olivia rae james weddings08/29/12
With my transition into full-time photography, I’m diving head first into the world of wedding photography. My first wedding (on my own) is in a few weeks, but I’ve been dreaming about weddings day and night and was eager to bring one to life. So this staged wedding shoot, featuring my dear friends Melissa and Martin, was born.
Walking around the narrow streets South of Broad, it was incredible the amount of honks, celebratory high-fives, and endless congratulations that were directed at us. At first Martin and Melissa would awkwardly try to correct people, but after the first ten minutes, they were shouting back, “Thank you so much!” I’m a sap, but it truly was touching how people would light up when they saw this “bride and groom.” It seemed to make their whole day , which in turn made my whole day. Their genuine joy for Martin and Melissa was inspiring.
Part Two coming tomorrow, including the amazing people who helped me put this together and some public champagne-popping at the waterfront.
beautiful work, olivia. the lighting is just totally gorgeous. also, lots more thoughts about staging wedding shots vs. actually scrambling to take them when all you really want to do is love on your friends and family…one day, we’ll talk.
OH gosh, these are so perfect. I wish you were doing weddings just 6 months ago so I could have hired you for my July wedding :)
speechless. these photos take my breath away!
These are such beautiful photos! I can’t wait to see the photos from your real wedding shoot! They are going to be so stunning, such a lucky couple!
Love these!!!! Yay weddings! First image is to die for.
tHESE ARE SO BEAUTIFUL, oLIVIA. lOVE THEM. aND OH, THAT LIGHT…
stunning work, Olivia. I can’t wait to see your career in the wedding industry take off (I know it will!).
So beautiful! Your first live wedding will definitely be a success!
You’ve got the Gift! These are just gorgeous. all the little moments and nuances perfectly captured.
At first I thought this was an announcement to say you’re engaged. But this is equally great. Congrats, you’re photos are always amazing.
eww, sorry that should read your, not you’re ;]
Just from looking at these, I would hire you! :) The light is just beautiful in them!
Lovely! I’m debuting as a wedding photographer on Saturday and I’m incredibly nervous and excited at the same time!
This is incredible! The emotion, the lighting, the purity and beauty in it. can’t wait to find a reason to have you photograph my family :)
These are SO lovely, Olivia. I can’t wait to see more of your work!
The photos look wonderful! the lighting of the sunlight is fantastic, and beautiful. I’m glad you had an opportunity to do that, and prepare for something in a few weeks. beautiful, beautiful. and i find it amusing that others wished them well; no reason to spoil others’ joys and imaginations. just live that moment. :)
This looks so fun! Who wouldn’t love getting dressed up and pretending to get married?! And your photos are gorgeous, of course! I doubt you will have any trouble having your weekends booked with weddings very soon!
I just did my first wedding this past weekend! It’s nerve-wreaking but if anyone can return with stunning photographs, it’s you! Good luck :)
I have loved watching you develop your photography skills and really pursue your dream! it’s so clear that you are doing exactly what you are meant to be doing, because this talent can’t be taught, you really just have an eye. i’ve been wondering for a while now… what lenses do you use? these pictures are beyond lovely!
thanks rebecca! i really can’t tell you how much your kind words mean. i use a 50mm f/1.4 and a 45mm f/2.8 tilt shift.
You’re going to be a wonderful wedding photographer, Olivia!
Oh so fun! I love these styled shoots and yours is to die for. Those last several pictures look like a dream. Yum. Can’t wait to see a real wedding!
P.S. For the wedding are you sticking with prime lenses or are you going to use a zoom as well? Sorry to be nosy I am always so interested in how photographers work..
So dreamy! Great work. good luck with your first solo wedding!
Stunning!!!
so pretty, olivia!
these are stunning! LIKE REALLY. SO BEAUTIFUL!!
aWESOME to be on your own as your photography has always amazed me…after reading your blog 4-ever, I finally made it to Charleston a few weeks ago…yes..i fell in love…thanks for sharing all you do..i will still be reading :)
Stunning! I especially enjoy them laughing on the bike. Cannot wait to see more!
these are beautiful, olivia! i think a few of the images aren’t loading though, just wanted to let you know :)
Just gorgeous! I wish you have been my photographer when i got married in charleston! you are quite talented. and sorry for the caps – i’m not shouting at you, my keyboard is stuck and i don’t know how to fix it. :)
CATCHING UP ON YOUR BLOG IS THE BEST WAY TO NOT DO HW; these are incredibly beautiful
Man.. did not mean for that to be in caps