Raleigh Wedding Photographers » Swank Photo Studio

Weekday Weddings – Preston Woodall House

Stacy Borelli — Fri, 20 May 2011 05:48:06 +0000

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.

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Raleigh Family Photographer – Photography Contest Winners Announced!

Stacy Borelli — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 02:16:50 +0000

It was contest time and we had over 5o entries in our Great Swank Babe Contest. As a Raleigh Family Photographer, this fun Facebook based contest generated some really good buzz as family and friends voted on their favorite to win a portrait session and other prizes.

It went like this: the contest was a simple postcard(posted to Facebook) that I made up that said I was looking for the next Great Swank Babe. There were four age groups ranging from newbie to five year olds. Applicants emailed me a snapshot of their child which I then posted on my Swank Photo Studio wall on Swank Photo Studio on Facebook. The contest was opened and they were invited to gather up their friends and family members to vote/ comment under their child’s photo. The person with the most votes from each age category was declared the winner.

Since then I’ve fulfilled 3 of the 4 sessions, the fourth to be completed on April 7th as they’re from Virginia. They are opting for a fun photo shoot with for their four year old daughter with tutu’s. Below are our winners. I’d like to congratulate them and thank them for their participation. Be on the lookout for the next contest. We’re going to be looking for the next Great Swank Vintage Vixen. Sure to attract some attention, as the Vixens always do!

So, in our Newbie category, we wish to congratulate Brayden Moore. Mom opted to add in older sister Kayleigh for an upgrade to her session. We also hosted a 4 mos. – 1 year old category and our winner was James Foy. In our 1-2year old category our winner was the daughter of a former bride of mine, Maddie Johnson. We had such a fun time at our sessions and I think we have some stellar looking images below.

Enjoy!

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Carolina Inn Bridal Show – Calling all Brides-to-Be!

Stacy Borelli — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:43:41 +0000

What an opportunity for those newly engaged, about to be engaged, or those just dragging their feet about setting their date and getting those wedding plans nailed down. The Carolina Inn Bridal Show coming up on January 30th, 2011 from 1-4PM, promises to not disappoint.

The Chapel Hill and UNC landmark, is proudly listed on National Register of Historic Places and is AAA Four Diamond rated. What I can tell you is that in the central North Carolina, it is one of the premier locations to play host to a wedding and it has been this way for decades. It draws on the many Tar Heels fans as it is steeped in tradition. The service and food are impeccable and when it comes to events and weddings at the Carolina Inn, it appears as seamless and effortless.

Having shot a multitude of weddings there over the course of my six year wedding photography career, it was particularly an honor this year when I was invited…….albeit finally, to be a part of their annual wedding tradition; their exclusive bridal show. I have to admit that the unknown is weighing heavily on me. Having never been to one of their shows has me wondering what it’s going to be like. A little different I suppose from the sheer numbers and size of Forever Bridal\’sJanuary production, The Wedding Show.

And so it goes. I’ve got albums I’m preparing. Marketing materials designed and ordered, yet the most challenging aspect of doing a show is catching the brides’ eyes and keeping her there for awhile. It’s been tough this past year trying to figure out what the brides are in the market for, their budgets, and then pleading my case on experience and my art and how invaluable it is! My take: you get one chance to do it right and while price does not always determine quality, it does determine someone that understands business and the numbers. The art draws a potential client in. The personality match keeps that client there for longevity.

I’ve got 20 tickets left to this exclusive affair from 1-4PM at the Carolina Inn, January 30th. They’re going for the $15 each. Want them as a gift from Swank Photo Studio? Go to my Facebook page and “LIKE” me, Swank Photo Studio & also Raleigh Boudoir Photography and then comment on my walls. I’ll be sure to “LIKE” you back.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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Raleigh Maternity photographer – Jenny is expecting!

Stacy Borelli — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 06:46:44 +0000

It’s such an honor! When people trust you with the most sacred moments in their lives to document and immortalize those little fragments of time. As a Raleigh maternity photographer, I recognize the importance of building on that relationship because it becomes more than just a one time session. The chances are great that they are choosing me to be their family photographer so in a sense, I will work doubly hard to win them over.

I’m fortunate in this case that it was easy. Jenny and I go back all the way to last year! She’s the daughter of Margo Williams of Belloviso, my hair and makeup artiste to the Vintage Vixens. I value her greatly as a person, but even moreso, in friendship.

And so it seems that this is becoming an annual tradition for us. Margo last year opted to do a session for Jenny, to surprise her for her birthday for some updated pics. The former model had no problem warming up to me and the camera and so it was…..easygoing. I dig Jenny’s vibe. She’s confident, pretty, and fun, albeit a little bit edgy. I embrace that.

Little did we know that we’d be partaking in another shoot for Jenny’s birthday a year later. It lined up perfectly at her six-seven month mark in pregnancy to do our annual birthday session. Six to Seven months is an ideal time to be documenting expecting Mom’s. Bellies are nice and round and Mom is glowing. I call it the second trimester triumph. Having just passed through the hurdle of the first tri, yet not quite engulfed in the trying third trimester.

Her confidence certainly came through for this session too. She wanted to document herself in all her glory in her very own birthday suit. Now I don’t usually shoot nudes. I like it clean and tasteful. However, what I failed to recognize at the time was that what we were about to do was entirely clean and tasteful. I embraced it. It was a first for me and I’m glad I was with someone so confident and comfortable in her own skin. An expecting mother is beautiful.

In a little over a month, I can officially call Margo “Grandma” and I look forward to documenting her with her new grandson.

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Carolina Inn Wedding – {Danielle & Rich}

Stacy Borelli — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 23:59:14 +0000

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!

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Raleigh Wedding Photographers – Cover Feature!

Stacy Borelli — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 19:28:27 +0000

In a pool of some locally amazing Raleigh Wedding Photographers, it’s always an honor to be featured in a magazine. Making the cover is blushworthy and I’m humbled!

My lovely September bride, Jenna Tuberdyck-Germano was just stellar to work with. To say the word FUN in her company is an understatement. There was no posing with this one. Her and her ultra exuberant husband in a pool of 20 bridal party members, WHOA! lived it up and had fun on the knoll of the 18th hole, Prestonwood Country Club. The picture I believe says it all……exactly how a bride should feel on her wedding day. Beautiful, carefree, and above all, happy!

A tremendous thank you to Southern Bride & Groom magazine for choosing my image and to Cydney of the The English Garden for Jenna’s gorgeous bouquet.

Bring on 2011!

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Cary Wedding Photographer – {Brian+Jenna}

Stacy Borelli — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 20:55:21 +0000

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 . . .

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Venue, food & cake:Prestonwood Country Club
Jenna’s Gown:Enzoani
String Quartet: Arioso Strings
Flowers: English Garden
DJ – Steve Stowe forJoe Bunn DJ Co.
Limo Truck – Capital City Sedan & Limo

Wake Forest Wedding Photographer – {Mark+Meghan}

Stacy Borelli — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 19:43:21 +0000

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.

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Venue: The Sutherland

Catering: Thrills from the Grill

Cake: Cinda\’s Creative Cakes

Gown: Maggie Sattero

Swank is Giving Back!

Stacy Borelli — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 02:22:51 +0000

For more on the story of Ellie’s plight with cancer as told through her mother’s heart and faith – Lift Up Ellie

The mission for Team Potvin continues and they have the blessings and prayers of Swank Photo Studio

Raleigh Wedding Photographer – Preston Woodall House {Benson, NC}

Stacy Borelli — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 04:24:53 +0000

An endearing phrase coined by my super cool couple, Troy and Jenny began their “Journey to the Rocking Chair” on August 7th at the Victorian B&B in Benson; Preston Woodall House.

The stage was set for a hot August wedding at the Preston Woodall House in Benson. The floral arts by Dutch Iris{Dunn} added full Summer chic ambiance throughout the whole wedding backdrop. Jenny was given away by her Dad and also her four-legged best friend, Buddy. The aisle was garnished with white hydrangea balls, accented with batchelor buttons, trimmed with lime green ribbon. The black and lime green theme carried over into their gorgeous might I add, delicious wedding cake by Swank Cake Design of Raleigh. The party quickly livened up post dinner by the musical dj stylings of Randy Pulley DJ.

The couple parted their guests at the end of the evening via a sparkler exit and into a vintage car.

Best wishes to you both, Troy & Jenny as you Journey to the Rocking Chair!

Troy&Jenny – Preston Woodall House View their slideshow