Category Archives: Weddings

Jan 12-12

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!

Comments: 9

  1. jennifer blair January 12, 2012 6:05 pm

    What a gorgeous wedding!

  2. Liz January 12, 2012 8:27 pm

    I was just reading this post, and my husband (reading over my shoulder) couldn’t help but comment on how amazing your photos were. He likened them someone who really would have photographed that era. Be proud – they’re gorgeous images! I say gorgeous, because my husband can’t use that girly word :)

  3. Leah January 13, 2012 2:21 pm

    Just beautiful Nancy! You documented their day perfectly, I just love all these pictures!

  4. Tiffany Tyson January 14, 2012 9:32 pm

    Robin you are a beautiful bride and the pictures are gorgeous!! Congats

  5. Lindsay Ann January 15, 2012 10:08 pm

    These are absolutely stunning! The couple must be thrilled with them! And I completely agree with Liz’s husband.

  6. Laura Kelly January 16, 2012 4:49 pm

    I loooove this wedding! Each photo is so creamy rich and perfect…it’s stunning, really :)

    Plus, she’s GORGE!

  7. Ginny Corbett January 17, 2012 2:35 pm

    GORGEOUS wedding, cuz!! You nailed it!

  8. Jessica January 17, 2012 10:16 pm

    Beautiful! What a stunning bride. I LOVED the milk idea!

  9. Cyn January 18, 2012 5:43 pm

    Oh my – what a GORGEOUS Wedding! Love it so much – amazing photos, Nancy!

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Dec 30-11

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!

Comments: 0

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Dec 07-11

As I got to know Amber and Jon throughout their engagement, I knew there was something really unique about these two. Something that I loved to be around, to photograph, to witness. I was drawn to them, and I loved capturing these two together. I couldn't really tell what it was at first - why they were so different, why they were so unique. But after spending much time with them, and especially after capturing their wedding day, I realized that these two are not meant to be apart. It's fireworks when they are together. Really and truly, Amber and Jon are meant to spend the rest of their lives together. And when that happens as perfectly as it did for this couple, you can't help but be drawn to the love they share.

Individually, they are each incredible people. Amber is one of the kindest, most gracious women I've ever met. She carries her head high, she has an inner beauty that shines through in her sweet personality, and she loves living life. Jon is the life of the party, always laughing, dancing, smiling. He is a strong leader, and he loves finding the adventure in the small things. So yes, while these two are incredible individuals, it's what they are together that is so spectacular. I was truly honored to witness and capture this wedding celebration!

Venue : Raffaldini Vineyards
Event Planner / Designer : Rebecca Rose Events
Caterer : Holly Tate Fine Catering
Florist : Green Bee Florals
Band : Swift Creek Music
DJ : 600 South DJ
Hair and Makeup : Updo's Studio
Dress Designer : NY Bride
Tuxedos : Executives Cutting Edge
Bracelet and Hair Brooch : Fine & Fleurie
Earrings : Luxe DeluxeDress Hanger : Shabby Chic Creek Shop
Burlap and Button Decor : Gypsy Skies
Stamped Pie Forks : Pretty Paris
Getaway Ribbons : Craft up your life
Father of Bride Hanky : Embroidery by Linda
Invitations/Table Numbers/Programs : Designed by the groom (amazing!) and ordered through Cards and Pockets
Linen Rentals: Connie Duglin Rentals
Other Rentals : Hauser Rentals
As you Wish Letterpress : The Big Harumph

After much consideration, Amber and Jon decided to do a first look. In my opinion, they did it right. They took their time reading one another their wedding vows, and they made a sweet memory out of it. (I was definitely crying behind my camera!)

 

(Above) This simple shot is one of my favorites. Such elegance.

(Below) Let me introduce you to Jon's baby. This is his beautiful Camaro - the perfect getaway car! It even made an appearance in their engagement session too!

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Beckwith!

Comments: 5

  1. Becca December 7, 2011 6:04 pm

    Oh Nancy, these are gorgeous! It was such a joy to work with these two and I’m so thrilled to see how beautifully you’ve captured their wedding day.

  2. Liz December 8, 2011 9:14 am

    Nancy, how do you do this? These are just amazing! I actually feel like I was there :)

  3. Amber December 9, 2011 10:00 am

    We could not be more ecstatic about how wonderfully and truthfully you captured our day. You have a gift! We can’t wait to see the rest of our pictures! Many many thanks to you and Will! xo

  4. Lauren December 9, 2011 10:57 am

    Nancy, I’ve been following your blog for over a year now and I love the changes that you’ve made! You are clearly a driven businesswoman with a good head on your shoulders. You take beautiful pictures and you inspire me with your positive attitude and love of Jesus. I love reading your goals each month and making my own list too. Thanks for being who you are and letting others peek at your life too!

  5. Steven V. December 9, 2011 11:05 pm

    Beautiful photos! You did a great job at really capturing that day. I especially love the last shot.

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Nov 21-11

This beautiful wedding absolutely captured my heart. Janine and Craig were absolutely meant to be together - no question about that. Craig is a caring, charming gentlemen who does such an amazing job of cherishing Janine for who she is. He celebrates her and her accomplishments, and it's obvious he believes in her. Janine is one of the most genuinely creative and beautiful brides I have ever worked with. She walked with such peace and  confidence on her wedding day, and she truly was the mastermind behind each detail and wedding inspiration you will see. My favorite part? The fabric buttons to tell you where to be seated. Or maybe it was the ribbons. Or maybe the fonts she used. There are so many swoonworthy details! Enjoy this lovely wedding.

Stationery and Design : Janine Rae Designs (the bride herself!)

Florist : The English Garden

Cake Designer : Swank Cake Designs

DJ : Anything Music

 

 

Comments: 1

  1. Josh Gruetzmacher November 21, 2011 9:47 pm

    Test 3 ;) You rule! Everything about this wedding is perfect!!!

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Nov 03-11

You know that moment, right before it rains, when the skies are cloudy, the air is cool, and there is a wonderful breeze all around you? It's almost magical, like you know something is about to happen. That's exactly how Brandy and Steven's wedding day felt. It literally felt like any second the skies were going to open up, but we never saw rain. A cool breeze blew all around us, creating motion and wind that made the ceremony even more exciting. There was, of course, much anticipation in the air as Brandy was having her hair and make up done, as we were outside taking pictures, as the girls were laughing and playing with the couple's adorable son, Sully.  But mostly, this day just felt magical.  I think all the goofing off and enjoyment of the day made it so much fun, but my favorite moment was when Steven saw Brandy for the first time. Their love for one another is not easily hidden.

Hair Stylist : Split Endz
Dress, Veil and Sash - Vera Wang
Bridesmaids Dresses : J. Crew
Shoes : Target
Ceremony Site : Christ Episcopal Church
Reception Site : New Bern Farmer's Market
Catering : Hilton Riverfront
Cake Designer : Mickey's Pastry Shop
Florist Designer : Anne Griggs Floral Designs
Centerpieces and Guestbook : Bragging Bags @ Etsy
Garter : Rosebud Lips @ Etsy
Flower Girl Dresses : Dress Baby Beautiful @ Etsy
Cake Stand : Roxyheartvintage @ Etsy
Hair Pins : Amore Treasure @ Etsy

Below: Isn't Sully the cutest?!

I really adored all the florals in this wedding. Ocean inspired, pastel colors... just lovely.

The outdoor seating was absolutely perfect. The Spanish Moss hanging, the church in the background... everything together created such a beautiful atmosphere.

Below : this moment totally got me. My brother wasn't at my wedding because he was deployed, serving our country.  When Steven got to actually SEE and talk to his brother (who is currently deployed), I definitely had to hold back the tears!  Gotta love technology!

I'm not exaggerating when I say this bridal party definitely brought the "party" to the wedding. They were so much fun! 

And now, prepare for your heart to melt :


Congratulations, Brandy and Steven!

Comments: 4

  1. Kristina November 3, 2011 11:09 am

    Nancy these are great. Just perfect.

  2. Brandy November 3, 2011 11:51 am

    Nancy, I don’t even have to tell you how happy I am with these photos…what a wonderful way to remember our wedding day. You and Will truly have a gift :) Thank you so much for capturing one of the best days of our lives.

  3. Amber November 3, 2011 12:15 pm

    These are all so beautiful, the lighting is perfect. What a lovely wedding day and family.

  4. Jessie November 3, 2011 1:03 pm

    I love every detail about this wedding. The flowers are amazing. Seriously, one of my favorite weddings I have seen!!!

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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