The other day I sat down to a coaching session with a friend & fellow photographer here in Augusta and shared with him about my first paid shoot 4 years ago this month. I documented it on my little blog at the time, having no idea what my life would look like only a few years later. I’m actually super grateful that blog post still remains live (despite the cheesy graphics and blog title). It shows us where we began – and reminds us of the people who believed in us before we ever believed in ourselves. It speaks to the idea that with enough hard work and dedication, and with enough loving of your “people” – anything is possible. Shortly after that shoot, I had the chance to capture various friend’s engagement photos as a gift, travel hours away to second shoot for free while working a full-time job, and more. Hard word, dedication, and loving of my people – that’s where it began. In May of 2014, I launched Lauren Carnes Photography, and the rest is history, but three things remain: hard work, dedication, and loving of my people. Here I am 2.5 years later in awe of all that has happened since that sweet family session where I charged $75 with a promised refund if they didn’t like my photos. You know what they did once the shoot was finished? They paid me $100. They valued me more than I even valued myself, and set me on the right foot for my business. Still to this day I’m so grateful for that first step toward this career and life I have the privilege of living.

You may remember my note to my couples of 2015 at the end of last year, and here I am again celebrating the people who welcomed me into their stories and marriages to capture the most beautiful and heartfelt day of their lives! It is truly an honor to be a part of photographing the start of their legacy, and this is one of my favorite posts of the year. It’s a post where I get to highlight the spectacular individuals – and sweet furry friends! – who made this year so special and full of love! So, without further adieu… I give you the fabulous LCP couples of 2016!

To my 2016 couples:

I think everyone at some point claims they have the best clients. But when I look at your faces side-by-side full of so much joy and love, I think I could argue with the best of them that the Lauren Carnes Photography couples truly take the [wedding] cake. You all bring me so much gratitude when I think of the way that you say yes to love, service, intentionality and welcoming others in – and to how I have the pleasure of experiencing and capturing that each weekend.

From the Spanish-moss filled coast of St. Simon’s Island, GA, to the Dawg-lovin’ Athens, GA; from the sunken gardens hidden within the bustle of Atlanta, to the quaint and quintessentially Southern streets of Charleston, joining you to say yes to a life full of love is such an honor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for inviting me into your lives and to capture such a special day!

Thank you for making this business what it is and for trusting me not only as your photographer, but as your friend. The sentiment from last year’s post remains the same: “don’t be surprised if I keep stalking your Instagrams & Facebooks as you celebrate 1-year, build your homes together, raise sweet families (and puppies!), travel, and really ‘do life’ together.” For some of you… you’ve even already welcomed me into your homes (and made me the most delicious cookies ever)! Now, that’s special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and cheers to the most amazing year yet! You all mean the world to me!

All my love. – Lauren

And now, for my 2017 couples:

With 2017 right around the corner, the countdown has begun for your big days, and I am beyond excited! As you celebrate the moments of engagement leading up to the altar, know that I’m here celebrating this season alongside you! It’s a season of memories, growing together, lots of fun and preparing for a marriage that will make your heart sing! I simply can’t wait for all that is in store for you! I’ll bring the tissues for when I inevitably am tearing up at the sweetness of your days. I truly believe: the best is yet to come!