Is it not professional to scream from the top of my lungs that I just HAVE THE BEST CLIENTS EVER?!

Okay, I did it and feel much better that I did that!

Alison and Brian may have been one of my favorites from the very beginning. For starters, I had a phone call with them to discuss all things wedding photography which ended in me chatting with Brian about all things film camera. This, my friends, is when nerds unite. I am not saying Brian is a nerd, I am mostly speaking about myself—but, yall, I loved chatting with them!

These two live in New York currently, but met while they were both attending UNC-Chapel Hill. What better way to commemorate this than by doing their engagement session on their old stomping grounds! We hit some iconic places—like the Old Well, which I adore!

But, I have to be honest—my favorite little spot was a spot that to be honest, I probably went past a few dozen times and never stopped. It was this sweet little courtyard tucked away beside one of the buildings on campus. It was here that Brian asked Alison to date him. From what I hear, he asked her about 3 times. I guess from this blog post you can see that she eventually said yes, and now they are planning their wedding.

I loved getting to know these two, and cant wait until their wedding next year! You guys—they are getting married at the beautiful Carolina Inn, which is perfect for their entire story. Alison told me she is rooting for a tequila fountain, and I am all for this option. Have you guys ever photographed a tequila fountain? Nope, didnt think so!

And one last bit, their outfit choices are killer. I can’t wait for you guys to see it!

"Nikki was absolutely darling! We asked her to take photos for our one year anniversary and she was so open and responsive to every idea I had and even loved my Pinterest board! The day we took the photos she met us where I grew up at my grandparents house and she seriously found a darling shot in every part of their yard! We felt comfy with her and were able to be ourselves very easily infront of her lense. And when it came to a vision I had with a sapling that was part of our wedding and a cross with magnolia leaves, Nikki absolutely embraced every idea and knocked it out of the park! Our walls are about to get a makeover with all these new photos and we are SO excited! Can't wait till the next time Nikki! Y'all. I just, I just can't get over how gorgeous these two are! Megan had contacted me in hopes of photographing she and husband Anthony for their first year anniversary session. Seriously, this is the best idea ever! I think Jason and I are going to do this!" -- Megan

When talking with Megan about her vision for the photo session, I thought it would be best to pick out one word to base the session around. After much consideration on Megan's end, she chose the word "faith," which I thought was extremely fitting for the two of them as the longer I have grown to know them, the more I knew their faith was a big part of who they were.

We based their anniversary at Megan's grandparents house located right here in Durham, NC. Megan grew up here and fell in love with Anthony here. A lot of sweet memories were had, and the landscape was just adorable to frolic in. The entire property felt like this little oasis with tons of greenery, little gnomes scattered about, and some cats that decided to take part in their session.

Megan and Anthony wanted to top their session off with a picture of a cross that her grandfather had built. Although most of the session was photographed via film, I thought it was fitting to light the cross to showcase importance which this part was shot digitally. I love how the last photo came out. To me, it definitely portrays their word "faith." What do you think?

Film Scans were developed by Richard Photo Lab

Out of all of the weddings, I have the softest heart for elopements. There is something so special about marrying the one you love, with or without a handful of your closest of friends. When Leia reached out and told me of her and Jeremy's plan, my heart swole emotion. This was totally them, to go away and just get married. 

Leia and Jeremy are bee enthusiasts, keepers, and just a good all around activist for bees. Earlier this year Leia and Jeremy were out with their bees when Jeremy plopped down on one knee and proposed. From what I hear, it was a beautiful site to see. With their history in mind, they wanted to keep their elopement simple, but with key ingredients of details--like their love for bees. One of my favorite details is Leia's bouquet made up of solely lavender--a bee friendly plant which also happens to grow in their backyard.

Leia and Jeremy headed down to Carolina Beach and met up with 3 of their closest friends. Their Officiant, who is also a part time rockstar, came to the rescue to give the quickest little ceremony on the beach at sunrise. If you are thinking "wait, did you mean sunset?"--just know that I stand correct. This couple was not going to go the easy route--they wanted the best light, view, and peacefulness the day could bring, and let me tell you; it was gorgeous, serene,  and one of a kind. 

Once the ceremony was over, all of us headed to the cutest little carnival place right down the road. We basically had our pick of the litter for any rides, and there was something so nice about actually being the only ones inside the park. My favorite image from this pit stop? The one of Leia on the merry-go-round. If you look closely, you will see that she chose the chicken to ride on. How ironic--she also farms chickens. Full circle. 

Kure Beach was right down the road and this place is the only place on the east that hosts those awesome little "squiggly" trees. One of the locals told me the actual name of these things, but for some reason "squiggly trees" just stuck. Go figure. We all had a grand time overlooking the ocean here, and the trees gave a nice shaded spot for some intimate portraits. I love how every single one of these turned out on film. To me, when I look at these images it just takes me to an emotion of intimacy. This was what the bride and groom wanted, and it is just an overwhelming feeling to know that you were chosen to bask in it. 

For more images, please visit Love and Lavender as this wedding was featured on their blog this week!

Vendors

Photo Scans Richard Photo Labs
Ceremony Site Carolina Beach, NC
Boutonniere Cosmic Firefly
Earrings from J Design
Bee Hair Clip Days long Gone
Groom Attire Ticknors Mens Clothiers
Bridal Salon Camille's of Wilmington
Bridal Suite at The Hampton Inn of Carolina Beach Hotel

A few years ago Teresa moved to North Carolina for a career opportunity. While on the flight to North Carolina she sat beside a lady who striked up normal conversation with her, you know, the good southern thing to do. Teresa mentioned she was looking for friends in the area as she would know no one; this stranger on the plane said "I know of someone you should meet, I met him a few weeks back on another flight, he is the absolute sweetest man and I think you two would just hit it off!" Teresa, of course, feeling slightly put off by this stranger telling her this, pays no attention but accepts this ladies offer by writing down how to get in touch with him.  Keith, who is the CEO of the Special Olympics, was not hard to find. After a few weeks of living in North Carolina, Teresa decided to take a chance and email Keith, and if anything, they could both joke about how off the situation was. They met for coffee and the rest was history! Seriously, I know it's unheard of but talk about the odds!

I am over the moon about Teresa and Keith's quaint little wedding day! With it's ties to all things "Carolina," I am sure you will find humbleness and maybe even some pudding pie. Teresa and Keith wanted their wedding to be based more so around family, more humble, and down to their roots. Their bridal party was small, consisting of only 1 family member on both sides, and of course their 2 sweet pooches. Yes, they even had bow ties! The venue was set at Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill, NC, overlooking a crowd favorite of Franklin Street. The details surrounding the venue were delicate, small, but impactful. The best detail off the bat was their family crest on a scroll which served as their ceremony backdrop. Everything from the topiary florals to the hummingbird champagne stationary really set the scene for a romantic night.

Wedding Venue Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill, NC
Gown from New York Bride and Groom in Garner, NC
Calligraphy by Danielle Olcott with Mason Dixon Designs
Flowers from Tre Bella Florist in Durham, NC
Music by Stylus
Hair and Makeup by Perfection by Patricia
Shoes by Badgley Mischka
Gown Designer Maggie Sottero
Transportation by Raleigh Rickshaw
Grooms Suit by Kannon's Clothing
Grooms Tie by Alexander Julian