Blog | Nancy Ray Photography

Southern Surcees • V6

Business + Press

Nov 28-13

Happy Thanksgiving! Gratefulgrams

Gratefulgrams ~ by Nancy Ray ~ no comments

Happy Thanksgiving! We are posting our "Gratefulgrams" a little early this month, since it just seemed appropriate for Thanksgiving Day. I'm currently in the mountains of North Carolina, eating apple cranberry crisp, playing football, making real fires, and beating Will and all of his cousins at Settlers of Catan. Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with memories and love as you step away from work and focus on what matters most.

Here are a few things that we are grateful for this season :

Nancy
Celebrating my best friend / My home studio space / Friends who are like family - there for you no matter what
The opportunity to capture couples on the most important day of their lives / Teaching finances alongside my husband / My sweet family - especially these triplet miracles.

Will
Our family home in Beaufort, NC / My little family
A great birthday celebration with my family / The chance to help people WIN with money

Callie
Sweet freshman girls at Broughton High School / Christmastime / That I get to be a photographer and capture beautiful moments
Wedding celebrations that bring sweet friends together / Scripture that speaks much needed truth / My incredibly funny fiancé who always makes me laugh

Elizabeth
My Kiwi baby / Family / a job I love / Little Tate Traditions

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Nov 27-13

Malini & Greg

Portraits ~ by Nancy Ray ~ one comment

I met Malini and Greg in downtown Wake Forest on a lovely autumn afternoon. It was so sweet to spend time with this couple, because they are so true to who they are. Malini is so sweet, she has wonderful taste (a fellow Anthro lover like myself!), and is not afraid of fun patterns and bright colors. Greg is her perfect compliment: simple, content, a quiet leader of their relationship. Both Malini and Greg are currently working in Chapel Hill as scientists, which is something I have much admiration for. They spend their time in scientific research, so while I was taking their photos, I asked them to explain what exactly it was that they do. While I could try to explain it here, I am sure I would not do it justice! Just know that it was quite complicated, and that these two beautiful people are brilliant. I'm so grateful for people like them who spend their lives studying, researching, and testing ways to improve our health and our lives!

They celebrated their 5th anniversary this year, which was the perfect milestone to celebrate with photos. It was fun talking about marriage and life and change, because Will and I find ourselves in such a similar place - 5 years of marriage, working, no kids yet, simply enjoying life with one another. It's a beautiful season, worthy of documenting. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to capture this season, and I'm sure they will look back on these images 5, 10, 20 years from now, and love them all the more.

Malini and Greg, thank you for being such kind and generous people who love life and love one another. I'm so grateful our paths have crossed!

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Malini December 3, 2013 4:28 pm
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!! These are beyond amazing!! They take my breath away! Thank you so much for taking our pictures. We had a great time with you!

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Nov 26-13

Vanessa & Jim • Wedding

Weddings ~ by Nancy Ray ~ 2 comments

Vanessa and Jim's wedding day was filled with sweet moments. When she slipped on her wedding dress, Vanessa and teared up and stared in the mirror with pure joy. When Jim and Vanessa held hands around the door, they laughed with each other and were so excited this day finally arrived. When Vanessa saw her Dad for the first time, she burst into tears and hugged him close. When Jim saw Vanessa for the first time as she walked down the aisle, she took his breath away. It was a beautiful day at the Highgrove, and it was my joy to photograph such a sweet, beautiful couple. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Green, on a beautiful wedding celebration!

Venue: Highgrove
Officiant: Triangle Custom Weddings
Cake Artist: Sweet Memories Bakery
Caterer: Highgrove
Florist: Fresh Affairs
Reception DJ: Island Sound
Hair: Bella Trio
Make Up Artist: Ashley Mooney
Wedding Dress: Pronovias
Bridesmaid Dresses: Wtoo
Film Processing: Indie Film Lab

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Emily November 26, 2013 5:37 pm
I just love those pictures of them laughing while holding hands around the door!! Such a genuine moment!
Carrie Coleman November 26, 2013 9:11 pm
Nancy, I love these! Have you been shooting exclusively in film?

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Nov 25-13

Katie & Josh • Engaged

Portraits ~ by Callie Pitts ~ no comments

Katie and Josh booked me to shoot their wedding without ever meeting me, so as I was driving to Greensboro I had so many feelings of excitement to meet a new couple! We met first at their adorable home, which they recently purchased. Katie and Josh love their sweet dogs Leyland and Bryce and wanted to make sure that we took a couple of pictures of their little family.

We then went over to Bicentennial Gardens, where the light was absolutely gorgeous! The best words to describe our time together - genuine and natural. It was so evident that these two loved being around each other. And of course, I loved hearing their love story. Josh told me that the night he met Katie at ECU for the first time, he went home and told his friends "I love this girl." We laughed as he explained that his friends poked fun of him for saying that about a girl he just met, but it was true. After dating some time, they were called to different cities and were forced to date long distance - Josh in California and Katie in Virginia. Even so, they knew that it was worth it. One day, Katie finally told Josh that they needed to be together, so Josh moved back to the East Coast to be with her. This couple was patient with each other and with time.

Katie and Josh, I am so excited for your Fearrington Wedding in the Spring! It will be here before we know it!

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Nov 21-13

Song of the South

Business + Press ~ by Nancy Ray ~ 13 comments

I have been waiting so long to share these images, and I am so happy that today is the day I am able to share them with you! To watch an editorial shoot like this one go from a vision in my mind to real life is incredibly rewarding. First off, I want to send a big thank you to Southern Weddings Magazine for featuring "Song of the South" in V6. Be sure to stop by their blog today and read the Behind the Scenes post , as well as their post on "Song of the South!" And if you haven't picked up your copy of V6, be sure to go buy one or leave a comment below! I'll randomly choose a winner from the comments ON DECEMBER 2ND and send you V6 in the mail.

This editorial took place in Nashville, Tennessee. No better place to do a shoot centered on music than Music City! I had an incredible team to work with. Amber Housely was the stylist who made everything come to life. At the time, she had just found out she was expecting! I was amazed at how hard she worked with all she had on her mind. Linda from Cedarwood Weddings worked wonders with the florals and much of the styling, and Latrice from Opulent Couturier styled all of our wonderful models, making them as stunning as ever. And a huge thank you to all of my models! Many who are regular readers of SW.

Thanks and hugs to the amazing team of vendors who contributed to this editorial. It would not have been nearly as lovely if even 1 of you were missing! ::

Film Processing : Indie Film Lab / Planning, Event Styling, Paper Goods: Amber Housley Weddings / Venue, Floral Designs, Event Styling: Cedarwood Weddings / Fashion & Wardrobe Styling: Opulent Courtier / Hair & Makeup: Jessica Arnholt, Studio BBC Nashville / Paper Goods Calligraphy: Hardink Calligraphy / Prop Calligraphy: Cedarwood Weddings / Cake: Patty Cakes / Band/Musicians: Jace Aaron and The Ranchers / Bridal Jewelry: Love Shine Bridal / Veils, Sashes, Accessories: Beatrice Couture Designs / Bridal Gowns: Olia Zavozina / Bridesmaids: Watters & Watters from The White Room - Lebanon / Menswear/Grooms Party: Street Tuxedo / Flowergirl dresses: Cotton Angels

I introduce to you my sweet triplet nephews: Maverick, Crews, and Warner. Can you even handle how cute they are in these tuxedos? I can't!

"Crewsie bug" :

Below:one of my favorite things about the details was how the calligraphy menu was printed right onto the napkins. A beautiful touch!

Above: I don't even like lemon cake. Honestly, I don't. But I could not stop eating this once it was served. If I was getting married in Nashville, I would absolutely use Patty Cakes. It was that good.

Below: The whole crew! Yes, all of these kiddos belong to my sweet sister and her husband! I'm one lucky aunt!

A big thanks to Chrissy and Eddie, our bride and groom models who are also photographers in the Nashville area!

Comments: 13

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Candace Prokopets November 21, 2013 7:06 pm
Beautiful shoot! I’m in love with the last black and white photo, but there are so many more sweet moments. The lights and the laughter! Gorgeous! I have not gotten my hands on the V6 yet, I hope I win!
Kristen Johnson November 21, 2013 9:13 pm
These photos are amazing. Nancy, you have so much talent in catching the moment,
Latrice of Opulent Couturier November 21, 2013 9:19 pm
I could not wait to finally see these lovely images. What an amazing day & so grateful to have helped this vision come to life! You are amazing sweet lady!
Hannah November 22, 2013 12:33 am
Nancy, your nieces and nephews are absolutely adorable! I am a huge fan of Southern Weddings and I’m so glad you are able to collaborate with them. Keep up the good work!
Brittany Werths November 22, 2013 12:58 am
Such a GORGEOUS shoot! Amazing job, Nancy. I miss those sweet little Blanton faces!
Emma Dhesi November 22, 2013 3:47 pm
Hey Nancy! This post was great! I really love the last image in black and white. I like how Chrissy is grabbing Eddie’s jacket and the way her dress is flowing around the chair. The photo communicates both your artistry and the couple’s love!
Bailey Jean November 27, 2013 2:01 pm
I love this feature! Simply gorgeous. I’ve also been in Seattle since June so feel free to send that copy of SW6 my way!
Laura Barnes November 27, 2013 2:08 pm
What a gorgeous styled shoot!!! Nancy – you are SO full of talent!!
Erin November 27, 2013 2:28 pm
Beautiful photos of our nieces and nephews. I live so far away that I never get to see them, so I love getting to see them in your photos. You are an amazing photographer.
Ashley November 27, 2013 2:54 pm
So sweet! I love this editorial!
Megan Cross November 27, 2013 2:59 pm
Perfection! I love the banana pudding and LOVE the hymn on the chalkboard door- just beautiful
Ally King November 29, 2013 2:20 am
Nancy these are just stunning!!! I finally got my SWV6 last weekend and flipped through the pages to find your editorial spread first! I couldn’t wait to see it in print! The light, the color scheme, everything is just perfect. And your nephews and nieces are adorable! I can’t stop looking at it!!
Song of the South : V6 WINNER! | Nancy Ray Photography December 2, 2013 7:43 pm
[…] Congratulations to Laura Barnes, WINNER of the Song of the South V6 Giveaway! […]

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Nov 20-13

Graham & Sam • Maternity

Portraits ~ by Nancy Ray ~ 4 comments

Oh I love these sweet friends! Graham and Sam are gifted photographers and friends in Chapel Hill, and earlier this year they took photos of us for our 5th anniversary. Now it was our turn! We decided to do a 100% film photography swap, and it was so much fun. Because we are both artists, we allowed the other full permission to do whatever the other one wanted. We trusted each other, which made it really laid back and fun. I met them early one morning, and we took all of these photos in and around their home. I loved all the space and greenery we had to choose from! It was so lovely. They are expecting their little one to arrive really any day now.... due on December 5th. I can't wait to meet Baby T!

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Samantha November 20, 2013 5:55 pm
Nancy, we can’t thank you enough! We love these and are truly grateful for such beautiful images to remember this exciting season in our lives! We can’t wait for our sweet boy to meet you soon! xoxo
Julia November 20, 2013 6:45 pm
Such sweet images Nancy! So happy for Sam and Graham!
Allison Mannella November 20, 2013 7:00 pm
So beautiful! Love all of these, especially in all film!
Em November 21, 2013 2:27 am
So sweet! I love all of them, but one of my favorites is Bolo with the stick

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Nov 19-13

Meg & David • Wedding

Weddings ~ by Nancy Ray ~ one comment

Meg and David had the sweetest Fearrington wedding. It was so simple and elegant, full of laughter, and the dancing was so. much. fun. Let me tell you - Meg and David have friends that love to dance, and Joe Bunn was the perfect DJ to keep them dancing! The bridesmaids' deep purple was the perfect color for September, the weather was crisp and beautiful - it couldn't have been a more lovely day to get married. As I got to know the two of them, I learned that they both moved to a new city for each other's careers, and while they are very loyal to very different college teams, they respect that in each each other. (True love since their teams couldn't be bigger rivals!) I loved photographing their wedding and getting to know them. Congrats David and Meg!

Venue: The Fearrington
Officiant: Rev. Dr. J. Thomas Kort
Caterer: The Fearrington
Cake Artist: The Fearrington
Florist: The Fearrington
Event Designer & Coordinator: The Fearrington
Ceremony Music: Marilyn Wienand
Reception DJ: Joe Bunn DJ Company
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Mina's Studio
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahniks
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
Flower Girl Dresses: J.Crew Factory
Guestbook: Harvey Grey
Wedding Favors: The Knot Wedding Shop
Bridesmaid gifts: Do Re Mi Jewels by Julia Bergen

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Lauren November 20, 2013 8:14 pm
LOVE this. Especially love that we had the same wedding dress!

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Nov 18-13

How to WIN with Money

Business + Press ~ by Nancy Ray ~ 10 comments

I don't know if you've heard of the Influence Network or not, but it's about time that you did! In my opinion, the concept is brilliant. It is an online community for women of faith to learn from others, to share with others, and grow as individuals and entrepreneurs. Their about page says it all :

THE INFLUENCE NETWORK is for creatively minded women, who are looking for an uplifting community where they can be encouraged and also resourced to make their online lives MEAN SOMETHING.

I was so honored when Jessi asked me to speak on the Influence Network alongside my husband. We will be sharing all about personal finances - something we are very passionate about.

If you just said, "UGH. Finances = BORING!" in your mind, then you should totally sign up for this class. Why? Because that's what I thought about finances before we were married! And since then, I've learned how finances can be a powerful tool to fuel a good marriage, the gospel, contentment, your business, and things that matter in your life.

No, money is not everything. As a brother said in church this Sunday, it's NOT about chasing the dollar. But we are stewards in the Kingdom of God, and we are called to manage our money well - for His glory.

Here are some things we'll be talking about in our Class on Monday 11/25 at 9pm:

• How we became unified in our finances even though we came from totally different backgrounds
• Creating a budget
• Our story : How we paid off our house at the ages of 25 and 27
• The importance of Contentment
• The Envelope System
• The importance of Self Control
• How YOU can win with your money
• Being an example in our culture of materialism
• Staying Kingdom-minded
• Thinking long term instead of living a life of instant gratification

If you are planning on coming, please please leave a comment! I would love to know who we are speaking to ahead of time. Cannot wait to see you there! And a BIG THANK YOU to the Influence Ladies for the invitation. We are so, so honored!

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Blair Erickson November 18, 2013 4:54 pm
I am coming!! I am so excited. I am almost a college graduate (in May 2014!!) so I know this is the time to start thinking and learning more about money. I want to be a good steward of my money so I am excited to hear more about your story plus all of your wonderful tips! Yay!!
Whitney Davis November 18, 2013 7:09 pm
I am so excited about this class! I have been a long time follower of you and a member of the influence network since it began and seeing yall collide is amazing! Me and my husband are making the last payment on our student loans this month and are so pumped!

See you in the classroom next week!
Lindy November 18, 2013 9:36 pm
Just signed up! The timing of this couldn’t be more perfect. My fiance and I have been talking more and more about money lately, wanting to be sure we’re starting off our marriage on the right foot where finances are concerned. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to learn from you and Will! Thank you : )
Jessa R. November 19, 2013 12:30 am
Hello! I’m so interested, but it says “How to Win with Money is back-ordered. We will ship it separately in 10 to 15 days.” Does that mean that it’s too late to sign up?
Mackenzie Throne November 19, 2013 4:39 am
I’m coming! I cannot wait to hear y’all’s wisdom on finance. I don’t want to live in the fog, I want clarity and to know what to do with what’s been given to me. I can’t wait to hear your story and how to win with money!
Abi Losli November 19, 2013 8:49 am
Yes, yes, YES! I’ve been looking forward to this since it was announced. I loved hearing your heart at MTH back in March, and I’m so excited to hear from you again, and your sweet man. Excited about this topic, too, because I definitely see some unrealized potential in our budget (and my attitude towards it!). Can’t wait!
Kristen Draughn November 19, 2013 5:40 pm
I just signed up for the online conference! So excited to hear about managing money from a Christian couple. My fiance and I are very much looking forward to starting off our marriage on the right foot!
Becca Ramsey November 19, 2013 5:59 pm
My husband and I are going! He has just completed medical school and we are looking at how to manage his educational loans in a Godly manner! Cannot wait to learn from you all- we are also fairly young (27 and 30) and we have much to learn!
Maggie Pierce November 20, 2013 3:15 pm
My husband, Jonathan, and I will be attending! We’ve been married just over a month and want to make sure we start off on the right foot with our finances. Jonathan has a business degree in management and entrepreneurship, and we hope one day to own our own business of sorts one day. However, I am completely illiterate in business and financial speak. We hope to learn about or personal as well as future business finances and God’s hand in both. So looking forward to this! (Also love your blog!)
sara November 21, 2013 11:43 am
i’m going to sign up! i’m 26 years old and already on the Dave plan. I’m debt free, saving 15% for retirement and also a house (one day.) I need to keep surrounding myself with other people who are winning. I can’t wait to hear about balancing the saving for the future vs. giving and spending now.

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Nov 13-13

Southern Weddings • V6

Business + Press ~ by Nancy Ray ~ one comment

I am so grateful to have been included in Southern Weddings Magazine V6. What an honor! Be sure to pick up a copy of your own at your local Target, Barnes and Noble, or your can order them online here. You’ll see two lovely sections that feature my work: Southern Surcees and Song of the South. I am so humbled and so grateful to be in these pages. This magazine is so full of meaning, heart, marriage, and true love - all the things that a weddings magazine should be founded on. A big thank you to all the ladies at Southern Weddings for this honor!

I photographed the Southern Surcees Section in the Southern Weddings Office, and it was an all-day affair! There were so many sweet treats to photograph, and you can be sure I took a pound cake home, and also gave another to my neighbor.

Song of the South was photographed with an incredible team of vendors in Nashville, Tennessee. (You'll hear all about this editorial soon!) My favorite part? My triplet nephews and adorable nieces graced the pages with drums and tambourines!

Be sure to get your own copy of the Magazine today!

Comments: 1

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Gretchen Saffles November 14, 2013 5:57 pm
I spy the Blanton kids and they look adorable!! Beautiful pictures, Nancy! You have such a gift from the Lord to capture His beautiful creation.

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Nov 11-13

Joel & Jordan • Engaged

Engagements ~ by Nancy Ray ~ 2 comments

When I met Joel and Jordan in the early morning for their engagement session, I was absolutely giddy. The ground was wet with dew, the sun was rising, and they had picked the most beautiful location - family property that had a beautiful field, a big barn (where Joel proposed), and a sweet pond with a bridge. Does it get any better than that? What I loved about these two is how comfortable they were. They were 100% themselves - relaxed, authentic and true.

Not only do I love this couple, but I can already tell I'm going to love their families. Joel's Mom sent me home with fresh flowers from her rose garden after she welcomed me into their living room for a chat. Southern hospitality at its finest! I cannot wait for their wedding celebration. I'm sure it will be full of sweet friends and family and love this couple to pieces, as I already do!

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Jordan November 11, 2013 5:27 pm
Love these Nancy! It was so fun to shoot with you and Joel and I are just so excited about our wedding day. THANK YOU!
Carolyn November 13, 2013 10:35 pm
Love these! They turned out so great!

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Photographer, wife, and worshiper... I am a Southern girl who looks most forward to waking up each morning to drink my coffee, read my Bible, and soak in the beauty that surrounds me. These pages chronicle my work, my life, and the things that I love most. You'll also hear from Callie, Will, and Elizabeth - my amazing team who has so much to offer. Thanks for visiting, I do hope you stay a while!

Nancy Ray

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