I’m Kathleen
I like to think of myself as a lil bit southern, lil bit punk, and a whole lotta rock-n-roll. I’m a PBR lover, hardcore show corner dweller, disco ball queen. You’re going to hear me say, “hell yeah, brother” more than twice, Dale Earnhardt is an icon, and Dolly Parton is royalty.
You'll love me if you're a little trashy, always classy, badass, sometimes chic, forever romantic. Unwedding, editorial, nontraditional, offbeat, colorful, joyful, film-inspired, and disco vibes always. I'll wear a rainbow suit and dance with your mom, all while being a champion for you and your lover.
I am all about the in-between moments and the little things. The way your forever partner wipes the tears from their eyes the moment they see you all done up. The look on your grandma's face when you spin for her to show off your beautiful wedding fit. The way your mom can't help but fuss with the buttons and the cufflinks. The complete immersion of the guests as they get to experience the love in front of them. The flatlays that show off all of your important details like the box your grandpa made just for you and the necklace your best friend gave you when you were 13. Those are the moments that tell your story. What tells the world how in love you are with your person, who makes up your circle, and gives the framework of your legacy.
I think it's fair that I give you a little background on my love story to help you understand my passion.
I'm a wife to the most amazing man. For real! I think everyone deserves the kind of love I get to experience. Every day I fall just a little more in love with him. He fills my life with joy, and I'm forever grateful for him!
We've been told we're "marriage goals" and I'll take that. Marriage is such an incredible thing when it's with the right person. And when you find that person? Man, it's the best. Getting to capture the love stories of couples who have this kind of experience makes my heart swell. I love seeing folks in love and with partners that add so much to their lives! It fires me up and I get giddy when I get to experience it up close.
We met at the same summer job while we were still in high school, but didn’t have a close friendship. He was just a guy that worked there! Now, we’re both still involved with that summer job (Hickory Ridge History Museum and Horn in the West Outdoor Drama in Boone, NC - check out the website, I designed it and maintain it. YES, I have a million jobs!), and everyone loves to tell our story. As do I! How could I not?
He’s supported my from the beginning, even before we were dating. When I lived in Baltimore he would same-day ship me DayQuil because I would refuse to get it myself. The amount of times food or something I had mentioned offhand would show up was endless. My roommates ADORED him, and still do. The minute I told him we were dating they screamed at me for taking so long to realize the perfect guy had been waiting for ages. He fixed our decades-old sink plumbing, cooked us gourmet meals, and went to shows while I was a merch girl for bands he absolutely could not stand. I sustained myself on a diet of Old Bay fries and Natty Boh, was in the gym 7 days a week for 2 hours a day, and worked in a music retail job. I was at a show nearly every night, galivanting all over Charm City, and having a blast. I never knew how much I needed him until he swooped in and swept me off my feet out of nowhere. I couldn’t be more thankful and would go on forever about us if I could!
Back to me though…
My heart truly is in capturing couples in love. It can be a quiet and secluded elopement in the mountains, a backyard wedding with a jump in the pool as your sendoff, or a black tie affair in a mansion. The fact that you're in love is enough for me to be head over heels right along with you.
Every couple I have the honor of capturing brings a tear to my eye at least once or twice during our time together. I try not to get too emotional while I'm working, but it is so amazing to have a front row seat to love stories that are timeless. All of my couples are madly in love, ready to party with their best friends, and they're always the best people in the world.
It is a pleasure, an honor, and a privilege to be a part of these legacies.
I love to live on the edge. But cautiously. So catch me climbing a tree in heels and jumping off of ledges I shouldn’t, but after careful consideration and maybe a few misses.
I grew up dancing, and still have a deep passion for performing arts. My full-time job is as the Director of Operations for a dance studio! I absolutely love it, and the kids. What an immense joy it is for me!
I only take on a few weddings a year because I give my all to both parts of my professional life and my personal life.
In order to do that, I have to be cautious with my energy and time.
I’m incredibly grateful to have the couples I do! They know they’re getting 200% of me on their wedding days, and every second is all about them.
When I’m not editing, shooting, or working for the dance studio, I really am just at home creating.
First and foremost, to my core, I am an artist.
I’m a musician, a visual artist, fiber artist, and so much more. If I can create it, I will try it. My house is full of unfinished crafts, instruments, weird art, thrifted dreams and thrifted nightmares, and my sweet husband is so tolerant of it all.
I am deeply inspired by arthouse and horror films (campy and non-campy), music, 70s/80s/90s aesthetics, and old photos. I’m a sucker for 50s pinups, EC Comics art, and solid branding design. I love spooky things and dream of buying a 60s hearse one day. 90s y’allternative truly encapsulates me and my vibe, and I’m so glad someone coined that term.
Nostalgia plays a huge part in my process.
TW: Parent death & DV
My dad passed when I was 15, and I was a total daddy’s girl. It was crushing and horrible, and I am always here to talk to anyone going through the same thing. But I learned, through our thousands of printed photos and home videos, that I had a huge piece of him always available to me. I am blessed - I have a wonderful dad and mom, and they both loved film and taking home videos. He was loved by thousands, and their stories and photos have been so meaningful since his passing.
Photos and stories are forever, and they keep souls alive.
My husband and I have now taken on this tradition, and fully intend on annoying our future child with endless photos and videos. Not just on our phone, but also on film and on video. Our poor dog has already fell victim to hours of test shots and silly videos.
Aside from losing my father at a young age, I am also a DV survivor. I really just got all the trauma in before 21! I was in a physically violent and verbally abusive relationship for several years, and have done a ton of therapy, work, and EMDR to heal. There are not many people who openly talk about their experiences, but I want to always be someone who does. Part of my healing journey was being a resource for others in similar situations. That’s why I call myself a trauma-informed wedding vendor. I’ve always spoken in private about my history and experiences, but several fellow vendors and friends encouraged me to include this info here. Because honestly, there’s not many of us out here that talk about this, especially in our businesses!
You are ALWAYS worth safety, health, wellness, and truly unconditional love.
For more information on what being trauma-informed means, THIS is a great resource. Basically it means that I will take into consideration my own trauma and recognize the presence of trauma, and do everything I can to create a safe, comfortable, and healing environment for my clients. I will pivot where needed to help YOU and keep you feeling safe and comfortable.
I have done a ton of research on how to best provide for my folks, and I follow some core principles outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. THIS is a quick glance guide of their principles. While I never finished my psych degree, I did do a ton of research then, and continue to do so now! Researching these guidelines and researching narcissists in relationships actually helped me leave my abusive situation. Information is always updating, so I will continue to come back to this page and update links, information, and how I’m implementing these guidelines to serve you best.
Safety and consent are non-negotiable. If you feel uneasy at any point, we pause. We can always reschedule. I say it in our calls, I say it in person, but seriously. Non-negotiable!
Regardless of your body type, identity, ability, or background, you are not just welcome. You are wanted here.
Communication will always be honest, open, and reliable. I won’t ghost you! If you haven’t heard from me in 48 hours and you’re waiting on a response? Email me again, I didn’t get it!
I constantly seek out education in both my dance studio and photography careers, so I’m always doing my best to increase inclusivity and knowledge. You probably see me posting non-photography things on social media, and this is a big reason why! The more I know, the more I can share.
I do my best to stay mindful of abilities and avoid assumptions. If I do ask you to something you cannot or do not want to do, just tell me! I’ll reroute immediately and will never be upset.
You are ALWAYS encouraged to voice concerns. I won’t be offended. Just don’t be mean please because I WILL cry about it later LOL
YOUR goals for the session or your wedding day will always be top of the list. My couples give me creative freedom, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a few photos they just absolutely have to have. Just let me know!
I will provide you tips, tricks, and ideas, but will never demand you stick to them.
When I get into a groove, I will get quiet, but if you need constant validation and guidance from me, I can do that. Happily, too! Just say the word.
You have my full attention when we are planning. Whether it’s on video, over the phone, or in person. I’m here for YOU.
Now let’s talk about trust. Trust is huge, and a two-way street, for sure. I am always happy to provide clarification or insight into my processes.
Speaking of trust, contracts! Contracts protect me, protect you, and give everyone clear expectations.
One of the 6 principles is Cultural and Gender Considerations. I am a descendent of Cherokee, Irish, Welsh, and a whole bunch of other folks. But I am white and cishet. I am constantly acknowledging my privileges in this world, and learning how I can be a better advocate for those that don’t have the same privileges. Never white-knighting and never virtue-signaling. If you want to get me on a rant, get me talking about those things! I love to learn, and I love to serve those around me.
I also struggle with depression, PTSD, and anxiety. Fun stuff, right? So being trauma-informed also helps keep me 100% for you! It’s been a long and very tough road, but we’re here, we’re thriving, and we’re loving life.
If you also love learning and being compassionate and empathetic and have a resource you want to share, I am all ears!
I hope this gives you some serious insight into me, my brand, and how I work. If you’re ready to play ball and party hard, hit that button below to get the conversation started.
I’m here for you, always!
Images by Amaris Sachs Photography & Leandra Creative Co. Photo
Little bit more about me.
I would totally live in the woods.
Seriously. I grew up in them, and miss them every day! Our long term goal is to be back on the family farm and chilling in the woods and by the river every day.
I’m a huge fan of solo travel and hiking, and am a major advocate for safety. Especially when solo traveling as a woman! Always happy to share my tips and tricks.
I’m a musician.
I’ve been playing since i was a wee one, and my mom has always been my biggest inspiration. I play piano, guitar, and sing. I love to dabble on all sorts of instruments, and am excited for the day that I have a huge music room and recording studio!
I’m also a huge music buff. Jazz, big band, soul, blues, hardcore, neo-soul, you name it. The only thing I don’t listen to is top 40s. typically. I’m always up for a live show or concert, too, so hit me up!
I’m a dog mama.
I mean honestly this pup is a big reason I wake up in the morning. Look at that sweet face!!!
He’s a full blooded GSD and has all the energy in the world. We love to cuddle, tug, run (he runs, I watch), and bark for no reason.
If you’ve got a pupper, let’s hang out at a dog park some time!