Finding “The One” feels a lot like coming home. And home, of course, is the place where we can truly be ourselves. At home we can say whatever we feel without fear of judgment. We feel calm and like our best selves there. Home is the best place to be. And it’s exactly where Camille and Bryan are when they’re together…and does it show! The love they have for one another seems to spill over and touch everyone around them. So it was an absolute joy and privilege to photograph their wedding!
Given how at home they are with one another, I think it’s a funny twist that Camille was initially hesitant (even nervous!) to meet Bryan. Their first connection was on Match.com…they set up a date through the site. But Camille got cold feet and canceled! Luckily, Bryan was persistent and when Camille finally agreed to meet, they both fell hard and fast! But Camille wasn’t the only one head-over-heels for Bryan, her Shar-Pei Kai hopped in his lap on their second date and wouldn’t leave him alone! These three have been inseparable ever since! So when Bryan proposed with the biggest diamond ring I’ve seen, Camille’s response was an immediate “Yes!” Afterwards, they drove to Bryan’s grandparents’ home and danced in the driveway to share the news. So, so sweet!
Both the wedding and reception took place at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. The space was absolutely beautiful, such a classic and elegant décor and the perfect coordination and design by A Southern Soiree. This is the second time I’ve worked with Gina, and I cannot say enough about her. She’s so talented, organized and calm…the day went by without a hitch! That also had a lot to do with Camille and Bryan themselves. I truly believe that the atmosphere of a wedding starts with the bride and groom, they were kind to all their vendors and so enjoyed the company of their loved ones. It had been a long time since Camille’s extended family had all been together in one place, and they were so happy! I felt so welcomed by all the family and friends in attendance. At one point, I found myself talking with the groom’s mom, and she said something that really rang true: “Camille is such a genuine person.” Yes, she is! And Bryan’s mom had hit the nail on the head about why I was loving working with her. Camille and Bryan are both truly genuine, and truly at home with one another…so it’s easy to feel at home with them! Enjoy this sneak peak of their beautiful day.

The Umstead Wedding

Thanks Jamie Vinson for shooting this wedding with and for being wonderful to work with!

Planning and design: A Southern Soiree / Venue, cake and catering: The Umstead Hotel & Spa / Florist: Fresh Affairs / Stationary: Maria Scheel Invitations / Calligraphy by Carrie / Make-up: Natural Beauties by Vee / Hair: Toria’s Hair Essentials / Wedding Dress: Liancarlo from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique / Veil: Alencon Lace Mantilla Elbow Length Veil from Etsy / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids dress: White by Vera Wang / Rentals: CE Rental / Ice cream: Andia Ice Cream

A few months ago I had the pleasure to attend the Bliss & Bokeh Retreat. I met amazing women, made some dear friends, left the retreat super inspired and motivated to take my business to the next level and I got to photograph this gorgeous editorial shoot created by Joy Thigpen and Emily from Once Wed! The editorial shoot took place at the Middleton Place, this breathtaking Charleston wedding venue.

The official photos of the Bliss & Bokeh Retreat were taken by the super talented photographer KT Merry and you can see them on Once Wed.

Wedding Venue: Middleton Place | Creative Direction, Styling, & Flowers: Joy Thigpen | Hair and Makeup: Joy Thigpen | Cake: Joy Thigpen | Invitations: Gather Co | Wedding Dresses: Ever After Miami | Assistants: Kelly Sauer and Stephanie Gibbs | Farm Table: Ooh Events | Rentals: Event DRS | Calligraphy: Meagan Tidwell

With January in full swing, it brings me joy to be able to look back at Beth and Alex’s beautiful and FUN wedding, coordinated by the talented ladies at Events by La Fête! Their celebration was enjoyed to the max by every one of their friends and family, it was such a pleasure and an honor to photograph them on their special day. But first, a bit about Alex’s heavenly proposal…
In August of 2017, the whole world was eagerly awaiting the Total Solar Eclipse. And while Beth was super excited for it too, her focus was primarily on the home she and Alex had purchased earlier that year. On the morning of August 21st, they drove to Shaw Nature Preserve outside St. Louis to view the phenomenon…but Beth’s expectations were soon eclipsed by Alex’s plans! During the 2 ½ minutes of the celestial event, Alex asked Beth to be his wife, and it came as a complete surprise! I guess you could say she was over the moon while the moon was over the sun!!
Their gorgeous ceremony took place at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh, with the pews full of excited friends and family. Beth has such exquisite taste! Every detail was thoughtful and cohesive, from her colors to the flowers to the décor. I especially loved that her bridesmaids wore differently-styled dresses, but all in the same color and fabric. This is a beautiful and considerate choice; every body is unique, and the different styles allowed everyone to feel comfortable. The reception moved to the historic Merrimon-Wynne House where the dance floor really got going with a live band! As Beth and Alex exited amidst streamers and cheers (her dress was spectacular!!), it was clear to me what a fantastic time all the guests had. Truly a wonderful, generous celebration of a stunning couple! Enjoy this selection of photos from their Raleigh, NC wedding.

When I was getting to know Beth, she explained why she was drawn to my work: “I am absolutely enamored with your ability to pair beautiful Portraits that are so iconic and timeless, with the touching moments you capture at all of these weddings.” What an amazing compliment!!

If you’re unfamiliar with the Merrimon-Wynne, I recommend a tour of their website. The elegant home was built in the 1870s, and now sponsors a different non-profit organization every year in a fundraising event. How special that this venue has found a way to give back to the community!

Planning: Events By La Fête / Ceremony: White Memorial Presbyterian Church / Reception: The Merrimon-Wynne House / Florist: Artfully Arranged / Stationary: Arzberger Stationers / Calligraphy by Lynn Titchener / Cake Artist: Edible Art / Ice Cream: Two Roosters / Catering: Rocky Top / Ceremony music: Karl Zinmeister / Reception music : The Punch / Hair and Make-up: Parlor Blow Dry Bar / Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel from Alexia’s Bridal / Veil: Vera Wang from Alexia’s Bridal / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids dress: Shona Joy / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Joseph Abboud from Men’s Wearhouse / Rentals: Party Reflections

Back in June I first blogged about getting to meet Annie and Mat when I worked on their engagement session. I felt truly honored to be a part of that day, Mat had just completed a 17-hour drive down from Canada to be with Annie, whose family hosted the shoot on their gorgeous property in Afton. We all spent the morning together, with Lily (Annie and Mat’s pup) joining in for several photos before scampering off to play in the woods. And at the very end of the session, Annie’s folks stepped into frame for a few pictures too. Watching this loving family from behind my lens was a special gift, so it was a treat to find myself in Afton again recently…this time witnessing Annie and Mat join their lives as husband and wife.
Those who have read my blog in the past know how much I love emotional weddings…and this was one for the books! There was so much love and laughter during the ceremony, and many, many happy tears. Witnessing moments like these is why I do what I do. And I got to spend time with pup Lily again! She was a big part of the day, hanging out with her mom as she got ready for the ceremony. And during the reception, Lily had a wag and a smile for everyone as she basked in all the love and attention! Very sweet. Of course we included her in the portraits too. 🙂
Milestones in our lives come and go; we gather the ones we love around us, and we mark time with these big turning points, these ceremonies and rituals. Even amidst the joy of the most loving celebration, there is often a longing for the ones we’ve lost along the way. Annie, I know how much you wanted your mom to be with you on this day. And I also know that wherever she is now, she is immensely proud of her strong, beautiful (inside and out) and kind daughter. You and Mat have such a beautiful future ahead of you. I feel grateful to know you, and I wish you the very best.

I hope you enjoy this selection of photos from Annie and Mat’s day the way I did capturing them! Thanks Sarah Nyanjom with Wedding Realized for being so wonderful to work with. Also, thanks Sarah Der for capturing their wedding with me!

VA Mountain Wedding

Vendors:

Coordinator: Sarah Nyanjom with Wedding Realized / Florist: The Faded Poppy / Stationary: Minted / Cake Artist: Paradox Pastry / Catering: Hot Cakes Gourmet and The BBQ Connection LLC / Ceremony music: Gene and Gayla Mills / Reception music: Bob Mednikov with AAA Disc Jockeys / Hair and Make-up: Moxie Hair and Body Lounge / Wedding Dress: Blush by Hayley Paige from Wildflower Bridal / Veil: Wildflower Bridal /Bridesmaids dress: RenzRags on Etsy / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Black Tux