Rosemarie and Matt

Yesterday, I drove down to Charlotte to photograph Rosemarie and Matt's engagement session.  Snow was still on the ground, and it was just below freezing, but that didn't keep up from enjoying the sunny day.  Here are a few of my favorite images from the afternoon.

Thanks to you both!  I had so much fun getting to know you both better, and I can't wait for your wedding in a couple of weeks!

Bride's Choice Awards

I've just received some very exciting news.  Carisa Chee Photography has been chosen to receive the 2009 Bride's Choice Award from Wedding Wire.  This award recognizes vendors who demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, and professionalism.  The recipients of this award are determined exclusively by past clients through surveys and reviews.  Thank you to all of my couples who reviewed Carisa Chee Photography.  I treasure the friendships I've developed with each of you!

Chihuly in Arizona

While in Arizona, we were told that we absolutely had to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I'm so glad we listened, because it was one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen.  We spent the evening photographing as much as we could, and I'd like to share a few of my images here.  When we asked if we were allowed to post our images from the day, we were told that the artist has graciously allowing photographers to post their images as long as they didn't sell them.  Without further ado, here's my humble attempt to share Chihuly's amazing work.  No flash has been used so that his art pieces may be appreciated as they appear in person. 

This one is my favorite from the day.

Sedona

While in Phoenix, Becki, Elise, and I took a day to drive to Sedona and photograph the area around the town.  We had a fantastic time, and even stayed to see the moon rise over the red rocks.  

Sedona seems to be the capital of psychic energies.  There are aura readers, and vortex scouts - you name, they've got it.  We found these rock formations near a trail where guides will take tourists on energy vortex tours.  We guessed the two were connected.  

This is Snoopy Rock at sunset.  

Moon rise.

Nevada

This week was the annual Professional Photographers of America convention, and this year it was held in Phoenix, Arizona.  Becki, Elise, and I headed out there for some sun and some new photography knowledge.  We had an awesome time, and we learned a lot.  Before flying to Arizona, I decided to take a little detour to visit my aunt and uncle in Boulder City, Nevada.  While I was there, my aunt was nice enough to take me hiking around some of the slot canyons in the area.  I was blown away by the beauty of these places, and I wanted to share a few of my images with you all.  

Photos of Phoenix coming soon!

Christmas with the Family

For Christmas, my husband and I flew to Kansas to be with my family for a week.  I promise not to bore you with all 300 of the photos I took that week, but I wanted to share a few of my very  favorites from our time there.

My sister and I were raised with two other families, who aren't strictly related to us, but are family none the less.  These are the kids and their spouses, or soon to be spouses in a few cases.

And these are the people responsible for us. . . 

My beautiful sister, Stacey, and my perfect niece, Amelia Wren.

Amelia with her great-grandmother on Christmas day.

Deciding whether she prefers Jake's present to her own.

Amelia and my mother.

. . . and with my father.

One last photo of mom and dad on Christmas day.  

Emily and Slade

Last weekend, I drove down to Georgia to photograph Emily and Slade's engagement session.  We had an awesome time in the Atlanta aquarium, and by the end of the day, I felt as though we were old friends.  Here are a few of my favorites from the day.  This is Slade and Emily at the helm of the pirate ship in the center of the kid's play area.  (We were having way more fun than the kids.)

Petting the sharks and sting-rays.

Under the world's largest tank.

One last shot as the sun sets on the Atlanta sky-line.

Thank you, Emily and Slade, for showing me around Atlanta last weekend.  I had a fabulous time with you both, and I look forward to seeing you again soon!

Lily's Quinceańera

Elise and I drove to Durham over the weekend to photograph Lily's quinceańera, and man was it a fun night.  Those fifteen year-olds knew how to party, dancing the night away.  Here are a few of my favorite images from the night. 

Lily and her girlfriends in front of their stylin' stretch hummer.

Dancing with her father, Hector.

And dancing with her brother, Michael.

Dancing in her second dress of the evening.

Opening presents.

Blowing out the candles on her beautiful cake.

What an amazing evening.  Thank you all for allowing Elise and I to be a part of it.  We are truly honored.