Tomme Hilton Gallery » Wedding

Renate & Brian, TIED THE KNOT

Tomme — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 02:20:27 +0000

The past few weeks have been one rocky road! After an extremely busy June, I am now coming down to some meditation time. That is, if it exists. So, now I am finding a little bit of time to blog about our June weddings! First up on the June list:

RENATE & BRAIN

Married on June 5th! (wow, it’s been that long… eeekk!)

If you don’t remember Renate and Brian, check out their engagement photos… they were awesome! Despite the rain… We made it happen! AND, not to forget her bridals!! Sigh. Love, love, love them! She is the reason I can’t stand bridals! They turn out so great… yet ‘you’ cannot post them until AFTER the wedding! Ugh… the beauty of secrets right?

Renate and Brian’s wedding day started out with no parking at the hotel, wind that made your hair a whirlwind and humidity that that made you question if it was sweat or not. Ahem, It was a wonderful day to get married… ON THE BEACH! But let me just say… Renate and Brain… YOU ROCKED IT! They were amazing. And let me drag them EVERYWHERE to get that extra shot… or as I call it, the ‘One more’ shot!

Take a look at their wedding photos. Let us know what you think!

{Guest Blog} Lindsey and Daniel

Tomme — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:47:57 +0000

Remember Lindsey and Daniel? I cannot emphasize enough… Their wedding was such a great wedding! Lindsey gave us the pleasure of writing a post for our {Guest Blog}. Read about their experience with Tomme Hilton Gallery.

…

Our wedding was March 27, 2010 at The Woodlands Inn and Resort in Summerville, SC.

When we got engaged and sat down to do some “budget planning,” one of the first questions our parents asked us was very simple….what is most important to you? Our answer was PHOTOGRAPHER. We wanted a fun photographer and photographs that we would always cherish.

Fast forward several months later and while in a tuxedo shop I noticed some framed artwork that was just amazing. I got the photographers card and thus began to “stalk” her. Tomme’s work was exactly what we wanted…fun, romantic, and different. I never even contacted another photographer because I felt so confident in her work.

We first met Tomme when we shot our engagement photos and both Daniel and I were so nervous and excited at the same time. But the moment she told Daniel he reminded her of Justin Timberlake, he was SOLD : ) She was everything I had ever wished in a photographer: easy going, hilarious, and creative.

I got to hang with her again for my bridal portraits and we had the best time. So good in fact that I was yawning from exhaustion : )

The entire wedding morning all I was thinking was “when is Tomme getting here?” I felt the day would be complete when I would see her and her camera. She didn’t disappoint. Along with Erica and Jim, they dealt with a CRAZY set of friends and family and even brought fun props for the reception. [Check out our wedding photos, posted by Tomme.]

Of the many things we will remember from this wedding experience, Tomme Hilton and her photos are by far the most special. We hope to work with her again in the future.

Lindsey and Daniel Phillips

Greenville, SC
…

Thank you Lindsey and Daniel for such a wonderful experience! Best of luck and Enjoy married life! And once the ‘beebees’ start… you just keep us in mind!

xo.

Lindsey & Daniel

Tomme — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 03:44:43 +0000

Are so adorable together. During our engagements, lots of giggling and stolen kisses stole the scene.

Our big day took place at The Woodlands. The coordinator, Dale Wherry made sure the day went as planned. It was a GORGEOUS day out. These girls with these Spring weddings have really lucked out with this amazing weather.

I just love clicking with clients right off the bat. Lindsey is the sweetest, kindest and most gracious person you could ever meet. I’m lucky to have met her and Daniel and hopefully you will get to see their story and family unfold before our eyes.

There was not a single dry eye in the house when her and her pops had their first dance. HOLY MOLY! I need dry eyes to see through my viewfinder in the camera and that was not an easy task for any of us.

Daniel happens to be a Carolina fan and Lindsey, on the other hand – Clemson. I love when he found out she had the Clemson garter. His face is pretty priceless.

Enjoy! Until next time. xo

Jennifer & Eric

Tomme — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:04:58 +0000

Got married March 20th, 2010. The ceremony was greeted by warm smiles and warm breezes held at St.Stephens church downtown. Planning was impeccable by Stacey at Red Letter Events. What a great job she did! The wedding was timed perfectly and the weather couldn’t have been ANY NICER. She couldn’t order up a better day from the Gods! Jennifer must have made some back handed deal for the day she ended up with. Catering was done by Granville’s and super delish.

Congrats you two!

chronicles. of. life.

Tomme — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:31:47 +0000

If you do not know me, I am Erica Billingsley, Tomme’s assistant. I have been working with her since JUNE and love it! Absolutely love it! But besides all that… this post is about My Chronicle of Life with Tomme. So brace yourselves… as this is a L-O-N-G post about each stage of my life with her.

{Stage 1} engaged.

I got engaged in August of 2007. I had seen Tomme’s work before hand and set her website aside for when I become engaged. Photography was the only thing I wanted to spend money on. It is my most important feature of my life. Not as a skill. No No… That, I am still learning. But more because of the moment each photograph holds. Photographs are irreplaceable. And I LOVE to look back on moments and remember that ‘special day’.

I met Tomme and knew right away that I wanted to sign her. I didn’t even have to meet with any other photographer… just her. So, I signed with her and Tomme did my engagement photos that November.

{Stage 2} bridals.

I had thoroughly analyzed her work before I chose her… knowing she would produce wonderful unique images. BUT, in order for them to be as AWESOME as I wanted… I knew I had to get dirty… And I did.

For my bridals, I was in a field with grass, crickets, spiders (yuck) and mesquites (i think i ended up with 14 bites)… then I rolled around in the middle of a road… Dont worry ladies… the dirt comes out!

{Stage 3} the wedding.

Once your wedding day arrives, there is nothing to do but put your faith in your photographer. It is ALL in their hands. Because THEY ARE THE REASON YOU REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING.

{Stage 4} maternity.

My husband and I found out shortly after our wedding that we were expecting. SURPRISE to us! And of course the first thing I did was contact Tomme. DUH! Its another big moment in my life. You think I dont want me captured when I am 30+ lbs over weight! Many think not… but to be honest… Tomme made me feel like a SEXY pregnant woman. Let’s just say I walked away from this shoot feeling more confident than I did the entire pregnancy! Come on, any woman who gains 30+ lbs doesn’t feel ‘sexy’ or ‘pretty’… EVEN IF THEY ARE PREGNANT! I walked away feeling like a MODEL!

{Stage 5} baby.

And then came baby… HOUSTON! A couple weeks ago Tomme and I scheduled for her to come and shoot my baby, Houston‘s newborn photos. Sigh. Didn’t work as planned. Let’s just say Newborn photography has a different skill… PATIENCE! and more PATIENCE! and then waiting. This was our first attempt at ‘Newborn’ photography. And well… ahem, yea.

Although, I wouldn’t say it was a complete failure. Our first mistake was trying to shoot his photos during the main time Matt and I keep him awake… Oh well… But, as always, Tomme still got some great shots in between the crying…

Tomme and I called it a night. So the next day I started thinking… since I had started shooting with Tomme in October (2009), my confidence was not quite up there… I still get a little jittery before I shoot. So, I knew I had to grow a pair of… you know… and try to shoot on my own. SO, I tackled this shoot myself. AHHH. Dont worry, I did good! So good, I impressed myself! And Tomme!

{Stage 6} Family

My family (entire family) is having a photos session with Tomme this spring! So, I will be sure to post them soon!

Thanks for staying with me and reading my chronicles of life. I think its very important to develop a relationship with your photographer. Because, they are the ones that help you remember the important moments in your life. Before I was Tomme’s assistant, I told myself I would use her for every important moment in my life. Because the first time I met her, she was not just a photographer, she became a friend.

{M & M} not the candy.

Tomme — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:44:08 +0000

I met Morgan at her brother Brice’s wedding May of 2007.
They are all quite a good looking family.

Morgan is an artist in Charlotte. She also works at this super chic store there. We did some really cool bridal shots in the store. She also has a pretty entertaining blog. The blog entries are pretty funny. I think you will enjoy following her. And someone needs to talk her into getting some of her artwork on here! I keep looking for paintings/images and find myself continuously searching. Check her out: http://morganelvington.wordpress.com

Morgan and Michael were one of the top contender couples on my facebook ‘Best Engagement Photo’ Contest. AND it was a SUPER close race. They kept me on the edge of my seat the entire race.

The wedding was like a homecoming for me. Seeing so many familiar faces and open, warm smiles. It’s so much more fun when you are doing the electric slide amongst friends instead of strangers. (You don’t get as many.. ‘Why is your photographer so weird’ looks when they already KNOW you are). And just so you know, I can do a mean ‘Thriller’ too.

Let’s just say, M&M’s wedding was a blast!!

Until next time. xo

THE VUE from here.

Tomme — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:26:56 +0000

As you figured, the wedding of Robyn and Matt – all the way from New Jersey got married at The Vue here in Charleston. Now, normally the weather here is somewhat mild in January…well, in comparison to NJ this time of the year. I have to laugh b/c it was one of THE coldest days (only to soon be figured out as one of the coldest Charleston stretches in decades). So Robyn had on her beautiful strapless and then we dodged being outside as much as possible. Being indoors the entire time can be somewhat limiting but I think we did great despite.

This is Robyn’s sister helping her get ready. I love the expression on Marissa’s face. So proud of her sister!

Let’s not forget Matt. He looked pretty dapper as well. My guess is he was looking out that window grateful he was indoors instead of in the blistery cold.

We did get some alone time together before the ceremony. I love this shot.

The chandellier over this cake just gives it this really romantic, feminine touch. Those little details make such an impact. See.

We had our ceremony and the reception at the Vue so there wasn’t much outdoor time necessary. The decor inside was actually beautiful. They decorated the windows with beading that really did find glamour that danced in the lights.

Again, as I go through some of these. I realize I have so many good images to choose from and this makes it hard for me to be selective in choosing images and not be over zealous and posting chronically instead of selectively.

How awesome was this light. I literally only got this because it was FROM the limo to the Vue. So thankfully I was able to utilize that little bit of outdoor time to catch the sun coming down. This looks like the hollywood strip behind her.

The KISS!

Look at that skyline back there. I loved that!

And I love this one. This is prob one of my favorite send off pics. I placed lighting behind them because it was really dark and I wanted to emphasize the faces of the senders. I think it just adds a special element I prob couldn’t have gotten otherwise.

And since this obviously could be full of pics and post, I will end here.

Congrats Robyn and Matt, who went to Thailand for their honeymoon.

Enjoy your new life as Mister and Mrs.

Heather and Steve

Tomme — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:21:54 +0000

Hello once again and welcome to the blog. This weeks feature guests are Heather and Steve. A gorgeous couple whom planned their wedding from North Carolina in between living their normal lives. They had help from Katie DePoppe from RSVP events and planning and the day went off without a hitch thanks to impeccable planning. The reception was done beautifully by High Cotton. The mosquitos were taking a break at the mosquito lounge, and the stars aligning in our favor. I couldn’t be happier the mosquitos were cashing in on dollar bloody mary’s at the lounge instead of infiltrating our day. That was a big relief! I wished they ran that special more often. Anyone who has ever tackled our state bird on any given swampy evening knows exactly what that is such a breath of fresh air when they decide to cut us a break.

Girl after my own heart. PINK!! That color never gets old to me.. Instantly makes me ten shades of happier whenever I see it.

Now, look at Heather in all her gorgeousNESS. I’m sure that isn’t an official word.. but I’m pretty certain it should be.

And she thought ahead of time to put something on the bottom of her shoes. I love that.

I don’t know much in terms of folklore, but since these things live only a matter of hours.. or so I’ve read. I would have to say it’s pretty FAB this ended up in their wedding images. Pretty magical if you ask me.

I like this because you can see her cascading over the bridge behind him.. I’m sure he was antsy with excitement to see her – you can see the underlying expression even though he is holding it together rather better than most. He didn’t even peak.

I’m finding it hard to keep this under a few images. They had quite a few really good shots but I’m trying to find the more unique ones to their wedding.

Sweet little ride that someone gifted them. I think I was lucky to end up w a crock pot as a gift when I got married.

Congratulations Heather and Steve. I’ve made great friends in the process of sharing their day with them. That makes for a perfect situation.

Until Next Time.

xoxo

Maine-ly… nothin’ new

Tomme — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 01:26:28 +0000

Returning from my trip to shoot with GwynethColleen. In 4 days I got to see Maine, New Hampshire and Boston. I’d say THAT is a power packed 4 days. We shot Josh and Beth’s wedding in Maine and the weather held out for us unexpectedly, not to mention our bride was ASTONISHING. The groomsmen were all official comedians and that makes me H.A.P.P.Y!! The venue was really nice and I was content doing a wedding in temperatures that didn’t attempt to make me MELT.

Looks a lot rockier than our beaches.

And we had about 40 minutes or so to get me to the airport.. we venture to where we parked…….yet there was no CAR! Attention to those of you who may go to BOSTON on a TUESDAY!! Heed our warning!

I, again got the BOYS.. and I never complain. Guys are fun. They entertain one another and that makes my job pretty easy.

but I got to sneak in just a couple of the ladies…

Ok, I tried to highlight some of the goodies. There are SEVERAL amazing images from the wedding. I don’t envy Gwyn having to diminish the load.

On a side note: LoftNoire is running a pre holiday SPECIAL. Any session booked is eligible for a *FREE* album. You heard me right! Since all he wants for Christmas is YOU! You may as well deliver!

Until next week.

xoxo

Two Wildcats!!

Tomme — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:37:53 +0000

Hello my friends. Tis Wednesday and time for another Hump date. Life has been zany and has slowed down slightly on my weddings.. until fall so I will be adding some other blogs to my hump dates including boudoirs, a senior shoot and some personal things as I go.

I feel the need to tell you about something that makes me smile — I have a WONDERFUL collection of koozies thanks to my couples, thank you for allowing our beverages to stay cool. We prob have about 50 different koozie couples.

I also don’t know if you know this, but I keep a small photo collection of my couples, if we do an e sesh (or a bridal) I put one on my fridge… sometimes couples will send me ‘Save the date’ magnet , so I have the majority of my couples greet me at the fridge every morning – I will have to take a pic and show you, a collage of all my friends that just so happened to hire me to take great images for them. All these smiling lovebirds that make me happy b/c I’ve taken photos of them, being in love with each other, ME – doing what I love. Yeah, I adore those pics! There are a couple things that I like to do to get my day started on the right track & you guys being on my fridge, reminding me of what I love every day.. sets that pace for me.

Well, I got to shoot Robin Wright-Penn and Orlando Bloom recently. Ok, not exactly BUT that’s who Megan and Ian look like to me. Jim says that Ian looks like Charlie Sheen, but I don’t see that. I think he’s much more Orlando.

What I DO know is how photogenic they are. I spent lots of time with them and felt like I got to know them tremendously. And, as fortunate as I end up…..I’d love to hang out with them again at another time. They are just that like-able.

Megan is going to school to get her MD. And I’m so touched by her gentle soft nature and how SWEET she is. I have a background in medicine, and MOST female dr’s were a little harsh.. So I’m really enamoured that Megan is going to be such a great Dr. with such a FABULOUS bedside manner… her patients will love her.

Ian is finishing up his PhD and they have moved to Lexington, KY.. which is where some of my family is from. I’m jealous they will get to sip mint juleps and go to the Derby. Kentucky really is an undiscovered beauty.. Lexington is actually a pretty nice area.. with BLUEgrasses and rolling hills, and horses that run full speed for miles and miles…….also the fans of UK there are pretty committed to their teams. I have pictures of myself when I was 13 – I have a UK Wildcats tank top on.. with HAIR WINGS, lots of aqua net and pin striped pants. I could also find that for you and you would prob never want to hire me, but my love for UK started long ago.. so guys, don’t forget to invite me sometime.

Ok, pics already…………

I had some really cool lenses and I love how just the sequin part of this dress is focused and the other is soft and dreamy. Love that.

Her bouquet was bright and brilliant and really stood out.

Orlando’s debut.

Pretty darn photogenic, huh?

Her expression coming down the aisle.

and HIS expression seeing her come down the aisle. This is classic.

Man, I loved this fountain.

We chased them in our car and caught up to the limo!

I’m trying to decide if this my favorite shot of the night. So many ….

Megan with her pops. I so loved how her dress would just cascade thru the air like that. I don’t always get dresses that have so much movement so I think I really tried to capitalize on how hers moved.

And this was the ‘vette that Ian was really excited to rush Megan off to the hotel!! I am not sure if he was excited about driving that vette or just getting to the hotel, wink wink

Well, that’s all for tonight. I will catch up with you again next week! xoxo