Thank you for stopping by!
Lifestyle, our passion...that is how we describe what we do.  It's the day to day, remember when, wish I could have been there type of moments.  It's real life captured forever...not only in a photograph, but in your hearts, your minds, your souls.  We truly are thankful for this role God has blessed us with.  We look forward to sharing these moments, along with our journey, in this crazy place called life.

To be notified of specials, be sure to join our email list HERE! 

October 11, 2011

RTJulieBlog 008.jpg
Another beautiful wedding in the books. :)  We are so fortunate to be able to capture such amazing days...not only with what you see in these photos, (because Julie was absolutely beautiful :) but the emotion that is shared throughout the day.  At this point in the year, when I feel like I may implode with wrapping up wedding season and trying to document/edit fall sessions, I have to stop what I'm doing and remind myself how lucky we are to be able to capture love, in many forms.  I had a friend send me a message on facebook last week that put me in my place:
 
"...I love the way you capture life and love in your photos! Thanks for always sharing them with your "viewers."

While there are times where I feel like I'm breaking record after record with the number of sessions/weddings we shoot, I have to remind myself that we are capturing these moments for each individual couple, family, etc.  And, that is what matters...the only thing that matters.

RT and Julie had an amazing day.  There was a strong chance for rain and, thankfully, it held off until right before the ceremony started.  However, being under the safety of a tent and the reception being indoors...it was perfect timing. 

As for RT and Julie, they love each other and little Brydant (who makes several appearances ;) so very much.  Julie put a lot of time into each detail and RT supported her 100%.  They compliment each other in many ways and being able to capture their love was such an honor.

I love how the little ones were incorporated into their day...so cute!

A sweet moment between Julie and her dad...just minutes before walking down the aisle.


Jamie says:

BEAUTIFUL! :) Loved that we were there to share in this special day for Julie and RT! Also love the Chad Walls sighting at the very end! :)

(10.11.11 @ 12:34 PM)
Julie Senn says:

What beautiful memories you captured! We are so blessed to have found you for our special day. Thank you for capturing all our moments for us to remember forever. Love you!

(10.11.11 @ 09:35 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Julie & RT . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/126

September 30, 2011

2011JimKristenW 001.jpg
I love how no two weddings are the same.  Not one.  The personality, the style, the weather :), all of it.  Keeps us from reaching moments of boredom with our role as photographers.  Well, I knew from their engagement session that their wedding was going to have personality written all over it...and, that it did.  Kristen put a lot of thought into the details of their day and did such a lovely job merging all of the colors together. 

There was a lot of sweet emotion the day of their wedding which reminded me again that a wedding day doesn't just consist of the preparation.  It's the foundation for the many years to come.  The longer Jeremy and I are married the more I appreciate the fact that a wedding day is just a day.  It's the days following that truly matter.  Instilling memories into the minds of those you love will continuously hold you accountable for the journey ahead.  The love Kristen and Jim expressed for one another is written all over these photos.  Many memories to cherish forever.  Loads of hugs to you both!


Such a sweet first meeting.  And, don't get me started on the beauty that is Jim & Kristen! :)


Just when I thought I couldn't have any more respect for those who serve in the military, I was present at Jim and Kristen's wedding.  We all know that being active in the military can result in leaving the country during unplanned times.  Well, this was the case for several of Jim's men...including his Best Man.  After setting the date and making plans, several were deployed during the time of their wedding date leaving Jim to find a few others to take their place.  All I can say is that I am amazed at the camaraderie that was displayed.  Several stepped up to the plate and the words that were shared later in the day were humbling for all who heard.  It was truly an honor to witness it all.

One of the reasons I love photographing these two (other than the fact that they are beautiful together--had a hard time narrowing them down ;) is because of the contagious laughter that comes from them.  You can't help but join in with them...love it! 


Gail says:

I just helped shoot a Marine wedding -- SO classy! Love these shots -- especially the ones with the car! Beautiful work you guys!

(10.03.11 @ 07:52 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Kristen & Jim . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/125

September 22, 2011

LindsayJonW 049.jpg
It truly is a highlight when we get to work with families on multiple occasions.  It is becoming more common for us to shoot the weddings of siblings, cousins, close friends, etc.  It is such an honor to have clients who keep coming back to us.

Well, I knew from the beginning that we were going to have a good day with Lindsay and Jon.  First of all, there is Lindsay and Jon...they love each other in the sweetest way.  Lindsay can bring a smile to anyone's face...it truly lights up the room.  And, Jon adores her...simply put.  Then, there is Lindsay's family...the Golden's.  We got to know many of them at Betsy and Greg's wedding a few years back making their day an extra special treat. ;)  It was wonderful celebrating with the two of them and being surrounded by many familiar faces.  Much love to you guys! 

This is the newest addition to the family, next to Jon...she is such a doll!

Lindsay...you were absolutely beautiful!  Had a hard time narrowing these down. ;)

I have to admit...we have NEVER had a groomsman display a yoga pose for the wedding party photo.  Lots of firsts on wedding days. ;)

Lindsay's mom had a big part in her wedding.  She has started a flower business which means she was pulling mom duty, flower duty and decor duty...pretty incredible (and exhausting ;).  Everything turned out beautifully!

Love Jewish weddings...seeing people in the air never gets old. Love the photos above. ;)


Anonymous says:

Thank you so much. Beautiful! !!!!!!! You are so good. Brings back such memories. I am beginnig to remember.......................................................

(09.23.11 @ 08:18 AM)
Anonymous says:

Thank you so much. Beautiful! !!!!!!! You are so good. Brings back such memories. I am beginnig to remember.......................................................

(09.23.11 @ 08:18 AM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Lindsay & Jon . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/118

September 7, 2011

SunJohnWBlog  001.jpg
Jeremy and I love to travel.  Always have.  We also love to capture the creation that God has gifted us with through the use of our lenses.  When Jeremy and I were dating, we would love to go to different places and take pictures, with or without people in them.  I guess you could say the same is still true today.  What a blessing to be able to travel and capture it all...and love it at the same time.

I am so excited to share Sun & John's wedding with you.  You see, this one has been a long time coming. ;)  We met Sun & John at Jamie & Chris' wedding in 2006 where Sun was a bridesmaid and John did the videography.  The following year, we saw them at Susanne & Keegan's wedding where similar roles were played. 
The following year we saw them at Kate & Lanny's wedding (Sun referred them to us :).  So, when the news came out that Sun & John were engaged I was so excited for them!!!  I was even more excited when they asked us to be a part of their day. :)

As for their wedding, there really are no words.  I will let the photos speak for themselves.  But, really, mountains, a vineyard, even a zebra, and the beauty that is Sun & John...a dream.  The ceremony and reception took place at the Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California.  It was a beautiful day filled with laughter, beauty and loads of love.  It was such an honor to be a part of their day.  These Indiana photographers aren't used to having scenery.  We could do this over and over again. ;)  Love you both to pieces...xo!  


Sun & John made our job extremely easy.  It is evident how much they love and care for one another.  Everyone who knows them can see the same thing we saw that day...

A beautiful ceremony followed with a few more photos.  And, Sun...seriously, you are exquisite.

The night finished out just as it needed to...lots of dancing, laughter and so much fun-true perfection.  It will be a day we will always remember.  Love you guys!
SunJohnWBlog  067.jpg



Jamie says:

GORGEOUS in every way! Love these Mel & Jeremy!!! Wish we could have been there, but you guys did an INCREDIBLE job (as always) capturing this special day for Sun and John! Much love to this incredible couple!!!

(09.08.11 @ 08:36 AM)
Gail says:

Oh my GOODNESS!!!! Best wedding from Carpenter Photo yet!!!! SOOOO BEAUTIFUL! I love how there is this group of Hoosier photogs who want to live in California. We should all move out there and start a photo compound ;)

PS - I'd pick a favorite but I stopped at ...well, all of them :)

(09.08.11 @ 08:37 AM)
ALICIA WILSON says:

Every picture takes me back to the day and all of the fun we had. Thank you for being such a big part of the day and for all your help seeing Sun and John's dream play out. The pictures are AMAZING!! Can't wait to work with you again. Congratulations Sun and John, all my love!

(09.08.11 @ 08:58 AM)
Maya says:

The scenery is amazing!!! Wow...love all of it!!!

(09.10.11 @ 08:44 AM)
Julien Kopp says:

Amazing pictures for a gorgeous wedding.
Loved that day and night.
Missing you guys.

(09.10.11 @ 11:28 AM)
amanda reynolds says:

Wow guys, what an incredible wedding!!! It's clear you were loving every moment of this amazing day. They must be beyond thrilled! Congrats to the lovely couple!

(09.13.11 @ 03:38 PM)
Sun says:

We feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have had Mel & Jeremy fly all the way to Cali to be a part of our wedding celebration. John and I love the photos. Thank you for capturing all the joy and love from that day!

(09.19.11 @ 12:43 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Sun & John . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/112

August 26, 2011

HollyCaseyWBlog 001.jpg
The more we shoot at Indiana University the more we fall in love with their campus.  It's gorgeous.  Of course, it's an added bonus when we get to capture such beautiful people who happen to make our job extremely easy.  We are just spectators, amongst their family and friends, capturing the love they share.  Even at this point in the season, I am reminded how blessed we are, to not only be busy, but to be able to capture those moments in life you want to cherish forever.  We get to document one of the grandest days in a couple's life together.  I can't help but find joy in that alone.

As for Holly & Casey, amazing...  It was quite obvious to see the amount of love and support that has been given by their friends and family.  This alone shows their dedication, loyalty, and genuine spirits to those they love and respect.  More importantly, you could see that same level of respect they have with each other.  Holly was a stunning bride and Casey's eyes were on her the entire day.  It was such an honor to celebrate with them...for many reasons.  Thanks for choosing us. :) We love you guys to pieces.   

As I mentioned before, Holly and Casey made our jobs very easy.  We even got bits of Casey's (true) personality in them...you'll see. ;)

Surprise, surprise...another warm wedding during the midwest summer season.  We were getting the party in for one more quick shot when I happened to see the majority of the guys doing this.  I couldn't help but laugh and capture it. ;)  These guys were troopers.

A wedding on the campus of IU wouldn't be complete without the voice of the Indiana Hoosiers, Don Fischer.  He got the evening started on the right foot, for sure.

The moment you see below will be one that will be cherished by family, friends, and Holly and Casey forever.  A special moment between Casey and his mom...a slow dance that moved into Mambo Number Five that resulted in getting the party started.  The Endless Summer Band (who we love!) kept the night moving with lots of dancing, singing, and celebrating...although, I think this party could've happened without any music at all. ;)  It was the perfect night to a perfect day...




Gail says:

Oh my goodness, does this family know how to party or WHAT? Looks like they had a blast! And all of their portraits are WONDERFUL!

(08.26.11 @ 11:25 AM)
Jamie says:

These are GORGEOUS Mel! I went to school with the Forgeys (Dr. Joe was my dentist FOREVER)! What a par-tay! So pretty!!!!

(08.26.11 @ 12:15 PM)
Listed below are links to blogs that reference this entry: Holly & Casey . TrackBack URL for this entry: http://carpenterphoto.com/darkroom/mt/mt-tb.cgi/109