Amanda & Jon, Engaged

I think something special is in store for this super-kind, laid-back couple. Amanda contacted me to photograph their September wedding, which I found out will take place not only on my birthday, but the bride’s birthday as well! Now how often has that happened? I loved how on-board these two were with me. We traveled a less-beaten path of downtown Charleston, while still hitting Battery Park and Waterfront Park. It has already been great to work with Amanda and Jon, so I’m excited to see what their big day will be like come September!

  

  

  

  

hi·a·tus

noun

a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.

You may have noticed a couple of tumbleweeds rolling across my blog lately. The fall was full of amazing sessions, which I will be sharing soon. So where have I been? My husband and I decided it was time to take some next steps. Believing it was the right time for us to invest in our first home, I spent some time working full-time along with my photography business to save up for our down payment. Together we prayed, made pros and cons lists, talked, prayed some more, made more pros and cons lists, talked with wise people in our lives, and made even more pros and cons lists. Although we did not want to leave Charleston or our amazing friends we had made there, Steve and I felt led to start our family in Greenville, SC, Steve’s hometown. We felt confirmed in our decision when we fell in love with a home during our second day looking, which was a strong contrast to the months of looking in Charleston with no leads. Just a couple weeks after putting an offer on the house we loved, we found out we were pregnant with our first child! Inexplicable joy…

Now that the tides of change have reduced to smaller waves, I am back on track with my blog. I have some great photos to share with you! In case you are wondering… Yes, I will be continuing my business through my pregnancy and post-pregnancy, now serving Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, Florence, and Charlotte (NC). Am I willing to travel further? Yes!! Just email me at jaci.brush@gmail.com

I wish you so many warm blessings for the new year, and hope you had a joyous holiday season! Happy 2012!

 

Brooke & Alex, Engaged

You can’t get much more sweet than this couple! You can sense the deep affection between the two of them that surpasses infatuation. While they admitted they could possibly be awkward in front of the camera, there was not even a second of hesitation when I first suggested, “How about a little kiss?” for one of the shots. The smiles and embraces you see in their photos are totally natural and genuine. I’m looking forward to being a part of their wedding day in the spring!

 

 

  

 

Jess & Joe, Citadel Wedding

 

What a fun day with Jess and Joe! Both bride and groom graduated from The Citadel just two days before their wedding, and Joe commissioned the same weekend as well! Shortly after the honeymoon, the couple was relocated – talk about life changes! Despite all the major events, Jess was cool as a cucumber. Never did she sweat the small stuff nor fuss over the details. To give you a picture of the fun-loving nature the couple had on their wedding day, Jess watched Veggie Tales while having her make-up done and listened to the “Cha-Cha Slide” several times while waiting for the ceremony to start! Also, I caught Joe playing computer games just before the ceremony. Not that they were taking the big day lightly; these two are very much in love and were excited to be wed!

 

Heather & Graham, Now Mr. & Mrs.

It was a beautiful April day for Heather and Graham’s wedding. Summer’s warmth was beginning to creep into the air, and the clouds billowed through the bright blue sky. While some brides sweat the small stuff, Heather’s focus was on enjoying this exciting day for her to be joined to her love, Graham. Heather’s smile was big all day as she was surrounded by the strongest friend and family relationships anyone could hope for. A simple wedding and reception, at Heather’s home church and parents backyard, let the joy of the day shine for itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s For Dinner?

Recently I’ve been getting less and less excited to plan and prepare meals, feeling like I do the same things over and over again. It seems like whatever is easy often lacks nutritional value as well. However, Martha Stewart’s “Lighter Sesame Chicken” is sure to become a repeat offender at the Brush household. This recipe does require a couple of extra steps, but nothing that I would say is difficult. I was so thrilled with the outcome of it the last time I made it, that I thought I’d photograph the highlights to share with you.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup brown rice
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped or crushed with a garlic press
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast halves, cut into 2-inch chunks
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, such as safflower
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1 1/2 pounds broccoli, cut into large florets, stems peeled and thinly sliced

Directions

1. Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan, and fill with 1 inch water; set aside for broccoli. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, make sauce: In a small bowl, combine honey, sesame seeds, soy sauce, and garlic; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites and cornstarch. Add chicken; season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
3. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high. Add half the chicken; cook, turning occasionally, until golden and opaque throughout, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate; repeat with remaining tablespoon oil and chicken. Return all the chicken to skillet; add reserved sauce and scallions, and toss to coat.
4. Meanwhile, place saucepan with steamer basket over high heat; bring water to a boil. Add broccoli, and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Serve sesame chicken with broccoli and rice.

(Recipe thanks to marthastewart.com – http://www.marthastewart.com/263742/lighter-sesame-chicken)