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!