Central America Fusion Wedding by Ross Oscar Knight | Charles + Elisa - Part 3

The story of how Charles and Elisa met and fell in love is nothing short of a fairytale. I've tried at least 3 or 4 times to come up with my own words but every time I try it doesn't seem to do any justice. For a recent wedding magazine submission Elisa sent me her version of the story. I was as enamored with her eloquent words as I was with both she and Charles on their wedding day. Pure love emanated from every pore between them and I was blessed to spend time witnessing the beauty of the moments unfolding in front of me.

If you missed Part 1 or Part 2 of the wedding just click on the highlighted links.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

Words by Elisa:

"How Charles and I met can only be described as absolute destiny. Even though we both lived in Atlanta at the same time, we lived in our own worlds, and chased our own dreams, until one fateful year when we coincidentally decided to take an MBA course that would take us traveling throughout Germany. And so, on a cold and misty May afternoon, while on a boat cruise along the River Nekcar in Heidelberg, Charles and I met when we struck up a conversation about our mutual love of travel. We spent the next two weeks traveling through Bavaria, getting to know each other better and making each other laugh. Before leaving Germany, we exchanged e-mails and a genuine hope that we would stay in touch after returning home, but we made no specific plans.

Exactly 2 days after our return from Germany, I stopped at a local book store after work, purely as an afterthought. I was immersed in a Spanish book when I heard someone call my name. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Charles standing there, equally stunned to find me, completely by accident, literally half a world away from where we had just met 2 weeks before. Still in awe of our fateful run-in, we sat down to share some coffee and talked for hours. Not ones to tempt fate a 3rd time, we planned our first date, and have been inseparable since.

After 4 years of life together and many more travels and adventures, Charles proposed during our favorite time of year, Christmas. He sat me down by our tree, under the guise of giving me an early present. He handed me an envelope that read “That Was Then”, which turned out to contain the very first Christmas card that I had ever given him. A second envelope read “This Is Now” and contained a sentimental card about our lives. But for the pièce de résistance, he handed me a ceramic piggy bank – a childhood collector’s item of mine. I laughed and jokingly asked “does it have money in it?” as I shook it. Little did I know that there would be a clinking sound when I did. As my eyes grew wide and a question mark bubbled over my head Charles prodded me to look inside. When I did, I pulled out a perfect diamond ring attached to a tiny card that read “…and Now This is Forever”.

Given our passion for travel, we knew our wedding celebration had to take place in a location other than where we lived, and we wanted our friends to share the adventure with us. When we looked in our hearts, we knew that it could only be in one country, Guatemala, the Land of Eternal Spring. I have always dreamed of sharing the beauty of my birthplace with our friends from around the world. And the fact that Charles came to love Guatemala as much as I do made it the only destination that fit for our event. This past January, that dream came true when we were lucky enough to share an unforgettable weekend in the city of Antigua, Guatemala with 65 of our closest friends and family. Here, we were surrounded by magnificent volcanoes displayed against clear blue skies, Spanish colonial houses of every color, and cobbled stone streets that make you feel as though you have stepped into another era. Our intimate celebration, held in the ruins of an 18th century Cathedral, perfectly blended of both our American and Guatemalan cultures. These are all images that we will not soon forget about our most special day."




























Elisa is a Nikon shooter but I'll forgive her for that! This was a first - the bride breaking out her own camera at her own wedding. Elisa and some of her friends are supposed to attend one of my upcoming workshops this year and I am so excited about that!



CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Building Community with Refugee Family Services by Ross Oscar Knight

KNIGHT Purpose

"Build Community Through Photography"

- rok 2007

Ross Oscar Knight Photography, with the help of Michele Taylor from Tempest Bleu, teamed with Refugee Family Services to support the mission of this organization. The mission: To support the efforts of refugee women and children to achieve self-sufficiency in the United States by providing education and economic opportunity

On Saturday, March 20, at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, Refugee Family Services celebrated its 6th annual Taste the World Festival. Guests sampled international cuisine from more than 20 of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants, enjoyed live music, dance, a global silent auction, and cooking demonstrations by top local chefs. I was one of the featured artists and provided one of my fine art prints from Africa to be part of the silent auction. Our participation supports our desire to help Build Atlanta's Community Through Photography!

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Experience KNIGHT Workshop #7 by Ross Oscar Knight

Last month we completed our 7th Experience KNIGHT Workshop! Time sure flies because I remember the 1st workshop (February 2008) like it was yesterday. We had a wonderful group of participants this go around and I've known one of them since middle school. I'm waiting until July or possibly even August to have experience KNIGHT #8 and #9. We have more weddings in 2010 to shoot than ever!

Stay tuned for the announcement of the first ever Experience KNIGHT Destination Workshop coming January 2011. I'm taking only ten people with me to one of my new favorite countries. Get your passport ready now!

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Today I Bought My Inspiration and Her Name Was Judy | Atlanta

Its nearing the end of March and the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom here in Atlanta. Beautiful! My allergies are all a mess so my clients have to hear my stuffy voice on the phone. Still, after taking my allergy medication I spent time yesterday working on my laptop in the park. Sitting amongst other happy Atlantans who were dressed in what seemed to be bathing suits(?), I started typing.

Movies, songs, speeches, single words, colors, sights, scents, sounds, artifacts, fashion, people, seasons, food, history, hats, chairs, streets, bridges, structures, textiles, and textures have all at some point given me the much needed vitality to continue my odyssey through photography. I could name even more.


For 3 years I have had a secret love affair. Her name was Judy. One day I walked into a store in West Midtown and there she was standing in the back corner of the room next to a rack of dresses. It is true that I have a fascination with all things antique but this was somehow a peculiar discovery. The dress form that I remained motionless before was enchanting to view. I wanted to know more about her. I wanted to research her story. I wanted to take her home. She was a rare find. I asked the saleswoman if the form was for sale and she politely replied no.



I began stopping by the store monthly if not weekly just to visit. There was so much character and so many features to observe about the form. I took a picture of her one day with my phone in case she left but that did no justice. Being there in the presence of this historical piece was even more riveting.


At last, I received an email from one of my designer friends that the store I frequented was going out of business. Could this be true? I reread the text from the correspondence, "All merchandise and fixtures must go." I sprinted out of my home and checked the store's website on my iPhone just before getting in my car. It was 10:30 AM and the store had opened 30 minutes prior at 10. I thought to myself, "I'm too late!"


It seemed like traffic lights lingered forever and that other cars were moving in slow motion. My rush of adrenalin made me nauseous. As my heart raced, I wished my car would accelerate in the same fashion. Finally, I arrived.

I was surprised to see the store owner (Carol) at the register. After all of these years we had never met nor spoken. Normally, one of her employees was at the helm. I casually browsed the discounted merchandise hoping to enjoy my journey to the rear of the space. The thrill was short lived for when I reached the all too familiar location, it was vacant. The tingling feeling rushed from my extremities. I was crushed. My shoulders sank with disappointment. I figured this would be my day. Soon after, I resolved to rummaging through a pile of organic baby clothes. It was time to leave.


On my way to the exit Carol stopped me and asked if I had recently become a father. I replied no and continued with my path. Carol stopped me again and asked if I had found what I was looking for. I again unemphatically replied no. Carol insisted I tell her what I had been seeking.

When I mentioned the vintage dress form, I had no choice but to share the entire story about my photography and my obsession with what had become an art piece in my mind. Carol interrupted, "You mean Judy!" I had no clue who Judy was but I surmised she meant the form. Carol motioned me towards the counter and pointed in the direction of an old mirror. I did not understand. I was looking at myself?? Weird. I snapped out of my funk just long enough to notice that the dress form had been moved behind the register next to the mirror.


All of a sudden the fullness of breath returned to my chest cavity. My heart was rekindled and my mind was put at ease. "I'll take her," I replied. Carol reluctantly added that Judy was still full price. "Doesn't matter," I blurted. Carol asked where I would be taking Judy and if I owned a fashion store as well. I continued with the rest of my story.

For 3 years I sought inspiration from Judy. Sometimes just before a photoshoot I came by just to take a quick peek. Carol was delighted with my dedication. Judy was personal to her and that is why she had named her. I exchanged contact info with Carol and promised to keep her abreast of my looming adventures.


I made an unceremonious dash towards the door for I knew that Judy was all mine. When I delicately placed her in the car I noticed an envelope affixed to the frame dated 1903 with an address written on the front. When I returned home I started researching and learned that the dress form was from a store located in New York at 710 Broadway. Judy had most likely been manufactured between 1880 and 1900 before the store went bankrupt.

So many of us have pieces or moments of inspiration in our lives. They come in all shapes and forms. We cannot touch nor see them all. We look into our past wondering if someone or something might still be there. I realize that life changes constantly but everything happens in God's time. He allows us to make serendipitous discoveries just at a moment when you feel all alone. Make sure to keep your spirit alert for your blessing and next form of inspiration. I was led to mine.


Today I bought my inspiration and her name was Judy.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Love Above Floor 36 by Ross Oscar Knight | Kevin + Chynna

Coming soon...Here's a preview from the shoot yesterday.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!

Chateau Elan Winery Engagement Session by Ross Oscar Knight | Julio + Toni

I have dubbed Julio and Toni, "The Cooking Couple." During our first meeting I asked Toni what she and Julio enjoyed doing in their spare time. I was delighted to hear that they both love to cook. My first thought...can I visit for dinner?

My second thought...let's make a cooking activity the center of the engagement session. Since the wedding is going to be at Chateau Elan we decided to use the food studio there as the location. I was hypnotized by the smell of fresh ingredients and the sizzle of the butter so much so that I fell into one of the candles. Yikes!! I didn't get a chance to taste the final product but my mouth watered at the sight of melted cheese, diced veggies, and scrambled eggs. This is making me hungry. Time for breakfast.

- KNIGHT

Ross Oscar Knight Photography Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE!