If you weren’t able to make it to Shari and Patrick’s wedding, just 5 weeks ago, then you can go there today.
Click below to re-live their day.

Anson & Betsy wanted to have their engagement session reflect the fun that they have together, so I headed to Augusta for an e-session at the place where they had their first date! Olmstead Stadium looked almost identical to our baseball field here in Asheville and I felt at home shooting there. Anson brought his old pitching glove and the ‘save the date’ baseballs for an added touch. There are many things I like about this couple, but the one thing that stands out the most was their authentic connection and the ability to tune-me-out, as the photographer. I value all of the relationships I have with EVERY client, and I want to ensure that they feel comfortable to allow genuine emotion to be expressed. After temperatures exceeded 90 degrees, we went to some other hang-outs in downtown Augusta. This couple knew all of the great spots, and I loved every minute.
Anson grew up in Asheville and we can’t wait to be a part of their October wedding at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

All images copyright Jill Schwarzkopf | Realities Photography | Baseball Engagement Session | Engagement Session in Augusta, Georgia |

I decided to share a ‘sneak peek’ of a recent destination wedding in Destin. I photographed the groom’s sister’s wedding in 2009 at Diana at the Biltmore Estate, and have continued a special relationship with this family. It was an amazing beach event, complete with sand, tears of joy, and such much brilliant color!
Stay tuned for the montage, coming soon.

The colors were brilliant and perfect for the beach! oh, the details!

All images copyright 2012 Jill Schwarzkopf | Realities Photography | Destin Wedding Photographer | Destination Wedding Photographer |

Venue: Vue on 30A
Event Planner: Christine @ The Vue
Florist: Celestine’s Weddings

My clients and their family/friends traveled all the way from Denver to celebrate a weekend Bat Mitzvah event at the Biltmore Estate. Things I loved about the event…

1. Sophie helped design ‘game themed’ tables, which were a huge hit.
2. The singing traditions throughout the weekend were awesome.
3. There were tons of kids there.
4. I learned a lot.
5. Sophie and her family had amazing musical talents, AND they could dance!

Want to re-live the event or view it for the the first time? Click below for the Montage.

I received a call from Maura, Asheville Planner extraordinaire, asking for the story of their sweet newborn’s baptism to be told with images from the momentous day. I was honored to be a part of such an important event and it had special meaning because our children were baptized in this very church in the exact setting as little Sophie Frank. There was a point during the onointing that I had a ‘flashback’ and my eyes started to well.

Since Maura is in event management for the Biltmore Estate, it was fitting for the sweet brunch reception to be held at Lioncrest at Biltmore. The vintage bird cages, antique plates, and simply stunning vintage decor was perfect. (and oh so much fun to photograph) Many items were from Maura & Tara’s styling company, The Darling Bee.

As time passes by, I realize that tradition, family, friends and what we decide to invest our time in is so very important. More than ever before, I see a growing need for people to connect on a more authentic level. This event reminded me of all that is good in the world. From the sense of peace and family, to the sweetness of the many vintage fabulous details of the decor. This day was personalized for their sweet baby, Sophie Frank. When she is older, I’m sure her parents will share the images and re-live this uber special day. She slept soundly thru most of it.

Photography/Videography by Jill Schwarzkopf
Montage Design by Ian Riley

Fabulous floral by Stacy from the Bloom Room in Asheville. The colors and vintage decor was simple and stunning. Maura really knows details.

All images copyright Jill Schwarzkopf | Realities Photography | Basilica St. Lawrence in Asheville | Biltmore Events at Lioncrest | The Darling Bee |

Event details: Maura with Honey Darling Events
Decor: The Darling Bee
Floral: The Bloom Room
Locations: Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Biltmore Estate
Cake: The Biltmore Estate

I received a call from my client requesting a fun boudoir session for her fiance. I always love to capture my clients before their wedding, and this was a perfect opportunity. This boudoir session included clothing changes, champagne and the use of natural light in the hotel room. Creating an amazing experience for my client is what I’m about. Women should feel comfortable to be themselves.

The images are not only going to provide an personal, uber amazing gift for her sweetheart, but the experience/process itself was so much fun. I helped collaborate with her regarding her wardrobe choices and really wanted her personality to come thru in the photography.

I look forward to capturing this couple in June when they tie the knot in Lake Lure. Thank you for giving permission for me to share this image Katie:)

Everyone is invited to join us for this community event. I’m so thrilled to be a part of a family of professionals that cares so much about giving.
Thank you StudioWed.

StudioWed Asheville | Asheville Wedding Vendors |

Ten years ago I met Scott on a blind date set up by our friends Jason and Amy. We double dated, heading to Barleys and an ‘Asheville Smoke’ hockey game. I wasn’t too sure of him at first, as he seemed to have ADD and didn’t really focus on a thing I said. We had great time though, and I knew there was something really special about him. A few days after our date, the long-awaited ‘call’ came. A second date, or shall I say a first ‘real’ date. I had him over to my humble apartment in the heart of downtown Asheville and I made Shake n’ Bake. Little did I know that he was a real ‘foodie’ and he actually knew how to cook. I don’t really know if he gagged the food down, or fed it to my Bassett hound, under the table. (wouldn’t blame him) I guess it should come as no surprise that he asked me OUT for dinner for the next date.

After a few years of dating, we married at the Basilica St. Lawrence and our reception was at the Biltmore Forest Country Club.
My Mother did all of the floral design and I wore my Grandmother’s dress from 1939. It was completely re-stitched and I LOVED the vintage throw back for our wedding.

Over the years, there have been some highs and lows, but one thing stays constant, I know that at the core of who Scott is, there is compassion that could light up even the darkest of places. I have felt this warmth since the first night we met. It provides such support to me when difficult things arise. It has caused me to see the world differently, and more openly.

Scott purchased a ‘negative scanner’ for Christmas this year, so that I could have the film images from our wedding, transferred to digital. It is really weird to ‘edit’ your own wedding, and design your wedding album. Now I know how my brides feel when they have difficulty deciding on the images.

My wedding was photographed by the talented Laurie Johnson.

One of our favorite places to visit is Charleston and Folly beach. When we go, we are sure to go to the Peninsula Grill for the coconut cake. We love it so much, we had it as our wedding cake, shipped FED EX.

Our ‘leaving picture’ just me smile every time I see it. Driving off, waving to our guests, and heading for The Grove Park Inn.

Thank you for reading my love story.

All images copyright Laurie Johnson Photography. No images may be reproduced in an way or copied without permission.

Now that I have a few minutes, I wanted to do a full blog post for a couple who married at the Grove Park Inn & Spa last October. Lisa and Ryan had gorgeous blue skies for the fall-themed wedding day. The details of this wedding were fabulously vivid and exactly what the bride envisioned, thanks to Stacey from the Bloom Room & Weddings With Tara.
I wanted to share the experience with you, so I included lots of fun reception images. Dylan, with Blazin’ Sounds Entertainment, really rocked the house and all of the guests danced into the night.

I love the shoes, and the light in this image.

Getting ready shots with Blush by Wendy Ballance. Her approach to creating the perfect look for every bride provides an awesome experience.

Vivid splendor of details and design are brought to you by the Bloom Room and Weddings with Tara.

Dylan has revolutionized the music industry and I love to hear when a client tells me that they booked him. He provides and DJ experience like no other.

All images 2012 copyright Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf | Ian Riley | Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa Weddings |

I wanted to share some of the details from this sweet celebration held had the First Congregational Church of Asheville, and reception at The Venue. Their romantic wedding was in the evening with over 200 guests. I was thankful to have Melissa from Asheville Event Company there to keep the event running seamlessly.

When I initially met with Mollie and Dave, they conveyed how much they wanted the details and emotion of their day captured. I was honored they chose me to be their photographer. I look forward to staying in touch with them throughout the years.

Special thanks to Jeremy Russell for helping me out on this grand event.

The First Congregational Church of Christ In Asheville provided the perfect setting for their candlelight ceremony.

“Warming up” with the wedding party before the wedding started. This group made their own fun. I was just there to capture it.

It’s all about the details. Thank you for these Jeremy Russell.

Wedding party images done non-tradional, and traditional. I love to have options.

The Venue in Asheville was such a gorgeous location for their reception. Their guests were able to walk around Asheville after the reception, celebrating the new year!

First Dance. Love the hope for the journey ahead here.

All images copyright 2012 Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf | Asheville Wedding Photographer |

Photographers: Jill Schwarzkopf and Jeremy Russell
Event Planner: Asheville Event Company
Reception Site: The Venue
Floral: Tracy Perrine
Cake Artist: Sweet Promises
Make up: Amanda Anderson with Doll Box Productions
Band: The 96.5 House Band