Tag Archives: outdoor photography

Raleigh, NC Wedding | Christa & Aaron | Jones Chapel

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony – Jones Chapel – Meredith College in Raleigh, NC
Reception – The Royal – Raleigh, NC
Wedding Directors – Danielle McNeillie and Jack Armstrong – (919) 656-4551
Cake – Ashleys Cakes – Raleigh, NC
Flowers – Victorian Seasons – Apex, NC
Catering – Cafe Luna – Raleigh, NC
DJ – Ron K Smith Productions – Raleigh, NC

Christa & Aaron turned out to be my last wedding of what was an incredible 2009 season and what a way to close it out! Having their ceremony at Jones Chapel, which is a beautiful Chapel on the Meredith College Campus, certainly had me excited as there really is no bad place to shoot here (well, maybe by the construction tape but I could of made that work as well).

Occasionally, I walk into a “preparation” room and having to pull up my boots because, well, it’s going to be a challenge. The preparation room here, however, was large enough to hold the ceremony in and beautifully adorned. A very fitting scene for my lovely couple and instantly got the creative juices flowing. I love dresses hanging from chandeliers and, well, you’ll see below. :)

After a beautiful wedding ceremony and, what the officiant described as the “best wedding kiss all year”, we went outside to do some bride & groom portraits… only one problem now, it was dark. Well, if you know anything at all about me, I LOVE shooting in dramatic lighting situations and, well, darkness can certainly be considered dramatic.

After I subjected the couple, specifically Christa, to December temperatures in a sleeveless gown, in a parking garage, we headed up to the Royal to get the party started. Ron Smith got the party jumping after everyone had their bellies full with Cafe Luna food (If you have never been there you must go!). Dancing, partying and laughter made up the rest of the evenings events and the couple exited the evening to a sparkler exit to their car. Apparently a few of the groomsmen had their way with the car and, ahem, I won’t be showing any of those photos. ;)

So, congratulations to Christa & Aaron! You guys were awesome to work with! As always, here are a few of your wedding photos!
Wedding preperations at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

Wedding dress at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

Groom portrait at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

Wedding preperations at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

bridal portrait at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

bridal portrait at Jones Chapel in Raleigh

Just moments before the wedding ceremony in Raleigh

Dad walking bride down the aisle - just as the doors open

grooms first look at his bride on the wedding day

Wedding ceremony at Jones Chapel in Raleigh, NC

Wedding kiss at Jones Chapel in Raleigh, NC

dancing groomsmen after the wedding ceremony

couples wedding portrait after ceremony at Jones Chapel

Bride & groom in parking garage

Bride & groom in parking garage

Bride & groom in parking garage in Raleigh, NC

Bride & groom in parking garage in Raleigh, NC

Bride & grooms first dance at wedding

Bride & grooms first dance at wedding

grooms & mom's wedding dance

cafe luna catering at the wedding reception

wedding reception dancing in Raleigh, NC

bride & groom portrait at wedding reception

bouquet toss at wedding reception

bride & groom dancing at wedding reception

sparkler exit at wedding reception in Raleigh

sparkler exit at wedding reception at the Royal in Raleigh

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Light Up Durham! | Bay 7 | Durham, NC

Ceremony: American Tobacco Campus – Durham, NC
Reception: Bay 7 – Durham, NC

Ahh..  the holidays are really here!  I love being a part of larger organizations that allow me to network with other wedding professionals.  Back in November, I was asked to cover this years “Light Up Durham” celebration at the American Tobacco Historic District.   I had a chance to discuss it over dinner with Valerie Ward and, frankly, I was immediately excited!

If you are not familiar with the event, the American Tobacco Campus has a huge water tower at its center.  Instead of flying in a Christmas tree, they string lights on the water tower and have a huge event, open to the public, to celebrate the throwing of the switch!  This year, they had 4 different groups of singers, from elementary, middle, high school & college performing along with the Raleigh Ringers and several local personalities.

Fake snow along with a beautifully decorated campus completed the feeling (thanks to the cold weather as well) and made the event a HUGE success with over 1000 people attending.

Bay 7 housed a beautiful VIP reception where local brewers and a culinary school had suds & food for everyone.  Complete with Christmas decorations and Wull E. Bull made an appearance to try out the food and help celebrate the lighting of the tower.

Here are a few photos from the event!

Light Up Durham - Singers preparing Light Up Durham - Bay 7 decorations Light Up Durham - Bay 7 Food Styling Light Up Durham - Bay 7 VIP Party Light Up Durham - Local Brewery Light Up Durham - gelato Light Up Durham - Bay 7 VIP Party Light Up Durham event Light Up Durham - Raleigh Ringers Light Up Durham - Raleigh Ringers Light Up Durham - American Tobacco Campus Light Up Durham - Singers Light Up Durham - Singers Light Up Durham - Emcee Light Up Durham - Emcee Light Up Durham - Wull E. bull Light Up Durham - Singers Light Up Durham - American Tobacco Campus Light Up Durham - American Tobacco Campus Light Up Durham - Singers Light Up Durham - Light up that tower!!! Light Up Durham - Water Tower Lighting Light Up Durham - Event Photography Light Up Durham - Event Photography Light Up Durham - Event Photography Light Up Durham - Event Photography

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