Michelle & Ryan: Part 2

Here are some of my favorite shots from Michelle & Ryan's reception at the Meroney Theater in Salisbury, NC. But first, a classic portrait of the bride and groom. Most couples I work with tell me that they don't want a lot of posed pictures and we do keep it to a minimum, but I think every bride and groom deserves a classic full-length or three-quarters portrait where they're both looking at the camera. That's the one that's going to be passed down through the generations.

The bridal party took a trolley from the church to the theater. On the way, we stopped for some quick shots at this great mural of historic downtown Salisbury.

Funny story: once everybody got back on the trolley, I had Michelle and Ryan go to the back for a shot in front of the "Just Married" sign. But the trolley driver decided to take off without me, so as soon as I'd nabbed the shot, I was running to try to get back on. I would have never survived on the mean streets of Salisbury, North Carolina...

The grand entrance!

I loved these pretty white lanterns hanging from the ceiling. What a great space.

The big finish!

I love this shot of Karen, Michelle's mom, listening as the father of the bride gives a toast.

Here's the part that always gets my misty-eyed...thank goodness for auto-focus.

Love me some detail shots...

Ryan is a peanut butter fiend, so Michelle had a special cake made just for him. Peanut-butter cake, peanut butter icing, classic peanut butter brand! The detail on the cake was amazing. The wedding cake was styled after the gorgeous pleating on the bodice of Michelle's gown.

The band was fantastic, even if the sax player did yell at me when I almost knocked his saxophone over. Dude, I'm sorry...I was trying to get a shot! I was in the zone.

I love this shot. Look at the expressions on the circle of ladies the ringbearer has attracted with his fierce dance moves.

Go get 'em, kid.

Cue the cuddling.

Die-hard Duke fan Michelle surprised Ryan with her choice of garter -- Duke blue, naturally.

My vote for the best wedding favor of the year: two Krispey Kremes! Don't you just love the mini boxes? A friend of the couple who works at Starbucks also mixed up a special blend just for them that they also gave out along with the donuts. A note on the favor table read, "Two things were required to get through law school: coffee and each other." The note went on to explain that the donuts were in honor of the dozen Ryan once ate at one sitting!

Before the night was over, we snuck outside to grab a shot under the marquee.

Maybe my favorite departure shot ever!

Michelle and Ryan, we loved every minute of our time with you, your friends and families. Congrats again, you guys!