Bridal Guide 2019

weddings Capturing the big day Engagement stories

How to look your best

JUNE 2019

a bridal guide by

CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP

Menu TIPS FOR SELECTING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

THE BRASWELLS THE FINNS THE MANLEYS FUSION PHOTOGRAPHY CAPTURES THE MOMENT SHE SAYS YES

Q&A WITH “MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT ” THERAPIST VIVIANA COLES

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2 10 8 12

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FINANCIAL TIPS TO SURVIVE 6 WEDDING SEASON

Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

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THE BRASWELLS

Fate kept bringing them together

By Karie Simmons

T

here’s an old saying that “lightning never strikes the same place twice,” but this is a myth. Lightning can strike any location more than once. In fact, given enough time, it is actually inevitable.

Such is true in the story of Christian Braswell and Rebecca McWhirter.

Growing up, they were polar opposites who ran in different social circles – she was a prim and proper cheerleader and he was an edgy skater boy – but fate just wouldn’t let them be. From a small spark on the bus in middle school to a short bolt of electricity in college, and an undeniable energy that brought them back together years later, it’s clear that if God intends, lightning can strike the same place again and again.

Their path was windy, but it ultimately led toward a happily ever after rooted in faith. Christian and Rebecca look forward to meeting each other down the aisle as husband and wife on Oct. 6, 2019. This is their story.

How they met Christian and Rebecca have known each other so long they don’t even remember when they first met. The Mint Hill couple grew up attending Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte and their families were close. Christian had his eye on Rebecca when they were kids, but it wasn’t until summer camp in middle school when they actually connected.

“I remember the youth pastor came on the bus and said, ‘This girl doesn’t have anyone to ride home with. Can anyone volunteer to sit with her?’ And

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Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

Bride & groom: Rebecca McWhirter (23) & Christian Braswell (23) Occupations: Middle school teacher & graphic designer Wedding location: Camellia Gardens, Monroe Ceremony date: Oct. 6, 2019

I immediately jumped up,” Christian said.

On the two-hour bus ride home, Christian told Rebecca she was pretty.

Rebecca was flattered, but their young love ended almost as quickly as it had begun.

“We had a little spark on the bus and that was it until college,” she said.

They grew apart and gravitated toward different social scenes at their respective schools – Rebecca at Hickory Grove Christian School and Christian at Butler High School.

“I thought he was a punk and immature in high school,” Rebecca said.

“I guess I did judge him wrongly.”

“I still thought she was gorgeous,” Christian said.

A few years later, Rebecca ran into Christian’s mom at church. She had just transferred to UNC Charlotte from Gardner-Webb University and was struggling to make new friends at school. Christian’s mom encouraged her to reach out to Autumn, Christian’s brother Taylor’s girlfriend (now wife), who was also a student at UNCC. The two became close friends and started hanging out with Taylor and Christian, and just like that, they were back in each other’s lives again.

“What did it was how funny he was and I didn’t realize it because I never got to know him, but his ability to make me laugh anytime, anywhere,

was what made me like him,” Rebecca said.

Touch-and-go Christian and Rebecca had their first date at the Cabarrus County Fair in 2015. They rode the Ferris wheel and held hands, sparking a romance that would again end before it even really started. Two months later, Rebecca told Christian she was considering joining a sorority at UNCC to feel more connected at school. Christian was taken aback by the idea and nothing was the same after that. Christian said he was afraid they we’re just too

different, so he broke things off.

Rebecca ultimately decided Greek life wasn’t for her, but it was already too late. She was heartbroken and angry with Christian for giving up so quickly, and so the two didn’t speak.

But fate has a funny way of making things happen.

Two years later, Rebecca saw on social media that Christian was at a Zac Brown Band concert.

“Why was he there?” she thought.

He hates country music and that’s her favorite band. The idea infuriated Continued on next page >>

her, so she decided to tease him for being a hypocrite, not knowing she was reopening the lines of communication with her future fiancé.

“I was surprised she reached out and that kind of gave me the green light that maybe she wasn’t mad at me anymore,” Christian said.

Naturally, Rebecca played a little hard-to-get in the beginning, but eventually gave in and the two began dating again in December 2017. Christian proposed a year later in a gazebo in Rebecca’s neighborhood that he decorated with Christmas lights.

“We look at each other and say, ‘How did we not figure this out when we were younger?’” Christian said. “It’s so crazy when you find the one, but the one has been there your whole life.”

“At the same time, everything ended up the way it was supposed to be, so there’s this peace,” Rebecca added.

Rooted in faith Rebecca loves Christian’s sense of humor and trusts him with her whole heart. He thinks she’s the most caring person he’s ever met and feels secure in their relationship.

“I’ve never had to question how much she loves me,” he said. “She’s really good at saying how she feels. She shows her emotions on her sleeve.”

They like to go on long walks and talk, watch movies and TV shows, and

go to Disney World. Rebecca first told Christian she loved him during a Disney World fireworks show in the rain.

“It was like 'The Notebook' times one million,” he said.

Christian and Rebecca’s bond has been rooted in faith ever since they were kids at Hickory Grove Baptist Church.

As a married couple, they plan to continue to put God at the center of their relationship.

They said they owe God and their church for bringing them together, as well as the counsel of people who steered them toward each other throughout their lives. No matter how many times they tried to fight it, they were truly meant to be.

“I think we have a purpose as a married couple for the Kingdom of God and we will figure that out as we go forward,” Rebecca said. “Things don’t just happen by accident. Fate does play a role.” q

“

It’s so crazy when you find the one, but the one has been there your whole life.”

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SNAP SHOTS

Tips for selecting the right wedding photographer A lot of people don’t know where to start when they think of looking for a wedding photographer.

A great starting place is to figure out what style you like and want for your wedding photos. There are so many styles of photography out there, from bright and airy to dark and moody.

There isn’t one style that is best, but you do want to make sure the style you pick is something you would want to see for years to come. These photos are what you will have to look back and remember this special time, so you want to make sure you truly love them!

STYLE DOESN’T COME CHEAP: Average wedding gown: $1,750; Average bridal accessory: $560; Average groom attire: $267; Brides who buy a custom, special order or custom made-from-scratch gown: 25%; Brides who buy gowns in-store: 89%; Brides who buy gowns online: 7%; Average bridesmaids dress: $143; Average groomsmen attire: $193. Source: The Knot 2018 Wedding Attire Study

Continued on next page >>

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You also want to determine if you are more interested in posed, formal moments or candid, emotional moments.

Another important factor to think about in your early planning stages is your budget. If you are going to pick an area to spend money, we always recommend investing in the photography.

When you start narrowing down your top picks for photographers, look at the different packages they offer and what they include in their packages.

Important things to look for when you are pricing out your photographer are whether they include a second photographer in their packages, if they include engagement sessions, and how and when they deliver the photos.

Like most things in life, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Be sure to ask to see full galleries that your photographer has delivered, not just highlights. You should always be able to see a representation of how they capture the entire day.

Looking at a full gallery will show you the quality of their photos, their editing style, the amount of photos they typically deliver and a similar product to what you would receive.

It also helps to look at a full gallery of an engagement session or bridal session if you plan to hire them for these, as well.

Another important factor when selecting your wedding photographer is to look into the reviews they have received.

This will give you a good idea of their customer service level and how their clients feel about the value of the investment they made.

Once you have narrowed down your list of photographers that match your style,

your budget and have great reviews and quality galleries, it is always a good idea to have a phone meeting or in person consultation.

This will give you a chance to get to know them on a personal level and make sure you click. Your photographer will be with you most of the wedding day, so be sure to pick someone that has the type of personality you would like to work with.

Other things to keep in mind: If you have a photographer that you know you want to hire, you should definitely reach out to them 12 months prior. Couples tend to book their photographer in the early stages of planning.

Make sure your photographer is on top of responding to your emails and calls. With the exceptions of being out of town or working an event, you should generally have a response within 24 to 48 hours. If they are great about responding early on, that should mean they will be great about responding during the whole process. – Alyssa Frost is the owner and lead photographer of Alyssa Frost Photography based in Charlotte. She specializes in bright and airy, fine art and wedding photography. See more of her work at www.alyssafrostphotography.com and on Instagram @alyssafrostphotography.

Photos courtesy of Alyssa Frost

Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

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BRIDE GOT YOU BROKE?

5

financial tips to survive wedding season

Although weddings are joyful events, they can also be a financial burden as costs tend to add up quickly. American Consumer Credit Counseling gives consumers five tips on how to survive wedding season.

1. Booking a flight – If it is a destination wedding, research all the flight options once the date has been confirmed and book far in advance. Track prices as some airlines may offer a credit if prices drop after booking.

2. Rent or borrow – Having multiple weddings in a season can make it hard to find outfits. You don’t need over 10 black tie dresses hanging in the closet. Instead, exchange with friends or rent from places like Rent the Runway, or repurpose any old bridesmaid dresses.

3. Where to stay – Hotel rooms might be blocked off with a discount, but it’s probably not the cheapest option. Do some research on nearby hotels to ensure the best deal. You could also rent an Airbnb with friends.

4. The gift – If you can’t afford to give money, take a look at the registry and find something in your price range. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal!

5. Say no – A wedding invitation is not a requirement.

Although it might be painful to check the “will not attend” box, it is OK especially if it will be a financial burden.

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Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

Study: Couples search for wedding day look before getting engaged Key findings from The Knot 2018 Wedding Attire Study: To-be-weds turn to tech for wedding style inspiration The search for wedding fashion starts online, with 94% of to-be-weds using their smartphones to research looks for their wedding day. Seventy percent of couples also rely on social media platforms to gather inspiration and ideas for their wedding, including their fashion choices. Apps (84%) like The Knot Wedding Planner app are among the most popular digital tools used to find wedding attire inspiration. Beginning bridal fashion research 11.2 months on average before their wedding day (up from 10.2 months in 2011), 86% of brides report going into their search “with an open mind.” After couples have researched wedding attire inspiration, they purchase their attire, on average, 2.8 months later.

Majority of to-be-weds purchase their gown at a local bridal salon The in-store experience remains an important and valuable part of the wedding process, with the majority of couples (95%) reporting they visit stores in-person before purchasing their attire. The majority of brides (88%) continue to make their final purchase in-store, with 69% purchasing from a local bridal salon. Largely, to-be-weds (76%) report having a “wedding day attire shopping experience” as being an important part of their journey, especially for those who want their friends and family members’ opinions on their fashion choices (68%).

While the majority of to-be-weds research wedding fashion before going shopping, only 16% go into their shopping experience knowing exactly what style they want. Having an in-store experience with industry professionals is extremely helpful for narrowing down options. In fact, 93% of brides report the helpfulness of a bridal consultant during an instore experience is the top consideration as they’re choosing which retailer to purchase their wedding attire from. Other top considerations when selecting a retailer include store atmosphere (88%), ease of getting an appointment (86%), reviews (84%), and variety of styles and designers (83%). Brides visit an average of 2.5 local bridal salons when searching for their wedding attire, typically booking appointments about 9.2 months prior to the wedding. Brides are searching far and wide for their perfect wedding looks, with 15% traveling 100 miles or more from home to purchase their attire.

Fit-and-flare silhouette and lace fabric reign as the most popular While the runways are seeing more and more unique bridal jumpsuits, extravagant textures and materials, and varying lengths, 97% of brides continue to wear floor-length gowns with fit-and-flare silhouettes as the most popular style (35%, up from 29% in 2011). Other popular silhouettes include A-line (29%, down from 43% in 2011) and ball gowns (16%). Lace continues to be the most popular fabric choice for brides, with one in three (35%) choosing it as their primary fabric (up from 25% in 2011), followed by tulle (15%), chiffon (9%) and satin (9%). Two in three (67%) gown-wearing to-be-weds report preferring dresses with straps, as strapless dresses (33%) decline in popularity (down from 73% in 2011).

To-be-weds are making tradition through fashion, some with multiple looks Wedding fashion allows couples to showcase their style and personality, as well as pay homage to cultural heritage as they celebrate the joining of two families.

Some couples honor family heritage by wearing a traditional Indian sari or a Scottish tartan kilt. Eleven percent of brides report having multiple looks on their wedding day. Beyond fashion for the wedding day, couples are saying “I do” to curated looks for other wedding celebrations, including rehearsal dinners, engagement parties, showers and more; 76% of brides and 37% of grooms report buying additional outfits to wear throughout their wedding celebrations.

FACE FIRST

Enhance your skin for the big day No bride wants to unveil a face full of blemishes or dark marks when she walks down the aisle. Work these gems from Urban Skin Rx into your skincare regimen in the months leading up to your wedding for optimal results: The Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Night Treatment (1.7oz, $68.00) is a fast-absorbing, fragrance-free cream designed to dramatically reverse the effects of hyperpigmentation. That means no dark marks to dampen your “I Do’s.” The treatment is formulated with Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid to brighten discoloration from sun damage or age spots, and Retinol to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

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To take care of any spontaneous breakouts before your big day, try the Urban Skin Rx Clear Complexion Acne Serum + Spot Treatment (1oz, $26.00). Whether used as an all-over serum or a spot corrector, this treatment banishes blemishes with Benzoyl Peroxide, Glycolic Acid, and Willow Bark Extract which reduce and prevent future breakouts. If you’re still struggling with the aftermath of a particularly stubborn pimple, Echinacea and Arnica work to minimize scarring and combat inflammation due to cystic acne. Also available at Ulta.

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10550 Independence Pointe Pkwy, Ste. 301 Matthews, NC 28105

Jason Sands/Lifetime

Bride & groom: Iris Caldwell (27) & Keith Manley (27) Occupations: Program coordinators for nonprofits Wedding location: Alexander Homestead, Charlotte Ceremony date: June 19, 2019 (televised)

THE MANLEYS

Couple meets on Lifetime TV show

By Justin Vick

Iris Caldwell and Keith Manley were among eight strangers from Charlotte paired to wed on Lifetime's “Married at First Sight,” defined by the show's resident sociologist Pepper Schwartz as a “modern spin on arranged marriage.”

The show's ninth season was filmed in Charlotte and premiered June 12.

Couples were formed through

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questionnaires, in-depth interviews and home visits. After eight weeks in a legally binding marriage, the four couples will have to decide whether to stay married or file for divorce.

Iris and her mother, Renee, have watched “Married at First Sight” together since its first season. Iris told her mother that she would apply to be on the show if it ever filmed in

Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

Charlotte and she was still single. The stars recently aligned.

“When I told her there's a strong possibility I'm going to be matched and could possibly have a husband in weeks, she almost broke down in tears,” Iris said. “She was just as excited as I was because she knows how much this means to me and how much I really wanted to be a part of this process.”

After earning a bachelor's from St. John's University, Iris enrolled at Queens University of Charlotte in 2015 to pursue her master's degree and be closer to her mother. She now works as a program coordinator for a large nonprofit at Charlotte, where the 27-year-old connects youth with interests they can pursue after graduation.

“I feel like everything for me is just together, so why not?”

Iris said of finding love on the show. “Of course, being a part of something like this, I am just super excited to say, 'Hey, I trust the experts. I trust the process. Let's have fun.'”

Expedited planning A major part of Iris's storyline is that she has yet to lose her virginity. She explained how waiting until she's married is an important part of her faith; however, she's ready to fall in love.

“I'm a hopeless romantic,” Iris said during the premiere. “I see love in squirrels.”

The show's experts would pair her up with Keith, a 27-year-old mentor and middle and high school basketball

coach who is focused on work but ready to start a family.

Keith hopes to follow the path of his parents who have been married for 29 years.

“Iris and Keith could very well go the distance because they both love to help others, they both have healthy communication skills and positive family systems that support them,” marriage and family therapist Viviana Coles said on the show.

“Because Iris has shared with us that she hasn't had sexual intercourse, it was important for us as experts to match her with someone who is kind, patient and understanding.”

Couples learned they were getting married two weeks before the ceremony, giving them just enough time to tell their families, shop for gowns and tuxedos, and celebrate their last night of being single.

While Renee was excited about the news, Iris's father wasn't sold as easily when told over the phone. But he went along with it because the process made Iris happy.

Keith's parents, Keith Sr. and Mary, were not pleased.

They all worried how Keith's grandparents would react to the news. His grandmother is a minister, while his grandfather is a deacon.

Nervous anticipation The show revealed the couple's thoughts just minutes before they would meet for the first time at the altar. Keith said, “This is crazy. This is crazy. What am I doing?” As for

Iris, “I'm about to cry. Oh my God, I'm freaking out.”

“I was so nervous about who I was going to be matched with and who was going to be this forever husband that I've always dreamed of,” Iris recalled of those stressful moments before the ceremony. “I'm nervous about who he is and if we're going to match. It's just a whirlwind of emotions of just anxiety, nervousness and excitement.”

The June 12 premiere ended on a cliffhanger as Iris’ father was unsure if he could give away his daughter's hand to a stranger.

Iris said the couple clicked automatically and taking those photos with Keith felt like the most natural thing she's ever done.

“This is something I have always wanted to be a part of,” she said. “I have always wanted to be married, and being on 'Married at First Sight' is something I am truly blessed to be a part of.”

Iris said she's able to take a leap of faith, because she believes that at the end of the day, God has got this.

She looks at the show as a learning experience that will help her grow as a person. She truly believes in the mantra, “everything happens for a reason.”

“Me having to talk about my sexuality and my virginity on TV with my husband was difficult but it is definitely something I'm glad I did because I learned so much,” Iris said.

“Both me and my husband have learned so much.”

Want to watch?

Watch Keith and Iris Manley's marriage unfold on Lifetime's “Married at First Sight” Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. q

Therapist joins cast of 'Married at First Sight' T

“

I love love. This show is all about making sure that people are finding love and lasting love. And I love that it’s not super sensational and it doesn’t seem tawdry.”

he ninth season of Lifetime's “Married at First Sight” has a couple of major changes. First, the reality TV show was filmed in Charlotte. Second, Dr. Viviana Coles replaced Dr. Jessica Griffin as a relationship expert.

Coles, a Houston-based marriage and family therapist, joined Pastor Calvin Roberson and Dr. Pepper Schwartz in arranging the marriages and counseling the couples through the first few weeks of matrimony.

“The thing that I've heard from other people so far when I tell them I'm on the show, is that they're excited to kind of get a fresh perspective,” Coles said. “I'm excited to bring my take to it. I hope that people are willing to listen to me, as someone who's new to the show, and maybe like the perspective that I give.”

Iris Caldwell was among the eight Charlotte singles Coles matched on the show.

Caldwell valued her advice particularly

By Justin Vick

when it came to intimacy issues. After all, Caldwell was a virgin prior to marriage.

“Dr. Viviana is absolutely amazing, she brings a whole new perspective,” Iris said.

“Her being a kind of marriage counselor that goes into the sexual side of marriages definitely was something that I was excited to embark on. I absolutely loved every bit of advice she had.”

Coles took time to answer questions leading up to the new season. The conversation has been edited for brevity.

How did you land on the radar for the show?

Coles: Well, I'm very persistent. I was actually the one that reached out to them.

It was about two years ago. I reached out to the casting assistant online. I said, 'Hey, I see that y'all make these amazing reality TV shows at Kinetic (Content), and I want to be a part of it, and if there's ever a spot for me, I want you to know that I'm interested.

I sent over my curriculum vitae and a

few videos from YouTube, and it was kind of history from there. Once they finally needed someone to step in and step up, I was thrilled that they contacted me.

What was it about the show that really intrigued you?

Coles: I love love. This show is all about making sure that people are finding love and lasting love. And I love that it's not super sensational and it doesn't seem tawdry.

It really does, at least from what I knew as a viewer, feel real and the concept is something that isn't all that new.

You know, arranged marriages are something that have been going on for the history of the world. And to have this modern take, I thought I could totally be on board with this. The way that they honor and respect the experts, I thought OK, if I'm ever going to be a part of something, I want it to be this.

Continued on page 13 >>

Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

9

THE FINNS

A life changing moment Bride hopes dad can walk her down the aisle after wreck

By Andrew Stark

F

eb. 16, 2019 is a day Karli Mathis will never forget.

Mathis said her cellphone rang that afternoon with her sister, Katee, on the other line. Odd, she thought, since the two usually text back and forth. She knew something could be wrong, but she couldn’t have imagined this.

Karli’s parents, Rick and Nancy, had been riding their motorcycle in a mountain town near where they live when a truck pulled out of a fast food parking lot.

The truck driver never saw the oncoming motorcycle. Instead of merging into the closest lane of traffic, the driver cut over two lanes and hit the couple with nearly full force.

“It wasn’t the corner (of the truck) that hit them,” said Brian Finn, a process engineer and Karli’s fiance´.

“The driver had almost completed his turn and side swiped them. It wasn’t truck into bike, it was truck into person.”

Although the motorcycle itself came out with little damage, the accident was devastating. Nancy was released after five days in the hospital with a torn MCL, dislocated shoulder, severe bruising on the right side of her body resulting in bruised lungs, as well as a broken thumb, shoulder and ribs. She suffers from PTSD, panic attacks and plays the injury over and over in her mind.

Continued on next page >>

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Nancy will suffer from back problems the rest of her life from the accident.

Rick was even worse off. He has no recollection of the accident due to a severe, traumatic brain injury. He had also suffered a broken tibia, and his fibula was broken in several places. He shattered his hip and had a broken nose, cheek, wrist and several fingers.

The day following the accident, Rick went into surgery and had a rod placed in his lower leg and 30-pound traction put in to stretch his hip and pull his leg down back into place.

Three days later, it took two specialists over four hours to pick through the multiple bone fragments around his hip. He needed a hip replacement, but due to all of the fragmented bone, nothing left to attach an artificial hip to.

“It’s extremely life-changing,” Karli said. “I think I’ve finally accepted it and I try to look on the bright side because I still have them here and I’m extremely grateful for that.”

Karli said she’s mostly gotten through the sadness of the accident, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty more to think about.

“We’re getting to the point where it’s ‘Uh oh, what will we do now?’ because they’re only in their early 60s and they can live by themselves but they can’t mow the lawn,” Karli said.

Karli and her sister reluctantly started a GoFundMe page for their parents.

The page has a goal of $7,500 to cover bills and life expenses, and had raised 5,980 by June 14.

“My sister and I were tossing the idea of starting the page around when my mom got out of the hospital a week after (the accident) and we started to realize this isn’t just a broken leg,” Karli said. “We realized he won’t be able to go back to work in the next month or two at least.

“We were expecting maybe close friends and family, but there are people on there that I don’t even know. This sounds corny, but to say this has upped my faith in humanity, it truly, truly has.”

Brian Flinn proposed to Karli Mathis while they were hiking.

Photos courtesy of Karli Mathis

Brian’s birthday, although she did send Buffalo Wild Wings from afar.

They have also spent the most time they’ve ever spent apart, but when Brian is able to travel with Karli, they lose a wedding planning week.

They have spent a chunk of their own wedding fund on medical bills, but Brian said it has expedited his getting-toknow period with Karli’s parents as he’s spending long hours with them during their recovery.

A leap of faith Brian is from Ohio, but took a job in Orlando, Fla. a couple of years ago.

Karli had been in the Orlando area all of her life.

Two years ago, the two were happy in their corporate careers, but decided to give online dating a try around the same time.

Brian didn’t have to wait long to find Karli. Once they met for their first date, they were nearly inseparable.

Brian works in a field where jobs can be tough to find, and when he landed a dream job, he knew he had to take it.

“I approached Karli and said, ‘Look, I know we’ve only just started dating, but we’re spending every minute together and I can’t say no to this job,” Brian said. “I asked her to come with me.”

Karli agreed, saying she was confident she could land on her feet if things didn’t work out, but willing to give the new relationship a try.

The couple moved in together in Charlotte and were shortly thereafter engaged to be married.

It all changed in an instant The couple had been hard at work planning the wedding.

But when the accident happened, naturally everything changed.

“I will say it put a strain on our relationship,” Brian said.

Karli, out of necessity, started going to the Asheville area every other week to check on her parents. Karli’s sister, Katee, is also a frequent visitor.

One such weekend, Karli missed

The wedding will go on ... for Dad Brian said the couple discussed putting off their wedding, but it has become a milestone for Rick, who was finally released after three weeks in the hospital and two more spent in rehab.

“We talked about pushing the wedding back for a huge variable number of reasons, but he’s been so driven to hit that target date to walk her down the aisle so we didn’t see how we could,” Brian said.

Rick has made some progress with the help of a hemi walker.

“He’s walking with the walker,” Karli said. “He’s going to have a severe, severe limp and he probably won’t be able to walk again without the use of a cane and/or a walker.”

That’s fine with Karli, who wants her dad – maybe now more than ever – to be able to walk her down the aisle at her October wedding.

Karli has an idea of how she’ll feel on her wedding day with her new husband and father at her side.

“It’s going to be triumph,” she said. “It will almost be like this tried to stop us, but it didn’t. It’s a 'Rocky'-type omen.”

Want to help?

Karli and her sister are raising money for the medical bills the family has accrued as a result of the accident. The donation page is www.gofundme.com/ lifechanging-auto-accident. q

Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

11

SNAPSHOTS

Fusion Photography captures the moment she says yes

By Andrew Stark

Deevo Tindall never thought he’d be a professional photographer and videographer, but that’s exactly what he’s become after someone did a subpar job shooting his wedding. Since 2003, the southern California transfer has been turning Fusion Photography into one of Charlotte’s most esteemed one-stop shops for all photography and video needs.

T

indall and his team shoot about 60 to 70 weddings a year. They also specialize in engagement photos, corporate portraits, boudoir, family photography and now more than ever engagement proposal videos.

“Because of social media, video is a big deal now,” Tindall said. “We live on social media, so everyone likes to have their videos.”

One of Tindall’s most recent videos, titled “Sasi and Krish” was shot along the waterfalls and hiking trails in High Falls.

The 1-minute, 32-second video begins with scenery shots of the flowing streams and large waterfalls and then watches as the couple crosses a river to a prearranged spot.

“We probably do two or three of these a month now,” Tindall said. “And every situation is different. In this particular one, I met the groom a few weeks beforehand and we come up with a game plan. Everything was pre-arranged and so we could execute the photography.”

Sasi and Krish are shot hugging and overlooking a waterfall, but at the :37 second mark Krish gets down on one knee to propose.

Sasi said yes, and the rest of the video is shots of the two hugging, kissing, smiling and embracing around a picturesque waterfall.

It wasn’t until the 1-minute mark that the gig was up. Sasi saw Tindall and his team only after Krish had pointed them out.

12 Charlotte Media Group • Bridal Guide

Tindall said his team are similar to private investigators in keeping the secret safe. In this case, Tindall did advanced recon and pre-selected the perfect location. Then, he followed a couple of cars back as they drove to a predetermined spot.

He stays out of sight but close enough to capture everything.

And Tindall always gets his shot.

He’s done a proposal shot in a hot air balloon under the premise of taking photos of the brideto-be’s first balloon ride, which is something she’d always dreamed of doing. The proposal, captured during the balloon’s flight, was a total surprise.

He’s been on top of a Quebec mountain when it was 17 degrees out and videoed the couple skiing down the slope after their engagement.

He’s been to New York for a video overlooking the Lincoln River and many more interesting places.

Some of the more local options include parks, parking decks with views of the Charlotte skyline and waterfalls in the mountains, but Tindall is free to do anything a client would like.

“If the client will pay, I will go wherever you want,” Tindall said. “We shoot destination weddings or destination whatever. If you have the budget for it, I’ll find a plan.”

“A lot of guys are kind of clueless on what they want to do so we help, or we do, plan those out for them. We have a pretty creative team over

here. We sit down with some of the things they like to do as a couple and make up a plan. Once I hear your story and the things that you like to do, I’ll start spitting out some ideas and see which resonate and which are in your budget to pull off.”

Tindall said engagement proposal videos range anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on travel, time commitment and other factors. They can run anywhere up to the cost of bringing Tindall and his crew to Quebec.

“My thoughts on this are you can be as creative as you want and as your budget allows,” he said.

“If you come to the table with your preferences, we’ll make a plan that will work for you.” q

Photos courtesy of Fusion Photography

>> Continued from page 9

How involved are you on the show?

Coles: I am involved as much as I possibly can be. Especially from the very beginning, I was thrown into the trenches. I had no idea just how much the experts were involved in the decision-making process.

It's a lot of pressure. My head was reeling but with [Pastor Cal] and Dr. Pepper at the helm, I felt really, really at ease and secure.

We are the final word when it comes to the matches. Sometimes we agree, sometimes we don't, so we have to work that out among ourselves.

Throughout the process, we are getting very detailed reports on everything that's going on between a couple on a daily basis.

Then as the couples request to meet with us outside of the planned and scheduled meetings with them, we make that happen whenever possible via Skype or phone, in any way that we can.

So I love being a part of it. I love that they're really relying on our expertise. I found that I felt really secure with that, just because of the type of work that I do on a daily basis.

So even though it's for the show, I feel like I'm just working with my couples.

Did you take it to heart if they faltered on a particular week? Were you so invested that you were just freaking out?

Coles: Every time I got that summary, my stomach would do a couple flip-flops.

That's for sure. Because as is the case with all couples, especially new couples, it's a roller coaster.

You know with couples who are under the microscope, who we truly believe in from the get-go, having any sort of negative interactions between them or having any sort of disconnection or triumphs too, when they're just cruising along, all of that does really impact the way that I feel, because it is a reflection of the match that was chosen.

So, yes, I am definitely invested. I try not to be so personally invested that I can't sleep, but I have definitely lost some sleep over the last season. Too much.

How would you describe your voice when it comes to this television space?

Coles: Because the stakes are so high for our “Married at First Sight” couples, my voice is much more clear and direct than it would be with couples back at home.

The reason for that is we're on a time constraint and the pressure is very high.

They don't have months and years to figure this out and to figure out who they want to be for their partner, which is something I'm able to do with my couples in private practice.

Here, it's a lot of cutting to the chase. It's a lot of hand-holding. It's a lot of “do this is if you want to be successful” whereas when I'm working in psychotherapy, it's much more of a collaborative practice.

The guidance that I give on the show is going to be much more direct.

I have really enjoyed that my voice has been received really well and not feeling I have to change anything about that except just being more succinct.

I did develop my own private premarital counseling program. One of the things that we highlight with every couple is the ability to be a positive person in your partner's life. It's hard to be committed to someone who is a “negative Nelly” and who isn't willing to pull themselves up when they're struggling or ask for help when they're struggling.

So while a lot of relationship experts don't really highlight that, I tend to, because in this day and age, if you are bringing someone down, there are a million other people out there who are willing to pull them up.

It causes a lot of issues for couples, and it makes their eyes wander. It makes them look for maybe success at work, an achievement at work. It makes them turn inward.

It makes them turn toward hobbies. Anything that is pulling you away from your loving committed relationship should be treated as a threat.

So if you want to avoid and prevent those threats, it's really important that you are a positive force in your partner's life. q

CHARLOTTE MEDIA GROUP P.O. Box 1104 Matthews, NC 28106 (704) 849-2261 PRESIDENT Jonathan McElvy PUBLISHER Adrian Garson MANAGING EDITOR Justin Vick NEWS EDITOR Karie Simmons CONTENT CREATOR Andrew Stark ART DIRECTOR Kylie Sark ADVERTISING Charlotte Conway Kate Kutzleb Maya Cann

You specialize in emotional and physical intimacy issues. When people feel as empowered enough to live their lives on camera, are they susThe Perfect Nails and Brows for your Wedding Day. ceptible to those type of issues?

Coles: We are all susceptible to emotional and physical disconnects with our partner.

In fact, we can go through periods of your relationship for years that feel like y'all are fine-tuned, well-oiled machines. You are just rocking it, and then something blindsides you, external factors, internal factors.

We all at some point could benefit, I believe, from getting the help from a professional when it comes to emotional and physical intimacy issues. These couples are no different.

What is the key to a rewarding, evolving marriage?

Coles: The key to a rewarding and successful marriage is having a positive outlook toward your partner and expressing that outlook through healthy communication.

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