Designer, Wes Stetson, combined a JCrew dress with a long coat sporting stylish fur cuffs.  We focused our makeup artist, Lauren Owen, on colors that mimicked natural skin tones plus the dramatic effect we can get when fake eyelashes are used.  This is only a small sample of the images taken late in the day.  Stay tuned for more as the week goes by. 

  Mary Lee is our model of the week...  it was fantastic working with her!  Did I mention that Wes created the jacket? 

It was such a delight photographing Maddi and Gordon's recent wedding.  The sunset ceremony was held at 108 Budleigh...complete with close family, warm and romantic ambience and great friends.  I was in a special place that night....thank you Maddi and Gordon!  Below is a sneak preview of some of their wedding images.

Maddi's dress fit her perfectly!  I loved how it glimmered in the low lights....and the way it draped across her shoes.

Maddi's father...he had an endearing way about him and  the look in his eyes caught my attention many times.

I hope my son's dance with me too.....LOVE how these two laughed and had fun together!  I even noticed they both would snap their fingers to the music too.

Maddi's friends from England, Claire and Amy.  How special that they could attend.....they both have such natural smiles.  I loved photographing them! 

Brides are always asking for suggestions for their wedding day makeup.  One suggestion I like to make is they have their makeup applied by an airbrush cosmetician.  On the Outer Banks, you will find one such artist at Reneu Medspa.  Airbrushed makeup is incredible in many ways and a personal favorite of mine.  First, it resists rubbing off, even in the most humid weather, for up to 12 hours.  Great news if your wedding is in the summer.  Second, it goes on with a light touch, blending into one's natural skin tones.  Third, the application process in itself is really relaxing and more of a pampering session.  The following are some before and after images.  

On the retouched image, I applied some skin softener to reduce the lines.....

Again, applied a skin soften in photoshop to reduce fine lines in the retouched image...

Again, applied skin softener in photoshop to reduce fine lines in the retouched image...

Caitlin and Jason were married at the First Colony Inn, Nags Head.  Renee Landrey, owner of Blooms did a fantastic job with her floral designs and Nannetter Kallestad of The Proper Setting was on site as the coordinator. Caitlin and Jason were absolutely easy going and a joy to work with....thanks you two!

Ashley and Jeremy planned their gorgeous wedding on the Outer Banks.  The ceremony was at the Corolla Chapel followed with their reception at The Sanderling Resort & Spa in Duck, NC.  I was honored to be their photographer!  The Proper Setting coordinated the days events. Thanks to Nannette Kallestad for keeping me informed for the day of... 

It's all in the Details....

...stunning blue eyes Ashley! Professional makeup applied by Lauren Owen, owner of All Eyes on the Bride.

...love the contrast of beach grass as seen through the clear wall of the tented reception.

All my thanks Jeremy & Ashley!

A few more favs taken of Laura at The Whalehead Club.  She will be getting married in May 2008 at The Saltaire  in Duck, NC.  We also worked at The Sanderling where Laura had her hair done.  If anyone is considering having their wedding and or reception at the Sanderling, Belinda Anderson and Jennifer Begam are incredible at helping brides and their families plan the special day.

A following effect would look fabulous on custom note cards and thank you cards, adding personal style to your wedding that friends + family will rave about after the days events have ended.  What a wonderful keepsake as well.

Working with Laura was a fun way to start the season!  Can't wait to show the rest of my favorite images later today.....enjoy for now.

I spent the past week with some fantastic, uber photographers at the Photogirl Retreat in Nags Head, NC.  It was the first ever meeting for many of us and hopefully, we'll be making this an annual event.  Enjoy the images and make sure to visit the links.  It was an inspiring week!! 

Sara and Melanie of Whitebox Weddings hosted our week long retreat and I can't say enough about how great they are.  Thank you just isn't enough.  Below, Michele M. Waite and Melissa Jill check out exposures....both women are incredible photographers and when it comes to blogging, Melissa Jill can't be stopped.  She has so inspired me to blog for my business and for the fun of it too.  Thanks Melissa Jill!

Our first day on the beach, the weather was gorgeous.  Michele is from Washington state and Melissa Jill flew in from Arizona, Brooke Mayo and Sara  are both NC girls.   

Melanie is the other half of Whitebox Weddings.  She and Sara are great photographers, thoughtful and fun to be around too. Brooke Mayo, a fantastic photographer on the Outer Banks, has been shooting in great locations this year.  Cozumel, Mexico most recently.  Whitebox Weddings and Michele M. Waite have spent time south of the border this year too.  I've photographed engagements in NYC and even did an impromtu wedding in Las Vegas last year......at the Wedding Chapel.  Elvis did the ceremony and the couple was from England.  While attending WPPI with friends, we all stepped out one evening and found a willing couple that wanted us to be their photographers for an hour.  Lots of fun and I highly recommend other photographers do what we did.

Sara of Whitebox...                                                                                                                                                                                     

Khara of Kabloom Studios in Nebraska!  Khara is so enjoyable to be around...always smiling, light hearted and kind.  Not to mention, creative in so many ways, in addition to being an incredible photographer. 

Rebecca is from the midwest.  I really liked her photographic eye....especially one of the images she took of Melissa Jill!  I also thought she made the Shootsac look good in this photo.....

Melanie from Whitebox Weddings...

Brooke....

I worked with Stacy + Dan this past weekend and I can't say enough about what really great sports they were to get wet.  The water was cold in a numbing kind of way but looking at those two, you wouldn't know that!  Dan proposed to Stacy near the Nags Head Pier so we worked there before the weekend storm hit.  I've included some of my favorites and, hopefully, they will become Stacy & Dan's too.  Thanks you two!

Taylor has such a beautiful, graceful way about her.  This would be one of many reasons why I love the beach.  It can be so calming.  I provide children's photography so if anyone is interested in this very look, go to www.marybasnightKIDS.com and hit my contact page.  I will feature more work with a twist so subscribe to this blog for the latest updates.  I have limited availability but, hopefully, something will work out.  Thanks Taylor, for being so easy and fun to work with.  You Go Girl!