A bride and groom smile at the camera. The bride wears a strapless white dress, veil, and pearl necklace. The groom is in a dark suit with a white shirt and yellow tie, with a white rose boutonniere. A garden background is visible.

Chapel Hill Weddings

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November 20, 2012

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weathervane chapel hill wedding photographer ~ akiko and jordan

Hotel Accommodations: Siena Hotel, Chapel Hill, NC

Wedding Ceremony: Community Church of Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Wedding Reception: Weathervane at Southern Season, Chapel Hill, NC

Cake: Ann Erteschik

Florist: Jennifer Wood at Whole Foods Market, Chapel Hill, NC

Hair: Carmen! Carmen! Prestige Salon e Spa at Belk the Streets, Southpoint Mall, Durham, NC

Where to begin? This was such a fantastic day for me to photograph that it’s been tough to go back and choose just a few images to show the story of the day. It pretty much ticked all the boxes for great wedding photography in Chapel Hill in terms of a lovely couple with an interesting backstory, an international angle with Akiko being from Japan, brilliant venues with a lot of visual interest to shoot in and amazing autumn weather! What more could I ask for?

I started the day with Akiko, her mum and her bridesmaids in her room at the Siena Hotel. It was really interesting to walk into the room and just listen to the hush as Akiko got ready. Every wedding is different, and this was the first one I have been to where the bride’s room is so silent. Akiko is a piano teacher, so it was not something I was expecting at all. It was almost like she was meditating to get in the right frame of mind for the huge step she was taking in her life. As a guy, I always enjoy being involved in that part of day and it was a really lovely scene to observe and document. Watching Akiko’s mum, moving so delicately in her traditional Japanese kimono and geta, quietly helping her daughter get dressed and made-up, was a definite highlight of the year for me so far.

From the Siena, we headed over to the church for final preparations and the ceremony itself. It was my first time shooting at the Community Church and it is a very colourful place indeed! After the ceremony we headed over to the Gene Strowd Community Rose Garden where we managed to wring out the last few rays of sunlight in order to make some fantastic images of the bride, groom and bridal party. Thanks to the guys for being such good sports!

The last few hours of a very enjoyable day were spent across the road from the rose garden at Southern Seasons’ Weathervane restaurant. We ate, drank and made merry to a backdrop of fab jazz music provided by friends of the bride and groom. I need to give a shout out to Sarah and the team at the Weathervane for looking after me so well. You guys were great to work with!

Thanks again to Akiko and Jordan for having me along as part of their special day. They are a very sweet couple indeed and I wish them all the very best for a long and happy future together!

Enough blather; on with the pics…

A pearl ring with a gold band rests on a vibrant red fabric. The fabric features colorful floral patterns, adding a rich background to the delicate jewelry piece.
Silhouette of a woman in a dark room, holding and looking at a smartphone, with light streaming through a window in the background.
Black and white image of an elegant pair of strappy high-heeled sandals adorned with intricate rhinestone embellishments, placed on a dark surface.
Two women stand in front of a window, admiring a wedding dress suspended on a hanger. One wears a traditional kimono, while the other wears a dark sweater. The backlit scene highlights the dresss intricate details.
A pearl necklace and matching pearl stud earrings are elegantly arranged on a dark, polished surface. The pearls have a soft, lustrous sheen, highlighting their round shape and classic beauty.
Three women in a dimly lit room, each wearing black dresses, stand near a large window with closed curtains. A wedding dress hangs on the right, and the room is furnished with chairs, a small table, and a sideboard.
A woman helps another woman into a wedding dress, adjusting the back in a softly lit room. The scene is intimate and peaceful, captured against a backdrop of sheer curtains.
A bride in a wedding dress stands gracefully as another person, possibly her mother, adjusts her gown. They are silhouetted against a large window, with soft light creating an intimate and serene atmosphere.
A woman in a strapless white dress smiles softly, looking slightly to the side. She stands against a softly lit, neutral background.
A bride in a white gown stands in front of a woman in a kimono. They face each other, silhouetted against backlit curtains, creating a serene and intimate scene in a dimly lit room.
A person in a robe carrying a bag walks down a long, carpeted hallway with ornate patterns and wall sconces. The corridor has high ceilings and leads to a distant, illuminated area. The image is in black and white.
A groom stands smiling in front of four groomsmen, all wearing black suits and ties, in an outdoor setting with a modern building and trees in the background.
A woman is adjusting a boutonniere on a mans suit jacket. Both are dressed formally. The background is blurred, creating a focus on their interaction. The image is in black and white.
An empty hall with a single person standing in the center. The room has colorful hanging decorations from the ceiling and rows of chairs lining the walls. The space appears spacious with large windows letting in natural light.
A bride in a white dress sits in a sunlit room, focusing intently on a ring or jewelry in her hands. Another woman, seated nearby, is engaged with a smartphone. The room features large windows and comfortable seating.
Black and white profile portrait of a woman with her hair in a bun, wearing a necklace, eyes closed. Soft focus background creates a serene and introspective mood.
A black-and-white photo of a woman adjusting a veil on a bride. The bride smiles gently while the older woman, with her hair in a bun, focuses on arranging the veil. Both are positioned against a plain white background.
A bride smiling softly, wearing a white veil and a pearl necklace, with subtle makeup. The background is softly blurred.
A bride in a flowing gown descends wooden steps, holding a bouquet. An older man in a suit watches her from the side. The setting is dimly lit, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
A groom and groomsman stand at the altar in a church with smiling expressions. The focus is on them, while the blurred heads and shoulders of two people are visible in the foreground. A large decorative tapestry is in the background.
A wedding ceremony in a church viewed from above. The couple stands at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party. Guests are seated in rows of purple pews. The space is decorated with art and light streams in through high windows.
A brightly lit wedding ceremony in a modern chapel, with a couple standing at the altar. Guests are seated in pews, and the ceiling features large, cylindrical purple lights. Colorful artwork decorates the walls.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during a wedding ceremony. The bride, in a veil and holding a bouquet, smiles at the groom. Guests are seated in the background, some wearing traditional attire. The setting appears to be a church.
A bride and groom stand at the altar during their wedding ceremony in a church. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are positioned on either side. The venue features a grand piano and decorative wall art in the background. Guests are seated in the pews.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. A bride and groom stand before a minister, holding hands. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are beside them. Musicians play on stage in the background, with guests seated in pews.
A bride and groom smile at each other while embracing outdoors. The bride is wearing a white wedding dress and veil, and the groom is in a black suit with a white shirt and tie. They are standing in front of a greenery backdrop.
A bride smiles softly, wrapped in a translucent veil with a serene green woodland background. She wears a strapless dress and a pearl necklace, exuding an elegant and peaceful aura amidst the natural setting.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors, both smiling. The bride wears a veil and white gown, while the groom is in a dark suit with a white boutonniere. Theyre surrounded by soft-focus greenery.
Bride wearing a white veil and pearl necklace, smiling gently against a blurred green background.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment outdoors at sunset. The bride, wearing a veil and pearl necklace, gently holds the grooms hand. They are silhouetted against the golden light filtering through trees.
A bride in a strapless white gown and veil stands in a garden with blooming pink and red flowers. She smiles softly, with dark hair styled neatly under the veil. The background is lush and green, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom smile at the camera. The bride wears a strapless white dress, veil, and pearl necklace. The groom is in a dark suit with a white shirt and yellow tie, with a white rose boutonniere. A garden background is visible.
A bride stands outdoors in a garden, wearing a white dress and veil, holding a bouquet. She is surrounded by four bridesmaids in navy dresses, each holding bouquets. Pink flowers are visible in the foreground, with greenery in the background.
Black and white photo of a woman wearing a traditional kimono, smiling gently while attending an event. She is surrounded by other people in formal attire, creating a warm, elegant atmosphere.
A woman in a pink traditional garment stands outdoors in front of softly blurred, warm lights and trees. She looks to the side with a thoughtful expression, and the background creates a calm, festive ambiance.
A table setting with a place card handwritten with the name Whitney Haywood, beside yellow and silver origami figures, including a crane. The tablecloth is white.
Close-up of a gold origami crane on a white tablecloth, surrounded by silverware. A white hat with a pink rose is visible in the background. The scene is warmly lit, creating a cozy and elegant atmosphere.
An elderly woman in a kimono bends down to speak to a young girl with curly hair wearing a red dress. They are in a warmly lit indoor setting.
A three-tiered wedding cake decorated with pink and white roses, placed on a white tablecloth. A warm light from a wall-mounted fixture casts a soft glow, highlighting the cake against a brick wall background.
A long, elegantly set dining table with white tablecloth, featuring neatly arranged wine glasses, napkins, and small floral centerpieces with pink roses. Soft lighting enhances the intimate atmosphere, with a single candle in the foreground.
Four elderly adults are gathered indoors at an event. Two women are seated, wearing dark clothing with corsages, while a man in a suit with a red tie stands holding a cup. Another woman in a white outfit stands beside them, attentively observing.
A man with glasses sits in dim light at a table, focused on writing with a blue pen. A small candle illuminates the scene, casting gentle shadows. The image has a contemplative, serene atmosphere.
Close-up of a decorative detail on a cake, featuring a cluster of pink and white roses with green leaves. The cakes edge has a textured ribbon for embellishment.
A black-and-white photo of people gathered at a formal event. They are standing around cocktail tables, attentively listening to a speaker. Everyone is dressed elegantly, with some holding drinks. The room is warmly lit with string lights overhead.
A close-up of a diamond ring nestled among pearl necklaces. The ring features a central diamond with smaller stones on each side, surrounded by a soft, blurred background of white pearls.
A lively dinner party with guests seated at long, elegantly decorated tables. The room features warm lighting and artwork on the walls. A server in motion is seen on the left, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere.
Black and white photo of a couple sitting at a dining table. The man is speaking with hands clasped, while the woman attentively listens, looking at him. Wine glasses and a floral centerpiece are visible on the table.
Two musicians stand in a dimly lit room with brick walls. One holds a trombone, wearing a black suit, and the other holds a trumpet, dressed in a light shirt and dark pants. Both appear to be preparing for a performance.
A bride and groom are cutting a three-tiered wedding cake decorated with white and pink flowers. They are surrounded by guests in a warmly lit venue. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a suit.
A couple in formal attire shares a slow dance in a dimly lit room. The woman is wearing a strapless dress and a pearl necklace, while the man is in a suit with a flower boutonniere. They appear close and intimate in this black-and-white scene.
A drummer in a blue shirt passionately plays a drum set with his eyes closed and mouth open. The drum brand Yamaha is visible. The background features a brick wall, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.
A man is playing a trumpet, focusing intently. He is wearing a light blue shirt, and the background is blurred, giving prominence to the brass instrument and the musician. The atmosphere appears dimly lit and intimate.
A black and white image of a man and woman dancing together at an event. The man is wearing glasses and a suit, smiling as he guides his partner. Tables with bottles and glasses are visible in the softly focused background.
A musician wearing glasses and a suit is focused on playing an upright bass. The image is dimly lit, highlighting the musicians hand positioning on the strings against a dark background.
A couple dressed elegantly shares a kiss while dancing at an indoor event. Soft, warm lighting and blurred background attendees create a romantic atmosphere. Twinkling lights are strung overhead.
A black and white image of a woman and a man sitting at a table, engaged in conversation. The woman wears glasses and earrings, with a scarf draped over her shoulder. The man, also wearing glasses, is in a dress shirt and tie. Tables and chairs are in the background.
A bride and groom are standing together, smiling and talking to an older man with glasses and a beard. The scene is dimly lit, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.
A joyful bride in a strapless dress embraces a guest in a bustling room filled with people wearing formal attire. The scene is set against a brick wall, with other guests engaged in conversation in the background.
A married couple in formal attire walks hand-in-hand through a hallway as guests on either side hold sparklers. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The scene is festive and joyful.

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