What have we been up to

So, August has been a highly non typical month for Richard Bell Photography. Valerie jetted to Berlin, Germany to study the language and travel for a little bit. Nathan and his brother took their mom  to Europe traveling from Paris to Venice to Athens and some places inbetween. I (Mell) can’t wait to see all the photos! So what is going on at the studio?

Wanda and I (truly, the Dynamic Duo) have been manning the studio, well “womaning.” We are in the midst of updating the consultation room–thanks to some awesome bargain shopping, and Wanda’s mad painting skills. So, the studio is filled with meetings, cleaning, organizing, laughing, and yes, even some photographing. Today started with a senior portrait shoot at Cypress Gardens and ended up at a few places in the North Charleston area that we’ve had our eyes on for some time. Cecilee was up for anything, which I think made for something a little different. Thanks chica!

Without further ado, here’s a small preview of Cecilee’s Senior Portrait sessions:
Check out her senior slideshow at–http://www.charlestonportrait.com/#/cecilee/

Life in Berlin, Germany

Greetings from Valerie in Berlin, Germany!

**Friend me on Facebook to read more entries and see TONS more pictures! http://facebook.com/valeriemae ** (I will be happy to accept your friend request, no worries!)

I cannot believe I have been away from the USA almost 3 weeks now…and my journey is only just now half over! I have lots more to see, do and experience here in Berlin before returning to the States.

First of all, let me say I’m having the most incredible journey here. I have not had a slow day since I first arrived. Everything is awesome here, the people, the architecture, the food, the chocolate, the bread….everything. I am falling in love with the city, the language, the culture, the people… God is doing a great work in my life and in my heart right now, and I am both thrilled and humbled to be a part of it all!

Read more on my Berlin Journey blog: http://valerieschooling.blogspot.com and also on Facebook!

Baby Isabell’s First Birthday Party

What’s short, pink and covered with icing and bubbles? Baby Isabell at her 1 year birthday party! It’s such a pleasure to capture the moments from the sweet times in our lives like weddings and birthdays. Both involve cake, and many involved bubbles as well. There’s so much joy and love that you can’t help but smile. I (Mell) think I had almost as much fun as the birthday girl at her party.

So, Happy Birthday Isabell! Thank you for inviting me to your party and all the fun.  You were a great hostess without any tears or cranky faces. Now that your are one-year old, you are going to have to learn to say my name and then my camera’s name, Ursela. You know how cranky she gets when people just call her a nice camera…don’t get me started.

Keep up the good work with those teeth! Until next time…

Maegan and Christopher’s wedding at Summerall Chapel and the Citadel Alumni Center

Check out their album design online at: http://charlestonwedding.com/#/rogers/

I (Mell) can remember the first time I spoke with Maegan on the phone about her wedding many months ago. There was so much joy and excitement that I knew right then that we were in for a fun wedding. I was especially excited to be second photographer with my man, Nathan this day.

I never tire of the traditions and special touches that each couple brings to their wedding day. Maegan wore her mother’s veil, and Christopher, of course, proudly sported his Citadel ring.This Summerall Chapel wedding also had a few surprises for the bride… like a private horse drawn carriage that transported them to the reception. So fun and very Charleston!

I also loved the look of the reception hall in the Citadel Alumni Center… bright, open, and plenty of room for guest and dancing. And dancing there was, including the infamous “Footloose” dance! The evening ended in with lots of bubbles. Thank you for letting us be part of your joy!

Lisa and Bryan’s Wedding at Seacoast Church and Creek Club at I’On in Mt. Pleasant, SC

Update:  The Album has been Posted! Check it out!

A sweet ceremony at Seacoast Community Church in Mt. Pleasant followed by a very fun reception at I’On, this event was a big success, despite the rainy day.  The weather forced us to change some pictures plans, and dimmed the window light, but, as usual, difficult shooting circumstances just force you to think more creatively.  I am very happy with the variety of portraits we were able to capture despite the hurdles.  Lisa and Bryan were very flexible and the rain didn’t phase them a bit.

Kendall and Greg’s wedding at the Holiday Inn on Folly Beach

This was our first event back at the newly renovated Holiday Inn, Folly Beach, SC.  The swanky public areas and obvious proximity to the beach and the pier make it a great place for a convenient wedding and reception combination.

The details of the wedding truly made it stand out from the norm. Kendall and Greg had lots of great ideas for their wedding from the circular configuration of the seating for the guests to the actually smoking Beaker-shaped groom’s cake (Greg is something of a Scientist). Each guest placed a stone inside the hurricane glass used for the sand ceremony and then at the recepion, beakers held the floral center pieces. And what  way to leave a Charleston beach wedding? A pedi-cab, of course.

Congratulations you two!