Words & Pictures by Jeannie DeSena

08/04/2026

Charlotte-area portrait photographers, I invite you to join NAPCP ambassadors Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography and me as we co-host a fun and relaxed photographer meet-up on Monday, August 24. We'll practice studio photography with both natural light and off-camera lighting. Bring your camera and a favorite snack to share, dress to be photographed if you want updated headshots or branding photos, and connect with fellow photographers at a gorgeous studio in the heart of Plaza Midwood. Capacity is limited, so grab your spot today. You will receive the studio address, parking info, and more after you reserve your ticket. Click the link for the Eventbrite listing and more details.
https://lnkd.in/d8RJ8qvg

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

07/20/2026

Happy National Ice Cream Day! What could be cooler than a photo session to celebrate some shiny hardware for three Irish dancing siblings? When Oscar and Harry won their age groups at the Southern Region Oireachtas and big sister Sarah brought home a perpetual trophy from our favorite feis, the idea for an ice cream-themed image set was born. Leave it their mom, the innovative Amy, to make ice cream scoop props in multiple “flavors” to fill the trophies and to identify a location with sentimental meaning — the Shuffletown Grill, where Amy and her husband used to bring their firstborn when he was a baby. The staff at Shuffletown kindly allowed us to photograph in the retro diner after hours.

Here are a few treats to share from a fun-filled collection. What can we say? Victory is sweet!

07/06/2026

Congratulations to our July cover family, the Chrestlers. I enjoyed meeting you all and photographing you for Cornelius Lakeside Living - Best Version Media.

This Fourth of July isn’t just any Fourth of July—the United States is turning 250! As we celebrate our country’s independence milestone with fireworks, cookouts, and parties, America is just excited to be eligible for AARP, senior discounts, and Medicare. This may even be the year it moves into a retirement community.

Besides commemorating the birth of our country, this month we’re also excited to celebrate the Chrestler family, who reminds us of the importance of reading every email before sending it to spam. Adriana and Jesse, and their sons, Ethan, Adam, and Noah, live in Patrick’s Purchase, love traveling, and their story embodies the American Dream.

In this issue, you’ll hear from our expert contributors and community partners like Susan Newsom of Lake Norman Power Sports, who shares how to stay safe on the lake during peak boating season; Kim Serydynski of Race City Garage Door clarifies why a garage door overhaul over spring replacement is a better long-term financial investment; Lauren Davenport of Uplift Pelvic Health and Performance shares helpful movements to prepare for birth during pregnancy; Doug Lampert of Renewal by Andersen of the Carolinas gives tips on how to keep your home cool in the summer heat; Martin Conway of Homewatch CareGivers supplies advice for managing guilt when caring for a parent; and Harlan Cato of Beltone Hearing Aid Center helps us understand how insurance works when it comes to covering the cost of hearing aids.

Our Sponsor Spotlight this month features Uplift Pelvic Health and Performance. As a physical therapist and former Division II volleyball player, Dr. Lauren Davenport founded Uplift to combine athletics, orthopedics, and pelvic health after realizing the lack of specialized care for women within the physical therapy field. Davenport hopes to help women feel stronger and more confident in fitness and in life. We’re also excited to welcome our new community partners and sponsors: Haven Head Spa and ERX Emergency Restoration Experts.

We’ve curated a list of places in this issue where you can watch fireworks and celebrate the holiday in Charlotte and the Lake Norman area. Local resident Rob Cannon shares this month’s hometown heroes: the Davidson, Cornelius, and Mt. Mourne fire departments, who worked together to put out a fire on the Davidson College campus. Captain John Johnson explains everything you need to know about North Carolina’s free fishing day on July 4, Mayor Denis Bilodeau shares some important town financial and budget updates, and David Cole of the Town of Cornelius tells us of recent planning developments to manage the continued growth in the LKN area. Further, learn how rising seniors can prepare for the Common App before it opens on August 1 and read student reporter Tessa Rosenberg’s feature on fun at Victory Lanes in Mooresville.

We hope your month is full of fun with friends and family, and we hope you live July to its fullest—because you’ll be turning 250 before you know it.

Cover photo by Words & Pictures by Jeannie DeSena

04/30/2026

Thank you for an incredible night out, ! Thank you, , .wee , ._paak , , and The Hooligans for lighting up unforgettably with . I just might still be smiling.

04/16/2026

I am grateful to be an exhibiting artist in the Home Grown show in Cornelius and to have opportunities to show my photography in my town. Come out tonight for the opening reception, or check out the show before it closes May 9.

04/11/2026

Backflip, boogie, or bump your way to tonight’s performance of Davidson Dance Ensemble’s Spring Showcase — your last chance to catch this high-energy, feel-good event. I loved photographing their dress rehearsal this week and have been jamming out to the music while working on the photos. Check out their page for ticket links. Congrats, Dance Ensemble crew!