north carolina wedding photographer
Last Winter, I had the special honor of helping my friend and talented photographer Emily Baucom (based in Charleston, SC) shoot a wedding in Chapel Hill. I LOVE second shooting because it allows me to hang more in the background and capture more candid moments. I also love shooting allllll the pretty details. : ) Plus I loved hanging out with Emily, who I haven’t seen in YEARS. She’s a gem of a human.
Enjoy some of my favorites and also take a peak at Emily’s blog post for the full day!
Laura & William's wedding was my first wedding back after giving birth to Brooklyn. And I'm not gonna lie... I was a mixed bag of emotions! I had a lot of anxiety going back to shooting as I hadn't shot a wedding in over 7 months (!!!). But as all of my working (photographer) mom friends had told me -- it was bizarre only for about the first five minutes and then it felt completely natural to me again. I was so happy to get back in it and do what I love (even if I did miss my child the entire time; but I knew she was in good hands with her Daddy!).
I'm so happy that Laura & William asked me to shoot their wedding -- it was such a beautiful day! I shot Laura's sister's wedding in 2011, so I knew the whole day was going to be a blast and a half. They got married at Edenton United Methodist Church and the reception was held at the historic, waterfront Mulberry Hill Inn. A fun fact about their wedding date is that William's grandparents AND parents also got married on June 21. How awesome is that?! Enjoy my favorites from this lovely day.
Special thanks to Jenny Tenney for helping me shoot and giving me lots of great "working mom" advice. Thanks, Jenny. : )
Bride's dress: Monique Lhuillier, purchased from Alexi's Bridal Bride's shoes: Kate Spade Bridesmaids' dresses: J. Crew Groom and groomsmen attire: JoS. A Bank (suits) & Coffman's (bow ties) Bride's hair: Sunshine Nelmida of JDM Salon Bridesmaids' hair: Brooke Harris of Jus Teezn Florals: Wholesale Flower Market Band: The Reality Show Band Caterer: Kelly's Transportation: Britannia Coach & Edenton Trolley Invitations: Downtown Diva
Sweet Heidi and Eric. I LOVE this picture of them just a short while after they were pronounced husband & wife. : )
This down-to-earth couple was married at Rock Quarry Farm in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on a beautiful summer day. All the DIY details were SO amazing! Here are a few of my favorites:
All of the flowers (bouquets, boutonnieres & centerpieces) were from a local farm and arranged by Heidi's bridesmaids and aunts. The couple hand made their place settings (napkin holders & place cards), the decor for the dessert display and the hand-fasting cord for their ceremony. Heidi wore her mother's wedding dress. Love that. The couple's friends performed an original song during the ceremony (it was a big hit!).
Bride's dress: bride's mother's wedding dress Bride's shoes: Seychelles Bridesmaids' dresses: each picked her own (BHLDN, BCBG, David's Bridal, Donna Morgan) Groom's attire: J.Crew Groomsmen attire: each picked his own Makeup & hair: bride's sister Florals: Perry-winkle Farm, arranged by bridesmaids & aunts Coordinator: Camille Andrews, owner of Rock Quarry Farm Ceremony music: Big Fat Gap; Jon Spee & Arianna Folkema, friends of the bride & groom Cupcakes: DaisyCakes; pecan pies: Grandma Jean Soeters Reception music: Big Fat Gap Caterer: Crooks Corner Invitations: The Original Pear Officiant: Robin Renteria Rings: William Travis Jewelry
Out of all the weddings that I've photographed, Heidi & Eric's is one that sticks out in my mind as a true reflection of who they are as a couple. It was authentic, deeply rooted in family and just a big celebration for everyone. The "theme" for their reception was a pig pickin' & bluegrass. Definition of chill.
On a side note, it was extra special for me to take part in this wedding. Not only because it totally jives with my style, but more importantly, Heidi's dad was my boss in college when I worked for the UPS store (go see him!). I really enjoyed spending time with his family, and I'm so thrilled to see everyone so happy & healthy! Congrats Heidi & Eric! Thanks for being awesome.
Death by hairspray! : )
The flower girl is seriously so cute.
Gorgeous, Heidi!
Love the herb boutonnieres!
I LOVE this shot of the flower girl about to walk down the aisle. Her expressions screams, "Can I do this?!" For the record, she totally overcame her fear and rocked it with confidence.
Loved the hand-fasting portion of the ceremony.
See how amazing these two are? Best faces EVER!
Cousins!
Marina & Justin got married in Charlotte, North Carolina, during Memorial Day weekend. : )
The whole day was beautiful. I especially loved shooting my first Greek Orthodox ceremony at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. There were so many unique, lovely traditions that I got to witness. I could tell throughout the day that family is so special to Marina & Justin. Marina's nieces and nephews are so stinkin' adorable!
And the reception at The Westin looked like something out of a fairy tale... so many details! I was in awe of all the traditional Greek dancing during the reception -- money was flying everywhere the entire time. It was a visual delight and there were so many happy moments!
Bride's dress: Lazaro Bride's shoes: Stuart Weitzman Bridesmaids' dresses: La Femme Groom and groomsmen attire: New York Bride & Groom Bride's makeup: Kymm of Who's the Fairest Bride's hair: Deanna of Who's the Fairest Florals: Floral Expressions by Maria Cake: Wow Factor Cakes Reception music: DJ Chuck East Coast Entertainment and a traditional Greek band Videographer: Cana Collective Caterer: The Westin Invitations & programs: Three Little Birds Linens: The Linen Loft
I couldn't be happier for these two. Many smiles and hugs to the newlyweds! : ) And many thanks to Rachel Browne Photography for shooting this wedding with me!
Marina looked stunning in her Lazaro gown!
These little girls were too cute. They kept following Marina around, helping her carry her dress.
Marina's family members sang to her in Greek before leaving the house for the ceremony. It was touching.
The cathedral was so pretty!
Love this quiet moment just after the ceremony.
The cake was incredible -- delicate and bold at the same time!
Bills were flying pretty much the entire evening!
Marina was so graceful as she danced for more than 30 minutes at a time!
Marina's father was having a ball!
melissatuckphoto@gmail.com | 704.689.1262