Meet Your Wedding Photography Team

 

Meet Nikki

Owner & Photographer

Hi, I’m Nikki! I am a wedding photographer for the madly in love couple who want something a bit extraordinary for their wedding. I give my couples art that can never be recreated. You know that feeling when you see two people embrace each other after years of separation? Even better, that look of awe as the couple sees each other for the first time walking down the aisle? Well, I’m there for those instances and my role in preserving these souvenirs is not taken lightly. I am here for nostalgia.

I spent my childhood in eastern, NC. What a fantastic place to grow up as it taught me southern hospitality at its best. Eastern style barbecue is not the only thing I learned and loved about that place. Family and neighbors really taught me how to be of service to others-- how to make people feel at ease, even during some of the most emotional parts of life. Even as a young adult I was told that my calming presence made the room feel a sense of calm. I take this with me to every wedding day.

I live for those boastful and cheerful belly laughs from fabulous toasts that make the room roar. The lovely sound of glasses clinking together urging the couple to kiss while at their sweetheart table is one that my ears ring and perk for. My favorite part of a wedding day is whisking the couple away for those golden hour images--but, really knowing that I do this because I want the couple to take a big breath in together and bask in the day alone.

Warm and welcoming are the exact words that I feel from my clients. Because of that, I am able to translate their day with enthusiasm and sincerity; this is the dedication their day deserves. So, if you're looking for a photographer with that Southerner's warm welcome and appetite for wistful affection; then it’s nice to meet you.

xo, Nikki

 
 
 

Meet Sarah

Partner Photographer

Hi! I am Sarah! I have been part of the Fancy This team since 2020 and love to document weddings! I am so excited to service our Carolina couples and to be a part of a growing creative team that cares so much about their couples.

I’ve been told I am a calm spirit on wedding days, but I just think that comes from my background in photojournalism. My background in photography starts at Randolph Community where I graduated with a degree in photojournalism. Throughout the years I have worked with newspapers, commercial contractors, and even Ralph Lauren. I love a good adventure! So much so that last year I received my certificate to be a Novice Paragliding Pilot! C’mon adventure brides!

My favorite part about a wedding is when the couple sees each other for the first time. Those emotions--wow, they get me every time! I live for the sweet touches that go unnoticed, like the soft touch of hands when at the altar right before exchanging the wedding rings. It's those little things that make my galleries extraordinary.

My couples say that my relaxed and gentle approach to wedding photography places them at such an ease that its hard not to be anything other than themselves. I think of this as my superpower, as my sole purpose is to document YOUR day in the same amount of beauty and essence that it is. If you're looking for a wedding photographer that understands you and wants you to shine bright in all of your glory--well, then, it's nice to meet you!

—Sarah

 
 
 

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Meet Courtney

Partner Photographer

My love of photography began in the darkroom my father built for me in highschool.It was there, printing 35mm film, I knew my passion would become more than just a hobby. Soon after I enrolled in a college program where I studied the intricacies of photography. For the entirety of my first year at school, I worked solely with black and white film. This practice allowed me to appreciate the patience and precision behind the perfect shot. I learned to slow down and let the photo come to me. I then applied this experience and philosophy to color photography and my work moving forward.

After graduation, I moved to New York and spent twelve years managing a studio for a photographer for the New York City Ballet, building an independent business and working creatively. Being a photographer in the city, you have to constantly adapt and evolve in order to survive. The manic pace and ceaseless competition reinforced my ability to be creative in tight time frames without sacrificing my vision. When I made the decision to move back home to North Carolina, I brought with me a unique perspective influenced by over a decade's work in New York City. Now that I’m home, I’m reestablishing a tribe of alluring free-thinkers. Above all else in my work, I value authenticity and my clients feel the same.

Nobody wants to look back at a photograph of themselves looking stiff, shy and uncomfortable. Listen, I get it. Getting your photograph taken can be awkward. I like to tell my clients that the first 5 minutes of a shoot are like an awkward first date, but then it gets better. It's my job to make you feel comfortable and - maybe crack a bad joke or two - so that before long you’ll forget the camera’s there and we’re just having fun. Robert Cappa once said, “if your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough.” To me, this doesn’t mean barking commands and staging meticulous poses in the attempt to get a perfect shot; it means creating an environment where you feel comfortable enough to let your guard down and be who you genuinely are. That's the version of you I want to photograph. I strive for authenticity with everything that I do and I’m always rooting for my clients to have the best experience.

What is essential about photographing a wedding? Of course the undeniably important moments, but I’ll also work the peripherals of the room. I take pride in capturing the moments that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks. The look in your grandparent’s eyes as they admire your first dance or your baby cousins’ running underfoot. The little bits of time that without a photograph would otherwise be forgotten. I take this philosophy with me to every shoot. Whether it be a portrait shoot, elopements or events: capturing the imperfection of humanity is the foundation of what drives my photography. Our lives are an ongoing developing experience and I want your photos to tell the story of what really happened.

—Courtney

 
 

Meet Amanda

Partner Photographer

Hey there! I'm Amanda Law, your partner in crime and a wedding photography enthusiast based in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area of North Carolina. Get ready for a delightful journey into the world of love and epic romances!

Picture this: Growing up in Durham, NC, my family had a thing for those clickety-click cameras. My dad ran a groovy camera store while my mom embraced her inner paparazzi, capturing every single moment as my sister and I blossomed. The best memories were the ones spent flipping through boxes of family photos—my dad sporting a glorious mullet and baby-face at 25, and our hilarious snow day escapades where we resembled bundled-up robots with our arms sticking out. And oh, those prom snapshots, including some cringey boyfriends, and the crazy moving days that could fill a comedy script. Ah, the joy!

Fast forward to college, where I fell madly, deeply in love with photography. It was an obsession I couldn't resist! I mean, why study something sensible when you can chase your true passion, right? So I embarked on grand adventures, capturing my friends' wild and silly moments during late-night studio sessions that lasted until the wee hours. Every new purchase became an excuse for a fabulous photoshoot. Life was an absolute blast! And then, like a magnetic force, New York City beckoned me to fulfill my photography dreams. On to Nashville, TN I went.

And here's where the love story begins. In Nashville, I stumbled upon a world that made my heart skip a beat—weddings! From the very first one, I was completely smitten. These enchanting celebrations were bursting with pure love, raw emotions, and all the warm fuzzies you can imagine. And let's not forget engagements—they're like the opening chapter of an epic love story! I thrive on helping you tell your unique tale, not just for yourselves but for generations to come. I become your silent witness, capturing those bursts of uncontainable joy, those quiet and tender moments that take your breath away. Together, we weave a vibrant tapestry that will transport you back to that magical day, over and over again.

Now, let's shake things up a bit. While love stories have stolen my heart, my quirky side couldn't resist adding a little twist. I waved goodbye to the mundane and embraced the extraordinary. I longed for the comforting warmth of the South. Not just the weather, mind you, but the warmth of its people! That's what brought me back home to Durham, NC. My focus is on creating imagery that paints a vivid picture of your love, your story, and the essence of who you are. I'm not interested in cookie-cutter approaches; I'm all about capturing the real, the authentic, and the beautifully unique moments that make your love shine. With me, you won't just get a photographer but a partner in crime who's willing to go the extra mile to make your wedding experience a whimsical and unforgettable adventure.

So there you have it—a glimpse into my world of love, laughter, and capturing the extraordinary. If you're searching for a wedding photographer who will infuse your special day with joy, creativity, and a touch of quirkiness, look no further! Together, we'll embark on this delightful journey, capturing the magic, and creating memories that will make your heart skip a beat. Ready to embark on this adventure? Let's make your love story shine!

—Amanda

 
 

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