a few of my favorite things:

02    SECRET AMBITION

I'm a wife of nearly 10 years and momma to 3 young babies.

In fact, my inspiration & the whole reason for starting my business were my twin babies, Savannah & Mason. 

At the time, I was hustling long days in my prior career as a Director of Sales & Marketing at a major hotel franchise, I realized...I didn't want to hustle for something I couldn't pass onto them. So I pushed my desk chair in, grabbed my camera & started up this business!

As it continues to blossom & grow in strength, I get to show my babies what it means to truly SERVE others through my passion for creating timeless, emotional photos for my couples & families! 

03   LIFE ON THE WATER 

I was raised in a tiny but famous beach town, and I spent my college years lifeguarding on the beach, basking in the sun and being soothed by he calming waters off the coast of North Carolina... so I'm a big time believer in the healing properties of sunshine & salt water. 

So, if I'm not taking photos at your wedding or behind your beach house, you can find me splashing in the waves with the love of my life, Jeff Kraus, and our 3 babies!  

It always brightens my mood to spend time in nature. 

If I wasn't a photographer - I'd probably be a stand up comedian or some kind of entertainer! I even joked during my speech at my brother's wedding that I was glad Netflix finally gave me my stand-up special!!

I adore making others laugh, telling stories & finding ways to share joy - I'll never pass up the opportunity to try to make the Starbucks barista smile through the drive-thru window, either. 

05   PART OF MY JOB

The in-between moments are so very important to me!
The emotions you can see during a vow exchange.
When momma is zipping her only daughter into her wedding gown...
When your kids are running their fingers through the sand and drawing "shapes" (all the parents know what I mean, haha!) ...

These are the photos that draw you in emotionally and will bring you back to that moment, even years later.

Traditional portraits are cool, too, but I'm also continuously looking for the magic between the "moments" that none of us can plan for. 

04   SERVICE & CONNECTION

When clients become friends!

 I am a people person for sure - I love meeting people, making new friends & the ultimate compliment is having a family trust me to photograph their wedding and then continuing to allow me to grow with their family and serve them in other ways!

"...If you have ever had the opprortunity to meet Chelsey, then you know she lights up any room she walks into and makes everyone around her happier and at ease.

We have incredible pictures to cherish forever from our engagement, elopement, and our wedding day!
She is worth EVERY. SINGLE. penny!! 

Chelsey is a wiz at her craft and is the perfect cheerleader to have on your biggest of days. 
we love you, CHELSEY!! 

-  Jessica & Michael Kane

what people say about working with me...