Rafael and Jessica. I received her inquiry a week before their wedding saying their plans were to wake up early, enjoy coffee together and then head to the courthouse to get married. I was floored with the honor of being able to witness their intimate morning. Here’s a peak into it.
Photographed in Houston, TX
Chandni’s aunt flew from India to Florida to be at her wedding. This is her greeting her grandchildren and when I took this photo in 2015, I knew that it was really important. These interactions are what drew me to wedding photography ten years ago, having fallen in love with some wedding photojournalists as I searched for my own photographer in 2008.
When I posted this photo, I remember how few likes it received and it affected me more than it should have. Guess no one cares. Guess I should focus more on the portraits that people want to see. And full confession, I ended up deleting it from my feed.
I never stopped seeking out and shooting the truth you see here, but I did stop sharing it. I did give into easily digestible fast food photography that only tells the story of how I posed two people – that only serves the photographer in an effort to look like the hero. Creative, cool, you must hire me to make #artz for you. My goodness, it feels amazing to walk away from that lie.
It’s been so good for my heart to dig through past work and remember these stories. To feel such freedom in sharing what’s important because it’s not for likes. It’s for this. That in this story, grandma is the hero that she’s always been to these three kids.
I’ve created a new Instagram account to make a good home for my wedding and family portfolio –@carolinefontenotweddings. Yes, this is ten years a little late, but alas, it’s here! To be honest, I’ve never felt like my wedding work fit on my feed and it’s kept me from posting so much that I’m really damn proud of, celebrating good hearts and great love.
I’ve been burned out on a lot about this industry, but thanks to some serious reflection and some All You Witness retreat magic, I’ve recognized what I’ve always known – that this storytelling is something I love to do, and it’s something that matters. The things that burned me out (read: wedding trends, epic portrait pressures, the “making art”) have never been what I’m best at, or what’s worth a damn thing in the end.
Humans matter. Honest moments with souls who have stories worth telling matter. This work matters.
I’d love for you to give it a follow as I dig into ten years of truth telling, pushing anything fake away, and of course, new work with clients who trust me to be a witness for them.
Cheers to David Bancroft on his fourth consecutive James Beard nomination for Best Chef: South! Here’s a throwback to one of the most wonderful days with Jess Graves at Acre learning and being spoiled rotten by David and his beautiful craft.
Read the full story here.
Photographed in Auburn, AL
The most magical getaway to the Oregon Coast with wonderful girl friends. The view from Mel’s parent’s house has officially made my top 3 views of all time. This place is magic.
Nick, Jean and Julia.
Photographed in Houston, TX
A great afternoon with Trey and Annie started at a bar because why not? Cold day cuddles, lots of laughs and a real cute pup. Cannot wait for this wedding next summer!
Photographed in Houston, TX
Chris and Chelsea and their Hill Country wedding. First time in ten years that I’ve heard a band play Fall Out Boy at a reception and hope it’s not my last.
Photographed in Fredericksburg, TX
Venue – The Lodge Event Center at Country Inn Cottages
Second shooter – Bradford Martens
Coordinator – Uptown Events
Wedding dress – Enzoani from Brickhouse Bridal
Groom’s attire – Jos A Banks dinner jacket, El Rey Apparel suspenders
Band – Royal Dukes Band
Florals – The Bloom Bar
Hair & Makeup – Gertie Glam
Third year shooting The Schotts!
Photographed in Houston, TX
There’s nowhere I love to shoot families more than in their yards and on their couches. Here’s set of favorites from my latest family shoot with the Russos. It’s been a lot of fun to photograph their growing family, starting when Charlotte was one, Hannah’s maternity photos with Skip, and a family of four last December. It was so cute to watch Charlotte now interact with Skip during his one year portraits and put on a show for the camera when it was her turn to jump in.
Photographed in Houston, TX
Jon-Mark and Bobbi. A South Carolina boy meets a Hawaii/Colorado girl in San Fransisco, where they now live. This was my sixth wedding of couples who live in San Fransisco but got married elsewhere (five of them in the South). This was also the best DIY wedding I’ve ever seen. JM is the master behind Chubbies retail builds and literally built all of their wedding details. They made their dream of a “Southern Luai” come to life, complete with a pig roast courtesy of the groomsmen’s combined efforts. Their recommended attire was “Aloha Casual.” They had their friends sign up to bartend. Every single bit of it was so chill and sweet and fun and we were so happy to be a part of their beach weekend. And to top it all off, my dear friend Candice was in charge to make sure everything turned out as perfect as it did. Dream team, together again.
Photographed in Isle of Palms & Mount Pleasant, SC
Coordinator – Candice Lorraine
Reception – Gold Bug Island
Wedding dress – Willowby by Watters
Bridesmaid dresses – Show Me Your Mumu
Groom’s suit – Indochino
Groomsmen attire – Custom Chubbies, Artemis Design Co. shoes
Band – Emerald Empire Band
Flowers – Consider the Lillies
Hair & Makeup – Paper Dolls