{ La Dolce - A Treasure in Aiken }

I am so excited to partner with great businesses and I still can’t believe that the delicious and wonderful La Dolce in downtown Aiken is featuring my portraits in their gourmet bakery coffee/tea house! 

Lady Kelly MacVean studied in England to become a tea master and she operates such a wonderful business that opened in November 2012.  

Their treats are so yummy thanks to Kirstie MacVean, executive pastry chef!  

La Dolce provides wonderful unique desserts, custom wedding and birthday cakes, custom teas, coffees and bread.

They also offer a light lunch.  You can even book a tea for you and a group of friends with Kelly!  

So go on down to Lauren’s Street in downtown Aiken to visit La Dolce and check them out on Facebook!   www.MaryBethsPhotography.info  

{ Impressions of the South - Making a BIG Impression! }

I have been making some great connections with local businesses who share my same sentiment of pampering our clients!  “Impressions of the South” is owned by a husband and wife team.  

Eva Watkins left corporate America to open “Impressions of the South”.  Jay Watkins had owned another retail store at this location, but after Jay and Eva got married, they opened “Impressions of the South”.  

80% of the items at the store are under $30!!  Things move quickly because they purchase new items weekly.  

Their handmade chocolates are made in the USA – handmade in Texas.  

You can also purchase coffee and tea.  It truly feels like you are at home when you are there – well, if being pampered is what happens at your home!!  

Eva makes gorgeous custom wreaths and she offers weekly classes to teach you how to make the wreaths.  They are located off West Avenue in North Augusta.  

Stop by to purchase their YUMMY chocolates for party favors for weddings, gifts, thank you gifts, and you can buy them in different sizes!!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Thompson Engagement - A Very Special Couple }

Yesterday, I told you about someone who literally built my dream with his two hands, Stuart Thompson. 

I was so excited when he shared with me that he was going to pop the question to his girlfriend and even more excited when he and his fiancé Britney booked me for their wedding!

We were scheduled to meet at a beautiful Peach Orchard to take their engagement photos – what a unique location – however, the orchard got pruned right before our session, so Stuart and Britney called asking if I had another idea for an outdoorsy, rustic area.  

I love that I know the area so well and am able to help accommodate my clients.  One quick call and we landed at the Stewart House.  What a fun couple.  We had such a good time.  

Britney had texted me pictures of the outfits they were wearing for the session, so I was able to plan out the session and optimize their time!  This was seriously one of the best engagement sessions I have ever had – it was very relaxed, the weather was perfect, the lighting was incredible.  Britney and Stuart were so fun to be with and willing to try anything – even with their truck and dog!   www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Dreams Come True }

Have you ever had a dream?  You know, one of those BIG dreams that seem so unattainable, yet you live day in and day out with it in the back of your mind?  

Well, I am living proof that dreams come true.  When I first picked up my camera and started taking portraits, I remember telling my husband that I would love to have my own studio – a place that I can call mine and a place that doesn't have limits of weather.  

In August of last year, my dream became a reality when our addition was completed by Stuart of Greystone Construction (www.GreystoneConstruction.net).  His Dad had built our home and when we realized that Stuart’s Dad was now working with his son, we couldn't have found a better fit for making my dream come true!!  

Stuart made it manageable to live in our home while the construction was happening.  He was so respectful of us; he drew everything out and put reality to my dream.  I am still overwhelmed when I walk into this space in our home.  Dreams can come true.  

You have to work hard, but I am living proof of following your dreams! 

Thank you to Stuart – he has become a very special person in my life, as I had the opportunity to take his engagement portraits with his beautiful fiancé, Britney.  Check back soon for those amazing portraits!  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Augusta West Company Portraits }

I just love when I get a new challenge for taking portraits.  I was recently contacted by the Augusta West Dance Studio asking if I could take portraits of the Augusta West Company.  

This elite group consists of dancers who compete.  The dancers must try out and be accepted into the group.  The ages of the girls are varied and I loved how their sleek and stylish competition outfits contrasted with the background of the Stewart House. 

You could just feel the spark and energy of these girls.  They were all so beautiful and it was so much fun to be around them!  Melody Garrison, who owns the Stewart House, referred them to me.  

The large group photo is being used as a 24" x 36" framed portrait in their studio..  Check them out in December, when they have their annual Christmas Show.  Augusta West has two studios – the main studio is located in Augusta and the smaller studio is in North Augusta.  Have I told you how much I love my job?  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Perfect Model Kaitlyn }

I just love my job! Honestly, look who I got to spend some time with - Sweet two-year-old Kaitlyn!  

This beautiful little love was just the perfect model. We took the portraits in my studio. Kaitlyn wore an adorable black & white toile dress and I found… napkins as the background – could you even tell?  

Kaitlyn’s Mom found me after I promoted my Easter Mini-Sessions. We kept the theme of Kaitlyn’s Minnie Mouse Birthday Party with zebra printed decorative hangings. 

We also captured a special snuggle toy in Kaitlyn’s life – her blanket – so sweet. 

I thought the session had gone really well and always hope that my clients feel the same way. I was so excited when I received this email from Kaitlyn’s Mom, “Just had the chance to view the pictures – just one word – Gorgeous. I am so thrilled with them!” Makes my heart melt!!! www.MaryBethsPhotography.info

{ Sweet Bralyn is One! }

The truth is that sweet Bralyn has had a rough year with a bunch of medical issues involving eating, but what a long way she has come!! 

I was so excited when her Mom called me for Bralyn’s one year portraits, especially since I knew this was going to be a custom session. Bralyn’s Mom is extremely talented; she crochets and made the outfits and the tutu for Bralyn. 

It was so much fun to stylize her session, especially since the theme was cupcakes. I made a banner out of… colored napkins – an inexpensive way to make a session or banner unique. Bralyn’s Mom values really good portraits, so we knew that we had a perfect match – especially with all the options I have for ordering elegant and quality portraits.

Bralyn was cleared to dive into the cake that her Mom brought and we knew she was having fun, but didn't realize just how much until we tried to take the cake away and she screamed! 

The cherry onto of the “cake” for me was when I was able to snap a few portraits of Bralyn with her Mom. We Moms are always behind the camera; it is so important to document time with our children.  www.MaryBethsPhotography.info