Raleigh Wedding Photographers » NC

Raleigh Wedding Photographer – Adam & Alex Engagement Session

Stacy Borelli — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:10:42 +0000

What a session! I mean, really! Adam is full of surprised for his Alex.

After having proposed to his fiancee at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, Adam had bought a gift certificate for an engagement session with me as a for no reason surprise to Alex. Apparently, Alex has been a fan of my work and she had put out a special request and he told her ‘no’ a bunch of times and did it anyway. Romance lives!

Alex was in touch with me about a month ago as we began ironing out plans for our session together. She said she wanted something different and had gone ahead and gotten 50 lanterns for their session as well as two cute dresses. I knew exactly where we were going. Pure and hidden beauty can be found at the Clayton Jalopy Graveyard, home to neglected cars of the 30′s, 40′s, 50′s, 60′s; yet not without soul!

I drive by the site everytime I go to the gym and always internally comment to the noodle that someday I want to do a session there with an engaged couple and a bridal session. Alex bought the bait. I knew she was a girl of adventure and Adam was along for the ride. We rounded out our session in a local wheat field.

A tremendous thank you to my partner in crime Margo from Belloviso for her amazing stylings of Miss Alex.

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Troy+Jenny+Troy’s 2 Boys=Engagement session and Family! – Raleigh, NC

Stacy Borelli — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 04:21:40 +0000

Could this soon to be family get any cuter? I knew that I was in for more than an e-session when Jenny hired me for her pending August wedding at Preston Woodall House in Benson, NC. Having been proposed to by a scavenger hunt with messages in bottles, Jenny’s marrying a wonderful single father to two adorable boys and had asked for permission that they be included in the session with them. It was a no-brainer for me; of course! They’re just as much a part of who they are as a couple.

We had a fun early Spring frolic amongst the blossoming cherries, all the while, a playful demeanor coursed the whole session.

Below are a few of my favs.

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Baby Connor – Smithfield, NC

Stacy Borelli — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 23:19:17 +0000

It was a random phone call which began my new relationship with Amanda, Mom to Baby Connor. Reinforces the point to always answer my phone. There were very few questions regarding the session. She just new that Baby Connor was already a Swank Baby. ; )

So we had our session with our little trooper who didn’t fuss once. He was a sweet little guy however serious. Penetrating blue eyes and a perfect bald little head. He christened my new blanket playing fireman – hahahaha! Those little boys. It’s easy to wash a blanket. It’s priceless to capture a memory.

Check out his Kung Fu picture below! Dad will be proud.

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Beverly is Beautiful – Smithfield, NC – The Studio

Stacy Borelli — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 04:30:28 +0000

Beverly is a second time Mommy-to-be and is just about the cutest little pregnant lady I’ve ever seen! She’s just glowy and beautiful and her little basketball belly on her petite frame is playing host to their new little baby boy to be due in late March.

She came to me back in October and I believe she may be visiting me for awhile. Well at least for the next year. She’s taken part in my A Year in the Life plan in which we’ll be documenting all of baby # 2′s milestones along the way. They are opting for the complimentary birth session that comes with the program, so in the end, I’m sure they’re going to a wonderful album to cherish for years to come.

Big brother, Gavin, is quite the little angel. In my eyes a dream child to shoot as he’s such a happy kid, a real ham, whom adores his parents and is excited for his little brother to come.

I was thrilled with the family for their January session. And now I can’t wait to meet Quinn family member #4!

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Oh, So Chic Halloween Wedding- Barclay Villa, Angier-NC

Stacy Borelli — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:36:25 +0000

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!!

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Stacy Borelli — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:34:49 +0000

PHOTO OF THE MONTH – September 2009

The time has arrived. I had quite a pool of pictures to choose from this past month of sessions and weddings. Golly, I’ve been busy!!!!

At any rate, I’d like to introduce to you my favorites for voting on this month. Simply subscribe to the RSS feed and you can leave your comments under the photo that is your favorite. Choose your favorite, but please only vote once.

This month we have 2 wedding pics, a bridal session pic, and newborn session picture.

In order they are :

Jenni & Tim – Holden Beach wedding

Delia D. – A bridal session picture taken at The Sutherland in Wake Forest

Baby Raylee – newborn session now signing on for A Year in the Life with Swank

John & Wayne – Holy Union Ceremony – Duke Chapel & Durham Arts Council

I wish all of my clients this month good luck. You can also vote by friending me on Facebook – Stacy Borelli

Winner to be announced by Oct. 10th.

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Swank Photo No Studio, No More!

Stacy Borelli — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:42:27 +0000

My love and labor and I’ve done it. I’m proud to introduce my space. My tangible 1200 sq.ft. space. Swank Photo Studio.

The funny of this past year has once again been my name. Swank Photo No Studio was the butt of my jokes as naming myself that last June felt so funny since I was a virtual studio. Who would’ve thought a year later that I’d land myself in Smithfield ( I choose to call it S-town ) in an old building, one that I really did dream of and actualize for myself and my photography. Patience and timing with a sprinkle of luck brought me here by way of Sam & Cate, the former bridal registry boutique now turned Swank Photo Studio.

The journey of sweat, labor, and late nights, dry eyes, shopping, and credit card melting has resulted in my eclectic open style space. Every inch of my studio is for shooting. I didn’t want one corner to not be good for shooting and I’ve designed the space with function over form in mind.

It was super fun shopping for all of the pieces and elements to my new studio. I thank all the staff and products at the following stores for being a huge part in the development of my studio: Pier One, IKEA, Recmar, Denver Fabrics, Home Goods, Home Decorator’s, Shop Wild Things, Lowe’s, Oriental Furniture, Southeast Moulding, Lamps Plus, & Market 231 for my swank new business cards and signage.

The thought of parking my business in Smithfield was a little scary for me, for one reason and one reason only. The distance people may have to travel to come see me. But there are perks to taking the 1/2 hour ride east of Raleigh. Literally 3 miles down the road are THEEEE OUTLETS, ladies! And the town of Smithfield is really cute. Home to several low key eateries and coffee shops. Jewel’s dress boutique is my neighbor across the street.

I’m really impressed with the town of Smithfield thus far. The storeowner’s and people are very friendly and welcoming and might I add helpful. There are TONS of great shooting spaces. I’ve been checking it out and I’m excited to explore. The surrounding areas are going to be ideal for my Senior photography and children’s photography. It’s got a small city feel and appeal in a country town.

And my studio is open for rent as well to other photog’s looking for a place to shoot in a pinch should weather prevail or if they’re looking for a new locale. 12 ft. ceilings in 1200 sq. ft of open studio space. Tons of natural light in the storefront bay windows. You’re welcome to all of my props and lighting equipment for your session. Some props will be rotated out on a yearly basis to keep the change coming. Props include a queen bed with sheets that can be changed out, a wall of backdrops(10 total and easy sliding for easy use), 3 antique doors on casters for easy moving and manipulation for shoots, a decorative tiled wall, a swing in an old service elevator platform, dressing area with vanity and full length mirror, refreshments for you and your clients, papasan chair, heating pad for baby shoots, prop closet full of clothing, accessories and such for your sessions. Please inquire if you’re interested in using Swank for your photography session. stacy@swankphotostudio.com

So, with that, my dream is born. I’m excited for the year ahead, my SMS workshop in TX in August, and to further develop my brand, the paisley peacock.

Welcome to Swank Photo Studio!!!!! I’m all smiles and my door is always open.

Stacy

Cupcake Couple

Stacy Borelli — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:43:40 +0000

Candace approached me wanting a second engagement session. Not asking ‘why’ and just rising to the occasion we planned our urban session for downtown Raleigh. She had expressed that they had already had a more rural setting for their first session and were going for something different, with a different photographer altogether. I had a little bite of sweetness up my sleeve.

So we started out at Moore’s Square and headed down to the Warehouse District in downtown for some ultra chic urban pics. The dichotomy of her 50′s style dress coupled with the rustic downtown area made for some contrasting pictures. But I couldn’t take my mind off of ending up in Glenwood South area of Raleigh with one reason in mind only . . . The Cupcake Shoppe!

And so I did, purchase them each a cupcake and just watched as the proverbial sweetness unfolded all over a bottle of Crush. How apropos.

Cheers, Candace & Waji!

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Go Fly a Kite

Stacy Borelli — Tue, 05 May 2009 06:11:15 +0000

Or at least we tried during our recent engagement session with Kim & Brian. A great prop nonetheless { love when my couple’s bring props or aspects of themselves to their sessions}. Couldn’t quite get enough lift to take her up, but it made for some cute pictures.

And the pretty ominous sky gave way to moodier shots. Very apropos for my ‘goth’ couple and I use this term loosely and completely in reference to their Halloween wedding to take place later this year at Barclay Villa, in Angier, NC. Very excited about this wedding. Barclay is an ideal setting for such and event.

They’re a sweet couple whom one can tell, very much adore each other. Looking forward to their late October wedding!

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Introducing Falcon’s Hamlet, and their first wedding.

Stacy Borelli — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:04:51 +0000

The Falcon’s Hamlet, the ultra-exclusive brand new venue in Clayton, NC launched it’s first event yesterday and I was honored to be asked to document it for them. I was doubly honored that it also happened to be the wedding of Mike Morse and his bride, Lindsay Frahm.

The event went off without a hitch under a gorgeous blue sky day. From an outsider’s perspective, one would’ve never known that it was the Falcon’s Hamlets first event. Supported by the staff of Triangle Catering, one of their preferred vendors, the day was flawless.

Mike and Lindsay married to a standing crowd of 250+ guests whom enjoyed champagne while gathered around Falcons Hamlet’s spray fountain pond; the couple’s ceremony site.

Immediately following the ceremony the guests enjoyed the culinary stations hosted on the East and West terrace’s of the palace. The toast led off by Bob Dumas of the G105 Morning Showgram with a strong supporting, might I add theatrical role by Kentucky Kristen and a light-footed guy sporting a rainbow twirly ribbon, otherwise known as Jon, proved to be the entertainment of the evening as they sang, interpretively gestured, and danced a personal rendition of Bette Midler’s The Rose. My only two questions are 1. Jon are you for hire outside of weddings? And 2. When did Triangle Catering’s finest hors d’oeuvre, macaroni and cheese croquettes become a good toasting drink? All I kept thinking was someone get the man a drink!

For more information about Falcon’s Hamlet, to take a tour of their estate, or to have your wedding hosted there, please visit their site, www.falconshamlet.com

Also special thanks to Touch of Class Limo’s for their top notch service and for giving my sore feet a lift back to my car later that evening. Thanks Willie, Nick, Rick, Tony, and Steven, I believe?!

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