Michael and Michelle's wedding falls under the category of "weddings I will never ever forget."  Scattered thunderstorms were predicted for the entire day of their wedding, and when I arrived, the clouds looked a little scary. It didn't take long for the darkness to roll in; for the skies to open up and pour. During the "getting ready" photos, Michelle was almost in tears. She was so excited to be marrying her man, to be wearing her favorite pink wedding dress, to be in a room with all her favorite girls. But all she wanted was an outdoor ceremony! Was that too much to ask?

Literally, 30 minutes before the ceremony, when we were about to move everything under the reception tent, the skies parted. The sun began shining, and workers busily began drying off all the seats in the courtyard. Michelle was going to get her outdoor ceremony after all!  The guests were happy, and the storm was just what the day needed to cool things off.

Michael and Michelle are perfect for one another. Michelle - a vibrant, fun, caring and thoughtful young woman - is the perfect compliment to Michael, who is laid back, calm, and easy to please. Truly, they make sense together. It's so fun to watch them, because mostly, they just laugh together.

Fast forward to their reception... I have never seen such a group of party animals! Everyone was having the best time of their lives! Silly dance moves, tying napkins onto their heads, lots of laughter... it was the definition of a good party. Then, hours before the reception was supposed to end... a massive storm arrived. So massive that it sent all the guests to the main house in a state of semi-panic! Talk about a memorable day! The reception ended early, but thankfully, that didn't stop the guests from having an amazing time. And we still got that photo of Michael and Michelle on their tandem bike... even in the rain. :]

Thank you, M&M, for allowing me to capture such a memorable wedding day! I couldn't imagine anyone else handling it with as much joy and laughter as the two of you did.

Venue : The Sutherland
Caterer: Shuckers
Cake Artist : Ashley Cakes
Florist : Purple Poppy
Bluegrass Band : Tommy Edwards Bluegrass
Reception Band : Gold Rush
Hair & Makeup : Marigold Parlour
Stationery : Oak City Stationery
Wedding Gown & Reception Dress: Lily Pulitzer from Traditions by Anna
Programs : 3 Little Finches

There are so many reasons why I'm grateful I've met Brittaney and Jeff, why I'm grateful this was my first wedding of the season, why I'm grateful I had the honor of capturing this beautiful wedding celebration.  Truly, this is one of the most heartfelt weddings I've ever been a part of. The love that is shared between this couple and their families is hard to describe. So genuine, so sacrificial, so real. Commitment and loyalty are the roots of the way they choose to love one another. It is a lasting love, a deep love, and honorable love.

One thing that is particularly close to my heart about this wedding is the fact that it was at the Fearrington! Will and I got married at the Fearrington almost 4 years ago, and being an integral part of a wedding here again brought back so many memories of my own wedding. It reminded me how sweet each moment is. I remember my wedding as sort of a "blur," as many would say, so being there reminded me of how important my job really is : capturing those moments that we so easily forget on the most important day of your life.

The last fun thing I loved about this wedding? Many of the images you see below were captured on film! I'm excited to be incorporating film into every wedding I shoot this year. There's something so beautiful and classic about it - I'm hooked :].

Be sure to watch their beautiful wedding film by Inkspot Crow here!

Ceremony + Reception Venue: Fearrington Village
Dress Designer: Lea Ann Belter
Bridesmaids Dresses: Ivy Aster
Jewelry: Expressions by Gwyn
Videographer: Inkspot Crow Films
Coordinater: Gilda at Fearrington
Florist: Mary Stevens at Fearrington
Cake: Jill Leckey at Fearrington
DJ: Steve Stowe for Joe Bunn DJ 
Strings: Arioso Strings

Brittaney and Jeff, thank you for allowing us to capture your wedding celebration. We were so honored we could be a part!

[Above] Loved this moment right after Brittaney's dad saw her for the first time.

Blessings to you, newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe!

I am getting so excited about wedding season!  As I look back over the weddings I photographed in 2011, I am incredibly grateful.  My heart is in my work 100%. I love what I do. The anticipation and excitement that I feel now can only be satisfied by taking more pictures of beautiful couples in love. My first wedding of the year is happening this weekend, and I can't wait!

Here is a recap of some of my very favorite photos from last year.

Here's to a wonderful 2012!

There is something so magical about winter weddings... when the air is brisk, the trees are bare, the lights twinkle and the holidays are near. Robin and Tommy created the most beautiful day together. December 17, 2011, in the heart of Chapel Hill, they committed their lives to one another. Robin has the most classic and beautiful style; reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn.  A Southern Belle at heart, Robin incorporated perfect Southern elements into her day : a chapel length veil, a horse-drawn carriage, baby's breath arrangements, a 1924 reception venue, and a sentimental Bible built into her bouquet to carry down the aisle. Enjoy this beautiful couple's wedding!

Ceremony : Chapel of the Cross
Reception : The Carolina Inn 
Florist : A Fresh Affair

Robin and Tommy chose to have a morning wedding, which perfectly suited them. I adore morning weddings - they are so fresh and vibrant. Not to mention, the light is gorgeous all the way into the reception!

A few of my favorite things about their day? Her lovely ruffled getaway dress with birdcage veil, the fact they drank milk with their cake instead of champagne, and the bells they had family and friends ring as they exited!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Koonce!

When I think of Daphne and Wells as a couple, I think of one word : strength. Each of them have such strong personalities... Daphne is outgoing, sweet, fun, charismatic, and she's not afraid to get to know you. (I love that about her!) She is a woman who sure of herself, and there's nothing more beautiful than a woman with confidence. The Lord paired her with Wells - a fun-loving personality, a leader, "Perma-grin" who is always smiling, sometimes goofy, but always serious about what really matters. Wells has inner strength and joy that is obviously admired by those around him. People look up to him, not only in how he has excelled in soccer, but how he has character and integrity.

When these two came together and began dating, the strength they had individually helped them grow as a couple. Wells lived in Colorado, Daphne in North Carolina. Their love grew stronger over time and distance. Together, now that they are finally married, their love has a strength that is unbreakable. They will love each other, fight for each other, and be there for each other through thick and thin. Their love has commitment, passion, and the Lord Jesus as the center of their marriage. These two have the strength need to last a lifetime.

Ceremony Site : Reynolda Church, EPC
Reception Venue : WinMock at Kinderton
Event Coordinator : Beverly Shepard, Occasionally Yours
Florist : Beverly's of Midway Flowers & Gifts
Band :  Fantasy Band
Caterer : Five Loaves Catering
Cake Artist : Doris Tilley

One unique thing about their wedding was they had a beautiful Gospel Choir perform all their special music! It was incredible.

The inside of the WinMock was breathtaking!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson!