenel Bridge.

**Andrew lives with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy and as he and Blair start out their lives together, they are in need of a wheelchair accessible van. If you’ve read their story and want to send a little blessing their way, you can donate to their van fund here.