Stephanie and Dan’s River Forest Manor Wedding in Belhaven, NC

“Where do I begin?! Let me start with... I am not photogenic. I hate taking photos. I was not looking forward to any of the photography processes but Fancy This Photography made all our dreams come true! Nikki took our engagement photos, rehearsal dinner, wedding photos, and an additional mini shoot photo. At every shoot, she genuinely listened to our ideas, made us feel comfortable, and creatively came up with unique ways to enhance shots. The photos came out better than we could have ever imagined. I never felt like I was taking photos with Nikki. I felt like we were hanging out with a best friend that kept us laughing the entire time. I was lucky to meet Samantha at our wedding (as the second shooter) and she is wonderful as well! They both are so supportive, make you feel so confident, and are a blast to be around!”— Stephanie, The Bride

It’s not very often that I find blog posts difficult to write. With Stephanie and Dan, I have found it so hard to put my thoughts and experience on paper—as its just overwhelmingly happy. I met Stephanie and Dan at The Carolina Inn bridal show a couple of years ago. I remember Stephanie’s energy, her laugh, and the sweetness she had towards me. At that time, I did not know she would end up being such a great friend.

Leading up to their wedding, we would have dinner and drinks almost every other month. I always enjoyed getting to know she and Dan, and looked forward to hearing all about their wedding. It was because of this that we became close, and that on their wedding day it just seemed like all was well with the world. No nervous jitters on my end (I am typically always nervous right before a wedding), but with theirs I was just so happy to serve my now dear friends.

Their day started out with both sets of their bridal party getting ready in the prettiest of suites. Stephanie and her bridesmaids (and bridesman—looking at you, Alex) got ready in the utterly perfect bridal suite at River Forest Manor. The entire room had windows surrounding it overlooking the water and the pier of the venue. This created such a nice touch and the photos from here are just ah-mazing! Like, thank you River Forest Manor for having a great spot like this! Dan and his groomsmen got ready in the Grooms suite which was separate from the main venue—and right on the water.

Their bridal party was fairly large—it was such a fun site to see when they all lined up to head down the aisle right in front of the venue on the steps. To paint a picture… imagine this gorgeous house of a venue with towering columns right in front with steps leading up to the old wooden and vintage door—all white backdrop, and a gorgeous bride in white walking down the aisle. To say it was magical was an understatement. Stephanie walked down the aisle with her father, and the way Dan looked at Stephanie was so endearing. Their ceremony brought me to tears—from the sheer beauty of it, and the fact that I had a front row seat to it.

Later, at their reception, the newlywed couple did a choreographed dance as their first dance. There was a LIFT, yall! Like, Dan and Stephanie did a LIFT during their first dance song! The first dances with their parents were sweet to witness for everyone there. And, the toasts came from generosity, love, and history. This was such a fun part of their night to photograph (especially the cake cutting and champagne toast!).

The night was filled with so much dancing, laughter, and friends and family from all over the States. At some point during the night, Stephanie and Dan loaded a docked boat at the Marina, and popped champagne for their bridal party. Let me repeat—THEY POPPED CHAMPAGNE OFF OF A BEAUTIFUL YACHT! This was so fun to watch, but also photograph!

They ended their night with a fun farewell exit leading them to the pier with all of their friends and family surrounding them. It was one of the sweetest endings to a wonderful day. The moon was full, and so were hearts. Cheesy, I know—but, it was a downright perfect day!

Stephanie and Dan, it was an honor serving you on your wedding day, and all of the days leading up. Thank you for your kindness, love, and most of all—friendship. Congratulations, and well wishes for a joyful marriage! Love you both!

Special thanks to all of their amazing vendors who made this day possible!

Planning and Coordination by Plume Events (Seriously, Amy was amazing!!)
Wedding Venue at River Forest Manor
Rehearsal Dinner at The Tavern at Jack’s Neck
Catering by Capital City Chefs
Flowers by Plume Events
DJ by Perfect Event Entertainment
Makeup by Bardot Studio
Hair by Bardot Studio
Rentals by CE Rental
Cake by Publix in New Bern
Invitations by The Salted Script
Signage and Calligraphy by Mason Dixon Designs

I have to be honest with you, and to be in the field that I am in this will hit home a bit. The one thing that I regretted not doing in preparation for my wedding was having bridal portraits done. It’s the one time before your wedding that you really get to play dress up, but not only that, you get to see how everything will look all together. It’s time you can spend getting to know your photographer a bit more, but its also time for you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of planning and just take everything in. I realize that bridal sessions arent really a thing up “north.” Yall, you would be surprised how many people I talk to who have never heard of this type of session. But, it’s a southern tradition, and I am all for it.

When Deana asked to have her bridal portraits done in Edenton, NC—I about swooned over the phone. Edenton has the sweetest southern charm with its cobblestone streets, old timey doll house homes, and its nestled right on the water. We knew this backdrop would be perfect for Deana, and it paired so well with her traditional lace gown.

It was a cold winter day, but we made up for it by having plenty of blankets around for Deana. A family friend made the most gorgeous bouquet, and even added in a personal touch—a butterfly, something that reminded Deana of her late mother. I have to admit, I cried a few times during Deana’s bridal session. Having known Deana since high school, this hit me a little harder on the other side of the camera. She brought a photo of her mother in her wedding gown, and we made sure to take images of her holding that sweet framed portrait. To me, this is the stuff that matters more than anything else. And Deana looks just like her mother did—beautiful.

She was a site to see all around downtown Edenton. I am happy to showcase some of my favorites from her bridal session. Would love to hear your thoughts!

Happy New Year!

2015 had been such a blessing! I am so excited to see what 2016 has in store.  This year Jason and I sat down and wrote all of our goals we wish to reach.  One of the biggest ones on my list is to meet and collaborate with like minded people.  Coincidentally, the session with Courtney and Danuel  went hand in hand with my goal. I don't think I could have wished for a more in-tune couple than these two.

The whole time leading up to this day Courtney kept telling me "oh, we are weird! There is no way you could capture anything good of us!"  Well, I did. And, this session came out epic. 

As a photographer I always try to find how my couples LOVE.  As a professional it may be hard not to place everyone in the same "box."  You know, like pose this person here, smile this way, twirl her, etc. It could be a bit redundant with each session. The key is to understand each couple how THEY are.  Not everyone loves the same. Once  you have a grasp on how they love, you have the amazing power to capture them in their truest form. There is no better gratification.

Courtney and Danuel are the absolute sweetest couple. Their love digs deep. And, they are pretty goofy (which is A O.K. with me!). The way Danuel looked at Courtney about took my breath away.  It is something so sweet and special to witness a love like this.

We went to Columbia, NC for their engagement session. Fun fact, Courtney and I are from the same part of town (Northeastern NC)! It was only fair to go there for their engagement session. I've missed this place.

I am so ecstatic to photograph their wedding this July!