Deana, Bobby, and Savannah

Welcome to the world, Miss Savannah

Some positivity for you on this quarantined day in Durham. The best part about quarantine? I now have SO much more time to blog the prettiest sessions! Oh, and today I am sharing with you the sweetest little family session that took place near my home town in Williamston, NC. For all of you who do not know where this is, its about 40 minutes north of Greenville, NC.

You may remember some familiar faces when you see this family session. Deana and Bobby are a past wedding couple of mine (you can see their wedding on the blog HERE) , and I am just smitten that they asked me to photograph their newest family member, Savannah. Their session started on their front porch, and eventually ended up with some sweet mom and daughter images in Savannah’s baby room.

My heart is so big for this family, and Savannah is the absolute cutest.

P.S. If you want to have a giggle today, read about a fun mishap that happened on the day I took their photos. My husband and I were driving down to visit Deana and Bobby. This is about a 2 hour drive, and I was happy that my husband had the day off so that he could go with me and keep me company. Deana had sent me a message stating that there were two driveways, but if we missed the first one, there was a second. However, she mentioned that the second entrance had a ton of potholes. Well, what do you know, we missed the first one! So, we went down the second one…in my husbands Prius. Long story short, the car got stuck and we had to have Bobby tow us out. Hilarious! My husband just bought this car and was so happy to know that it made it through its first time in eastern, NC!

“Nikki made me feel beautiful in all my photos on my special day and events around the day. When I received my photos It felt like I was reliving the day all over again. “ — Deana

I have to admit, Deana and Bobby’s wedding was one of those that I felt myself crying behind the camera. Long story short, I have known Deana since high school. She has been a dear friend, and I’ve enjoyed her happiness and general funniness for quite some time now. Bobby, her now husband, suits her so well with his natural humbleness and kindness. I am happy for the both of them, and so happy to have been able to photograph such a happy celebration between the two of them.

Deana and Bobby married in Williamston, NC. The ceremony and reception took place at the Bob Martin Ag Center—wait until you see the reception! With the help of their families, they completely transformed the space into something magical!

The entire day started with so many laughs. It felt so good to be in the presence of some of the most kindest of people. Deana and Bobby opted to have a first touch in the hotel right before their wedding. It was such a sweet moment to witness. If you are on the fence about doing a first look, a first touch may be the way to go. Instead of seeing each other before the wedding, you can choose to touch hands and even exchange cards during that time. I always feel like this helps with the wedding day jitters, and the emotions that come to surface are just so genuine. I am pro first touch/first look!

The ceremony was packed. I swear, I think every seat was taken. With so many friends and family there, you could feel the lovable energy in the room. Deana’s childhood Pastor married the two of them, which I thought was a nice touch. When the newlywed couple walked hand in hand down the aisle, that is when I felt the tears. It was something spectacular to see everything happen for my good friend. So happy for you, Deana!

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this possible!

Venue // Bob Martin Agriculture Center
Hotel and Accommodations // Holiday Inn Express
Invitations // Downtown Diva Boutique
DJ // Kevin Howard
Gown Designer // Oleg Cassini
Bridesmaids Dresses // Davids Bridal
Catering // Heritage House
Getaway Car // Mr. Ed Lipscomb
Hair // Strands by Sam
Makeup // Dollface by Melissa
Cake // Precious Memories by Sue Foley

Oh my sweet goodness! I am so so happy to have Courtney and Danuels wedding images ready for you guys to view! I met Courtney a few years ago at our Alma Mater, NC State. We became instant friends from the beginning, and I have been so thrilled to share with her many memories on her wedding day.

The day started out at Courtney's sisters house near Bear Grass, NC. If you have never been to northeastern North Carolina, it is a part of the country that has one of the best steakhouses in America--Deadwood. Seriously, it's amazing and you should definitely check it out if you are in the area! Afterwards, Courtney met her parents for their very own first look. Courtney and Danuel wanted to keep with the tradition of only seeing one another at the altar, however her parents were another story! I loved this little detail. It gave the parents that first look of their baby girl in her wedding dress--it was precious to watch.

The venue set upon the Roanoke river in Williamston, NC and had the best views imaginable. The venue, Moratoc Park, was a sacred place to Courtney as her grandfather use to take her there to go fishing. Danuel wanted her to have there wedding day at this very special venue to incorporate her Grandfather since his passing. He was definitely there in spirit!

All in all, the wedding was beautiful and in every way Courtney and Danuel! This couple has grown so much to my heart--its been a dream collaborating with this sweet couple from beginning to end. I, sincerely, wish the two of you a lifetime of love and happiness.

Cheers!