Duke Mansion Rehearsal Dinner

I think that a major key to having the wedding of your dreams is being able to go with the flow. So much planning goes into this special day, it’s hard not to get bogged down in the details! But when a couple can put all the worry aside and just enjoy one another and their loved ones, the day is sure to be incredible. Caroline and Joe’s wedding was just such a day! From beginning to end, it was a joy and a privilege to be their wedding photographer!
During their emotional rehearsal dinner, I quickly realized how special their wedding would be! Joe and Caroline – and their families – were so full of happiness, and it showed in every single interaction with their guests. So many happy tears! There wasn’t a dry eye during Joe’s toast, especially when he spoke about how much he loves his mom and step-mother. It was so lovely! And when it came to the wedding itself, it was just the best time! The ceremony took place at St. Mary’s School Chapel (Caroline’s alma mater!) and their reception was at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. Caroline was absolutely stunning, truly a vision in her elegant dress and long cathedral veil. Definitely my kind of bride! During the group portraits, someone accidentally stepped on her hem, but Caroline just broke into a huge smile and said “It’s okay, no big deal!” I love that! Both she and Joe were so relaxed, yet so ecstatic to be getting married amidst their nearest and dearest. During the reception, Caroline’s parents, bridesmaids and uncle put on a special performance, wearing some hilarious get-ups. It was so much fun!
I must mention two things that I especially loved. Caroline and Joe named their rehearsal dinner signature cocktail “The Stevie”, after their Goldendoodle! Anyone who’s read my blog knows how much I love dogs, and how it warms my heart when a couple finds a way to include their pet in their wedding. Finally (and this is a moment that will always stay with me) at the very end of the day Caroline and Joe were getting into their car. I saw the bride lean in close to her father and say, “Thank you dad, it was everything I could dream of.” So, so very sweet.

I hope you enjoy these photos of a truly wonderful day, and a truly wonderful couple! Thanks Kathy Swope with Sally Oakley Events, I really loved working with you! Their day went without a hitch.

Angus Barn Weddings

Thanks Vanessa L for shooting their wedding with me and for being so wonderful!

Planning: Kathy Swope – Sally Oakley Events / Videographer: Jon Warlick Media / Florist: Dogwood Tree Floral Designs / Stationary: Arzberger / Cake Artist: Details Cake Design / Ceremony venue: St Mary’s School Chapel / Reception venue and Catering: Angus Barn / Ceremony music: Kevin Kerstetter organist, Christine Haarvig violinst / Reception music: JAVA Band / Make-up and hair: WINK Hair + Makeup / Wedding Dress and veil: Sareh Nouri / Shoes: L.K. Bennett / Bridesmaids dress: Monique Lhuillier / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Granger Owings

Life isn’t perfect. But I truly believe that what matters most is how we deal with unexpected events. We can brave the mud puddles of a rainy day with a smile on our face and love in our heart…if we only choose to. And that’s exactly what Jennifer and Dean did on the day of their mountain wedding! Even when hurricane Joaquim decided to round out the guest list, this couple’s positivity never waivered. It was so moving to see them beaming beneath their umbrellas, joining their lives under the sky and in sight of loved ones. Their guests came from far and wide…and no one seemed to mind a bit that Nature decided to get a little crazy! It was an emotional day, a joyous day…and I’m so grateful that I was there to witness it!
The wedding took place at Lake Eden Events, a beautiful outdoor venue with lush greenery and picturesque mountain views (even when a tropical storm’s a-brewing!). I love it that Dean proposed to Jennifer on a run with their sweet boxer Piper splashing in a creek nearby…that they spend most of their weekends traveling to see family and friends…and that they support and encourage each other through everything…including wedding-day hurricanes! Below is a sneak peek of their wonderful rainy wedding!

Jennifer and Dean home-brewed a selection of beer to be served at their wedding! The bottles were displayed with personalized tags. Wonderful touch, right?! And to top it off, Jacin Fitzgerald Events included fresh hops blossoms in the florals! This tied perfectly into the motif. The bouquets were absolutely exquisite…and having the hops in there definitely sparked Dean’s interest in the flowers!

An old Southern tradition says that if you bury a bottle of bourbon at the site where the bride and groom are to be married a month before the wedding, it won’t rain on their wedding day. Jennifer and Dean went for it…but I guess sometimes Tradition is fickle! Hehehe

This couple made everyone feel special and loved. Jennifer gave a frame with a sweet text to her grandmother, and then took the time to read it in Korean! While reading, she stopped several times, looked at her mom, and asked “Am I doing good?” So sweet! Pil Sun, the bride’s mother, is the nicest person ever. She came to me in the middle of the reception to make sure I had eaten! Ohmygosh, so thoughtful!

Jennifer wore her sister’s wedding dress!!! She added her own touches, though…like the lace sleeves.

And that moment… The moment he saw the love of his life, his best friend, his favorite person in the world, his rock and support during bad times, and his partner in crime! Umbrellas in hand, hiding from the rain under the trees…it was a perfect first look!

She looks up to see if the sky is clearing…nope! Let’s just embrace the rain!

When the rain started coming down harder, we got the umbrellas and kept going.

Guys, you are supposed to cover the groom!

There were lots of portraits to be done, and very little time. The only way was to find a tiny overhang and press on! Ohhh, and this is Piper, Jenn and Dean’s fur-baby, and the best cuddler ever! Piper, I wish I had snuggled with you more (you are adorable!) but I know you were a bit unsure of my big rain poncho. One day I will cuddle with you a bunch, that’s a promise! (P.S. I think you would be the perfect girlfriend for my pup Ronon!)

Never mind the rain, the mud and the time crunch! Dean said “I want to pick up my little brother, I haven’t in years!” Yes!!!! There’s always time for bromance…

Jennifer’s sister Cyn is an amazing photographer! When I received Jenn’s email saying that Cyn had referred me, I got butterflies in my stomach! I felt so honored! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Right before the ceremony, Dean opened his gift from Jennifer…

….and the tears were right there. He knew that in just a few moments he would marry this beautiful, kind, genuine (and wonderfully goofy) girl!

Wait! He forgot something! No, not the rings…

He forgot precious Piper! They couldn’t get married without her at their side!

These two walked down the aisle wearing rain boots, holding hands, with huge smiles on their faces! We were all delighted!

Here comes Jennifer, with her father carefully holding her dress above the wet ground. Jenn still calls him ‘Daddy’, so sweet! As he said in his toast, it was not easy to give his little girl away, but he was thrilled that it was to Dean.

In the middle of all the excitement, they took the time to thank a friend who held Piper during the ceremony. You guys are so nice!

Jenn held her damp and muddy dress high as she walked down the aisle with her husband and Piper. They lovingly acknowledged their guests, who were all so happy to see this kind-hearted couple tie the knot!

Someone just couldn’t contain herself! Piper congratulated her mom and dad in the best way…with wet kisses!

After the ceremony, the rain stopped for a little bit. I knew I had a small window to do the family formals while it was dry. We did 31 group set-ups in less than 30 minutes… and still had fun! Jennifer’s dad gave me a big hug and thanks at the end of the reception, joking “We have a Drill Sergeant here!” HA! Of course, I had to mention that to my Army husband later. =) I’m all about helping my couples get to their reception faster!

Jennifer’s father had everyone crying with his toast and a slideshow he’d prepared. He said that ‘Jennifer has a heart the size of Texas…but after knowing Dean for awhile, he realized that his son-in-law’s heart was double the size of Texas! When I first started working with this couple, those big hearts of theirs were immediately evident.

And Dean’s dad cried…

Laughed…

And kissed his wife…proud, knowing that they raised their kids to be good people with kind hearts. The most important thing, in my opinion.

Let the family style dinner begin!

Let kids be kids…

Let toasts be awesome…

Let dances be memorable…

…and emotional!

Like any good Brazilian, I can’t resist a wild party and crazy dance photos! Let the revels begin!

High heels? Who needs them! These ladies made rain boots and hiking shoes look elegant! Everyone was in such good spirits!

And in the middle of the swirling happiness…Jennifer’s sleeve got ripped off! Jacin (their coordinator, event, and floral designer) was right there, going above and beyond to make her clients happy, going above and beyond for their family and friends, going above and beyond for her art. Jacin, after working with you, I can clearly see why you are so successful. You have all the qualities a truly brilliant planner should have…killer taste, talent, professionalism, organization and a real gift for inspired collaboration. Most of all, and this is not easy to find, you are level-headed. You bounce back from problems with a smile on your face (usually before anyone even realized there was a problem to begin with!). I’m sure you went through all the back-up plans possible on this day. And in the end, you made it perfect for them. I’m so grateful I got to work with you!

The dancing continued…but eventually the dress just couldn’t handle any more! There was no time for another fix because it was time for the grand exit!

A happy swirl of sparklers, wind, laughter, guests enjoying home-brewed beer…a new husband and wife take off into this crazy, worthy adventure called Marriage!

Because of the rain, this was the most challenging wedding I have photographed. The week before, I kept checking the weather, hoping that the storm would change course…but it didn’t. On Thursday night, I started an endless search for clear umbrellas, which are harder to find that you’d think! Luckily I have a ‘one-track mind’ (or so my husband says) and it paid off. I found the umbrellas online, ordered them, and then made three stops on my way to Black Mountain to pick them up! What an adventure! When I arrived at the venue, sister of the bride (and talented photographer) Cyn looked at me sympathetically. She apologized about the weather, saying that she’d never shot an outdoor wedding in such conditions. I just looked at her and said “Me neither…but we are going to make this work!” And we did. I left this celebration with my heart full. And I know that everyone else (guests and vendors alike) did too. The emotion of the day is still with me now…a true testament to the love and generosity that Jennifer and Dean share with each other and the world around them. Thank you for trusting me!

Thanks Katherine Miles Jones for shooting this incredible wedding with me and for being so truly wonderful to work with!

Vendors:

Wedding Planner/Designer/Florals: Jacin Fitzgerald Events / Venue: Lake Eden Events / Caterer & Bar: Black Eye Susan / Paper Goods: Tie That Binds / Ceremony music: John Colvin and Hayley Evans Atwell / Reception music: Groove Collection / Hair and makeup: Jennifer Ericksen / Rental company: Classic Event Rental / Generator: Rental Me This / Linens: La Tavola / Shuttle: The Trolley Company /Booth: Speech Booth

2017 has been an incredible year so far, and it all started with a very special engagement session at Carrigan Farms. When I met Brooke and Brad that day back in February, I knew their wedding was going to be something special! These two are so much fun to spend time with, so very much in love…they can make one another laugh with just a glance! When we parted ways that day I immediately began to look forward to their wedding, knowing that their celebration would be as joyous and sweet as they are…and I wasn’t wrong!
The ceremony took place at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, with the following reception moving to the Charlotte Country Club. Brooke was such a dream to work with; getting ready, she was ahead of time and completely calm. And she looked absolutely stunning!! Her dress was so beautiful and unique, with spaghetti straps, and white flowers cascading down the bodice onto the skirt. It fit her perfectly, and when Brad dipped her at the altar it was magical! As much fun as I was having (I kept laughing behind my camera during the amazing toasts!) I also found myself swept into the emotion of the day. If you read my blog, you know I love emotional weddings…and I have to confess that I teared up during the first dances. Before long, the bride and groom were completely rocking the dance floor, and all of their guests joined in with such excitement and happiness! What a crazy dance floor and I love it!
Finally, I have to mention that Brooke shared something very meaningful with me. She told me that her father worked for National Geographic for several years. If you are familiar with National Geographic, you know that he might have seen truly incredible photography, so when Brooke was vetting wedding photographers, she asked for her dad’s opinion. He looked over some of the options, and then told Brooke she should book me because I knew how to capture emotions the best. This is such a huge compliment! When I fell in love with photography, it was because of the ability a photograph has to show people’s feelings. Hearing that Brooke’s dad saw the emotion in my work was huge validation that I’m on the right path, and I was so grateful to have been part of their big day. Very special to watch Brooke and Brad tie the knot in a swirl of so much love and support! I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them…

Brad gave the perfect card for Brooke, they are Golden Retriever parents!

Charlotte Country Club Weddings

Thanks Katie Dickson for shooting this wedding with me!

Coordinator, Venue, Catering: Charlotte Country Club / Florist: New Creations Flower Company / Stationary: Minted / Cake Artist: Ella’s Celestial Cakes / Ceremony music: William Rainey / Reception music: Split Second Sound/ Hair and Make-up: Dana Raia / Wedding Dress: Carine’s Bridal Atelier / Veil: BHLDN / Shoes: Vince Camuto /Bridesmaids dress: David’s Bridal / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: The Tuxedo Shoppe

So wonderful to work with all these amazing vendors! Thanks to my Brazilian friend Bruna for being such a perfect model for this shoot!

Florals and styling: Creative Compass Events | Bridal styling: Blush Bridal | Hair and makeup: Sunshine Makeup Artistry and Mobile Spray Tanning | Invitation suite: Amanda Day Rose | Calligraphy: Sincerely Amy Designs | Cake : Sugar Euphoria | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Bridal gown: Hayley Paige | Venue: Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities