Michelle & Kader’s wedding was much more of a wedding weekend for me as I covered the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, after party, wedding and reception.  It was really a great change of pace for me to hang around for 2-3 days and document the entire event while really getting to know their family and friends.  The wedding ceremony (and, of course, rehearsal) took place in the NC Arboretum, which is an unbelievably gorgeous location (which makes me jealous of all Asheville Wedding Photographers)  nestled along the blue ridge parkway in Asheville, NC.  The outdoor amphitheater was a perfect setting with the stone steps leading down to the area which was surrounded by gorgeous pine trees.  One thing I learned about Asheville, the weather is even more fickle then the beach – raining one minute (just enough to spike the humidity) then the sun will come back out the next.  We did make it inside the bus just in the nick of time as the bottom dropped out of the sky.

Anyway, we headed over to the Grove Park Inn after the wedding rehearsal for a little dinner, a little dancing and a little dual piano bar hopping.  My last Grove Park Inn wedding was such a fun & gorgeous event I was really excited to be getting back again.  Dinner was served outside under a covered veranda with a breathtaking view of the mountains.  After dinner, and the best rapping toast I have ever heard (yes, I have heard more then one), we headed down to the dueling piano bar in the Grove Park Inn.   Funnily enough, I used to go to a dueling piano bar religiously so it was great to get back into one.  With quite a few people coming down with us, the wedding party essentially took over the entire corner of the bar and, well, I’ll let the photos do the talking.

The next day, the weather was perfect albeit a little warm for a mountain wedding.  After we knocked out the formal groupings before the wedding, we headed down to the ceremony area.  This time, not a cloud was in the sky and the entire ceremony went off without a hitch!  After the vows, the ring exchange and, of course, the kiss, we went up into a smaller area of the gardens where we could finish off a few formals, shoot a quick bridal portrait then the couples wedding portraits.  I much say, normally photographers are very picky about which direction we photograph (because we want a certain look & feel, and for it to be pretty of course).  In the NC Arboretum, you had to work to find a bad angle.  Seriously.

After Michelle, Kader & I wrapped up their couples portraits, we headed to their reception at the Crest Center on Crest Mountain.  This was yet another gorgeous location in the Asheville area with unlimited possibilities for photography.   I did get a few minutes outside, at dusk, with Kader & Michelle and, honestly, got one of my favorite photos of the year so far of them on the balcony.    The band was jamming, the food was great and the entire wedding party and congregation were having a ball.  It really felt like the night ended too soon as it was time for them to leave under a shower of sparklers.

I’d like to thank Michelle, Kader, their families and friends for such gracious hospitality and openness to having me around for the weekend.  I know this sounds a bit selfish, but it was a really wonderful experience for me as well as a gorgeous wedding weekend for you and your friends and family.  Thank you for having me come up with you!

I hope you enjoy a few photos from Michelle & Kader’s Asheville, NC Wedding!

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I met Chris a few years ago at a photography convention in Nashville, TN.  We talked occasionally after the convention was over and, funnily enough, he was back in Raleigh one afternoon so we sat down, with his wonderful Fiance’ CJ, and talked about the wedding business.  Well, *I* thought we were talking about the wedding business, he was talking about hiring me.  LOL..  ok, so I certainly have my moments but we got it all sorted out and, in the end, started planning for their destination wedding in Cancun.

I had never been to Mexico prior to this, so I was really excited as I flew into the Cancun airport.  Chris had arranged for a car service to drive me from the Airport to the Secret Capri Riviera Cancun, where they were staying and having their wedding ceremony on the beach.  The first night, we just kind of hung out, talked shop, had an amazing dinner and planned out the next day.  The resort had a TON of amenities included including Hobie Cats that you can take out into the Gulf of Mexico.  So here is where I give my disclaimer…  I do love original shots and capturing those, sometimes, that the desire to do that will override the common sense gene that was screaming against the idea.  So, yes, I hopped on the Hobie Cat with my camera and went out into the Gulf for a pre-wedding sail with the happy couple.

After we got back onto dry land, with a dry camera, Chris & CJ went back to their rooms and started getting ready for the wedding ceremony.  As he is a wedding photographer himself, of course part of the getting ready process was setting up his own camera to capture video of the ceremony. CJ, on the other hand, was busy in the resorts day spa getting her hair and makeup done.  The day went on as expected with the pre-wedding preparations on both sides, CJ getting dressed, Chris waiting patiently on the beach for the ceremony to begin.  What made this all the more special, for me at least, is I was one of two people in attendance at their ceremony.  This destination wedding had truly the perfect setting for such an intimate affair – on the beach at sunset with just myself and another guest witnessing the ceremony.

After the ceremony,. champagne toast and cake cutting (which was an awesome cheesecake), we headed out onto the beach and around the resort for couples portraits.  The whole facility was spectacular and had no shortage of beautiful locations for portraits.  As it was such a small affair, the wedding reception consisted of dinner on the beach for the 3 of us.  I know i’m saying this alot but I really was truly flattered to have been invited to join them that evening.  We were served dinner while sitting on pillows in a curtain enclosed hut right on the water.  The curtains were lit with gelled lights and it was, in a word, a spectacular setting at night with the resort lights on one side and the roar of the ocean on the other.

After dinner was over, we headed back into the resort to get one final set of shots.  On the top floor of the resort, there was, what I can best describe, as the “hall of lights”.  This was an open room at the end of a hallway that had at least 150 different lights hanging from the 20 foot ceiling.  Each light was unique and had glass or metal shades.  This is the first time I had seen anything like it and with the lights hanging so low, we had to weave in and out during the photos so we didn’t crash into them.  It was the perfect way to end Chris & CJ’s wedding day.

I want to sincerely thank Chris & CJ personally for having me down in Cancun to not only photograph their wedding, but to witness their ceremony and enjoy such a wonderful moment in their lives.  As always, here are a few choice photos from Chris & CJ’s destination wedding in Cancun.

Yes, that is me...

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You can see the entire interview here: Destination Wedding Planner interviews Brian, owner of Brian Mullins Photography.

Thank you Tabitha!  It was a pleasure talking with you!

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When I arrived on Bald Head Island, NC it struck me both how quiet and surreal the island is. No cars, no bridges, just an island. What a perfect setting for a wedding! I met up with the happy couple on Friday evening at the Shoals Club to photograph their rehearsal dinner, meet their family, friends and just to hang out a bit. After loosing my golf cart (they all look alike you know) I finally made it back to my house and got prepared for the big wedding day.

The wedding day started by the bride getting ready at the Island Retreat Spa on Bald Head Island. Jenn and her Mom got their hair & makeup done by two fabulous ladies at the Spa while some more of the bridal party swung by to get their makeup taken care of. Back to their beach house where Jen and the ladies got dressed. Normally I dont talk much about the wedding dress but, wow, what a perfect choice! I headed over to the Captain Charlie Houses (Oldest houses on Bald Head Island) to get the guys getting ready. The houses are right on the beach and beach access 36 literally is just outside the front door of Captain Charlie #1.  We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful weather for a beach wedding. Blue skies and a wonderful breeze really set the tone for Jen & Matt’s wedding day and made for beautiful photographs. After the ceremony, we headed over to the BHI Club for the reception. I couldn’t resist leaning out of the side of the golf cart and photographing the newlyweds in their “just married” golf cart. Everyone danced, partied and even sang along thru the rest of the evening.

I cannot extend my gratitude enough to Stephen, Karen, Michael, Diane, Matt & Jen for their unbelievable hospitality. It was an honor for me to be there and I hope I can repay your hospitality one day.

Rehearsal Dinner: Shoals Club – Bald Head Island, NC
Hair & Makeup: Island Retreat Spa & Salon Bald Head Island, NC
Wedding: Beach Access 36 – Bald Head Island, NC
Reception: Bald Head Island Club – Bald Head Island, NC
Officiant: Susan Darnell – Wilmington, NC
Flowers: Kim Fisher Designs – Wilmington, NC
Band: The Remedy Band – Raleigh, NC
Cake: Flower & Flour – Wilmington, NC

Now, on to the photos!!!

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After getting all of my photography gear together, I went up to Erin’s room where Ginger was already underway with the hair & makeup for our lovely bride (She rode with me up to Asheville, NC). Preparation photography is really a favorite of mine. I can be as artistic and candid as needed and really try to capture the nervous emotion and activity in the room. The room itself was breath taking with a stained glass window at the top of the 20′ ceilings. Unfortunately the rain decided to follow me up to the Grove Park inn but, on the bright side, it makes for the most amazing photography lighting you could ask for. I left the ladies alone and went down into the Grooms room which was adorned with everything 50′s including a couch the was designed after a classic car and 50′s movie posters on the walls. As always, the groom’s room is a much different feel on the wedding day but, in both rooms, you can see the nervous excitement.

Leaving the Grove Park Inn, we rode the shuttle down to the wedding ceremony site which was indoors due to the weather. Upon walking into the waiting room, I saw a spectacular place to get a bridal portrait photograph. Again, without rain you can’t have rainbows (or, in this case, perfect photography lighting). Before you know it, Kiersa Holy (Ashville, NC Wedding Planner who totally rocks) came in with the “It’s time” statement.

This was my first Indian Ceremony and I had been doing quite a bit of studying on the Hindu traditions and beliefs so I was really looking forward to the wedding ceremony. With the “fire” being a candle, very colorful flowers that I want to call Lei’s but that is not the name (Thij & Erin, help?), two chairs and rose petals on the ground, the wedding ceremony was as beautiful and meaningful as I had read about which made the photography even more spectacular.  I should mention the Grove Park Inn was having a Jazz celebration this weekend so the entire hotel was packed – I think everyone from Asheville, NC came in as well. With the outside being rained out but still wanting to get a feel for the location, we caught the shuttle back up to the Grove Park Inn main building and did the formal photographs on an outside patio. Erin, Thij & myself then ran around the Inn to do our bride & groom session for photos just of the happily married couple.

After arriving back at the reception hall we went right into Dinner with was a traditional Indian fare served family style in the Fox & Hound club, one of the outbuildings from the main Grove Park Inn complex. Toasts, speeches and kisses ensued then off to the dancing, (dare I say it) drinking and downright delightful party. David Pandoria got everyone right onto the dance floor and, I can honestly say, the dance floor was full the entire night! Someone, somehow, got ahold of “props” that included hats, gloves, and yes, a ball & chain and distributed them out to everyone on the dance floor making the photography aspect, well, easy. Ladies take note, there was a “Kool-Aid” hand in use and apparently came in quite handy during the bouquet toss.

I can honestly say that this was one of the liveliest wedding receptions I have been to this year. Between laughing and showing hilarious photos to everyone, the night was over before I knew it. After everything was said & done, I met the wedding party, sans camera, back at the Grove Park Inn to give them my congratulations and help celebrate their wedding.  So, Erin & Thij, thank you again for everything! I was truly honored to get to know both you and your families while up in Asheville, NC! For everyone else, stay tuned – I will have another blog post featuring this gorgeous couple soon!

Now on to some photography..  Thank you both so much for having me as your wedding photographer!

Hair & Makeup: Ginger Mullins Raleigh, NC
Wedding Planner: Events By Kiersa – Kiersa Holy – Asheville, NC
Officiant: Reverand Susie Wright – Asheville, NC
Flowers: The Grove Park Inn – Julie Melville – Asheville, NC
DJ: David Pandoria – Charlotte, NC
Caterer: The Grove Park Inn – Asheville, NC

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So, after the Church wedding, Erin & Ken exited to bubbles and one of the most incredible summer skies I’ve seen in some time.  It most be the area because we rarely if ever get skies like this in Raleigh.  After some quick formal wedding photographs, we drove to her parent’s home on lake Gaston for the wedding reception. I will do my best not to drool on my blog post, but for those that know me, I am a huge architectural buff and her families home was, well, incredible. The amount of love and care taken in every detail is amazing. With rock laden streams running through the property, pools, fountains, walkways, boat docks, horseshoe pits, a (temporary) air conditioned tent and so may other things I can’t even start to describe, well, it was a real treat and certainly added to the beauty of Erin & Ken’s wedding photography!

It was an honor to have photographed such a special wedding day for Erin & Ken. I was treated like a member of their family the entire day and, when it came time to leave, I was a bit saddened as it felt like I was leaving behind my family as well. The night ended with a wonderful fireworks show over Lake Gaston were we sat lakeside and watched with more friends and family (and of course got some spectacular photography)!

So, a big thank you from me to everyone! Your hospitality & warmth will always be remembered!

Wedding: Lakeside Lutheran Church – Raleigh, NC
Reception – Her Family’s lake house on Lake Gaston
Photo Booth: ShutterBooth North Carolina – Raleigh, NC
DJ: Bow Tie DJ – Tracy Telenko – Raleigh, NC

On to a few photos!

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I originally met Brittany & Shawn though another wedding photographer, her father, Jim. Jim and I have talked, met for lunch and bounced ideas off of each other for the past year and a half or so. When I found out his daughter was getting married, I jumped at the chance to photograph their wedding. When I found it was in Myrtle Beach, well, let’s just say I got a little excited. I’ve been wanting to photograph beach weddings for a while and even though the ceremony wasn’t on the water, we had some fun the next day with a little trash the dress session.

The wedding ceremony looked like it was under threat from rain but as we got closer to the start time, the wonderful beach weather kept the storms about 3 minutes inland from us. The effect of the clouds, however, was beautiful for photography as the filtered light lent itself beautifully to blue skies and softer light on the wedding party.

After the wedding, we got out onto the beach for a few formals then went off to Tommy Bahamas Cafe for the reception. Something I leaned a long time ago, is when you get put into a tough position in photography, you usually either get something “safe” or something that’s “beautiful” because of how unorthodox your solution was. With the reception outside under umbrella covered tables and a 4 foot awning that just covered the walkway, lighting this reception was definitely a challenge. In the end, I captured my favorite 1st dance shot to date. With true emotion showing from everyone involved to the familiarity and friendship I have with the families, I was proud and honored to be a part of their day.

So, with just a little more ado, I’d like to give my congratulations to Shawn & Brittany! I wish you guys all the best and thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful wedding.

Location: Marriott Grand Dunes – Myrtle Beach, SC
Reception – Tommy Bahamas Tropical Cafe – Myrtle Beach, SC
Flowers: Dandelion – Myrtle Beach, SC
Cake: Janet Adams
DJ: Music on the Strand – Pat Taylor – Myrtle Beach, SC

Of course, here are a few shots!

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