Category Archives: Weddings

May 03-13

Kendra and Jeff's ceremony was so meaningful, I don't think there was a dry eye in the place. Immediately afterwards, they escaped to a private dinner by the pond, which is, in my opinion, one of the smartest things a couple can do on their wedding day. It was a sweet time for them to relax, be together, and of course... eat! Their reception was a celebration in the truest sense of the word. A good time was truly had by all! The details were stunning - Nicole did an incredible job making sure everything was perfect. The menu was unique and delicious - I remember the macaroni and cheese to this day! And of course, the music and dancing was non-stop all night. I didn't even feel like I was working! We had a ball.

Enjoy Part 2 of Kendra and Jeff's wedding!

The Old Edwards Inn is one of my favorite venues to work with. Not only is it an absolutely stunning environment and setting, but their service is top notch. Everything was beautiful and ran so smoothly. 

I died at how adorable their cake was! Tiffany's outdid themselves.  Kendra and Jeff love the Florida Gators, so they were the perfect cake toppers. And they had 3 custom puppies included on the bottom tiers, because they absolutely love their sweet dogs. I love it when couples have cakes that really reflect who they are!

I simply have to say how much I loved the US Beat Band. They were incredible! Hands down, best wedding reception band I've ever heard. Love this image of them through the window!

What a joy it was capturing your stunning wedding! Kendra and Jeff, I am so grateful to have been included in your big day. Congratulations on a beautiful celebration!

Comments: 1

  1. Lisa May 19, 2013 7:15 pm

    I am absolutely smitten with this beautiful wedding! Such a gorgeous couple and so many sweet details!

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May 02-13


Ceremony Venue: Old Edwards Inn
Reception Venue: The Farm at Old Edwards Inn
Officiant: Neil Casad
Cake Artist: Tiffany's Baking Co
Caterer: Old Edwards Inn
Florist: Studio Flora Diva
Event Coordinator: Nicole with Verge Events
Reception Band: US Beat
Hair Stylist: The Secret Spa
Makeup Artist: Blush by Wendy Ballance

Photographing Kendra and Jeff's breathtaking wedding in Highlands, NC was one of the highlights of last year. I'll never forget when I walked into the home where all the ladies were gathered, preparing for the day ahead.  Light was pouring in the windows, their blush dresses hanging ready, laughter filling the rooms, and to top it off - they were having their hair and makeup done on the wrap-around porch. I instantly knew I would love this bride and her friends, that I would love this day. I didn't realize how much, though. I didn't know that I would cry during their first look, that I would be so inspired by every detail, that I would come to call this couple our friends.

Their love runs so deep. Kendra and Jeff have one of the sweetest loves I've ever seen. The way he cared for her, looked at her, admired her - it was moving to capture those moments. (You'll see what I mean during their first look! I was a mess.) And sweet Kendra just melted every time she hugged Jeff, every time she spoke to him, every time they kissed... it was like they had to be near each other. Their loyalty to one another shines in their relationship; truly nothing is more important in this world than each other.

A big thank you to Martha Stewart Weddings for the lovely feature!

Stay tuned for part 2 - coming tomorrow!

Comments: 4

  1. Bumby May 2, 2013 5:03 pm

    super cute!!!

  2. Cheyenne Schultz May 2, 2013 9:10 pm

    Gorgeous work you guys.

  3. Debbie Miller..Mom May 3, 2013 11:28 am

    No wonder you were featured in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine with these pictures! I loved the one with the groom crying.. so sweet. What a sweet wedding
    Gorgeous….Mom

  4. Amanda Marie May 14, 2013 5:17 pm

    LOVE this sweet wedding day! What bride doesn’t want her groom giving a fist pump in the air after the “I Do” kiss?! Just perfect. Beautiful work Nancy!

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Apr 22-13

Ashley and Dustin's beautiful downtown Raleigh wedding was the perfect way to kick off the season! They tied the knot the weekend of St. Patrick's day, and I don't think any of us knew that Raleigh is quite the hub for celebrating St. Patty. It was very festive, people everywhere were dressed in green, and the weather was warm and breezy. Cobblestone hall was the perfect venue for their celebration, in the heart of historic downtown.

One of the highlights of the evening was when the Wake District Pipes and Drums unexpectedly showed up at the reception. They asked to play a few songs for the bride and groom, and it was incredible to hear over 25 bagpipers and drummers filling Cobblestone with their music!  Definitely a fun surprise and memory for every guest!

Ashley and Dustin are simply perfect together. I overheard a family member say, "Ashley is such a rock," and it's true. She is loyal, immovable, unshakeable. She loves and admires Dustin, who loves to laugh and have a good time. They are the perfect balance! Congratulations on a beautiful wedding!

Ceremony Venue: Grace Lutheran
Reception Venue: Cobblestone Hall
Hair + Makeup: Primp Salon bar
Florals: English Garden
Cake Artist: Edible Art
Caterer: Rocky Top Catering
Videographer: Tie the Knot Films
DJ: Island Sound

[Above] Love this shot that Elizabeth captured. Such a sweet moment!

Comments: 2

  1. Ashley Scott April 23, 2013 8:41 am

    Wow Nancy, we love them! I’m really going to have a hard time deciding which ones I want to frame :) Beautiful pictures!!

  2. Em April 28, 2013 4:58 pm

    That is a great shot by Elizabeth!

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Mar 11-13

There are only a handful of weddings that I've photographed that truly make me feel like I'm part of their family, and this is one of them. From the moment I met with Erin's sweet mom in my studio to the moment we were waving goodbye to Erin and Jon after their reception, I felt as though I were amongst my own friends and family though I hadn't known anyone beforehand. I definitely teared up several times, and you'll understand why as you look through and see the loving, raw emotions that filled their wedding day.

Erin and Jon are perfect together. They compliment each other completely. Jon is one of those guys that you just want to be friends with, because he's a genuinely good guy. He's funny, he loves a good time, but he is a very loyal person. I could tell by the way he treated Erin, by the way his groomsmen interacted with him, by the way his family honored him - there was a deep respect for Jon and who he is as a person. And what a perfect match he found in Erin! She has the biggest, most beautiful smile and an even bigger and more beautiful heart. She is selfless and kind, full of Southern grace. Everyone - friends and family alike - had some inside joke or nickname with Erin, because she's the kind of person who simply allows you to be yourself and loves you no matter what! Things like nicknames and inside jokes only come from someone you can be completely comfortable with, and that's who Erin is. You can always be comfortable around her.

And the sweetest thing is to watch both of them together, because they bring out the best in one another! His loyalty, love, and character brings out her selflessness, kindness, and constant joy. Erin and Jon, what a joy is was capturing your day! I am so grateful for the opportunity to now call you friends.

Ceremony Venue: St. Michael's Episcopal Church
Reception Venue: The Stockroom at 230
Officiant: Reverend Greg Jones
Cake Artist & Caterer: Cateringworks 
Florist: Artfully Arranged
Event Designer + Coordinator: A Southern Soiree
Reception Band: EastCoast Entertainment - Rubberband Barry
Hair Stylist: Salon Blu

[Above] Something that may have appeared to be an "accident" was actually a planned inside joke between Erin and her Dad - to begin walking down the aisle with the bouquet in His hand rather than hers! It gave everyone a good laugh when he handed off the bouquet.

Will captured these images below, and I just adore them.

[Above] Jon's fraternity serenading Erin was definitely a highlight of the reception!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Lesica!

Comments: 3

  1. Bethany Ann March 11, 2013 4:36 pm

    What a fun looking wedding! Beautiful images. I love the joke in between the father & daughter. So fun!! :)

  2. Katie @ Lovebird Productions March 11, 2013 7:42 pm

    Such a classic couple. From the bow tie, fur coat and her simple yet jaw dropping gown to the drink stirrers and wooden church doors, I love this wedding. Nancy you are seriously so talented :)

  3. Em March 11, 2013 11:04 pm

    I love the giant poms and balloons on their getaway car!

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Feb 27-13

My heart overflows as I reminisce on this day! Gretchen and Greg, above all else, had a wedding day that glorified the Lord and made His name great.

Gretchen is one of the most beautiful people I've met - on the inside and on the out. Truly, her heart is so pure, her love for her husband and everyone around her permeates a room. She is selfless... always looking to hug someone, say an encouraging word, to give a comforting smile. She is so, so beautiful, and has become more of a friend to me than anything else. She can't help it - she is a friend to everyone! I'm so grateful to know her.

Greg is a man who seeks to please God in all he does. He loves his wife wholly, and it is evident in the way that he cares for and treats Gretchen. She is his treasure! Before they even began dating, Greg and Gretchen worked together and lived closeby. On icy mornings, he would sneak down to her car before she left for work and would scrape her iced windshield so she wouldn't have to. That's just the kind of guy Greg is - always looking for ways to serve and to love. I can't possible begin to describe how amazing their entire love story is, so I encourage you to read it for yourself here.

It has been an honor getting to know this couple and capturing their wedding day!  They have challenged me in their passion for Jesus and their love for one another. Greg and Gretchen - congratulations on a beautiful wedding, and an even more beautiful marriage!

Ceremony Venue: Long Hollow Baptist Church
Reception Venue: Long Hollow Baptist Church Student Building
Officiant: Henry Bieber
Cake Artist: Cara Dyba Confections
Caterer: Kathy's Sugar and Spice Catering
Florist: Ruth's Flowers
Hair Stylist: Dakota Diel
Wedding Dress: Formally Yours
Bride's Shoes: Shop Ruche
Jewelry & Hair Piece: Glamourous Bijoux
Bridesmaids Necklaces: Niania Collection
Bridesmaids Dresses: Philanthropy
Printer: Sow the Seeds Ministry

[Below] Greg LOVES Chick-fil-a. And when I say loves, I mean he loves it so much that he won free Chick-fil-a for a year in a fan-contest, and the "ring box" during their ceremony was a chicken nuggets box. So when his groomsmen told him that he was about to do his first look with Gretchen, then surprised him with the Chick-fil-a cow and lunch, you can bet it was the best gift/prank he could ask for on his wedding day! 

The real first look was too sweet for words. 

[Above]  Will captured this image and it is one of my absolute favorites from the day!

You better believe I cried when I saw the ring bearer walk down the aisle with his "Hallelujah" sign! 

[Above] One of my favorite ring shots of all time, taken on Gretchen's grandfather's Bible.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Saffles!

Comments: 14

  1. Meredith Teasley February 27, 2013 10:48 am

    Nancy, LOVE this wedding! So much fun… great job! I love the rustic feel! :)

  2. Emily @ Southern Weddings February 27, 2013 10:51 am

    Oh my word, that Chick-fil-a first look surprise is AMAZING!!!!!!! Seriously made my week – Greg must have been so shocked! Also, the bouquet toss photo is perfection!

  3. Emily February 27, 2013 11:01 am

    The joy of this couple and all who celebrated with them is palpable in every photo. Loved the colors, fun, and simplicity of it all. Congratulations to the beautiful couple and to Nancy and Will who captured the event flawlessly!

  4. Lauren Jolly February 27, 2013 11:04 am

    I love the ring photo on the Bible! It’s beautiful! Congratulations to the newlyweds!

  5. Sarah Der! February 27, 2013 11:07 am

    SOOoooosoooooosooososos, sweet. I completely love this wedding, with all its style and quirk and wonderful emotion! Swoon.

  6. Ashley February 27, 2013 11:17 am

    What a beautiful wedding! I love how the bridesmaids dresses weren’t your typical cookie cutter matching dresses. Adorable! The shot of the rings on her grandfather’s bible is so neat :)

  7. Faith February 27, 2013 11:21 am

    Oh my goodness, what a sweet wedding! You and Will captured it perfectly! :)

  8. juliet February 27, 2013 1:02 pm

    LOVE!!! especially the cow. so funny!!!
    can’t wait to see you in a few weeks. :)

  9. Kristin February 27, 2013 3:19 pm

    So lovely!

  10. Lindsey McClennahan February 27, 2013 5:16 pm

    Nancy, these images are SO very beautiful Their interaction photos are so precious, and I agree with the hallelujah, that might be the best idea I’ve ever seen. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

  11. Liz February 27, 2013 5:50 pm

    Aside from the obvious clarity and gorgeousness of the photos, I love the bridal party’s attire – very cool and unique!!

  12. Gretchen Saffles February 28, 2013 8:56 am

    I feel like I relived our day looking through these! Thank you for capturing it so beautifully and for all of your sweet comments! This post means so much to us!

  13. Gertie February 28, 2013 7:42 pm

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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. Thanks for visiting, I do hope you stay a while!
Nancy Ray