Carey and Daryll tied the knot in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in Goldsboro on July 26 at Walnut Creek Country Club. But since I'm just a wee bit behind in my blogging courtesy of a fabulously successful Spring wedding season, in Elizabeth World, they're still counting down the days until the Big One.  Join me in my fantasy, won't you?

Back in April, we met up at Duke Gardens for what would be the first of two engagement sessions, thanks to a surprise thunderstorm. We'd only gotten about 15 minutes into the session when the sky opened up. Daryll is a true officer and a gentleman to boot, so as we huddled under a shelter hoping to wait out the storm, he very gallantly offered to shield my camera from the rain under his shirt. He's even sweeter with Carey.

Sometimes body language says it all:

Possible my favorite from Shoot #1:

It was June before our schedules meshed so that we could give the ol' E: session thing another shot (no pun intended). The couple decided to change up their outfits a bit and the bright orange, blue and green just kills in this picture.  I love it. Plus Carey's eyes are gorgeous.

Sometimes an image just cries out for a little processing fun, like this one. How awesome is the light? I didn't create it, just enhanced it with a little glow and popped the colors a bit. Tres, tres romantique!

I mean, really: how cute are they?

I love the look on Daryll's face in this one.

One of the things that's great about shooting in Duke Gardens in the variety of places to shoot. I'd never even seen this spot before this session and I thought I knew the gardens inside out. I love how sweet Carey and Daryll are together and I love, love, love the pretty light:

Check back soon for a post on Carey's bridal session, including the sweetest little dog in the world, Zoe. Meanwhile, enjoy the E: session slide show!

North Carolina has been in such a serious drought situation over the past year, so going into the Spring, I was really curious to see how the gardens would fare. Happily, it's still one of the prettiest places in the state. Something different is always in bloom from week to week. The week we shot, the different flowering trees were just amazing.

Adria was a trooper trekking all through the gardens in a skirt and heels. She looked so adorable. She told me Brian had requested specifically that they get a little dressed up for the session -- I love it! These two prove you don't have to dress alike for a session to look amazing! I was really into all the color and the warm light.

But of course, a classic black and white portrait is always in fashion.

Speaking of great light, how sweet is this one?

Adria and Brian were married in June, so stay tuned for the post from their gorgeous wedding and reception at Treyburn Country Club. You can view their slide show here.

The ring's the thing...

 

Duke continues to add to and improve the gardens. It seems every time I'm there, something new presents itself as a great spot for photos. I love this bench and the way it's surrounded by the larger plants and tree...it's like their own private garden. There's a quietness to this shot that I love.  Holley's smile says it all.

This shot features details of one of the new bridges installed in the gardens recently. It's so pretty...and steep. You almost have to haul yourself over it by hanging onto the handrail. But it makes a pretty backdrop for a sweet kiss. 

During my first meeting with the couple, as I was filling out their contract, Justin made sure that I spelled Holley's name right, not leaving out the "e". Such a simple thing, but full of love. Holley-with-an-e, he's a keeper! I can't wait for the wedding later this month!

To view their slide show, click here.
 

I love this image. Yes, it's artsy-fartsy. But I'm allowed.

Cute pink shoes!  Christine has found her Prince Charming -- raise your hand if you think Brad looks like Britain's Prince Harry.

Loved how natural they were having their every move photographed for over two hours...

Maybe my favorite.

Thanks, guys, for an awesome shoot. Can't wait until June!

Carla and Jamaal met in college and actually went to the same church but it wasn't until she ran into him in the DMV that sparks flew. They plan to marry in early November and I feel so privileged to be their wedding photographer. Click here to view their slide show.