Posts Tagged: NC

Winter Outdoor Family Portraits ~ the Graybeals

Experts say repeatedly that couples should remember to put their marriage first, even when kiddies come along — sometimes especially when the kids come along. You have to remember why you fell in love and what you give each other and that marriages that last come from a unified couple. Ryan and I totally embrace this concept and demonstrated it recently when we photographed the Graybeal family. We made a point of capturing just Mom and Dad. They were once, after all, just Crystal and Adam.
outdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photo

We last photographed Crystal and Adam Graybeal for their wedding. Now, seven years later, there are two boys, big brother Colton and seven month old Landon. It’s pretty special to see and photograph them now as a family unit. As I mentioned though, getting new photos of just Crystal and Adam together again was a must. So many couples once they become parents neglect having photos with each other. We think it’s just as important to document the heads of the household for future generations as it is to photograph the unit as a whole.outdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photooutdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photooutdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photoIt didn’t feel like 7 years had passed since we got to hang with Crystal and Adam. The fun, laughs and teasing seemed to pick back up right where we left off. This time we were able to make friends with the new “little Graybeals.” Colton was a little shy upon first meeting us. After a few clicks of the shutter though, Ryan took him on a little exploration adventure through the nature trails, and that kid was shy no more. We were now a part of his entourage. As for wee one Landon, he won us over with his drooling grins and very expressive eye brows.outdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photooutdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photooutdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photooutdoor family portraits lenior nc by pixels on paper wilkesboro photographers family pictures child photos portrait photography photo

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We love a winter photo shoot and seeing the strength of good couple and their growing family out in it. Much love to burgeoning family units out there and forget the seven year itch! Love that works never gets old.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

Merlefest: we’re looking at you, kid

It’s the MOST wonderful tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiime of the year!!

Yes, Christmas is actually the title holder, but as professional photographers who love documenting events as much as celebrations and the daily lives of our clients, MerleFest is in second place. Once again, we’re going as Official Photographers and full-time music fans and we’re psyched. This is our third year to get the announcement from them that we’re going to this amazing music festival. Count down is on to one of our absolute favorite and hardest jobs of the year!

Pixels on Paper Photography Merlefest 2016 Lindsay Lou & Flatbelly's photo

Lindsay Lou & Flatbelly (2016)

Pixels on Paper photography Merlefest 2016 Steep Canyon Rangers photo

Steep Canyon Rangers (2016)

Pixels on Paper Photography Merlefest 2016 We Banjo 3 photo

We Banjo 3 (2016)

Pixels on Paper Photography Merlefest 2016 Sarah Potenza photo

Sarah Potenza (2016)

Pixels on Paper Photography Merlefest 2016 Emi Sunshine photo

Emi Sunshine (2016)

Merlefest 2015 for Pixels was spectacular and we walked 12 million steps – give or take. We took some of our favorite event photos including this one of the Avett Brothers.

pixels on paper merlefest 2015 photography photo

The Avett Brothers

2016 was even busier as Ryan and I split up visiting stages, shooting various artists and bands and then loading images. A blast! Merlefest this year runs from Thursday, April 27 to Sunday the 30th and we’re already trying to figure out how to store sleep and vitamin C (not possible) and looking forward to the crazy pace. This year will be one of the largest yet as they’re celebrating the event’s 30th year. The lineup this year is amazing. The Avett Brothers will be back, along with Scythian, the Zach Brown Band, Andy May, The Contenders, The Waybacks, the Steep Canyon Rangers and dozens of others. Get your tickets and meet us there!
Pixels On Paper official photographers MerleFest 2015 music festival photo

Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special pictures and portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms. 

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Bonnie & Amanda | Married… On The Windfall | Lansing NC

Have you ever procrastinated because you’re afraid you’ll never do justice to WHATEVER IT IS? You’re sort of paralyzed by a yearning for perfection? Well, join us won’t you as we attempt to describe this couple, this wedding, this day and everything it symbolized. We feel confident in this: it meant something not just to Amanda and Bonnie – the newlyweds – but to everyone who witnessed their marriage and saw their journey culminate in the official, legal “I Dos.” Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoBonnie Hostetler & Amanda Walling were married on October 14, 2016 at On the Windfall in Lansing, NC. Fall outdoor weddings bring life and birth during a time when the earth rests from blooming and we all turn our thoughts to warmth, fires and the holidays. This couple wanted their celebration to be that: the beginning, the birth of their union as a sanctioned and sacred thing. And it was from the first note to the last hug.Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoWatching Bonnie and Amanda’s nerves and anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony was incredibly sweet and then seeing them each walk down the aisle as individuals, and then later back up the aisle as a couple is something I’ll never forget. Because we had two brides, it was special to see twice the amount of emotion, excitement and attention to detail that what we normally witness and photograph. Grooms typically tend to be laid back and go with the flow. They told us that finally being face-to-face was the best moment of the day.Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoThe vows are by their very nature the most tender and moving part of any wedding ceremony and these were no exception. The extraordinary display of emotion from not only Bonnie & Amanda but also every single guest that was there was, I believe, what seemed to make this wedding so unbelievably affecting. It was a group realization of how much harder it is for a same sex couples to marry each other. It’s as if they’ve already defied so many odds and barriers and now could demonstrate their love and commitment to each other surrounded by their friends, family and biggest fans. We could all see how much they love each other and what they would go through for each other. When it was finally possible to say, “this is us. we did it!,” there was even more reason to celebrate.  Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoSo, this couple… where to begin? Amanda is incredibly attentive to the needs of everyone around her, most especially Bonnie’s. She’s driven and competitive, but in the good ways, you know? She’s positive and she’s organized and you want her on your team.
Bonnie brings the wattage. She’s full of light, laughter and smiles. She cares deeply for people, is the girlie girl with a tom boy’s heart and she looked amazing in her gown. Bonnie dreams big and pulls others into that spirit. Together, these two love the outdoors as much as they enjoy being with others. If you read their engagement blog, you know they have a camper and love to travel and camp in it – just the two of them. Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

Fun Fact: The officiant accidentally said “wing” instead of “ring” during the ceremony. It was hilarious and the brides especially thought so. If you’ve seen “The Princess Bride,” you get it.

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoOn the Windfall is a magical spot. We’ve shot many a wedding there and Bonnie and Amanda chose well. They told us that they’d been hyping it to guests for months as this gorgeous venue and perfect spot for their wedding. Sure enough, people kept telling them during the reception how amazed they were once they got to be there in person and see it, enjoy walking the grounds and taking in the autumn views. Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoThe reception and meeting all of their friends…. we loved it. We were welcomed like family, which felt wonderful. Professionally, we’d looked forward to the wedding day for such a long time and had high expectations about what we were going to be able to do with the couple and at this location. When we walked away that night, all of our expectations were exceeded. These two are so completely in love and they really took the time to make their day as special, beautiful, fun and interesting as they are. 
Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

Ryan noticed during their ceremony and their first dance, how many guests were crying tears of absolute love and happiness. There was no sadness, just an overflow of joy for them. It was just overwhelming. Their first dance, to Lovely Tonight by Joshua Radin, was one of their favorite moments too. I personally was reminded how hard it is to take photos with tears in your eyes. Ryan and I BOTH cried! This was the first, but I hope not the last, same-sex wedding for Ryan and me to shoot and we were moved too many times to count.

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoGreat receptions mean great guests and so many different types of people were brought together for this wedding. Regardless of color, sex, age, religion, education, etc., there we all were celebrating. It speaks volumes to the type of people that Amanda and Bonnie are and how many people love them.Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoPixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photoIf I wrote down every detail and used all the adjectives that come to mind in this blog, you’d be finished reading it around Easter, so I will just say this:
We love these two.
Amanda and Bonnie are wonderful people and they matter so much to those who are able to be in their lives and world. What we witnessed on October 14th was a shared dream that came true. It was a celebration in the truest sense. It was history making for them, but it was also about a single wish to be together forever. We saw joy, community, families and a family being forged, fairness and justice in manners of the heart played out, and we saw what love can be if you let it.

Pixels On Paper Photographers On The Windfall West Jefferson NC Boone Blowing Rock same sex outdoor Wedding photo

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Save For those of you planning, here’s the Vendor Roundup! Each of these did an amazing job to make Amanda and Bonnie’s day gorgeous and memorable.
Location: On The Windfall
Planner/Coordinator: Megan Drake of The Elegant Event
Hair/Makeup: Canvas Beauty Bar Boone
Flowers: Fuschia Moss
Cake: Ugga Mugga
Music: Mountain Peak Sound
Specialty Rentals: A Bushel & A Peck Vintage Rentals
Caterers: Stacey Pierce & Julie Weldon of Charleston SC

We are now booking engagement sessions and wedding dates for 2017. Contact us to schedule yours.

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddingsbrides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

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Photo Christmas gifts from Pixels On Paper photography | Personally Perfect

We’re now booking our Christmas at Home portraits, but we are also creating gifts in our workshop for those of you who already have a photo or photos you love from Pixels and would like us to create a gift for you or someone you love this year.

Prints, cards, canvases, albums, jewelry, ornaments, etc. are available for order using any photo or photos that we’ve taken for you at any time. It doesn’t have to be holiday in theme, as long as Pixels took it and you love it. Check out a gallery of Holiday cards we created to give you ideas.
All orders in by December 10th can be created and ready for gifting in time for Christmas.
Contact us and let’s get started!

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