The bond between this couple was so evident and so fun to capture on their rainy May wedding day. The groom is from Germany and we loved how the table decor and ceremony Maypole incorporated his heritage. Their friends and family were a very important part of their day, because so many came from very far distances to share in their wedding celebration. From specialty gifts for family members, to their awesome band, this event did not disappoint.

To view the story of their wedding day, please click below for the montage…

Mind-blowing details by The Bloom Room. Hello fabulous!

The couple had their ‘first sight’ at the Inn on Biltmore. Beautiful moment.

all images copyright 2013 Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf and Ian Riley | Biltmore Estate Wedding Photographers | Bloom Room Asheville |

Professional Vendors::

Venue: Deerpark at Biltmore
Floral/Design: The Bloom Room
Make-up: Blush by Wendy Balance
Cake: Bilmtore
Officiant: Fred Werhan
Band: The Golddiggers

May brings plenty of rain, and so much opportunity! This couple and their awesome bridal party were up for anything, and they weren’t afraid to get wet. From the first sight to the entire family and bridal party wearing WAX LIPS, this event was full of memorable times that we truly loved to capture.

To view more of the fun from this event, head here…

All images copyright @2013 Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf and Ian Riley | Biltmore Wedding Photographer |

Carly and Kurt choose some of my favorite pro vendors to work with. Check them out here…

Venue: Deerpark at Biltmore Estate
Hair/Makeup: Suraj Salon
Officiate: Reverend Tim Lolley
Coordinator: Belle Soiree
Flowers/Décor: The Bloom Room
DJ: Spintastic Sounds
Photo Booth: Fun Mugs
Guitarist: James Barr
Apples: Kilwins
Cake: Biltmore
Cake Pulls: Mecklenburg Bridal
Transportation: Asheville Historic Trolley Tour

Before the wedding season moves into full swing, our family took our first ever, vacation to Disney. I have to admit, when we left, I shed a tear or two. The quality experience that we had with our children and my Mom was something I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was beyond magical. No cell phone, ipad and computers, just time to soak in some sun and enjoy the rides with our kids.

I kept saying to Scott, ‘take a picture in your mind.’ The looks on our kid’s faces were so priceless. I have many images in my head that were not captured by a camera. My memories of this timeless place will be with me always.

Sweet memories made at the Magic Kingdom. Think my favorite was the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean,’ because I’m a Depp fan.

The Animal Kingdom was memorizing. It was my favorite place to shoot. Since our daughter isn’t really into princess’ she wanted to spend plenty time with these animals. This was more than fine with me.

The kids didn’t eat a thing at this Character Breakfast. Getting the autographs were much more important than the Mickey Mouse waffles.

Dinner at the Sci-Fi Cafe was our favorite meal. Eating in a drive in movie, yes please! I love old school stuff like this.

Epcot was close to our hotel and an awesome place to catch the fireworks.

images @2013 copyright Jill Schwarzkopf | Realities Photography | Photojournalism at Disney |

Yes, we purchased these images. I don’t like to have my picture made, and I’m not a fan of their exposure, but these memories will be cherished.

There’s nothing like capturing a beautiful couple on a gorgeous mountain. Crest Mountain offers so many breath taking views and the sunsets there are unreal. Throughout the day, I noticed a theme of ‘blessings.’ As they would hug their friends and family, I kept seeing so much love and gratitude surrounding this couple.
If you are interested in seeing love and laughter, please view the montage below.

I love capturing proposals at Biltmore Estate! What an amazing opportunity to be with awesome people on one of most memorable days in their lives.

Stephanie had NO IDEA what Barton had in store for her. It was obvious that she was elated beyond words. We used a GoPro, hidden inside a picnic basket to complete the ‘unobtrusive’ plan. These kind of events should be kept as intimate as possible. There were a lot of people at Biltmore that day, but we found a cozy spot for an emotional proposal.

All images copyright 2013 Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf | Biltmore Estate Wedding Photographer | Wedding Proposals at Biltmore | Video by Ian Riley

This couple was so dear, they referred to us as their friends, instead of ‘the photographers.’ We love to cultivate relationships with all of our clients, and it was especially fun with them. This Grove Park Inn wedding had gorgeous detail elements, beautiful weather, and the sweetest guests. The couple’s family and friends had an obvious connection that went beyond the typical. It was as if both families and their friends had been best buds since childhood. These types of connections are what we love to capture.
If you missed their wedding, you can go there now…

copyright 2013 Realities Montage | Jill Schwarzkopf | Ian Riley |

First sight bliss. Love the excitement and anticipation.

All images copyright 2013 Realities Photography | Jill Schwarzkopf | Ian Riley | Grove Park Inn Wedding Photographer |

Venue: The Grove Park Inn
Floral: The Grove Park Inn Floral Department
Cake: Grove Park Inn
Officiant: Asheville Wedding Celebrations
Ceremony Music: Braidstream
Reception Music: East Coast Entertainment
Hair by: The Secret Spa

One of the best things about my job is that I witness and capture some of the BEST moments in a couple’s life. I received a call to photograph a surprise proposal at the Biltmore Estate. LOVE this kind of shoot! I arrived and pretended to be shooting the Biltmore House. Luckily, Michaella didn’t catch on until minutes after the proposal. This couple was so excited to be engaged, that it made my job a breeze. It’s funny how raw happiness can be conveyed so authentically.
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times, THIS JOB ROCKS.

Many blessings on this grand adventure Casey + Michaella. I hope to shoot your wedding someday!

All images copyright 2013 Jill Schwarkzopf | Realities Photography | Biltmore Estate Wedding Photographer | Proposal at Biltmore |

I couldn’t wait to get my lens on baby Ezra, again. I captured his birth and now, a lifestyle session at home.

Documenting the moments that his parents never want to forget was my focus for this session. (The real memories that seem to slip thru our fingers as time rushes by.) From snuggling with their kitty cat, to bath time, this family lifestyle session was super sweet.

I’m so honored to call The Mozingo family my clients and moreover, my friends.

Bath time offers some sweet memories for Mom & Dad.

Nap time, milk coma.

The bright colors in Ezra’s “Pinterest-inspired” nursery were so inviting.

Sweet dreams Ezra.

All images copyright Jill Schwarzkopf | Realities Photography | Asheville Lifestyle Family Photographer |

As founder of Sleep Tight Kids, I was proud to experience our largest ‘giving-event’ to date. My friends, the professionals at StudioWed Asheville, helped organize and make the event possible. We comforted over 150 children today!

I used all local vendors to purchase the ‘Sleep Tight’ items..

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste were provided by Rinehart Family Dentistry.
PJ’s were from Just Ducky in Biltmore Village.
The stuffed animals were from O.P. Taylors in Biltmore Park.
*PJ’s and stuffed animals were heavily discounted so that we could have more purchasing power.

The children were so appreciative of this experience. Their eyes and smiles really showed it. Sometimes random acts of compassion and kindness is what we all need in this broken world.

The journey began when Meriah & Michael, a local husband/wife photography team, came to me regarding the photography of their baby’s birth. I have known them thru our friendship as professionals at StudioWed Asheville. Since documentary and lifestyle photography is my passion, I welcomed the opportunity to experience this awesome event with them. There were many ‘unknowns’ as week 40 came and went. When would he/she make their arrival? Was the baby a boy or girl? What would he/she look like? and my personal favorite, Would I be able to deliver the images that they really wanted?

It took me back to the time of our first born. Same questions, different time. I knew from my own experience with childbirth, the event would create a connection between us that would never be broken. Sharing such an intimate part of my friend’s lives had an impact that hit me hard.
I received Meriah’s text at 1:00 a.m. saying that ‘Baby Mo’ was on his way and that they were headed to the hospital. I quickly jumped from the bed and felt the rush of adrenaline throughout my body. I showered and dressed in the most comfortable clothing I owned. (Yoga related) I arrived at the hospital about 1:45 a.m. They were already admitted into the labor and delivery room. Meriah was having contractions every 2-3 minutes, and they were HARD.

I cannot put into words what it was like as the hours past that night. I read the concern on her face when the Dr. came to give her the epidural. Holding her hand, I uttered a prayer for no complications. It was surreal, but the entire night, I felt as though there was a blanket of protection on them. We talked for hours about our mutual love, photography. The latest about Canon Vs. Nikon, what we wear to shoots, what we carry our gear in. I tried to do anything to distract her from contractions.
After the epidural set in, things were easier and Michael and Meriah were able to rest. They laid together, holding hands most of the time. As the sun came up, I looked at the gorgeous mountain view and took it all in. From this tiny room, a life would soon be born into this larger than life world. I have done many hospital visits for photography, but this one was different.

Eventually, the pushing began. I didn’t use flash throughout the entire birth process, because of the obvious reasons. (and the fact that I didn’t want to blind the little guy) Finally, the last push and the words, “and you have a……” came from the Doctor’s mouth.
The only thing I could see was the two nurses standing right in front of me as I focussed to ‘get a shot’ of Meriah and Michael’s reaction in this very moment. The realization of their first born, A SON!

I don’t pretend to know a lot about things in this world. Life keeps changing and new stages interrupt what I know as ‘my real life.’ All I really know is that this baby, Baby Ezra, has so much love surrounding him, that his life is sure to be something really special. I’m beyond honored to travel this journey with the Mozingo Family.