Springtime engagement photos at The Barn of Chapel Hill - can't wait for the wedding!

Spring has got to be the best time for engagement photos. We were so excited to take photos of this beautiful couple last week at their wedding venue, The Barn of Chapel Hill, and can’t wait to go back for their wedding next May!

The Barn of Chapel Hill is a stunning wedding venue nestled in the scenic countryside of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This picturesque venue offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and elegant sophistication, making it an ideal setting for memorable weddings and special events.

We could not get over this hydrangea bush! The green and white of the flowers was such a nice contrast with the blues of the couple’s outfits. We love hydrangeas for engagement photos! The soft, billowy appearance of hydrangea flowers creates a dreamy and whimsical atmosphere in photos. Their delicate petals and intricate details can soften the look of the surroundings, making them ideal for romantic shots. Hydrangeas are often associated with love, beauty, and grace, making them a meaningful choice for engagement photos. Incorporating these flowers into the photos can symbolize the couple's blossoming love and the beauty of their relationship.

I mean, seriously?!? 😍

This couple was so cute. They brought this adorable sign with their initials and wedding date. Not only is a sign a simple and elegant prop for your engagement photo session, it also adds a personalized touch and serves as a subtle reminder of the upcoming celebration. It’s also perfect for using on your save the dates or announcing your wedding on Instagram.

Between the first picture and the 2nd, I asked the couple “show me how excited you are to be GETTING MARRIED” and they both simultaneously started jumping up and down. I’m not sure what I expected, but this was even cuter.

Of course we had to grab some photos of this beautiful rock! We love to get candid pictures of the engagement ring on the bride-to-be’s finger, in addition to detail shots of the ring alone with a rustic and/or floral backdrop.

If you plan to share your engagement photos on social media or use them for wedding announcements, images of the engagement ring can be especially eye-catching and meaningful for sharing your exciting news with friends and family.

Photos of the engagement ring also serve as a beautiful keepsake, documenting this significant milestone in your relationship. Not only will you cherish these images as a reminder of the excitement and anticipation leading up to your wedding day, but if your ring becomes a family heirloom, your children and grandchildren will treasure these earliest photos of it on your finger!

 

No engagement photography session is complete without a good walking shot. It’s a wonderful way to capture candid and natural moments between you and your partner.

Walking together allows you and your partner to interact in a relaxed and spontaneous manner, which often results in authentic and heartfelt expressions captured by the photographer.

Walking adds movement and energy to your photos, creating a sense of motion and liveliness. This can enhance the visual interest of the images and make them more engaging.

 

Finally, walking shots provide an opportunity to showcase the surrounding environment in your photos, whether it's a scenic outdoor location, city streets, or a picturesque setting. This can add depth and context to your engagement photos. At The Barn of Chapel Hill, we used the gorgeous North Carolina woods on the edge of the property.

We finally made it to The Barn of Chapel Hill building itself! The Barn is a beautifully restored and spacious structure featuring exposed wooden beams, high ceilings, and ample natural light streaming in through large windows. The interior exudes warmth and character, creating a cozy yet grand atmosphere for ceremonies and receptions.

Surrounding the Barn are expansive grounds adorned with lush greenery, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. Couples can exchange vows in an outdoor ceremony surrounded by nature, with the serene beauty of the countryside as their backdrop.

This engagement photo session at The Barn of Chapel Hill has us counting down the days until the wedding!

Wedding photography and videography at The Distillery in downtown Garner

We just shot a beautiful wedding at one of the newer venues in Garner, NC, The Distillery!

Nestled just off main street in downtown Garner, The Distillery is a new gem for weddings in the Raleigh area. It has a chic industrial vibe perfect for capturing unforgettable moments through wedding photography. Natural light floods the space, accentuating the white wainscoting and creating a light, airy atmosphere ideal for both ceremonies and receptions.

Getting ready

Photographing the wedding details and capturing the bride and bridesmaids getting ready at was an absolute joy. While we typically use understated backdrops for detail shots (rings, save-the-dates, jewelry, perfume, flowers, and shoes), this wedding incorporated a vibrant pink tablecloth and a mirror. The results speak for themselves!

The floral arrangements were simply incredible all day. The bride and florist did not hold back, and selected the most vibrant florals we’ve ever seen. They fit the aesthetic of this April wedding for sure. And we loved the choice of timeless, black bridesmaid gowns to contrast with the eye-catching flowers.

The guys met up next door at Aristotle Sprits. While not part of the venue, the Aristotle staff were very accommodating, letting us snap a few portraits of the groom at the bar and in front of the distilling equipment. It made for a great, masculine backdrop contrasted against the look of The Distillery!

First look

Capturing the first look between the bride and groom was a magical moment. Before the guests arrived, we set the stage for this special encounter, ensuring every detail was meticulously captured. With the ceremony space as our backdrop and natural light streaming in, we preserved the raw emotion and love shared between them. This intimate exchange set the tone for a day filled with joy and cherished memories.

A first look at your wedding allows you to share a private, emotional moment with your partner before the ceremony, creating a special memory together. It eases nerves, allows for intimate photos, and often helps to make the rest of the day flow more smoothly.

Ceremony

Before we knew it, it was time for the wedding! The ceremony at The Distillery was a vision of elegance and sophistication. The serene white backdrop, adorned with white wainscoting and accented by sparkling gold chandeliers, created a stunning atmosphere for the couple's vows. Natural light poured in through the large windows above the altar, bathing the space in a warm and radiant glow.

Portraits

After the ceremony, we snuck away with the bride and groom to a nearby park in downtown Garner. There, we took advantage of the shade of a big, beautiful magnolia tree for some couple’s portraits.

Party time!

A night we’ll never forget

Shortly before the end of the night, we snuck off again with the bride and groom for some night shots in Garner and portraits in the vintage getaway car. Then it came time for the sparkler exit!

We love the magic of a sparkler exit, especially when it’s enhanced with cold sparklers! They are just dazzling and add a whole extra layer of excitement to photos that the bride and groom will cherish forever.

Autumn wedding at the Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh

Historic Mansion nestled in downtown Raleigh

Once you enter the Merrimon-Wynne House grounds, you forget you’re downtown! It’s a beautifully restored historic mansion dating back to the late 19th century. With its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and charming outdoor spaces, it makes the perfect backdrop for a wedding.

We get so excited every time we get the opportunity to shoot here. Definitely a circled-on-the-calendar type of wedding. It doesn’t hurt that it’s only about 5 minutes from our own home in Raleigh!

Don’t forget the details

When we arrived, we jumped into the detail shots as the ladies got ready. The Merrimon-Wynne House has some of the best light we’ve ever worked with. Every nook and cranny of the house is beautiful, and the vintage hardwood floors meeting the bright white trim made the perfect backdrop for the morning before a wedding. We couldn’t get enough of the The vibrant red and orange roses, which perfectly fit the autumn palette and contrasted with the muted pink bridesmaid’s dresses!

A photographer’s dream

In the morning, the girls got to hang out and get ready in the Merrimon-Wynne House’s getting ready suite upstairs and, let me tell you, it was a wedding photographer’s dream. It’s a beautiful light, muted teal and bathed in soft, natural light streaming through massive windows. The vintage full-length mirror, framed in elegant gold, was the perfect place to hang the wedding dress (I just had to make sure to stay out of my own photos!)

While I shot with the girls, Schuyler snapped photos of the venue and then made his way to hang out with the guys.

More to come about the rest of this beautiful wedding day!



Getting Ready on Wedding Day!!

Getting ready at a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation. As the sun rises on this momentous day, the air is filled with a mix of nerves and joy. The bridal suite buzzes with activity as hair and makeup artists weave their magic, ensuring every detail is perfect. Bridesmaids fuss over their dresses, adjusting sashes and fluffing layers of tulle. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen assemble in a separate room, straightening ties and checking cufflinks. Laughter and conversation fill the room, drowning out any last-minute jitters. Amidst the hustle and bustle, there is a sense of camaraderie and unity, as everyone rallies behind the couple about to say "I do." In this flurry of preparation, bonds are strengthened, memories are made, and the stage is set for a day full of love and cherished moments. That’s why I’ve created this list of the top 10 things that I recommend doing when getting ready.

My Top 10 List of All Things Getting Ready

Preparing for your wedding day can be both exciting and overwhelming. From getting your hair and makeup done to ensuring everything runs smoothly, there's a lot to consider. To help alleviate some stress and make the most of your big day, we have compiled a list of the top 10 advice for getting ready on your wedding day:
1. Plan Ahead: Start preparing well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. Create a detailed schedule with specific timelines for each task and allocate ample time for any unforeseen delays.
2. Delegate Responsibilities: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks to trusted family members or bridal party members. Assign someone responsible for handling any last-minute errands or ensuring the venue is prepared.
3. Eat Well and Hydrate: It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to eat or drink enough water. Make sure you have a nutritious breakfast and keep snacks and water nearby throughout the day to stay energized and hydrated.
4. Prep Your Wedding Attire: Hang your dress, suit, or outfit in a safe place where it won't get wrinkled or damaged. Also, make sure all accessories, such as shoes, veil, or tie, are ready and easily accessible when you need them.
5. Have a 'Getting Ready' Space: Choose a spacious and well-lit area for getting ready — preferably with natural light if possible. Ensure there are enough mirrors and comfortable seating for everyone involved.


6. The Power of a Good Playlist: Create a playlist of your favorite songs to set the mood and keep everyone entertained while getting ready. Music can help alleviate stress and create a relaxed atmosphere.
7. Allow for Buffer Time: Unexpected delays can happen, so it's essential to account for some buffer time in your schedule. This additional time will allow you to handle any unexpected situations without feeling rushed.
8. Capture the Moments: Hire a professional photographer or assign a trusted friend to capture candid and behind-the-scenes moments while you're getting ready. These photos will help tell the complete story of your wedding day.
9. Enjoy the Process: Take a moment to breathe and soak in the joy of the day. Surround yourself with loved ones, share laughter, and cherish the moments leading up to your marriage commitment.
10. Stay Calm and Trust the Process: Remember that things may not always go according to plan, but the most important thing is

Engagement Session at Summerfield Farms

We made the trip to Summerfield Farms for an engagement session with these two. It’s extremely common that venues allow couples to utilize the property for session for FREE. Don’t know if your venue does this? Just ask! It’s a great way to see how the venue looks in your photos, to get more comfortable at the venue, and to introduce your photog to the venue.

Traditionally, bridal sessions are done at wedding venues, and I love when couples decide to do their engagement sessions at the wedding venue, too!

This couple is getting married at Summerfield Farms next June. We were super excited to check the venue out and get to see it!

We were mesmerized by these tall oak trees and the sun peeking through the trees! We did this session in the middle of the afternoon, which can be a challenging time to take photos. This venue, however, provided the perfect amount of shade to make for some incredibly dreamy photos.

Umm…how perfect are these colors? I love the way that the purple and blues of their outfits really complements the colors of the hydrangeas! I’m super jealous, by the way, of the beautiful blooms. I’ve accidentally killed all of our hydrangea plants. **CRY**

These photos got us all super pumped to photograph their wedding at Summerfield Farms!

Summer Engagement Session at Dorothea Dix Park

Alright, y’all. Hope you are sitting down because these photos are going to knock your socks off!

We visited the beautiful Dorothea Dix Park, right outside of Downtown Raleigh for this couple’s engagement session. This spot is a gorgeous choice for so many reasons. It gets a lot of seasonal hype around the time of the sunflower blooms, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not all about the sunflowers!! This park has so much more to offer!

I’m a huge fan of trees and greenery! Swoon! I love this location because it has so many mature trees and Crepe Myrtle trees! They do an amazing job adding some pops of color to the shots.

We got to see a rainbow while we were at the park! How lucky is that?!

Can you imagine a more perfect backdrop for the summer? I’m in love with these gorgeous colors mixed with these wide open spaces!

This location also has some amazing skyline views of the City of Oaks! Since this couple isn’t from the Raleigh area, though, we didn’t prioritize it in our session! Even though this location is just a few miles outside of downtown, I’m obsessed with the way that these photos feel so secluded and away from the hustle and fast-paced vibe of the city!

Summer Wedding at Boots and Roots Farm

We got to travel to Haw River, North Carolina, to a wedding venue called Boots and Roots on Bradshaw Farms. We love seeing out great state and we were so excited to be at Bradshaw Farms.

When we arrived, we got straight to work on the detail shots. We know how much work and love goes into planning weddings, which is why we make it a priority to capture it all! The details at this wedding were astounding, and my personal favorite touch was the bridal bouquet! It had such a beautiful variety of flowers! Plus, I love that the bride included some blue in the bouquet! It’s such a smart way to incorporate the “something blue!”

This bride had some many sweet moments throughout the day! One of my favorite moments were here seeing her oldest son for the first time that morning. Tender moments like these look so good in a black-and-white photo!

The polka-dot back of the vests!! Again: this couple had amazing details throughout!

This bride and groom chose not to do a first look! Soooo, instead we did a first look with the ladies! This is a super fun way for the girls to see a bride for the first time! I highly recommend.

Instead of doing a first look, the bride and groom did a first touch, which is when couples don’t see each other, but instead touch hands before the ceremony. We found this beautiful mature tree on the property and it did not disappoint! A first touch is such a sweet way to connect before the wedding.

The ceremony was, well in one word, perfect! There was not a dry eye in the crowd as these two read their vows to one another. My favorite part of the entire venue was the mature elm tree that the ceremony was underneath! It was so rustic, simple, and beautiful!

This couple was so eager to have some photos together, which you know by now: I’M SO HERE FOR IT! We had a great time exploring the property and getting some amazing photos!

One thing that I loved was that they got some photos later in the evening, too! Some couples are hesitant to get sunset photos. My thoughts? They take about 10 minutes and last forever! Totally worth it!

After some speeches, dancing, and singing, we ended the night we a classic sparkler exit! Can you imagine a more perfect ending to a day?!

Summer In-Home Engagement Session

Hey y’all! It’s been a minute since we’ve hopped on the blog! We’ve tied up most of our summer weddings (they were all so perfect!) and have been enjoying some down time as we prepare for our fall wedding season!

We’ve also had some engagement sessions this summer. I could go on and on about all of the reasons I love engagement sessions. But I won’t. At least not on this blog post.

This engagement session that I had last night was extra special. The couple that I photographed has an upcoming wedding this fall. I was super excited to meet them for the first time because they are the absolute sweetest and cutest! To add to all of that, they chose super special place for their engagement session: their new home!

These two had recently bought their first home in Durham. They had been in the house for only two weeks and it already looked so amazing and had so many sweet details. Capturing their photos here was an amazing way to tell their love story in a way that was so personal and special to them. Plus, it meant that their sweet pup, Chloe got to join in on the fun! If you’re on the fence about where to get your engagement photos done, remember that you can literally do them anywhere, even in your own home!


We started with some cozy photos on the couch and I just LOVE the way that they turned out. After that, we moved into the kitchen, where these two popped some champagne! They certainly have a lot to celebrate!

We ended our session by heading out to their back porch. It was a hot day, but the evening brought some cooler temperatures. I love ending engagement sessions by getting some closer-up shots of these tender moments.

It’s safe to say that I am now obsessed with in-home engagement sessions.

Summer Wedding at Rose Hill

Summer is officially upon us is North Carolina! Here at Putt Photography, that means beautiful, colorful weddings to photograph. This time of year is especially special to us, because it’s when we got married 2 years ago!

But this post isn’t about our wedding, it’s about this absolute STUNNER of a ceremony that we photographed last weekend.

As a venue, Rose Hill has been a total bucket list location for us! We’re so grateful that we got to be part of this sweet couple’s big day at such a beautiful venue.

Rose Hill is a picturesque countryside estate in the town of Nashville, North Carolina. It’s a simple 45-minute drive from where we live in downtown Raleigh. The stunning houses on the property date back to the 18th century and ooze historical charm. It’s situated at the end of a long, tree-lined lane with bright and airy white decor, green lawns, and a shimmering pond complete with fountains and swans.

Getting Ready

The Manor House just steps from the outdoor ceremony space was a gorgeous spot for the bride, groom, and wedding party to get ready. The ladies had the whole upstairs, while the gents were in a rustic lounge downstairs.

I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful natural light as the mother of the bride zipped up the dress!

Meanwhile, Schuyler was hanging out with the guys and snapped this handsome shot of the groom. Don’t worry, there are plenty more of him smiling!

Details

While the ladies continued to get ready, I stepped outside with the rings to get some detail shots. It’s always a great idea to keep a couple of extra flowers on-hand for these pictures.

I used my magnifying glass lens extender and my homemade flatlays to get this ring shot.

The worst thing for the dress pictures is finding out there aren’t any pretty hangers available. That’s why we always bring a nice, plain wooden hanger, just in case. That wasn’t needed for this wedding, as the bride and groom hand this gorgeous custom hanger for the dress!

First Looks

We love that the groom went for the traditional approach and decided not to see the bride in her dress until she walked down the aisle. But we didn’t let that stop us from getting some first look magic!

We started with a bridesmaids first look, which was beautiful at the top of the stairs in the Rose Hill Manor House.

Father-daughter first looks are ALWAYS beautiful moments. We stepped outside the Manor House to capture dad’s reaction to seeing his daughter in her wedding dress.

Ceremony

The ceremony was held in a gorgeous white gazebo complete with dreamy hanging ferns and the lake as a backdrop.

The midday sun gave the whole ceremony a bright and airy look. It can be HOT in North Carolina in June, but fortunately the high was a “cool” 88 degrees.

Portraits

Combine the groomsmen’s light grey suits, the bridesmaids’ pink dresses, and the many beautiful backdrops of Rose Hill and you get absolutely timeless wedding portraits.

This group was so easy and FUN to photograph!

Next, we sent the bridal party to a well-deserved cocktail hour while we spent a few more minutes with the brand-new Mr. and Mrs.

Even the driveway at Rose Hill is a to-die-for photo opportunity!

Reception

One of our favorite modern traditions in weddings is the wedding party grand entrance. We LOVE it when the bridal party goes big and dramatic, entering pair-by-pair, with a different skit, dance, or pose for each couple. After the more formal energy of the wedding ceremony, it’s so much fun to see all of the personalities shine through.

Some sort of mock-proposal with a beer bottle was going on here… 😂😂😂

The married couple’s first dance is always a tender moment.

As someone who attends a lot of weddings, I can tell you that neon signs are IN! Such a cool addition to the reception decor, not to mention an awesome keepsake for the couple.

These ladies going for the bouquet showed some impressive athleticism! Almost makes us want to get into sports photography 🤣

As the summer evening continued, we got really cool glare on the dance floor that made for some artsy party shots.

Summer Sunset

We made sure to look up exactly when the sunset was on the wedding day so we could steal the bride and groom for just a couple minutes for sunset photos. Boy, we are glad we did!

In the background: some very vocal cows cheering for the new married couple… MOO!

Sparkler Exit

A sparkler exit made for a beautiful end to a beautiful wedding day!


Downtown Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel

Last weekend we shot a beautiful wedding at All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh. The ceremony was gorgeous and the couple and their family were incredibly kind. I can’t wait to share some of the images with you!

But first, let me tell you that this little venue is SO CUTE while also providing a traditional, classic look for a wedding. The church is tucked into the east side of downtown, and you might not even know it’s there unless you’ve traveled the 100 block of S East Street. We used to live in an apartment in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood, so photographing a wedding at this church has been on our bucket list for a while.

All Saints Chapel is just shy of 150 years old, but it hasn’t always been on this block. Back in 2006, the building was actually moved across town! We fell in love with the beautiful white facade outside, the original wood beams and floors, and gorgeous stained glass windows.

Getting Ready

It was such a joy to work with this groom. His kindness and love for his family and fiancée (at least at the time of this photo!) were so evident. Sometimes grooms can be a little overlooked in the hectic hour before the ceremony as most of the focus is on getting the bride ready. Not at our weddings! We always find ways to capture our grooms’ personality with our photos. He made it easy!

This amazing shot simply demanded the black and white treatment.

Best man saves the day with a last-minute adjustment of the groom’s buttoneer!

Meanwhile, the ladies were getting ready in the bridal suite. I was so pumped to use my new 18-35mm lens for this wedding. In this small space, it was a lifesaver! I was able to capture the full range of what was going on from the champagne toast, to the mother-of-the-bride helping with the dress, to the adorable bridesmaid reactions!

Ceremony

The wedding party filed in from the back of the chapel to “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Then, there was a pause, and the pianist began to play the Wedding March as the bride and her father walked down the aisle.

This couple took a more traditional approach to their wedding day and opted not to do a First Look. That means they had not seen each other all morning before the wedding ceremony!

It was hard not to tear up myself as the bride entered the chapel and I snapped this emotional shot of the groom.

Possibly the best part about shooting a wedding at All Saints Chapel is that you step out the door of the church and you are in downtown Raleigh!

It had stormed all morning, so we were ecstatic to find that the rain stopped and the sun peeked out during the wedding ceremony. While the guests enjoyed cocktail hour, we stole the bride and groom for some outdoor wedding portraits taking advantage of the pretty light.

Reception

The All Saints Chapel staff worked quickly to convert the chapel into a reception venue while the guests were at cocktail hour and we were taking couple’s photos. It was pretty stunning to return to the church after just a few minutes and see a completely different layout!

First dances never disappoint! They are always so reflective of the personalities of the bride and groom and their parents.

Married!

We can’t thank this couple enough for choosing us to be part of their special day. We know that so many beautiful new chapters lie ahead for them and we can’t to see what comes next in their love story!

Picture-Perfect Engagement at the JC Raulston Arboretum

Still absolutely obsessed with the photos from the beautiful engagement session we had this week in Raleigh! It was a treat to get to know this couple before their bridal photo session and wedding later this year.

We timed our session at the JC Raulston Arboretum so the sun would be low enough in the sky that it wasn’t too harsh, but high enough that we had plenty of soft, natural daylight. The Arboretum is full of mature trees in full bloom, so there were no issues finding plenty of magical shade!

We love love LOVE the stonework, pergolas, and (most of all) the white gazebo hidden among the winding paths of the Arboretum. It’s hard to believe these gardens are so close to the heart of downtown Raleigh. Just a few steps in from the entrance and you’ve entered pure tranquility!

It is so valuable to have an engagement and/or bridal session scheduled with your wedding photographer before your wedding day. We LOVE that this bride set up both!

Obviously, you get gorgeous photos from the engagement session. You’ll use them to celebrate your engagement, personalize your save the dates, and treasure for a lifetime. But there’s more! The last thing that you’ll want when you’re sitting in the makeup chair on your wedding day is to be meeting your photographer for the first time.

There are two big benefits to getting to know your photographer before your wedding day, and they actually make your wedding photos better! First, you’re more comfortable. We get to know our clients and always end up having tons of fun by the end of the engagement photos. Second, you’ve had a chance to learn about one another. You understand your photographer’s working style and your photographer understands your personality and needs/wants when it comes to photography.

We’re on the cusp of summer and it’s starting to get HOT in Raleigh! This afternoon wasn’t bad, but this couple did a great job dressing practically and comfortably. Her flowing green dress popped against his classic white polo and the dreamy scenery. They nailed the semi-formal vibe without breaking a sweat!

Walking through the 10-acre Arboretum is like a journey around the globe. That’s why it’s nationally-renowned among plant-lovers! It’s pretty amazing; every time you turn a corner it is like entering a garden in a different part of the world.

These shots were captured in possibly our favorite spot, the Japanese gardens. These gardens are surrounded by ivy-covered walls and roof and gorgeous in all four seasons. They even have raked gravel inspired by traditional Japanese gardens.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate this couple’s engagement. We’re looking forward to seeing more of their love story with their bridal photography session and wedding later this year!

Fairy Tale Engagement at the Azalea Gardens

It’s not springtime in Raleigh without a visit to the WRAL Azalea gardens! If you know Schuyler and me, you know that we are passionate amateur green thumbs. We spend the spring planting and watering about a dozen flower beds around our house. That’s why we were overjoyed when this beautiful couple chose the Azalea Gardens for their engagement photos. This is a chance to see how the pros do flowers!

The WRAL Gardens are one of the best spots in the Triangle to take in the eye-popping beauty of springtime in North Carolina. And the location can’t be beat!

They’re nestled conveniently behind the WRAL television studios, which are between the Main and Centennial campuses of NC State. When you’re in the dazzling and tranquil gardens you lose track of how close you are to downtown Raleigh!

We started this session with some classic couple’s poses and boy, did these two make it easy. Their chemistry was overflowing and the session was FUN from the first click of the camera!

We are SO GLAD that these two leaned into the vibrant location they chose for their engagement photo session. She wore a bold red dress that popped along with the tulips and azaleas. He stuck with a white shirt for a classic, timeless look, but chose blue pants that complemented the warm tones of the flowers and springtime greenery.

It’s hard to believe that these fairy tale gardens worthy of a princess’ engagement portraits are so close to downtown Raleigh. We love the tranquil, meandering paths that weave to the more isolated parts of the property.

The gardens are popular—but even when there are other visitors enjoying the flowers, you can always find sections of the winding paths that make you forget anyone else is around.

Not only are the flowers stunning, but the mature trees throughout the park provide a canopy of shade that makes for beautiful photos.

Hello tulips!

We are always amazed by the huge variety of flowers in the Azalea Gardens. All the different shapes and colors of leaves and petals make for endless possibilities for beautiful detail shots of the engagement ring! For this bride-to-be’s rose gold engagement ring, our favorite was this big, white lily. But, honestly, we were surprised it held the weight of this HUGE diamond!

When we’re planning a Raleigh engagement photo session, we always tell our couples, “You’re already dressed up and downtown, why not make a date night out of it?”

We love it when we hear that our couples have dinner reservations in Raleigh after their photo sessions. It’s the perfect excuse for a night on the town with your fiancé!

We just love that this couple embraced the vibrant, spring look in their engagement photos. Now we just can’t wait to capture the fall colors at their wedding in November!

A Charming Southern Wedding

It’s officially wedding season in North Carolina! We’re in the middle of a long string of back-to-back wedding weekends and LOVING it. Our hearts are so full of love! (and uh-MAZING wedding food) On Saturday we had the privilege of celebrating the union of this beautiful couple in Benson.

Something awesome about working with this couple? We also got to be their engagement photographer last year! We love getting to know a couple with an engagement photo session well in advance of their wedding day. That’s why we include one in most of our wedding packages!

We loved getting to know this couple during their engagement photo session in Wake Forest, NC.

The ring was so sparkly during the engagement session that we should have brought sunglasses!

Wedding day finally arrived for these lovebirds in March 2022 and we headed out to Benson, North Carolina. Benson is about 30 minutes outside of downtown Raleigh. A short trip to Johnston county was a great opportunity to get out of the city, drive through some gorgeous Carolina countryside, and, when the sun went down, see the stars!

The Barn at Broadslab is such a beautiful, peaceful venue! The lawn (and that dazzling dress!) made for gorgeous wedding portraits.

The Barn at Broadslab is a lovely Southern wedding venue in Johnston County. It’s rustic and rural, but elegant at the same time. Broadslab Distillery is right on site, which is super cool!

Look at the size of that rock! The ladies’ bouquets were drop dead GORGEOUS. Combine that with my magnifying glass lens and you get one of the most beautiful ring shots I have ever taken.

As a wedding photographer, my job before the wedding is SO MUCH easier when the venue architect put thought and care into designing the getting ready spaces.

The bridal suite at the Barn at Broadslab is gorgeous! It is huge with beautiful woodwork and this nook full of natural light. There was even a hook dedicated to hanging the wedding dress. Also really cool: it is upstairs, with a balcony overlooking the main event space. I snapped SO MANY great shots of the ladies getting ready, but this artsy black and white bridal portrait is the one that I could not wait to share with the bride!

We know how valuable it is to have two photographers on your wedding day. That’s why my husband and I photograph weddings together! This is great for catching candid moments or picking up extra camera angles. But it also makes the impossible possible! While I was with the girls when they were getting ready, Schuyler was with the boys!

First Look

Oh the first look… always a precious moment. More and more couples are choosing to do a first look. The First Look comes on the wedding day after getting ready, but before the ceremony. It’s when the Bride and Groom plan to see each other, decked out in their wedding attire, for the first time. The First Look allows couples to share a special, private moment together in a more intimate setting. Oh yeah, and it also makes for touching photographs!

Flower girl and ring bearer making an adorable surprise appearance in the First Look!

On your wedding day the dress, the decorations, the food, and the venue all make for a beautiful day (and pretty pictures!)

BUT, what you’ll remember for the rest of your life is being surrounded by your best friends and closest family members. This couple had a lovely and hilarious group of friends in their wedding party. They had us laughing all day! Our job was just to capture the energy the wedding party naturally brought to the day.

Ceremony

The Barn at Broadslab is the definition of rustic, but elegant! This was an undeniably classic wedding ceremony made even more charming by the rustic, southern decor of the venue. The ceremony was gorgeous. Even though the bride and groom had done a First Look, it was a beautiful moment when he saw her coming down the aisle.

Portraits

Wedding portraits after the ceremony were an absolute joy to shoot with this couple. Her STUNNING, long dress and dreamy veil combined with his classic black suit made for an elegant, timeless look. They are going to enjoy looking back on their wedding photos for a lifetime.

Reception

After the ceremony and portraits, it was time to party! The staff did an amazing job transforming the barn from wedding chapel to dinner hall while the guests were outside enjoying cocktail hour.

The couple’s first dance was a magical moment that they will remember forever. The father-daughter and mother-son dances were beautiful.

Cut the Cake

After dinner things got even sweeter with the cake cutting. Brides and Grooms can’t help but reveal their personality while cutting into their wedding cake. How do they hold the knife? Do they feed each other carefully or smear the frosting? These two only kept it together for a few seconds before the cake was flying. Multiple angles for moments like the cake cutting are why a second photographer is such a good investment!

Sparkler Exit

We love it when couples go big with a sparkler exit to conclude their wedding. Sparklers are dazzling. It’s impossible to describe the magic of a sparkler exit: dozens of your friends and family waving bright bursts of crackling fire. You just have to experience it!

We hope that we make it look easy, but wedding sparkler send offs are notoriously difficult to photograph! If you’re planning a sparkler exit and are wedding photographer shopping, it’s is essential to hire an experienced photographer that knows how to capture a sparkler exit.

Here’s to the end of one part of this couple’s love story and the start of another!

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Light and Airy Beach Wedding

Can hanging out on the beach with amazing people really be considered work? It was our absolute pleasure to spend a gorgeous Saturday with this couple in Tampa!

Last summer, we had the coolest engagement photo session EVER in Raleigh with this couple! Yes, they restored this 1960s Chevy themselves.

One of the benefits of being a wedding photographer in Raleigh, NC is the endless possibilities for destination weddings! In our own state of North Carolina, we can shoot weddings in big cities, the mountains, or on the beach. But the rest of the South is also accessible!

We met this couple last year in Raleigh and were thrilled when we heard they were doing a destination wedding in Tampa, Florida!

Getting Ready

We took advantage of the beautiful morning light to get some outdoor photos of the groom and his dad.

The bridal suite at the chapel was GORGEOUS.

First Look

The first look is when a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day. More and more couples are opting to do a private first look before the actual wedding ceremony. It’s an intimate moment that ALWAYS makes for emotional and memorable photos. Obviously, a first look is not for every couple. You may want to save the first glimpse for when you’re walking down the aisle! But there are lots of reasons to do a first look:

  • It’s a magical moment captured on-camera

  • It gives the couple a few quiet moments together… the rest of the day is going to be busy!

  • After the first look, you can knock out some portraits and wedding party photos before the ceremony to streamline the rest of the day. Your hair and makeup are perfect. It’s a good option!

Ceremony

Beautiful Harborside Chapel made for gorgeous light and airy wedding ceremony photos. The venue was full of white trim and pops of greenery. Huge arched windows bathed the whole chapel in Florida sunshine.

This couple proved that you don’t need an army of guests for a perfect wedding ceremony. It was just the couple, us, and 33 of their closest family and friends.

Introducing Mr and Mrs!

These two had a morning wedding and an absolutely CLASSIC midday exit. Bells were ringing, birds were chirping, family was cheering. It was a bright, beautiful, retro moment.

We deliver nearly one thousand photos from each wedding we shoot, and every one of those photos is lightly edited for color, light, and consistency. Want to know how much editing this picture of their ceremony exit took? None! The couple, guests, chapel, and lighting were already gorgeous!

Portraits

Harborside Chapel had beautiful shady outdoor spaces perfect for portraits!

With the ceremony over and the guests off to cocktail hour, it was time for formal and fun wedding portraits! These two didn’t have a wedding party, so pictures went very fast. We got plenty of classic couple’s poses taking advantage of the bride’s spectacular dress and long veil. But there was plenty of time for fun and candid shots as well!

Look at the beautiful, new Mr and Mrs! We love using the veil as a prop for magical, light and airy wedding photography.

Reception

The reception was a beautiful, intimate event with first dances, a wonderful lunchtime meal, and great toasts. Both the bride and groom have close family ties to Europe, and the reception included a touching Polish tribute to Ukraine. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

Sunset on the Beach

After the reception, we took a breather and recharged our batteries… figuratively and literally! But then we were so excited to meet back up with the couple for golden hour beach sunset pictures. We are so glad we did!

Magic at the Museum

It feels like spring is so close in North Carolina! Let me tell you about this GORGEOUS photo session with an amazing couple at the North Carolina Museum of Art!

As we’ve mentioned before, the North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the most popular spots for engagement photos in the Raleigh-Durham area, and for good reason! In one relaxed session you can get pictures with a cinematic, urban feel AND nature photos in the expansive Museum park. And did we mention the sunsets???

We also love the NCMA for its location. It’s nicely centered in the Triangle area, not more than 15 minutes from RTP, Cary, or downtown Raleigh (where we live!)

Couples sometimes ask what they should wear to their engagement photo session. The simple answer is whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident! For this soon-to-be bride, that was a BEAUTIFUL sundress. It was a little chilly at the session, but so worth it! (And, you can bundle up between shots) You and your fiancé don’t need to over-match your outfits, but its great if the colors come from the same pallet. Here her dress had pops of blue that matched his shirt!

There are SO MANY reasons to have professional engagement photos taken, but one is for your save-the-dates! A beautiful set of images of you and bae is just what you need when announcing your wedding to the world.

As a general guideline, couples mail their save-the-dates about four to six months before the wedding (or even earlier if they're planning a destination wedding that might require more planning and travel arrangements from their guests!)

This couple was in the last stages of getting their save-the-dates sent out, so we wanted to give them lots of great photo options! We started with the worst-kept secret in Raleigh photography: the reflecting pool. It didn’t disappoint (it never does).

But Charlie was the real star of the show. Without his help, his parents might forget their wedding date! No chance of that happening with Charlie around.

Is it ok to bring your dog to your engagement photo session? YES! We love love LOVE shooting with dogs. They are such an integral part of your family, so why not include them when commemorating one of life’s most precious moments?

Of course, we had to finish the session capturing an iconic North Carolina sunset. The light gets downright magical in golden hour. Is there anything more beautiful than a classic NC sunset twinkling through the pine trees?

Welcoming Spring at the JC Raulston Arboretum

This was one of the most GORGEOUS engagement photography sessions we have ever done. We can’t thank this couple enough for choosing us to take their engagement photos!

Schuyler and I had such a great time at this JC Raulston Engagement Session. It’s always important to plan ahead! We met up at 10:00 AM, right when the park opened, before the sun got too harsh. We were ready and waiting, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, when the Arboretum staff opened the gate. This also meant we had the entire park to ourselves!

If you haven’t been to the JC Raulston Arboretum, you should check it out! It’s a 10-acre botanical garden run by North Carolina State University just a couple miles from campus and just a few minutes from our house in downtown Raleigh. It’s basically a place for the smart plant people at NC State to show off an astounding collection of rare trees and flowers. The best part? It’s open daily and it’s free!

It was a cold, bright, and crisp March morning with Spring just beginning to take hold. Some trees were already covered in flowers, while others just had buds. The March blooms, brilliant greenery, and vibrant red dress and blue suit jacket made it SO EASY to deliver my vibrant, true to color style!

Can you believe the style on these two? What a beautiful dress!!!

This couple met while completing their master’s degrees at Clemson, but realized they were both from the same city in India! The rich collection of rare trees and flowers JC Raulston Arboretum can make it feel like you are traveling to a new part of the world every time you turn a corner, but this couple knows what that’s REALLY like!

A Gorgeous March “I do”

We shot the most BEAUTIFUL wedding last week in downtown Raleigh! It was an absolute joy to spend the day with this wonderful couple and capture moments that they will cherish for the rest of their lives.

The ceremony might have been the first time the groom had seen the bride in her dress, but it wasn’t the first time I had! A few weeks ago I did a bridal photography session with the bride. Bridals are such a MUST HAVE! It’s a relaxed, low stress time to get plenty of GORGEOUS photos in that beautiful dress. It’s also a great practice run for hair and makeup and you can even display prints of your session at the reception! But more on that in another post.

Getting Ready

Before the first guests arrived at the ceremony, we were capturing getting ready moments. I was with the ladies and Schuyler was with the boys. Since these precious moments typically happen at the same time, it’s vital to have two photographers on your big day.

Details

We never overlook detail shots. We know the details (her dress, his watch, the rings, and sentimental extras) are pieces of your love story. This bride was PREPARED! She had her details well-organized which made it a breeze to head to the beautiful church courtyard for the detail shots in the pretty morning light. Look at that DRESS!

For the rings, we got to use our homemade flat lays (more about those in another post!) The bride also had these touching sentimental extras: a note from grandma and photos of family members born decades and centuries ago.

The First Touch

For couples who don’t want to interrupt the magic of the groom seeing the bride in her dress for the first time as she’s walking down the aisle BUT want a sentimental moment before the ceremony, a first touch is a great option.

Ceremony

This couple had a beautiful wedding ceremony in the heart of downtown Raleigh at Holy Trinity Church on Blount Street. The huge windows meant tons of natural light which gave a gorgeous light and airy quality to the wedding photos. The lovely floral arrangements were by The English Garden, a Raleigh florist.

The adorable ring bearer and flower girl almost stole the show from the bride and groom!

Portraits

Family portraits at the altar were very important to this couple, so they made a detailed list to keep us organized and make sure we didn’t miss any combinations. Give your bridesmaids and/or groomsmen a job! At this wedding, members of the bridal party were very helpful in helping us coordinate the family portraits.

Most of all, enjoy your day! We didn’t originally plan to continue portraits outside, but the couple was having so much fun with friends and family we added it to the itinerary. And the golden hour light was magical for both formal portraits and fun ones!

Reception

After portraits at the church, it was time to party! This couple and their guests brought tremendous energy to the reception. It was at the Raleigh Country Club not far from downtown Raleigh. The live band, Bull City Syndicate (from Durham, NC), ROCKED. They were incredibly versatile and entertaining and kept the dance floor full all night.

Photography is tricky in the low light and high energy of the wedding reception, but boy did this couple and their guests bring the party! It was a blast hanging out with the guests and snapping some absolute gems.

Ask your photographer about their approach to photographing receptions. Are they experienced with on and off-camera flash? Can they shoot in low light? Can they capture key moments without disrupting the party?

We are so grateful to have been a part of this couple’s precious day and capture so many beautiful moments. We can’t wait to see where their love story takes them!

February Life Recap

Hello!

Ben had a surgery this month. He’s also utterly bored by our lives, as shown in this photo.

It’s so nice to be wrapping up February—it has been such a wonderful month filled with amazing moments, love, and engagement sessions, but…we’re so excited for warm weather and spring! Plus, we’ve got a lot of spring weddings that have us feeling giddy!

We’ve been a bit quieter in our online presence this month, and it’s certainly not because we’ve been lazy! So, what have we been up to?

The Magnolia tree! We can’t wait to see how big it gets! Please don’t judge our very sad-looking grass.

This month has been a great month for our business! We’ve been a bit slower on sessions, which, I get it—it’s winter! However, since it is winter and we’re inside more, couples find that this is a great time of the year to plan weddings! We’ve had the amazing opportunity to talk and book with so many couples this winter! March is right around the corner, though, and it is when our wedding season is starting full blast! In the next 5 weekends, we have four weddings, several engagement sessions, and some bridal sessions! It’s going to be an amazing month, but please send coffee!!

In our personal lives, we’ve been doing a lot of yard work—including fence-staining, tree planting, and soil testing. We’ve come up on a year of home ownership (what a surreal feeling) and as we are preparing for spring (our all-time favorite season), we have been working hard to make sure that everything is ready. Basically, a lot of adulting has been happening at the Putt Household.

Millie standing proudly by some of the little evergreens that we planted.

If you’ve seen our wedding photography packages, you know that they are all named after flowers: daisy, peony, and magnolia. We have some beautiful white daisy plants in the front of our home. Last year, they produced so many daisies that we were able to keep them in our home and gift them to our friends and neighbors. Peonies are a special plant to us—they were the flower that we chose for our wedding. The peonies that we planted, however, have been a bit more of an experiment. We had one peony plant in direct sunlight that never quite took off, so we moved it this winter. My mom also sent me some peonies in the middle of the summer, so we kept those inside and babied them until we finally planted them on a warmer day in December. However, the peonies don’t seem to be looking so happy. Will keep you posted. Finally, we planted a magnolia tree this year! We’re so excited to see it grow!

So, onward to spring! May your springtime be filled with growth, warmth, and and light!

Don’t let him fool you—Schuyler has enjoyed preparing for spring just as much (if not more!) than me!

An Afternoon at Mims House

Last weekend we had the pleasure of walking through the historic Leslie-Alford-Mims House, AKA Mims House! We are SO EXCITED to be hosting mini sessions at this beautiful venue on Sunday, April 3rd. We just can’t resist giving you a taste of what you’ll see at your Mims House Minis.

Let me begin by saying that Mims House is GORGEOUS. This place oozes historical elegance and southern charm. We can see why it’s taking off as a wedding venue. Located in downtown Holly Springs, NC (just twenty minutes from downtown Raleigh), the property is shaded by beautiful magnolia trees. If it’s this picturesque in January, can you imagine how pretty it’s going to be in April?

Mims House is PERFECT for mini sessions. The portrait possibilities are ENDLESS. Your 20-minute session will include several photo spots, taking advantage of the indoor AND outdoor scenery. Inside, you’ll love the original hardwood floors, glimmering chandeliers, and abundant natural light. The whole home has a light and airy feel and a dreamy southern charm.

Outside, we’ll take your photos on the beautiful, sprawling white porch. We’ll also take advantage of the shady pergola with its handsome brick patio and vibrant green ivy.

Our Mims House Minis are the perfect opportunity to refresh those family photos or get way ahead of the game on this year’s Christmas Card photos! We can’t wait to see you there.

Winter Wonderland Engagement at the NC Museum of Art

This week we had a BEAUTIFUL photo session with an amazing couple at the North Carolina Museum of Art. We’re grateful for the opportunity to celebrate their engagement (and we can’t wait to warm up at their North Carolina wedding in August 2022!)

The North Carolina Museum of Art is one of the most popular locations for Raleigh engagement photos, and for good reason! The Art Museum has attractive architecture AND an expansive nature park. We recommend choosing a spot for engagement pictures that will let you include a variety of scenery within your session, and the art museum DELIVERS! We also love the NC Museum of Art for its location. It’s smack-dab in the center of the Triangle area, not more than 15 minutes from RTP, Cary, or downtown Raleigh (where we live!)

We started this session off with engagement portraits at our favorite part of the museum itself: the mirror pool. The results speak for themselves. This spot is cinematic and GORGEOUS, and it’s hard to believe it’s just a few steps away from the park. Seriously, this location makes every client look like a movie star. Not that these two needed any help!

Next, we moved into the museum park! The park is actually connected to the amazing Raleigh greenway system (fun fact, my husband and I have run the 7 miles from our house to the park AND BACK as part of marathon training). But we didn’t have to go that far to get some amazing shots of these two!

Spoiler alert: it’s cold in January. Even in Raleigh, NC. We always recommend that clients bring jackets to stay warm and comfortable between locations. The same goes for comfy shoes. Nobody will know about your wardrobe bag behind the camera!

Despite the cold, January is a wonderful month to get your engagement photos taken. Winter clothes allow for more timeless style and semi-formal options, especially for the guys. (Sweaters and pants vs. T-shirts and shorts… the choice is clear!) Photographers aren’t as booked-up, so you’ll have more scheduling freedom. You can also use your images as next year’s Christmas Card photos, and they’ll be season-appropriate! Finally, there is just something dreamy about the crisp air on a clear winter day: something that adds a wow-factor to your photos!

Of course, we had to finish the session capturing a beautiful North Carolina sunset. The light gets downright magical in golden hour. Is there anything better than an NC sunset twinkling through the pine trees and reflecting off little patches of snow? Tell me again: how am I so lucky that this is my job???