Professional Photographer Raleigh Wedding Blog

Jul 16 2011

Andrew + Holly La Residence Chapel Hill Wedding Reception

The Church of the Good Shepherd Wedding

It was a beautiful Saturday in June. Two people, so in love, were donning their formal attire in final preparation for their wedding day. And so it was, Andrew and Holly, early Saturday morning, among family and friends at The Church of the Good Shepherd. You may recall Holly from her beautiful and fun filled bridal portrait session earlier this Spring. But unlike the bridal session, this was no rehearsal. Today, she and Andrew would become Dr. & Mrs. Lee! And that would be the cause for the celebration that took place at their La Residence Chapel Hill wedding reception.

But before we jump to reception celebration, I believe that we should not lose sight of the reason to celebrate. You may have noticed that I LOVE to show plenty of images from the actual wedding ceremony. I do this because it is the most important part of the day! This is where the bride & groom profess, before God and man, their vows: unto death due them part. It is here that the marriage takes place, once, and to be forever celebrated in the lives of this new couple. With that said, I now present to you, Dr. & Mrs. Lee!

See more images from their La Residence reception …

Jul 13 2011

Darrell + Crystal | New Bern, NC

There are times when photographing weddings take me to places I’ve never been before. That’s exciting. But to return to a place I once called home and work as a New Bern wedding photographer for the first time is equally exciting. You see, Darrel & Crystal wedded in New Bern, NC just last month and I had the privilege to document their wedding day. To call it a privilege can come across as cliche. In fact, I find it a privilege to photograph all of my clients weddings. But this wedding has special meaning for me in so many ways. As I mentioned, I once lived in New Bern. I’ve even attended Dayspring Ministries during my short stay in New Bern while attending the local community college. However I had not worked as a New Bern wedding photographer until now, because my time there was just before my photography business was birthed in 1998. But there is more to the privilege because of the friendship between Crystal and my wife. As I look back on the days when I first laid eyes on my wife, I often saw her sitting on the same pew with Crystal. They were both attending UNC Chapel Hill at the time. Part of the campus ministry outreach of the Upper Room. Friends, as well as sister’s in Christ. Yes, this wedding day was more than providing photographs for another client, my sister was getting married.

On this day Darrell and Crystal became husband and wife. And to my delight, they allotted about one hour for photographs at the Tryon Palace in downtown New Bern, NC after their ceremony. Darrell surprised Crystal with a horse drawn carriage to carry them to Tryon Palace. He then proceeded to pick her up and carry her from the carriage to the curb just before entering the palace. Chivalry is alive and well represented by Darrell.

I hope you enjoy the images from their wedding day as much as I enjoyed capturing them. If so, please let the newlyweds know by clicking on like buttons below. And feel free to leave them a short message of well wishes in the comments section below. Without further delay, I present Darrell & Crystal wedding day preview.

See more images from their New Bern wedding …

Gerri Parson - July 13, 2011 - 2:09 PM

Thanks for sharing your photos with us. They are beautiful.
Do what works for both of you. May God’s blessing flow throughout your marriage.

Cynthia Young - July 13, 2011 - 2:57 PM

Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures! May you both continue to be blessed with happiness and love.

Kennybeads - July 13, 2011 - 4:43 PM

Awesome photo album!!! Awesome couple…. God bless the memories and the future… God First in everything

Chyrrea Sebree - July 13, 2011 - 7:59 PM

The bride and groom make marriage looks so natural for them. The photos capture so much love; it’s palpable even on screen. So beautiful!

Dave Kemp III - July 14, 2011 - 11:19 PM

Very Beautiful Photos! The essence of a life together begins with these pictures! Thanks for sharing.

Pam Starks - July 14, 2011 - 11:22 PM

Congratulations DJ and Crystal…may God bless your union. Your photographic memories are absolutely gorgeous -thanks for sharing.

Flip Robison - July 15, 2011 - 3:51 PM

Hey, Crystal! Your wedding pictures are beautiful and you and Darrell are a beautiful couple. Congratulations!! Beth and I will try to make it to your reception in Indy.

Tracy L. Cooper - July 15, 2011 - 7:52 PM

Beautiful! Absolutely beautiful! God Bless you both! It’s so good to see two people basking in God’s love!

Pat Rogan - July 16, 2011 - 9:17 AM

Congratulations, Crystal and Darrell! Your wedding was a beautiful event and the photos capture your love. Best wishes always.

Chalmer Thompson - July 22, 2011 - 4:46 PM

LOVED the photos, Crystal and many blessings to you and Darrell as you embark on this new journey. Chalmer

Regan Hampton - July 25, 2011 - 10:33 PM

Beautiful

Vida Staton Jenkins - July 26, 2011 - 11:10 PM

These photos were beautiful. I pray for Gods blessings and favor over.
this union now and forever!

Christel L. Hamilton - July 27, 2011 - 8:53 AM

these were beautiful…really captured love and happiness.

Barbara Joyner Lee - July 27, 2011 - 4:09 PM

Most beautiful pics

Chazitee Hargett - August 8, 2011 - 12:47 PM

These pictures are gorgeous an I’m so happy for you.congrats!

Keith Hudson - September 6, 2011 - 3:44 AM

Stunning!

Jun 26 2011

Bridal Portraiture | Holly

Congratulations to Andrew & Holly on their beautiful wedding this morning! As is ALWAYS the case, I have kept Holly’s bridal images under wraps until this day. Now that Andrew & Holly are hitched, we can now show everyone how much fun we had photographing her Chapel Hill bridal portraits. I love the campus of UNC Chapel Hill. I don’t mind saying that, although I am an NC State University alum! I’m a civil kind of guy, I even married Blue (just like Andrew). Really, that campus is like candy for a Chapel Hill wedding photographer. I’m excited to shoot there every chance I get. Take a look at Holly’s bridal portraits and you’ll see why.

See more images from Holly’s Chapel Hill bridal portrait session …

Jun 23 2011

Durham Hilton Wedding
Donald & JoAnn

I officially want to change the lyrics to the song “When a Man Loves a Woman”. It should be re-written tell the story from Donald’s point of view! Donald & JoAnn’s Durham Hilton Wedding vows screamed from their hearts. The presider of their wedding didn’t need to read the vows from her handbook, she could just have easily read them from Donald & JoAnn’s eyes as they looked at one another at the alter.

When I met Donald & JoAnn, she let me know that she had stalked my blog for quite some time. At that time, she was setting up their engagement session. I looked at Donald and asked why not consider us for your wedding as well? I love the way they considered one another in addressing my question. Right then and their I knew that these two were awesome.

This is not the first time I’ve photographed a Durham Hilton Wedding, but their wedding day was amazingly unique. Every aspect of their day was wonderful. Their presidential suite provided ample window light during their bridal & groom preparation. Their ceremony included an assembly of the cross. And, their reception was highlighted by a choreographed first dance that would have made Dancing with the Stars proud.