At heart, I am a kid. At play, I am an artist. At work, I'm giving a 100% of who I am to my art. At home, I am a Mom and a wife and an accountant and a nurse and a chauffeur and a cleaning lady and a landscaper and an interior decorator and a chef. I'm not perfect at it, but I work very hard at it everyday.
What you should know about me . . . . . I'm entirely laid back and fun. I like making people laugh. I love a challenge. My artistic eye and penchant for relating to people, I recognize and embrace as my gift. Being a photographer doesn't define who I am, but it certainly has shaped the person I've become. I'm a better person because of my photography and my clients; my muses!
Am I wise? . . . . . I've come so far and gained so much as a person by experiencing the good alongside the bad. I believe that in every obstacle or sticky situation in life, there is an opportunity for growth in some way. That a day not thinking about the future is a day neglected.
I am unique. I am close to my heart. Bottomline, this is me!
It’s always an honor as a Wedding Photographer in Raleigh in a very competitive market to have our work chosen to be featured in publication such as Southern Bride & Groom Magazine .Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, the trendy NC magazine is always a great ‘go-to’ resource for any bride in the NC wedding market.
We’re thrilled to announce that our September 2011 clients Dave & Jill Padilla have made the cover! Not a surprise, Jill & Dave are an adorably cute couple. Their energy and love for one another was palpable as the couple rode from their church to their reception location, Solas in Raleigh, on the back of Jill’s Dad’s 1964 Cadillac chauffeured by none other than her dad.
The couple met through mutual friends and it wasn’t too long after that Dave proposed amongst the presence of a family meet and greet.
Their wedding day proved to quite vibrant, fresh, beautiful, and warm very much like the personalities of my clients. Their reception proved no different. It was quite the nightclub scene at Solas; lively with lots of dancing. FUN was had by all
Warmest wishes to Jill & Dave for a healthy and happy marriage!
Thanks to these awesome vendors who made the day phenomenal:
I’ve been called into action for a Friday wedding and the occasional Sunday wedding, but a Weekday Wedding in the middle of the week? This was a first for me as a Smithfield Wedding Photographer; not for being at the lovely Preston Woodall House in Benson, NC, but a Wednesday wedding with only the couple, the lovely Diane Frazier of the Benson B&B, and their chosen minister. The idea was simply romantic, but still done well. The plan was for an early evening ceremony and lots of tasteful pictures afterwards followed up by a romantic 4 course dinner from the Preston Woodall House
Lori had reached out to me approximately three weeks prior to her wedding date stating that her and her fiance Matt, a software engineer, were just ‘going for it’. Their families were for the most part, out-of-towners, and they didn’t want to burden them with the travel for the occasion. The two having met on Match, an online dating website for singles, had only been dating for a short while. Lori claimed the stake to Matt saying she pursued him on the website. They’ve been together ever since.
And so it was, May 4th, a Wednesday afternoon, that the two said their, ‘I do’s', on a perfectly temperate day. Lori had warned me that the song she walked down the aisle to, something about wearing socks with shoes, was highly personal to them. It was for sure an atypical wedding march song, but then again, their Weekday Wedding was as well. However, it was entirely sweet and I’m redundant in saying a romantic wedding.
They, two days later honeymooned on a cruise while I edited and prepared her wedding gallery. It was ready for them when they got back. Got the loveliest email from Lori after which is affirmation that makes what I do all worthwhile. “I’m so excited!!!!!! They are so beautiful!!! I’m totally blown away – you are amazing. You have no idea how pleased I am.”. I’ve done my job, but not without the glory of God.
Instant connection was the name of the game when I met Danielle & Rich. Our Yankee roots instantly intertwined as I quickly found out about their class A Carolina Inn wedding in Chapel Hill. The stage was set for their late October evening wedding.
Danielle opted for rich reds and golds to carry out a romantic theme for her wedding. Her stunning and eye-popping bouquet chock full of red roses accented with stephanotis were done by none other than The English Garden of Raleigh. Sam Dockery and staff of Bliss by Sam were on site that day to help with day of coordination to ensure that the day flowed smoothly.
Their lively reception got underway in the Old Well room of the Carolina Inn. Danielle’s Greek heritage and Rich’s Italian heritage helped to play a big influence on the reception vibe. They danced the traditional Thracian dance led by Danielle’s aunt. Lacey and I had to be quick to get center floor as to not get tangled and entwined in the lively line of dancers! Later that evening they had a traditional cake cutting. Their three tiered red velvet cake by Tier Bella was enjoyed by all guests except for Danielle. My vegan bride had a special chocolate raspberry cake made especially for her.
I can feel comfortable saying, albeit being in the South, that ‘You Guys’ are off to a beautiful life together! Best wishes!
I knew Jenna was going to be a beautiful bride when I first met her, I just wasn’t prepared for how stunning she would be in her gown! WOW!
Jenna warned me she wanted no group pics, just one big one at the church! Ummm, OK by me. The biggest time sucker in my eyes is all of the group pictures, the corraling of the people to keep them contained. Knowing that she had 10-11 peeps on each side of her bridal party(yes! She’s popular!) I was doubly OK with the idea of keeping it simple.
Ceremony took place at a scary church in N. Raleigh. I was afraid of the church lady who when we walked into the ‘getting ready’ room gave me the look of death. Some other photog. must’ve done a number on her at one time! She warned me, there’s was to be no movement during the ceremony. Uh? Am I allowed to breathe?
Glad that was over when it was over. We hustled back to Prestonwood Country Club and little did I know HOW festive things were on the Mack Party Truck. Good lord! I didn’t have to tell them much. Honestly, just through a few punch lines their way and snapped away. It was entertaining to say the least, but little did I know how entertaining this reception was going to be and what was in store for me. I have never seen sooo many sweaty dance people, boys dancing with boys(it rivaled a gay nightclub). They tore up the floor~! Lacey and I literally laughed all night and couldn’t stop shooting. Everytime we thought we caught a break and saw it all, someone was outdoing someone elses’ moves. Crazy!
Jenna & Brian – you are forever remembered! Off to a beautiful life together . . .
The Sutherland Estate & Gardens in Wake Forest is such a great backdrop for a wedding. Nevermind the fact I love Ashlee & Fer! The rich rustic/country vibe was the venue of choice for my August 21st clients, Meghan & Mark.
Honestly, the pair couldn’t get any cuter and Meghan is knock-down gorgeous! They wed in front of smaller group of their closest family member and friends. It was a bittersweet affair and the toasts were particularly sentimental as the gathering paid certain homage to Meghan’s Mom who had passed away when Meghan was a young girl.
But that gave way to certain sweetness as they partied on under a tentless sky in the hot Summer night. They ended with a traditional sparkler exit down Sutherland’s long brick path.
It was an honor, Meghan & Mark! Here’s to many years of great things coming your way.
If you haven’t seen Rosedown Weddings in Smithfield, GO! It’s an adorable rolling hills estate with an Old Plantation Style home. Played backdrop to my June couple, Michelle and Lee.
My military couple opted for their wedding to be held under Rosedown’s gazebo in the front and I concur, it was a good idea. Temperatures were more than 100 degrees that day. We opted to do our couple pics after the guests had settled in for dinner and the light had gotten lower. Love that soft, dewy, Summer light that envelopes my clients. The heat I could’ve done without!
The home was decked in a clean and crisp feel with Tiffany blue and black. Guests dined to the catering Meadow Restaurant in Benson. The cake (poor cake) was a different story. What was to be their 5 tiered wedding cake by Sugarland in Chapel Hill didn’t happen. Sadly, they had an accident on the way to the wedding. No one was hurt, thank goodness. The topper survived and was placed upon a model cake(which we took some fun pictures of with Lee) and it fit in quite nicely. Still impressive in all it’s glory, there’s no doubt this bakery has it going on. Guests enjoyed complimentary sheetcakes with a peach and blueberry filling; major YUM!
Not everything is perfect on wedding days and that shouldn’t impede upon the happiness of having a memorable wedding. I can vouch it didn’t affect this couple at all!
Congratulations Lee & Michelle! Hope you’re settling in nicely in Texas.
I knew going into the wedding of Kristen and Aaron that I was in for a detailed treat. Only shocker was that purple and gold weren’t their wedding colors.
The devout ECU Pirate fans began their romance through the introduction of a mutual friend, at Aaron’s house over an ECU/Navy game. Their love for each other truly bloomed over what was termed to me as a ‘Hole in the Wall’ sushi joint. I can attest that while it doesn’t sound appetizing, I knew of similar place in Cary and it was second to none.
So it was, on a VERY HOT and balmy day that we partook in Kristen’s getting ready festivities at the all chic Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC. We later trekked over to Raleigh Little Theatre Rose Garden near Cameron Village. Friends and family refreshed themselves on gourmet popsicles from LocoPops in Raleigh flavored in Mojito, Cherry-Lime, & Pomegranate-Tangerine under umbrellas while waiting for the ceremony to start under the guidance of Merrymaking Events. They were a much welcomed treat, but you had to eat fast!
Later afternoon thunderstorms gave way to their evening reception at The Cotton Room. The hip, refurbished, industrial style warehouse located at Golden Belt(an artistic hub) in Durham owned and operated under Triangle Catering, was decked out in peonies and wheatgrass centerpieces, accented by candlelight and family snapshots by none other than Cydney English, owner and florist of The English Garden. Bright pink and black carried over in every aspect of their wedding including their 4 tier wedding cake by Cinda\’s Creative Cakes in which their confection was banded with a hot pink ribbon. Festivites got cranking by tunes spun by Ron Smith DJ.
Their exit was like no other. They were pelted with handmade paper airplanes by their friends and family. Of course, they were hot pink, black, and white! Kristen and Aaron’s wedding in my eyes will be a memorable one. Wrought with fun, personal, and unique details helped to make their wedding extraordinary. Well executed, guys. Best wishes in your creative married life!
To say my darling bride Jessica is effervescent is an understatement! Her boundless enthusiasm is entirely contagious.
This is round two for me with the Borrelli family(no we’re not related) and the last sadly. No more Borrelli children for me to shoot. What an honor it is that they chose me twice! This time it was daughter, Jessica’s turn.
Fate led Jesssica to Andy’s arms. A professed Match.com couple, Jessica was signed up for an account by an anonymous person whom she thought would turn up at her wedding. A silent pause gave way to more silence as no one stepped forward to admit to it. Her account was getting ready to expire when a newby to the scene appeared on the site. Jess thought, one last date. What’s it going to hurt. It’s ended/began in a wonderful melding of two lives. The couple was married April 11th at the Cotton Room, the newest event venue on the Durham scene located in Golden Belt. The Triangle Catering’s venue is like non-other. The gorgeous industrial feel of the space was warmed by the candlelight glow and delicious kitchen scents.
A tremendous shout out to my associate shooter – Rebecca Mills of The Indie Image. Thanks Becca!
When I met with Kim and Brian last year; I walked away from a great meeting and knew I really wanted their wedding. The theme was to be a Halloween goth wedding on Halloween night. It is truly my most favorite holiday, one in which I legally can transform into a kid again.
This wedding could’ve taken a totally tacky approach. But pretty hard to do when given the backdrop of Barclay Villa, a castle in Angier, NC was the host venue, and Kim’s keen eye for chic details. It was pure Halloween elegance with touches of whimsy. Very well done!
I had no idea the amount of details I was up against. From Kim’s orange petticoat, to the ultra chic wedding cake by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories Bakery adorned with fondant bats floating around the cake, and a full onslaught candy bar with candy that would make even the oldest of children’s eyes gleam! The kicker of it all for me was the masquerade influence. Their bridal party was announced sporting masks reminiscent of those from Anthony Kubrick’s, Eyes Wide Shut.
Overall, I’m so thrilled with the opportunity to shoot something different. This for me was different and totally a blast!
Congrats and wonderful wishes to the sweetest of couple’s, Kim and Brian. Never stop smiling, Brian!!
Love an overcast day as a photog. No squinters and the colors are saturated, just how I like them! And throw in a gorgeous couple with impeccable style, and you’ve got a recipe for magical pictures.
Ben and Elizabeth date back to the days of Red Lobster. The romance stewed up between the two over work at the restaurant where they noticed the commonality of their personalities. Bottom line, these two admit each other as FUN! And after getting to know them further, I know they appreciate the simple things in life; renting movies and BBQ’ing together at home. It only seemed befitting that their reception was to be held at their home.
Their wedding took place on perfect ’10′, October 10th and was held at a local park in High Point, NC. The couple got married on the lawn of the park in front of the fountain. It was an intimate affair of 60 people or so, with their closest of friends and family in attendance. Afterwards we partook in some misty rainy pics as we strolled the grounds of the beautifully landscaped park. Elizabeth’s gown by Maggie Sattero was unlike any gown I have ever seen. It had heavy crystal beading on top of a lace overlay. It was almost all too befitting that she would carry a bouquet adorned with white, billowy feathers.
