The Triangle's NACE community is, by far, one of the best I have ever seen. I love how creatives, entrepreneurs, and just all around great companies come together once a month to learn more about the events industry. For the month of October I had the privilege of photographing their event that was held at 21c Hotel in Downtown Durham. This month's event focused on how to cater to unusual venues and the like. 21c Hotel was perfect as this venue hosts some of the most modern artwork in the triangle area, has a bold layout, and is just out of the ordinary extraordinary. 

Upon entering you are greeted by melodic sounds stemming from a local guitar soloist and sites of a mesmerizing acrobatic. The first thought that comes to mind is "this is going to be a great event." Each guest is given a number correlated with a team. From here you find the rest of your team with the same number and are given a task to find certain items throughout the museum hotel. There are 3 floors to the museum, and about 10 or so items that you are needed to find. Once you were done, you head back downstairs for a panelists Q & A, along with delectable food to pair. Dinner was served family style and Slice Pie Company came in for a delicious dessert to boot. I not only went home full, but inspired. 

Vendors

Venue 21c Museum Hotel
Planning and Coordination RSVP Events
Florist Tre Bella
Specialty Catering Slice Pie Company
Rentals American Party Rentals
Table Decor Table of Contents
Event Lighting Get Lit Special Event Lighting
Stage Design and Furniture AFR Event Furnishings
Performance Art Cirque De Vol

There are some people that meet that you instantly become smitten with. Megan was that lady for me (and her mom!). Megan had originally wanted to tie the knot on the beach, but instead decided to go with the gorgeous Carolina Inn located right here in Chapel Hill, NC. Both are beautiful landscapes, but I know she made the right choice for what she and Derrick wanted. To have the best of both worlds she decided to get out her beautiful Hayley Paige gown again and twirl in the sand for me, Derrick included.

I love how these images came out and how intimate the entire bridal photo session came out. Megan wanted this to be super low key, but still romantic and classy. The session took place at Carolina Beach located right next to Kure, NC, and we waited for the perfect time to come out from under the pier. Of course, the date we chose would have a chance of thunderstorms, but I am so glad we waited for it die down. The atmosphere was perfect and it was so much fun to see Megan and her mom Lauren again after spending so much time with them this past year--hello Tre Bella!

Wedding Gown from Tre Bella in Durham, NC
Wedding Gown Designer is Hayley Paige
Jewelry by Jenny Packham
Photo Scans by Richard Photo Labs

Can we talk about the best home, garden, and family ever?! Yes, it's time. What I am about to show you is eclectic, modern, and shows so much southern vintage flare--shot both on film and digital. The parents are both small business owners in the good ol' city of Durham, NC, and still find time to clean their house. This session showcases some new parent vibes along with old family traditions.

Rachael and Chaz have been known to go against the grain, but in style and dreams. Millie, their 5 month old, will definitely grow up a firecracker and will inevitably be the cool kid on the block when she is older. Georgia, their lifelong pup, is completely smitten with the newcomer and she even is seen sporting a flower collar--courtesy of one of Rachael's small businesses, Tre Bella Florist. Chaz from Chaz's Bull City Records  decorated the halls with old school posters of his favorite bands--which we get to see more of when we enter his record store later to document his family. My favorite? Nirvana.

Seriously, you have to swoon with me on this! Love how modern this sweet family is! Oh, and for added measures of awesomeness--this session is featured on Beyond the Wanderlust and Oh. My. Stars.!! You can find their original blog post here.