Texas Wedding Photographers Blog

Raleigh NC Wedding Photographer | Theresa and Winn

Engagement photos at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh NC. Photo by Caroline Lima Photography.

I have such respect and gratitude for people who work in the medical field. To manage all that training, the hard work, the intense schedule, the relationships with patients… It truly is a gift, and an incredible service to the rest of us. When two people who do this kind of work somehow find each other and fall in love, it seems like it’s doubly deserved! Spending a morning with Theresa and Winn to celebrate their love felt really, really good!
Their recent engagement session took place in the early morning, and was very laid back and fun. We’d communicated beforehand about the possibility of rain, and Theresa was so easy-going. She even suggested we just use umbrellas if there were showers! My kind of bride! A few years ago she was a guest at a wedding I photographed. When Theresa saw the photos I took that day, she told me she could ‘hear’ the bride’s laughter in the photographs. Such a tremendous compliment!
The story of how Winn proposed was very sweet. Theresa and Winn were both on rotation over the holidays (they’re doing their medical residencies at Duke) and hadn’t seen much of each other in four weeks. At midnight on Christmas, Winn paged Theresa to the lobby, supposedly for a consultation. When Theresa walked in, she saw that Winn had set the scene with twinkle lights, small Christmas trees and bouquets. He got down on one knee and asked her to marry him with the most amazing family ring! She said yes…and the room erupted into applause! When Theresa turned around, she saw that the patients and their families there were cheering them on! What a proposal! Below is a sneak peek of their lovely session. Raleigh NC Wedding Photographer Engagement photos at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh NC. Photo by Caroline Lima Photography.

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Chapel Hill Carriage House Wedding | Courtney and Jon

When I first worked with Courtney and Jon last fall on their engagement session, I was struck by how genuine they are. I think it’s impossible not to be drawn to their kind, calm personalities. We had such a good conversation, strolling through the UNC campus. And as I watched them through my lens, I could clearly see the depth of their feelings for one another. When we parted ways that day, I immediately began to look forward to their Chapel Hill Carriage House wedding. Well, the day finally arrived! And it was every bit as beautiful and special as I knew it would be.
For one, Courtney’s smile is absolutely contagious! She was glowing and radiant, and just like Jon cares so much for the people around her. As her bridesmaids were helping her dress, Courtney took time to tell them she felt honored to have them there. She made all of her loved ones feel as special and important as they really are to her. And so did Jon. It is such a pleasure and a gift to see that kind of love and generosity…and it all starts with the bride and groom.
The ceremony took place at the University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. Before it began, Jon and Courtney exchanged letters and gifts. Watching the emotion on Jon’s face as he read Courtney’s words was so touching. At one point, he broke off and said (obviously to himself) “What did I do to deserve her?” A genuine moment that I will never forget! Later, as he watched his bride come down the aisle, tears welled up in Jon’s eyes. So beautiful! And the surprising part? The deep and true emotion of this wedding transitioned into a very exciting dance floor! This bride and groom can definitely cut a rug! I can’t help but giggle now, remembering how much fun it was to watch them at their reception at The Carriage House! I hope you enjoy their photos as much as I’ve been enjoyed working with them! A huge thanks to Kast Events, such a perfect and smooth day!

Thanks to talented Becci Ames for shooting their wedding with me! I love to work with you my friend.

Coordinator: Kast Events / Ceremony: University Presbyterian Church / Reception: Chapel Hill Carriage House / Videographer: Jon Murray / Florist: Diane Joyal – Bowerbird Flowers / Stationary: Blush Paperie / Cake Artist: Buttercream’s Bake Shop / Catering: Beau Catering / Ceremony music: Thomas Brown / Reception music: Arioso Strings (cocktail hour) & Joe Bunn / Make-up and hair: Pamela Hung with OnLoKtion Makeup / Wedding Dress and veil: Maggi Bridal / Shoes: Kate Spade Sela / Bridesmaids dress: Bella Bridesmaids / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Bernard’s Formalwear

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White Stone VA Wedding Photographer | Steph and Tim

Learning the stories of husbands and wives-to-be is a huge part of what I do as a wedding photographer. In fact, I think it’s essential! Hearing stories and history gives me an important window into the bride and groom’s personalities, which in turn helps guide the way I take their photos. It’s been awhile since I’ve had the pleasure of working with high school sweethearts. So getting to spend time with Steph and Tim during our recent engagement session…and learning their story was wonderful!
These two are so much fun! I loved hearing that they went to prom together, and stayed close throughout their time in college. Last summer, after attending ten weddings (yes, you read that right, ten!!), Steph and Tim decided to get away to Costa Rica to celebrate some well-deserved time alone. But escaping the wedding theme just wasn’t in the cards! On their second day in Puerto Viejo, they were enjoying lunch at their beachside hotel when the waiter put down a little something extra with Steph’s plate…a ring! In short order, Tim was down on one knee and they both knew that they had at least one more wedding in their future!
They decided on White Stone, Virginia for the session location, because it’s where Steph and Tim love to spend weekends. They’ve been going there since they were both 19! I could see the true joy in their eyes, being together in a place that’s meant so much to them over the years. They make each other laugh so much and have such great chemistry, it was a delight to photograph them! Steph has an adorable and inspiring cooking blog that you should definitely check it out, it is called The Chaotic Kitchenette! Below is a sneak peek of their lovely morning engagement session!

White Stone VA Wedding Photographer

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Washington NC Engagement Photos | Meghan and Zach

And the songbirds are singing like they know the score
And I love you, I love you, I love you like never before
–Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac)

Falling in love is exciting, thrilling, like nothing else. But if you ask me, one of the best parts of finding true love is the quiet sense of peace it brings; the knowledge that you’ve found your other half and the rest of your life can finally begin. It’s like coming home…where you truly belong. The tune ‘Songbird’, with its graceful piano and the lilting voice of Christine McVie, perfectly captures the essence of a forever romance. And I can’t help but think this song fits Meghan and Zach. Maybe that’s because I happen to know they both love Fleetwood Mac. 🙂
Zach proposed to Meghan under the trees at the Battery in Charleston, South Carolina. It was New Year’s Eve, and he’d surprised her with a stop on the way to dinner. The Battery is such a beautiful place…and doubly meaningful because it’s where Meghan’s father had proposed to her mother nearly 31 years before. So very special! And I’m guessing that Meghan’s dad approved. Apparently, very early on in Meghan and Zach’s courtship, her dad confided to her mom that these two were ‘made for each other’. It definitely shows. Their common goals of becoming doctors (they met in medical school) and their kind, generous natures are clearly a perfect fit. Plus, Meghan has one of the most beautiful, strong Southern accents I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing…and Zach loves it too!
Our recent engagement session started in the afternoon at Goose Creek State Park. We eventually made our way to the waterfront docks in downtown Washington, NC. The lighting throughout was just amazing…and at the end we were treated to an absolutely gorgeous sunset. A perfect way to wrap things up! Enjoy these photos from their lovely engagement session. I can’t wait for their big day!

I absolutely love their outfits, so perfect for both locations. Look at that Meghan’s beautiful dress with pockets!

Washington NC Engagement Photos

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Downtown Raleigh Engagement Photos | Kelly and Drew

Recently I found myself at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, camera in hand. I was there to meet Kelly and Drew for their engagement session (it’s where Drew proposed). It’s always exciting to shoot in a new and different location, especially one that’s meaningful to my clients. But the thing that struck me most was not the modern architecture or the towering globe sculpture…it was the fact that the bride-to-be biked there in a gorgeous silk skirt and heels! Now that’s impressive!
Kelly and Drew met in dental school, and have been together for a little more than three years. Kelly says she had no idea Drew was going to propose…and when he did, it was with a beautiful yellow-gold engagement ring that he designed himself! I love gold engagement rings. I don’t see them very often, and the one Drew created was so unique with an elegant, timeless feel to it. Five minutes into our session, I could tell these two would be a breeze to photograph. They are so comfortable with one another, just talking and laughing…it’s kind of like they share their own special language. 🙂 And Kelly has a great sense of style! I absolutely loved her outfits!
The second part of our session included the couple’s pups, Finley and Penny! Finley is a handsome Golden Retriever (you know that’s my breed!) and belonged to Drew before they met. Kelly came into the relationship with Penny the Cockapoo. The pups get along very well, but guess who’s the boss between them? Penny! Ha! I am honored that I’ll be photographing the upcoming wedding and I look forward to working with A Southern Soiree again! What a treat! Enjoy this selection from our session…it was not easy to pick my favorites!