What an amazing year it has been! Both in business and in life, 2014 was definitely good to us. We wanted to share OUR favorite moments from a year of wonderful weddings. And we also decided to post a little Q&A on our personal thoughts from this awesome year. We can’t even begin to express how freaking grateful we are to all of our wonderful couples and their loved ones! For their excitement, for their willingness, and for their trust. We are absolutely overjoyed to have been apart of each and everyone of your special moments. We seriously loved every minute of being able to document such beautiful memories and we thank you for allowing us the freedom to be creative. You all mean the world to us!
Hope you enjoy looking back on our 2014!!
xo,
The Stewarts
Q: What’s a personal moment that stands out from this year?
Kelly: One stand out moment for me was at the beginning of the year, back in March. We were shooting our first wedding of the season and it was a super relaxed, casual, barn wedding with the sweetest couple. I remember watching them dance together not just once, but ALL night long. It stands out to me because I remember feeling so blessed to be apart of such a special moment and I remember thinking, ‘I can’t believe this is my job.”
Mark: A stand out moment this year, for me, was when we went hiking in the canyons in LA. We were standing there with an awesome couple and went walking around this one turn.. and there was the Hollywood sign. The iconic Hollywood sign that I’ve seen in hundreds of movies but never in person. The sun started setting perfectly over top of it and I felt so lucky to be there. Epic moment for sure.
Q: Do you have a particular favorite shot? And why is it your favorite?
Kelly: One of my absolute favorite shots that I took this year was a shot of Justin & Rachel walking on the shoreline at sunset. I remember telling them to just “be together and enjoy this moment.” They rolled up their pants and went walking down the coast and I just love everything about that moment. The beach is always my personal favorite place to be and being there with a fun couple for their engagement shoot was so relaxing to me.
Mark: One favorite for me is Ike & Monica’s mountain top wedding image. It stands out as a favorite because the couple completely trusted what Kel and I were asking them to do. We had to trespass across this giant field to get to the “peak” of the mountain top for the shot we wanted. I loved talking to Kelly on our walkie talkies so that I could back up far enough and we just kept telling them to “keep going.” I know at the time that they were probably like, ‘oh my gosh, this is a far walk.’ But I know they appreciate the artwork we captured and that it was all worth it.
Q: What’s an embarrassing moment that happened to you while on a shoot?
Kelly: There’s always plenty of those to talk about… haha. One that comes to mind is during an engagement session I decided to stand up on top of an old wooden bench that was lying near the woods of where we were shooting.. I am always looking for a better angle without carefully watching my step. Well, the bench was obviously rotted and once I got planted on top of it, the wood snapped and I went straight down to the ground. Yeah, I need to pay better attention to where I step. My bride and groom were sweet enough not to laugh at me but Mark sure got a kick out of it!
Mark: As I was setting up to take my first shot at one of our bridal sessions, I stepped in a huge fire ant hill! I was bit multiple times and didn’t stop itching the entire session. Not sure if the bride noticed or not and the session turned out awesome anyway.
Q: What is typically your favorite part of a wedding day?
Kelly: This year I absolutely relished in shooting the “prep” portions of a wedding day. There is something so special about a bride and groom getting ready for their big day ahead. Everyone is excited and the nerves and anticipation always allows for some gorgeous moments waiting to be captured.
Mark: I think I would say the ceremony, because I love how much emotion there is and it’s all about the lucky couple saying their “I-do’s.” I love the raw emotion of the moment and I love being a “fly on the wall” and getting to watch with my camera.
Q: What was your personal favorite place that you traveled to this year?
Kelly: California was an amazing experience for us this year but I would also say that a favorite this year was Lake Lure, NC. Lake Lure became like a second home for us this year since we got to visit for a couple different wedding shoots AND for our very special 4 year wedding anniversary celebration. It holds a very special place in my heart, now.
Mark: Being able to travel to the west coast for the first time was incredible. I loved the change of pace and the different environment. So, yeah.. California. Without question.
Q: What’s the funniest thing you saw at a wedding this year?
Kelly: One of our couple’s used a samurai sword to cut their wedding cake.. it was pretty awesome.
Mark: When a groomsmen on crutches still managed to dance the “Wobble” better than anyone else!
Q: Where would you love to shoot a wedding in 2015?
Kelly: Tons of places come to mind but I have to say, I am dying to travel back to California and would LOVE the opportunity to shoot a real wedding there in 2015!
Mark: Somewhere in the NorthWest of the U.S. Preferably near the rocky mountains. I love getting lost in the mountains.
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