Earlier this year, I met Carson Castellani through the Youth Leadership Academy when the Wake Forest Chamber asked me to take headshots for their students. According to their website, the Youth Leadership Academy “is a year-long program for 10th-12th grade students who have demonstrated leadership abilities and are interested in learning about our community. Our mission is for participants to assume leadership roles in our schools and to become more involved in civic, cultural, economic development, and philanthropic organizations…The Wake Forest Area Chamber Foundation leads Youth Leadership Wake Forest and its many volunteers” You can find out more by visiting here.
I saw several students that day, but I remembered Carson for his fun personality and how he shined in front of the camera. So I was thrilled to see Carson’s Mom, Michele, reached out about the JWP Mother’s Day Mini Sessions in May. Michele asked if we could take a couple of mother/son pictures and then a few of Carson in his cap and gown. So, of course, I said, “Yes!”.
The Mother’s Day Mini Sessions were held this year at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Located in the heart of Wake Forest, the seminary is the perfect place for a mini session in all seasons. Built in the 1800s, the campus is home to sprawling landscaping that features flowers all year. So every season, you’ll find an ever-changing variety of colorful blooms that serve as an ideal backdrop for your session. In the middle of the campus, an orchard of magnolia trees towers over the quad: the massive blossoms and gorgeous greenery frame your photos on this historic campus. Throughout the orchard, you’ll find stone pathways and manicured lawns. This is the exact spot where I met up with Carson and Michele.
Michele beamed with pride as Carson loved on her for the pictures. As I remembered, he had the same fun-loving personality as they posed and danced under the magnolias. I love how all the images from our time together turned out. You can view them in the online gallery here.
A few days later, Michele asked if I could build a website to celebrate Carson’s graduation. She wanted an informative site for Carson’s family to see all he has accomplished and what he will be up to after graduation.
Thank you, Michele and Carson, for allowing me the opportunity to play a small role in this special season of life.
Be sure to visit Carson’s website by clicking the cute pictures below!
June 12, 2022
