Raquel & Ryan - Kure Beach Wedding

Raquel and Ryan are two of the sweetest people I've met this year. They radiate warmth and laughter and love. 

One of my favorite things about their wedding (besides her gorgeous, boho dress) was the fact that they shared a first touch on the beach and shared vows they had written to each other with one another before the ceremony. 

They radiate love and laughter wherever they go and their portraits were a breeze (literally the wind was fierce from Hurricane Irma) 

During their reception friends and family gave toasts and they had a swing dance lesson - where all their guests got to learn the dance moves and swing to old timey tunes! 

I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two - but until then enjoy this blog post! 

Lifestyle Laundromat Shoot with Pink Curls N Heels

Lydia & Pradeep - Oaks at Salem Wedding

When Lydia contacted me she told me how important it was to document family. You see Pradeep and Lydia's families had never met before their wedding - as they all traveled from all over to come together for their special day. 

Throughout the day they shared in a multitude of cultural traditions that celebrated both sides of their families. With the impending thunderstorm they decided to have their ceremony under a covered patio which was a great idea because boy did it downpour during their ceremony. 

Luckily - we were able to get a few portraits during their first look before complete darkness took over the evening. 

Pradeep and Lydia are funny and light-hearted and huge Game of Thrones fans (Pradeep spoke Dothraki during their vows) 

Although the weather wasn't perfect their wedding was and I wish them a lifetime of happiness. 

Stephanie & Niko's Fort Fisher / NC Aquarium Wedding

Stephanie and Niko were married in a small, intimate ceremony surrounded by family and friends in the garden of the NC Aquarium. They participated in an unity, hand tying ceremony to symbolize their bond to one another for eternity. They walked barefoot throughout the ceremony and took portraits under the cover of amazing trees at Fort Fisher. 

Their reception was held at the Aquarium at Fort Fisher where friends and family danced and celebrated the night away. 

Max & Haley - Raleigh Courthouse Wedding

Max & Haley decided to forgo the large wedding and spend their money on a European Honeymoon - and I don't blame them (especially as I stalk their photos on Instagram from their travels around Ireland & Scotland ) 

They gathered a handful of family and headed to the Downtown Raleigh Courthouse for their ceremony before heading to Nash Square for family photos. Then we took a pit stop at Lucette Grace for coffee and macaroons, before finally heading to Historic Moore's Square for portraits. 

They finished the afternoon off at Cafe Luna for lunch - and then seriously got on a plane and flew overseas! How wild! 

I'm glad they let me follow them around for a few hours and capture the day. I can't wait to hear about their travels and I hope these memories last a lifetime! 

Twin Peaks Wedding Inspiration

Can you believe it's over? I remember when Showtime first announced the Twin Peaks revival - I was SO EXCITED! I fell in love with Twin Peaks via Netflix and of course the amazing Audrey Horne. 

And when I was looking for Twin Peaks wedding inspiration we were shocked to learn there was hardly any. So Erica (Folie a Duex) and I decided to put together an amazing Twin Peaks Wedding Inspiration Shoot to show couples how to enter the strange and wonderful world of Twin Peaks. 

Full of little Easter Eggs from the show this shoot will be sure to delight any Twin Peak's fan. 

Event Planner: Folie a Duex Events
Models: Anna & Nick Popio
Hair & Makeup: Wink Hair and Makeup
Florals: Wild Scallions Farm
Stationary: Lynn and Lou
Dresses: (Red) Tadashi Shoji
(White) Remy from Leanne Marshall sourced by Gilded Bridal
(Floral) Chotronette
Donuts: Dunkin Donuts
 

Eliza & Jacqueline's Panther Creek Farm Engagement

Eliza and Jacqueline are the BEST couple! Not only did they show me around their farm in Durham, they told me all about the history of the land, and may or may not have let me try some amazing whiskey. 

They were so easy to photograph and it was actually hard to find a photo of them not smiling. They wanted to showcase all the elements of their farm in the photos from the amazing woods were they contemplate summer camps, the bees they hold for Bee Downtown Durham, the bus Eliza spent a summer sleeping and traveling the country in teaching, and sitting down to devour olives, cheese, and bread in a place they've held many a picnic. 

I truly cannot wait for their wedding in October and I'm truly so grateful to have met these amazing, friendly, and loveable ladies. 

Lauren & Joey - Raleigh Courthouse Wedding

I'm a firm believer in no matter if you have a $20 wedding or a $200,000 wedding it's just as beautiful because it's a celebration of love and no one can put a price tag on that. So when Lauren and Joey rolled up to the Hammond Road Detention Center (the weekend location of Raleigh's courthouse wedding system) they were a little bummed. 

I assured them - "It will still look freaking amazing" 

After a quick ceremony inside the center we went outside to exchange rings & take a few family photos. And then it was off to the Rose Garden and Downtown Raleigh to create the perfect mix of sweet and romantic with fun industrialism. 

They shared a first dance on the stage at the Rose Garden to John Mayer's "Your Body is a Wonderland" (which has now inspired me to play music with all my couple sessions because HOW FUN!) 

They told me all about how it was love at first meeting and showed me amazing photos of their mustached cats! I'm so happy for them and wish them the best of luck in the years to come! 

Sam & Breanna's Burning Coal Theater Wedding

I've been waiting for Breanna and Sam's wedding before they even got engaged! Bre is basically my biggest fan (I'm pretty sure I can say that - if not she can yell at me) and this is the last of three weddings that had the same groomsmen. 

We've had many a coffee date making sure everything would be picture perfect and completely memorable. They got married at such a cool venue - The Burning Coal Theater in Downtown Raleigh. 

The bridesmaids had the same dresses but different shoes which allowed the bridesmaids to display their own personalities. The groomsmen were able to picj their own creative socks. Bre also added tons of personal touches throughout the day. She made her bouquet's, backdrops, and centerpieces. They also had friends play music throughout the ceremony in the lobby and during the processional as well as make all the desserts for the dessert bar. 

I'm so excited to share this unique, fun, and colorful wedding with you. 

Boys Getting Ready Venue: ALoft Hotel
Venue: Burning Coal Theater
Wedding Dress: BHLDN
Accessories: ASOS
Shoes: Steve Madden
Guest Book: Shutterfly

The Johnson's: Party of 4

I've been taking photos of Aubin since she was an infant. And this little adorable girl is now going to be a big sister! 

It was definitely hard to keep these photos a secret but it was way worth it and I look forward to all the ridiculous (and amazing) costumes Lindsey is going to put these two in! 

Congrats! And we can't wait to take photos of your newest little one! 

Nicole and Nate's In-Home Session

While most people spend their weekends off hanging with friends, going to the beach, or relaxing - I find any excuse to work. I offered up a free in-home session and was happy when Nicole, owner of the lifestyle blog The Doctorette.  and her boyfriend Nathan, blogger of Chewgether (and their dog Loki) said yes to a little in-home session. 

This great blogger duo opened up their great townhouse in downtown Chapel Hill (with an amazing rooftop patio) and I tried my best to capture their personality as a couple, as well as their love of coffee, board games, and food. 

Hailey and Brendan's Charlotte Engagement

When Hailey found me online I was so excited. She was the nicest, spunkiest, little lady I had ever talked to. Brendan and Hailey are getting married in October in their hometown of Summerville, SC and I cannot wait. 

Brendan has been living in Charlotte and they wanted to explore the city and little and I had heard of the amazing art of NoDa and knew I'd have to bring them there. We walked around in the insane July heat (but they were troopers) and drank coffee. Then we made our way to Freedom Park to see the skyline and play in some water. We ended the day with beer at NoDa Brewing co (where I had the BEST BEER OF MY ENTIRE LIFE) and got to eat at an amazing food truck! 

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I loved taking them! 

Stephanie and Austin's JC Raulston Elopement

After moving from Seattle - Stephanie and Austin had less than 3 months to plan their perfect wedding. What started out as an elopement with just the two of them - it grew to include immediate family. 

I was so lucky that they stumbled upon me because not only are they clients but friends. They have such a great energy and spirit, plus they are insanely funny. We bonded over their love of pizza, beer, and the dollar store.

Their intimate and small ceremony was something out of a dream. They chose a Monday which made it harder for all their family to attend so the ones that were able to celebrate with them meant that much more. 

Stephanie's best friend and MoH have been lifelong friends and even made their wedding cake! 

Their ceremony consisted of Philippine traditions such as the placement of the veil over their shoulders, a rope combining them as one, and the 13 coins. They also incorporated a Western tradition of holding hands to bless the couple. 

They had a small reception at Whiskey Kitchen in Downtown Raleigh. 

Chelsea and Grant Saxapahaw Engagement

I never in a million years thought one of my regular Starbucks customers would one day become my friend and future client for a business I hadn't even dreamed of yet. 

But I'm so glad I met Chelsea and now Grant. These two are so sweet and fun together and even though they are constantly laughing (at each other's expense) they have the most real and genuine love for one another. 

Although I have quite awhile until their wedding (March 2019 to be exact) I am already so excited! Congrats you two - and I can't wait for more photo sessions in the future! 

"Robber's" Inspired Editorial Shoot

I love when music brings people together - especially when that music happens to be my absolute favorite band in the entire world; The 1975. Which I've been lucky to photograph once and Mark (my musical counterpart that you can catch over at Three Region Music) was able to photograph as well. 

See photographs from the Holmes Center Show here: the 1975
See photographs from the Red Hat show here: the 1975
 

And when I mentioned them during Emily's Wedding - I caught the attention of her sister! After gushing about them for probably days I mentioned that I really wanted to do a photo session to kind of embody the essence of them. I also wanted to push myself to photograph a singular person since I'm so used to working with couples. 

Watch the video to see understand the inspiration - then check out my gallery below. 

Deacon's Photo Shoot for Cause for Paws

I love Cause for Paws. We adopted one of our dogs through the organization and couldn't be happier. When they were doing a charity auction to help an adorable puppy named Wyatt pay for some medical bills I was happy to offer up my services. 

That's how I met Deacon. Deacon is an 11 year old yellow lab who loves grass, his family, long walks, balls, rugs, butt scratches, and most importantly treats! We spent a morning at Fred Fletcher Park to take some photos and and did I mention eat some treats! TREATS! 

Siarra and Aaron's Adventurous Engagement Session - Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Siarra and Aaron are the most adventurous couple I've ever met. When we arrived at the Annie Wilkerson Natural Preserve they were ready to camp. We hiked, set up a hammock, and played in the teepee's. 

When Siarra and Aaron told me they wanted to take photos in an air field I said "Hell yes" even though I'm completely afraid of flying I was ready! We were able to take photos on the planes and then take to the skies to fly over Downtown Raleigh. 

I cannot wait for their brunch wedding this October. 

Check out all the photos below.