Laura and Nick

Laura and Nick were married on December 8, 2007 at Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh, NC.  Christmastime weddings are always beautiful, especially when the church is full of poinsettias. I love the way red and green pops in the images.  Interesting fact about poinsettias, though: they spit. That's right. Spit. As in white stuff on the back of the bride's dress. Laura was so relaxed, though (my favorite quality in a bride, right after organized). She was the picture of cool while her bridesmaids rushed to clean off her gown.  Here's one of my favorite shots of her:

Laura's white halter gown was gorgeous and involved...it took her mom about 20 minutes to completely lace her up.  I love shots of the getting-ready process, especially ones of the bridesmaids helping the bride to dress.  There's something about it that sums up visually the way women rely on each other through-out our lives.

I've always thought the guys have it so easy: all they have to do is put on a tux, which is just a slightly-more complicated suit.  However, Frank reports that the button covers always present a challenge. Here's a shot of Nick and all his groomsmen, post button-cover trauma.

I had a good time photographing Nick's little brother Walt.  One of the few kids at the wedding, he really burned up the dance floor at the reception and won first prize, in my book anyway, for cutest mini-adult.  It's obvious Walt approves of his big brother's choice in a bride. Here's a shot of Walt and Laura.  (Laura's gorgeous red rose bouquet came from Fallon's Flowers.) 

When I first met with Laura and Nick, she told me that she loved the steps of the church and wanted to make sure we got some photos there. One of the best things about getting married at Christmastime is that a lot of the decorating is already done for you. The church was beautiful inside and out. Here's the happy couple on their way to the reception...

...and showing off their shiny new rings!

The reception took place at the North Raleigh Hilton. Laura and Nick's first dance was to one of my all-time favorites, Etta James singing "At Last." So romantic...

The cake by Wedding Cakes By Jessica continued the poinsettia theme. If these flowers could spit, it would have been sugar-spit.  It was really, really good.

Laura and Nick were headed to Germany for their honeymoon, so the reception did not go until the wee hours of the morning. And instead of a frenzied sparkler exit, the couple chose a more relaxed send-off with bubbles, for which they will have my eternal gratitude.  Will the sparkler craze please just fade away??

A great couple, a fun day...Laura and Nick, thanks for letting us share it with you! We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness (and German beer).

You can view Laura and Nick's  slide show here.