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welcome to our blog!

Thanks for stopping by! We're Ben and Amy Starks (that's us in the photo to your left :)).


Our blog serves as our online diary. Here, you will find lots of eye candy, stories about our photography experiences, and other random tidbits about our quirky life together.


Feedback makes us super happy, so feel free to leave some! And if you have a few minutes, check out our site!


(*We switched over from our old blog on 4-10-09. R.I.P. old blog.)

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I've always considered myself a small town girl at heart.

Don't get me wrong - I love the city; fast pace, big lights, energy - I can definitely appreciate all of it. In fact, I could even see myself living in a big city (hello NYC!). But there's something about rural, mellow simplicity that draws me in. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that I grew up in an everybody-knows-everybody type of town. ;) A place where "ya'll" is used frequently, and trucks come bigger, louder, and muddier. In this town, families have Sunday dinners together, and country isn't just a location - it's a way of life.

I ventured away from this town for awhile - getting a taste of what the rest of the world had to offer. But much to my surprise, I ended up back where my roots have always been planted. And at this point in my life, I really wouldn't have it any other way.

***

Erica and Grant's wedding reminded me of home. Comfort, laughter, and beautiful simplicity were all part of their big day, and it made the entire event incredibly enjoyable to be a part of.

Erica was a totally efficient, creative bride. She planned the details of her wedding to a tee, and her efforts translated into a gorgeous, rustic/vintage vision that permeated throughout the whole day. From handmade table linens, to a feather-embellished bouquet, the wedding was full of personal, innovative touches that made photographing it a breeze. ;)

In addition to the awesome elements of the wedding, Grant and Erica are so easy to be around. Their love is charming, and they are each other's ideal compliment. Erica is outgoing and expressive, and Grant is easygoing and reserved. The balance makes for an absolutely perfect match. And we couldn't have been more thrilled to spend time with them on the most special day of their lives. :)

Here's a peek at their amazing wedding (held in their own backyard!):

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The cutest flowergirls EVER.

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The ceremony was short and sweet - with tons of emotion-filled moments. :)

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Married!!! :)

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I need to take a moment and express how much I ADORE Erica and Grant for two reasons:
1. Their wedding was at 3:30, and they gave us from 3:45-5:00 for photos. Hello, perfect light!
2. Erica scoped out some awesome locations for us beforehand, so we were able to make the most of the time allotted. I know - she's fabulous, right? ;)

Below are 2 examples of her killer location-finding skills. Exhibit A: a rundown, vintage-looking house. Exhibit B: an old general store. Love it.

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...annnnnnd this little shack that looked like it was actually made for us to take photos in front of (p.s. this is my favorite from the day :)).

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Florida sunshine, I love you.

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Erica and Grant, being all model-esque - they're naturals. ;)

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Love these next two.

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Erica was concerned that she didn't do a good "serious" face. Um, yeah right.

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First dance.

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Adorable. :)

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Mr. and Mrs. ;)

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I couldn't just tell you about all of those fantastic details - I have to show them to you. :) (*Florals by Oviedo Florist, cake by Bake me a Cake)

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More to come soon! Grant and Erica, you guys are so fabulous! Thanks for letting us be a part of your amazing day! :)

**Don't forget about Love Through the Lens! We are already filling slots - contact us to book yours, and participate in this great cause! :)**





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Comments
cora:

Love the pictures...great choices for the pictures! simple but elegant!

(11.22.09)
Kimberly:

Oh I love all the vintage looking photos and the sunny ones! Ya'll did an awesome job!

(11.23.09)
Erica and Grant:

LOOOOVE....you guys rock! :)

(11.23.09)
tina.morrow:

i love the simplicity of this wedding and the pics captured that in such a beautiful way!

(11.23.09)
Aunt Marge & Uncle Lou:

Dear Grant & Erica, Your Wedding pictures are absolutely
beautiful. Loved your back ground. I'm sure the wedding was
wonderful and we are so sorry we could not be there.
Love Aunt Margie & Uncle Lou

(11.23.09)
melissa:

Um....I love this all! If I weren't married yet, this whole post would be my inspiration pic. Amy and Ben- I think this is some of your best work yet! Awesome job!

(11.23.09)
kala Borders:

This is my Favorite wedding you guys have shot!it was beautiful!

(11.23.09)