Gaby & Andrew: Part II

 

As promised, more photos from Gaby & Andrew's beautiful wedding day on August 15! Their fabulous reception took place at one of the most elegant venues in the Triangle area and my personal favorite, the Carolina Inn. I always try to step outside for a few exterior shots once the sun has set, but it's not fully dark yet -- that's when you get that beautiful deep blue in the sky.

 

 

 

Some details from the reception, helmed by the always-wonderful Tracy Adams of Adams and Events. (Seriously, call her -- she makes wedding-related stress disappear.)

 

 

 

The couple's grand entrance into the Old Well Ballroom -- there were so many flashes going off, this must be what it's like to be Brangelina.

 

 

 

 

 

The first dance. Gaby's just the right height so that when she looks up at Andrew, her face is at the perfect angle. Just one of those things photographers notice -- and love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exquisitely-detailed, scrumptious cake from Cinda's Creative Cakes. The inspiration: champagne bubbles!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Andrew's brother Jeffrey kicks off the toasts, while Andrew's mom and dad proudly look on.

 

 

 

 

 

Rather than toss her bouqet, Gaby presented it to her cousin and maid-of-honor, Emily. Gaby gave a wonderfully warm speech about how much Emily means to her. There's always a moment at every wedding where I get a little misty-eyed -- this was it.

 

 

 

 

I love this shot of Gaby's dance with her dad. I've been asked before how I make decisions about which photographs to leave as captured (in color) and which ones to convert to black and white. The answer is both technical and mysterious -- sometimes the color in a photo is perfect and enhances the subject matter, as in the photo below. I love how the colors in the background seem to surround Gaby and her dad.

 

 

 

But in this shot, up close -- I love how deleting the color and going with classic black and white helps to focus on their expressions.

 

 

 

Andrew takes a turn with his mom.

 

 

 

 

 

And then Gaby takes the floor for a spin with her stepfather, Arnold.

 

 

 

 

 

Later, Gaby danced with her mom, Marianne. Love it!

 

 

 

Everyone was having fun. This fine gentleman looks like he can't believe his luck!

 

 

 

Oh how I love to photograph guests having fun at a wedding. Nothing's worse than framing up the perfect shot of a guest having a ball --

then they notice me and turn their back! FAIL!

The talented DJ responsible for keeping everyone on their feet having fun? Mel Manning from Joe Bunn DJ Company.

 

 

 

 

 

But best of all were Andrew and Gaby, thoroughly enjoying themselves. It's too bad Gaby's so unexpressive. ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gaby and Andrew met at one of Chapel Hill's most famous nightspots (I won't call it a bar) He's Not Here -- so naturally, the couple gave out cups with the distinctive logo.

 

 

 

Mayhem ensued. Just what was in those cups?

 

 

 

Weddings are also family reunions of a sort, so I'm always happy to take time out from the festivities to capture relaxed group shots like this one

of grandparents and grandchildren. These pictures are so important to get when everyone's together.

 

 

 

All too soon, it was time to call it a night. Last dance.

 

 

 

Off to Paris!

 

 

 

Gaby and Andrew -- words fail me. Thank you for being so wonderful to work with and giving us so much loveliness to photograph! We wish you everthing wonderful and a long life, with plenty of time for rocking on the porch together!

 

Oct 30, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 1 Comment »

Michelle & Frank: Sneak Peek

Congratulations to Michelle and Frank, who were married yesterday at Edenton Street United Methodist Church. They celebrated with their families and friends afterwards at the Pavilions at Angus Barn, truly one of the most beautiful new venues for weddings and receptions in the area. Here's a shot by (my) Frank:

 

 

 

And one of mine:

 

 

 

 

I can't think of a better way to close out an amazing 2009 wedding season (hello, Christmas!) than sharing the day with these two lovebirds and one of nicest, most laid-back and FUN wedding parties we've had the pleasure to work with. I had to include one of everybody.

 

 

 

Michelle and Frank, thank you -- we wish you a lifetime full of love and happiness! (And the food was so good -- thank you for feeding us the "real stuff.")

Have fun in Fiji (how jealous are we?!?)

 

Oct 26, 2009 | Wedding Photography | Leave A Comment »

Heather & Danny: Sneak Peek

 

Congratulations to Heather and Danny, who were married Thursday, October 15 in beautiful Corolla on the NC Outer Banks. A nor'easter sat over the area for much of the week causing everyone, me included, to hold their breath wishing and hoping for a nice day for their beach wedding. When we left our hotel Thursday morning to head over to the wedding venue, the stunning Hemingway House, it was pouring rain.  But for about two hours in the afternoon, it cleared up in time for both the ceremony and photography outside before the clouds gathered again. We even got a brief moment of sunshine, seen here in one of my favorite shots from the day from their First Look before the wedding.

 

 

 

We had so much fun with Heather and Danny and their family and friends, most of whom came down from Ohio for the week-long celebration. Here's hoping everyone had a safe trip home!

 

Oct 18, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 1 Comment »

Kelly and Chase: Sneak Peek

 

Congratulations to Kelly and Chase who were married yesterday at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC. Kelly and Chase chose to see each other before the wedding (which I love) so that Kelly could give Chase a very special wedding gift and then have plenty of time for photography. I couldn't resist posting this shot of Chase's reaction when he turned around to see Kelly for the first time. I always feel so privileged to be able to witness these moments. I had my long lens on so I couldn't hear anything they were saying to each other, but their expressions in this series of photos are priceless...I can't wait to post more!

 

 

 

 

I decided to also post this one rather than a more traditional portrait because I love how focused they are on each other.

 

 

 

Their wedding was perfect...simple, elegant and intimate. A first-rate celebration followed in the Main Clubhouse with the couple surrounded by family and friends from NC State and beyond. The only thing that marred the day? NC State's brutal loss to Duke in football!

 

Kelly and Chase, thank you for allowing us to share this day with you. Have fun in Mexico!

 

 

Oct 11, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 2 Comments »

Jessie & TJ: Sneak Peek

Congratulations to Jessie and T.J. who were married yesterday at Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC. A lovely, Old South-style reception followed at the Bentley, a romantic inn in the heart of downtown Kinston. Here's one of my favorite shots of the newlyweds. As I was busy photographing the rest of the 17-member wedding party recessing out, Frank ran from his perch in the balcony to grab candids of the couple and their families immediately after the ceremony. I'm so glad he was there to capture their happiness! Jessie is the 12th bride in the family to wear that gorgeous lace veil, originally brought from Spain. She was an absolutely radiant bride!

Thanks to Jessie and T.J. and their friends and family for making us feel so welcome. Hope Hawaii is everything you deserve it to be!

 

 

 

 

Oct 04, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 1 Comment »