A couple walks hand in hand through a crowd holding sparklers. The woman wears a traditional embroidered outfit, and the man is in a black suit. The scene is festive, with twinkling lights in the background and guests cheering.

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June 26, 2012

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st. francis and angus barn raleigh wedding photography ~ thelsa and philip

Wedding Ceremony: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Raleigh, NC

Wedding Reception: The Pavilions at The Angus Barn, Raleigh, NC

Florists: Tre Bella Flowers, Durham, NC

Cake: Sweet Memories Bakery, Apex, NC

DJ: Mark Toney at Joe Bunn DJ Company, Raleigh, NC

This was a really fun wedding to shoot. Thelsa and Phil are a great couple who were really fun to work with. We’d already hit it off really well in the engagement session so I was genuinely looking forward to sharing with them on their big day. The ceremony itself was a Roman Catholic mass which also included a number of hindustani traditions such as the groom covering the bride with an ornate sari, which she will be dressed in upon her death. The church at St. Francis, beautifully decorated by the team at Tre Flora, also has some very interesting architecture which I had fun with incorporating into the composition of the images. Being Catholic myself, I really do enjoy these types of ceremonies. I actually got married in a St. Francis of Assisi church myself, except mine was down in Panama City, Panama. Regardless, the memories came flooding back.

After the ceremony and shooting some formals, I took the bride and groom to a spot I had scouted out near the church for a few quick pictures of them together. From there, we headed on to The Angus Barn in time to take a couple more pictures there by the lake at the pavilion, before letting the bride and groom head on to their cocktail hour. It’a always great when there is plenty of time between the end of the ceremony and the start of the cocktail hour in order to allow everyone some time to move from A to B, but also to have a few extra minutes with the bride and groom to take some pictures of the newlyweds interacting after having just tied the knot without having to rush unnecessarily.

Ashley Whittington and the team at The Angus Barn did a great job of organizing everything. It’s such a great location and the ample grounds combined with a gorgeous evening meant that the guests spent the majority of their time outdoors after dinner. Mark Toney at Joe Bunn DJ Company span the tunes and got the dance floor jamming as the sun set and a great time was had by all. Also, full marks go out again to the Angus Barn team for their hospitality and organizational skills with the sparkler exit, which went off perfectly.

Anyway, here are just a few of my faves from the day:

A bride in a white gown is being assisted by a woman in a sari in a softly lit room with floral curtains. Two armchairs and a grandfather clock are in the background.
A pair of elegant white high-heeled shoes with intricate lace detailing on the toes, positioned in an X shape on a wooden surface. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the shoes design and texture.
A bride in a white dress and veil applies makeup in front of a mirror in a dressing room. Several makeup containers are visible on the counter, with floral artwork hanging on the wall.
Close-up of a red rose with tightly curled petals, creating a spiral pattern at the center. The rich red color contrasts with a soft, blurred background.
A black and white photo of three rings arranged on a surface. Two simple bands flank a central ring adorned with a large, round diamond and smaller side stones. The image has a soft focus and a textured border.
A bride stands in the center while two women in ornate saris adjust her hair and jewelry. The bride wears a white dress and looks composed. The background shows several other people attending to preparations.
A bride in a white gown stands in a warmly lit room, adjusting her dress with the help of a woman in a red and gold sari. A floral armchair, an antique clock, and a lamp are visible in the background.
Four women in traditional attire sit in a dimly lit room with beige walls and floral curtains, each occupied with their phones. A suitcase is on the floor, and a painting of a garden scene hangs on the wall.
Woman smiling warmly, wearing a decorative forehead bindi. Her dark hair is styled back, and she has an embroidered garment visible on her shoulder. The lighting is soft, focusing on her joyful expression.
A smiling bride in a sepia-toned photo, wearing a veil and strapless gown, with her hair styled elegantly. The image captures a soft and intimate moment.
A young girl with blonde hair smiles softly at the camera. She wears a floral headband and a lace dress, sitting against a muted green background.
A black and white photo of people seated on wooden pews. In the foreground, a child is sitting, engrossed in a book, while adults converse around him. The atmosphere seems lively and social.
A black and white image of a man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere, standing in profile. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting, like a church or hall.
A bride in a flowing white gown walks down the aisle of a spacious, wooden-beamed church with her father. Guests stand on either side, smiling and watching the procession.
A bride and groom sit in a church during their wedding ceremony, surrounded by bridesmaids dressed in traditional South Asian attire. The groom wears a tuxedo, and the bride is in a white dress, smiling and looking at the audience.
A bride and groom sit together on a church pew, both dressed in formal attire. The bride holds a bouquet, and guests dressed elegantly are seated behind them. The setting is softly lit, with large windows and a statue in the background.
A man in a suit and bowtie stands at a podium with a microphone, speaking in a softly lit room. A tall candle and decorative flowers are visible in the foreground. The background is blurred.
A black and white photo showing a group of people sitting in church pews. A child in the foreground is leaning forward, resting his head on the bench. Adults are seated behind him, attentively facing forward.
Interior of a large church, filled with people sitting on wooden pews. The aisle leads to an altar with floral arrangements. The ceiling features wooden beams, and light streams in from windows on both sides.
A bride and groom kneel at the altar in a church during a wedding ceremony. Guests seated in wooden pews face forward, watching the couple. The atmosphere is warm and reverent.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony. Two men in suits stand together, one holding a ring, as a priest reads from a book. A bride in a gown and veil stands to the side. The setting is a church with floral arrangements and a cross in the background.
A wedding ceremony inside a church. The bride and groom stand at the altar with the groom holding a decorative cloth over the bride. A priest and three other people are present, two wearing robes. The setting is quiet and intimate.
A wedding ceremony inside a sunlit church. A couple sits to the left, watching two clergymen standing behind an altar on a raised platform. The church has wooden beams and brick flooring, with light streaming through the windows.
A wide-angle, black-and-white photograph of a church ceremony. The scene features high wooden beams, a large congregation on benches, and a group of people near a central altar. Overall, the setting is spacious and well-lit.
A black and white photo of two men in robes during a religious ceremony. One man, standing on the left, holds up a chalice, while the other stands beside him with hands clasped. The background is softly focused, highlighting the solemn moment.
A couple stands in formal attire at an altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride holds a small bouquet, and the groom wears a black suit. Fresh floral arrangements are visible, and a priests hands are raised in blessing.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a tuxedo sit together in a church. Behind them, several women in matching red and gold sarees stand, and one holds a bouquet. The scene appears to be during a wedding ceremony.
A bride in a white gown holds hands with a groom inside a warmly lit living room. Bridesmaids in matching dresses assist with her veil, with floral curtains and a landscape painting in the background.
A vibrant bouquet featuring red roses, white and blue flowers, and lush greenery, rests on a textured tree bark surface with a green leafy background. The stems are wrapped in decorative white ribbon.
A smiling couple dressed in wedding attire. The groom is wearing a black tuxedo with a bowtie and boutonniere, while the bride is in a white gown holding a bouquet. They pose together outdoors against a backdrop of green leaves.
A black and white photo of a couple in wedding attire. The groom kisses the brides forehead, while she looks at the camera. They are embraced, standing outdoors with blurred trees in the background.
A bride and groom smile while standing in front of a forested backdrop and a body of water. The groom wears a black tuxedo, and the bride is in a white strapless gown.
A newlywed couple stands outdoors, sharing a gentle kiss. The groom, in a black tuxedo, holds the brides hands as she leans in. Her white dress stands out against the softly blurred, natural backdrop. The moment is intimate and romantic.
A tiered white wedding cake adorned with red, white, and purple flowers cascading down the side. The cake sits on a decorative silver stand on a black tablecloth, with a vase of greenery in the background.
Black and white image of children playing near a path in a park. A large willow tree is in the background. One child stands facing the camera, while others walk and explore the surroundings.
A row of lit torches lines a pathway in an outdoor setting. The closest torch is in focus, with orange flames visible, while the background torches are blurred. The scene suggests a peaceful, natural environment.
A couple dressed in formal wedding attire shares a joyful embrace. The bride, wearing a strapless gown and floral hair accessories, leans forward laughing while the groom, in a tuxedo, smiles broadly. Blurred guests are visible in the background.
A bride and groom are dancing in a rustic wedding venue. The bride is wearing a flowing gown, and the groom is in a suit. Guests are seated and standing in the background, watching the dance. Decorations and a DJ booth are visible.
A couple in formal attire shares a joyful dance at a wedding reception. The groom is dipping the bride, who is smiling and wearing a white gown. Guests are seated in the softly blurred background.
A spacious wedding reception hall with wooden ceilings and large windows. Guests sit at round tables with white chairs, and a multi-tiered white wedding cake is displayed in the foreground. Warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere.
A rustic wooden lodge with a stone chimney surrounded by greenery and trees under a blue sky. In front, there are wooden chairs on a well-kept lawn, and people are gathered near the building.
Four women sit on a bench, interacting with a baby held by one of them. The scene is outdoors, with leafy plants in the background. The women are dressed in formal attire, and their expressions vary from amused to surprised.
A group of people, including children, play on a grassy lawn in front of a large, rustic pavilion with a stone chimney. The sky is blue, and trees border the scene, creating a peaceful, outdoor atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a formal event. A seated man in a tuxedo chats with a standing older woman. They are surrounded by people at tables, decorated with centerpieces and drinks. Twinkling lights are visible in the background.
Five women in ornate red and gold sarees are gathered in a room, smiling and adjusting their outfits. The room is warmly lit, decorated with mirrors, and has an elegant, festive atmosphere.
A couple, dressed in formal attire, smiles while cutting a multi-tiered white wedding cake adorned with red and white flowers. They are in a warmly lit, rustic venue with wooden walls and a table with plates nearby.
A joyful black and white photo of two women embracing with big smiles during an event. One woman wears a decorative sari, while a man in a suit looks on in the background.
A man and a young girl dance at an indoor event. The girl is wearing a dress and the man is in a shirt and tie. People are seated and standing in the background, some capturing the moment with a camera. Twinkling lights decorate the space.
A man in a suit and tie is speaking into a microphone at an indoor event. He is holding a piece of paper and has a flower pinned to his lapel. The background is softly lit with string lights and blurred attendees.
A group of people sit around a table at a formal event. A woman and a man, both in evening attire, smile and appear to be enjoying a conversation. The setting is elegant, with glasses and decor, suggesting a celebratory atmosphere.
A group of people dressed in formal attire sit at a table during an event, watching attentively. The background features a stone and brick interior.
A man in a suit holds a microphone, speaking to a woman in a dress at an indoor event. The background is softly lit with string lights and blurred figures.
A woman in a red and gold saree holds a microphone, smiling at a formal event. A man in a tuxedo stands beside her. The background is softly lit with string lights, creating a warm ambiance.
A woman in a traditional red and gold embroidered sari sits outdoors, smiling. She wears a gold necklace, bangles, and a small bindi on her forehead. The background is lush with greenery.
A woman in an ornate sari with red and gold designs stands on grass near a pond with a water fountain in the background. Trees provide a lush backdrop. She smiles, with her hands adorned with jewelry.
A black and white photo of three people sitting on stone steps facing a lake, with an archway. Two older individuals on the left and a younger woman on the right. A glass of wine is placed near them, and trees line the opposite shore.
A small child pulling a rope to ring a large bell attached to a wooden pole. The scene is set in a grassy yard with lush trees and a wooden fence in the background under an overcast sky.
A DJ wearing headphones and a red tie is playing music on a mixer and laptop set up at a cozy indoor event. The room is decorated with string lights and tables set for guests.
Three children stand on a cornhole board placed on grass. One child in a red dress faces forward, another in a blue dress looks away, and a boy in white bends over. A building with string lights is in the background.
A group of people sit in wooden chairs around a brick fire pit on a patio. The sky is vibrant with hues of purple, pink, and orange from the sunset. Trees and grass surround the area, adding to the serene outdoor setting.
People dancing energetically in a dimly lit room, with vibrant motion blur and swirling lights creating a dynamic and festive atmosphere. The image captures the lively mood of a celebration or party.
A nighttime outdoor scene with a large, warmly lit tented venue. The tent is surrounded by trees, and small lights illuminate the pathway leading to it, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere under a dark, starless sky.
Black and white image of a lively indoor gathering. A woman dances in the foreground, while a young child approaches a seated woman holding a sleeping child. String lights decorate the background, creating a festive atmosphere.
A woman in a red sari prepares to toss a bouquet at a lively indoor wedding reception. A group of guests eagerly anticipates catching the bouquet beneath twinkling string lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
People are dancing at a festive indoor event. The room is warmly lit with string lights. Two women in the foreground are joyfully dancing together. Guests in the background include adults and children, and some are watching the dancers.
Two women are joyfully dancing at an indoor event. One wears a red saree with gold details, covering her mouth with her hands. The other wears a sleeveless black dress and has her hand on her hip. The background features lights and other people dancing.
A couple walks hand in hand through a crowd holding sparklers. The woman wears a traditional embroidered outfit, and the man is in a black suit. The scene is festive, with twinkling lights in the background and guests cheering.

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