For my very first Carolina Inn Wedding,  to add a little irony, it was also the very first time I had met Elizabeth & Andrew as they live in Louisiana and decided to travel to Chapel Hill for their wedding.  First of all, the suite Elizabeth was getting ready in was, well, gorgeous.  I knew from experience the Carolina Inn was a gorgeous facility but their bridal suite really caught me by surprise.  With hardwood floors, antique carpets, solid wood wardrobes, wall sconces and even a butlers closet, the room really is fit for royalty!  It really was a perfect location for my gorgeous clients as their entire wedding literally oozed class and the  understated southern charm you’d come to expect from people in the deep south.

The day of the wedding, the weather could not have been more perfect.  The nice part about having your wedding at the Carolina Inn is the sheer amount of locations, both at the hotel and around the downtown area, you have to have a wedding ceremony.  Elizabeth & Andrew wanted an outdoor wedding ceremony and the Bryan Courtyard at the Carolina Inn offered the perfect setting.  Just off the sun room, the courtyard is shaded by a huge oak tree and has a charming patio that overlooks the entire area.  One of my favorite officiants, Barbara Lodge, presided over their afternoon ceremony (and lollipop eating – check the photos).

After the wedding ceremony was complete, we strolled around the Carolina Inn grounds photographing wedding portraits for the couple.  There are, quite honestly, so many areas we didn’t get a chance to visit (which says a lot about the gorgeous grounds of the Carolina Inn) but with Elizabeth & Andrew giving me free reign, we really got some gorgeous photos.  Their reception was held in the historic Old Well room and the party was emcee’d by Alan of Spin.  Even though this was a Sunday wedding (which historically are tamer then Saturday weddings), Alan got the crowd jumping and before you knew it, the entire crowd was on the dance floor.

I want to really thank Elizabeth & Andrew for their endless hospitality, graciousness and, well, awesomeness!  It was a real honor to be present for your wedding and I am so happy I captured your day!  As always, here are some select photos from their Carolina Inn Wedding!

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Emily and I had coordinated completely over the phone as she lives out of town.  So the day of the wedding was the first time we had actually met in person, but having talked with her and her Mom over the preceding months, it really felt like like we had known each other for some time.  Emily and Patrick both got ready at the Kirk of Kildaire, in separate areas of course, but it makes getting shots of the both of them during the getting ready pretty easy.  We had plenty of time before the ceremony so I could actually play with the dress a bit and use the unique layout of the church to my advantage.  We took the guys outside to get their individual and group shots and, during this time, I realized that, well, they came to party!  Not at the church mind you, at the reception. 

After a great moment with Emily and her father seeing each other, we headed into the ceremony area.  Now, I am used to walking into churches that are, well, dark, but this was a real treat!  Floor to ceiling windows flooded the entire sanctuary with a gorgeous natural light and it made photographing there a real pleasure!  The ceremony was gorgeous and the church staff was honestly a real pleasure to work with.  After the ceremony and couples formals (including getting a bridal portrait beside a tree her father planted at the church when she was born), we headed over to the Renaissance Hotel for their wedding reception.

Now, the Renaissance Hotel in North Hill is a really gorgeous location and the architecture and art hanging on the walls.  So being able to photograph a wedding or reception here is really a treat.  The hotel staff is incredible and it seems like every time I have a wedding here, the celebration is, well, epic!  That was certainly the case with Emily & Patrick.  With the band getting the party started, and keeping it going, I think the entire congregation was on the dance floor.  It certainly made for some gorgeous photos and, even though Patrick will probably kill me for this, I had to post the “beer sling” photo.  Yes, it was that crazy!  After the party was over, I realized it felt like I had been in a full scale workout.  There was so much going on that I had shot a crazy amount of photos – almost all of them were spectacular shots also (except for a few shots of my shoes I always seem to get).

Patrick & Emily – thank you both so much for allowing me to capture your wedding day!  It’s always an honor for you to allow me into your lives on the first day of your new lives!  I had a wonderful time with you and both your families!  I hope you enjoy my view on your wedding and, of course, a few select wedding photos!

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In case you are a bit confused, here’s the explanation.  Chris & CJ decided to have their wedding in Cancun Mexico but have a reception locally so all of their family and friends could help them celebrate.  The Grand Marquise Ballroom, in Garner, is a gorgeous location which, before this wedding, I had not previously been in.  The room and foyer are all what you would expect to see in a high end ballroom with balconies, built in accent lighting (which changes colors), marble, mahogany, statues and, well, just an “air” about it.

As their friends and family weren’t present for the wedding, they decided to have an abbreviated ceremony at the reception before they started the party with their friends and family.  One of the really unique aspects of this wedding reception, given my unique nature of knowing Chris & CJ very well and having been a witness at their wedding ceremony, was they asked that I give a toast.  I was, well, quite honored and, of course, I did it.  I can honestly say that was a highlight of my career as a wedding photographer. After the toast and cake cutting (yes, my assistant did photograph me giving the toast), Ryan from Spin got the party going and before we knew it, the night was over (always the sign of a good party) and it was time to leave.

Now, you KNOW since Chris is a photographer we had to do some cool stuff.  We decided to get away from the Grand Marquise Ballroom and head into downtown Raleigh to get some urban portraits at night.  One of the surprises from the wedding was Chris renting Christine’s favorite car, a Dodge Charger, for them to leave the wedding reception from.  So, of course, we had to get that car into the act.

I want to thank Chris & CJ, from the bottom of my heart, for a wonderful experience with them through the past year.  I could not imagine your wedding being any more special, to me at least, then it was.  As always, here are a few choice photos from Chris & CJ’s wedding!

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We started out the day at the Embassy Suites in the Brier Creek shopping center where Ashley and her bridesmaids were getting their hair & makeup done.  The rooms at the Embassy suites are really cool with both modern colors and fixtures.  The downside is I always struggle with finding a good place in the room to get a good dress shot.  Well, necessity is also the mother of creativity so I simply took the dress from the room and with a little help, got what I think is a really cool dress shot.   From the hotel we drove over to the Brier Creek Country Club where Ashley used the locker room for the golf club to continue getting dressed.  I already knew the locker room was fitting of a country club but, honestly, I was blown away with how nice it really was.  After Ashley was dressed we went upstairs to go work with the guys a bit and pray the cloudy skies away.

As it came time for the ceremony, it was obvious that, well, the skies were not going to cooperate but, as always, Joy, a wedding planner (and owner)  from A Joyful Occasion, had arranged for a wonderful indoor location as well, just in case.  The wedding, even though it was indoors, was gorgeous and very fitting for such a beautiful venue.  Of course, during the ceremony the rain stopped and we returned to cloudiness which, as a photographer, makes me very happy as you can really manipulate the light on a cloudy day.  After our couples portraits, we headed into the reception hall where DJ Joe Bunn was gearing up to burn the house down, as usual.

As the reception waned down, I took a peek outside to see a gorgeous white convertible Jaguar (not sure of the year, but it was probably an early 90′s model) waiting for the happy couple to exit thru a shower of rose pedals and make their getaway.  Even though we had a little rain, the day made for an absolutely beautiful late spring wedding.

I want to thank Ashley, David & their families for allowing me in to document such a special and intimate day for you.  I’ve included a small assortment of some of my favorite photos and moments from your wedding day.

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Michelle got ready at the Umstead Hotel in Cary so I met up with her and her family while she was getting ready in one of the gorgeous Umstead suites.  This is, actually, one of my favorite times of the day as it’s generally very relaxed and I get to meet the families and close friends who are in the room with the bride.  Michelle, her parents, grandmother, sister in law and nieces were all in the room with her so it made for a great “feeling” in all the photos – being surrounded by family on your wedding day.  We left the Umstead for her Angus Barn Pavilion Wedding where she was getting dressed.

Having never photographed a wedding at that location (been their several times, just not shot a wedding), I really got a great laugh when I popped my head in on the guys room.  Brian, the groom, had closed the “door” which looked very much like a Western Style jail door, complete with iron bars, and was screaming to get out.  LOL..  still chuckling at that one.  I ran out with Brian and his best man to do some quick portraits on the grounds before the ceremony.  Did the same with Michelle as well..  the grounds around the Angus Barn Pavilion are beautiful so we had no shortage of opportunities.

The wedding ceremony on the water was gorgeous!  The sun was getting close to setting and can, when you let it, cause a wonderful flare through the camera lens.  After the ceremony, and getting Michelle’s dress to let go of the kung fu grip her shoes had on it (She got stuck on the stairs), we shot awesome family formals with the sun setting behind them. Back into the Angus Barn Pavilion for the first dances and the wedding reception.  The interior of the Angus barn gives off BEAUTIFUL colors at night.  Decorated with Christmas lights, candles, a see thru fireplace and the “big ass fan”, the photos came out wonderful!  After the festivities, Michelle & Brian had a wedding sparkler exit and left in a ” Essex Super six”.

Michelle & Brian – Thank you so much for having me there to capture your wedding!  It was a real pleasure to work with you both and your families.  By the way – the syrup you provided is, hands down, the best I have ever had (I actually made pancakes Sunday morning just so I could try it).  Hope you guys have mail order!

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Most companies depend on commercial photography to showcase their product in the best light possible, so much in fact that their business depends on it. Whether your business is a start up or established, big or small, local or international, Starbucks or FedEx, you depend on promotional materials for your product that will grab the attention of the everyday man or woman.

After all, chances are what they’re missing from life is your product, right? Of course they are, and that’s where an experienced and professional commercial photographer comes in because your company depends on it. But, the question remains:  what makes commercial photographers in Raleigh NC so different than the others?

1. They know their stuff.
Raleigh NC is a city filled with award-winning and highly experienced photographers, and that’s a plus for their customers. Who wants to hire a commercial photographer to shoot a picture of their latest soft drink when the picture produced poor lighting? No one does which is why commercial photographers in Raleigh NC make it their business to treat your product or brand as if it was their own. Your business is their passion so much that you’ll be sure to hire them again for your corporate photos next month.

2. They stick to their budget.
There’s nothing more discouraging than a photographer who can’t stick to his budget. The difference with a Raleigh photographer is knowing what you’re getting before you commit. There are no ‘hidden’ fees or ‘estimated’ costs. Raleigh photographers know you’re on a budget no matter how large of a company you come from. They respect you and thank you for your business by sticking to a budget: yours.

3. They love making you look good.
Their commitment is making your product look not just good, but great. Past testimonials from customers who hired Raleigh NC based photographers claim that their shots made the product jump out from the page by being crystal clear and by using the latest technology. Others have said it is their passion behind the photography that makes all the difference. Whatever it is, we’ll let you decide after your needs are met, photographed with the highest quality and given to you error proof and with a quick turnaround time.

Each customer and company is equally important to Raleigh photographers, which is why they have built such a positive reputation for themselves. They enjoy what they do so much that their business is their passion, have been for years and will continue to be.  You, their next client will feel the difference in the quality of the pictures and your company will thank you for it.

Back to the top of Photographers in Raleigh NC

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- There are quite a large number of wedding photographers in Raleigh, NC

- It is very hard to determine whose work truly fits your style and vision

With these things in mind, there are a few ways you narrow your search and find wedding photographers that fit your style and personality.  First and foremost, the personality of wedding photographers is what truly defines their style of photography and how they work with their clients.

The personality of your wedding photographer should be a good fit with your vision of the wedding day.  If you are wanting a non-instrusive photographer on your wedding day then a more photo-journalistic photographer will be the best choice.  Photojournalist photographers tend to let the action happen in front of them without controlling or directing it.  A more traditional portrait photographer will tend to stop the action, pose it and get a more static photo.

Obviously these styles are in contrast to each other and there are many, many levels of fusion between the two.  This makes it more difficult to determine the style from a description alone so when you look at their work, determine what percentage of it is posed.  Many photographers strike a balance between the two – posing the couple for their portraits and the family formals, but letting the rest of the day proceed unimpeded.   Most importantly, whichever style speaks to you, being comfortable with your photographer is the most important aspect of your day.

After the photos are taken, only a small amount of work is done.  The 2^nd item you want to look at is the finishing work the photographer does.  As most wedding photographers are using digital cameras, the “digital darkroom” affords many possibilities for artistic enhancements.  Of course, artistic enhancements are also another major aspect of style so when looking at wedding photographers, choosing one with a consistent artistic style that you appreciate is of paramount importance.  When looking at their style, keep in mind these photos are not only just of your wedding, but a historical recording of the creation of your family.  Your wedding photographs are, hopefully, something that will be looked back on in 100 years as part of your family archive.

Between style, personality and finishing – understanding how all 3 work together to create an “experience” with your wedding photographer will certainly help you get the wedding photographer you want and deserve.

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With the growing number of professional Raleigh wedding photographers, it has become more and more difficult to find the one that’s right for you. The ranks are constantly swelling, unforgiving to mistakes and the uninitiated. Since there are so many photographers, I have found some key points that can help you select the Raleigh wedding photography that suits your style.

Does their work speak to you?
Make sure the photographers work can be enjoyed and smiled upon for generations. For example, “shag” carpet in the 70′s. It really was all the rage but, a mere 5-6 years later; it was getting torn out and replaced with something more practical. Being in style is great but, unlike carpet, you can’t replace the wedding photos. These memories will be viewed by your children and should reflect the best and most elegant moments of your wedding.

Check out a full wedding
Wedding photographers will openly display their best work. Although this work may be appealing, you should view all of their work, the good and the bad. A truly unique wedding photographer will be able to deliver the same quality of shots throughout the majority of the wedding. If the photographer does not have an entire wedding to show you, then you may want to look further into them before making your decision.

Are they one of many?
This is going to be the biggest challenge when looking for unique wedding photography. There are many, many tools widely available to wedding photographers that allow them to artistically finish off their photography without much knowledge of Photo shop or general post processing. These actions do indeed give wedding photographers a huge tool set to polish their photos – just be sure you like the polish and it fits within your search for truly unique Raleigh wedding photography.

Back to the top Raleigh wedding photography.

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