A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony. Two bridesmaids adjust the brides veil, while two officiants stand behind an altar. A young flower girl looks on from the side, and the groom watches the scene. The setting is a decorated church.

Raleigh Wedding Photojournalism

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January 17, 2013

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sacred heart cathedral raleigh wedding photography ~ kimberly and mike

Wedding Ceremony: Sacred Hart Cathedral, Raleigh, NC

Wedding Reception: Second Empire, Raleigh, NC

Cake: Second Empire, Raleigh, NC

Make-Up: Belle Trachenburg, Raleigh, NC

Hair: Alter EGO, Raleigh, NC

Dress: Reverie by Melissa Sweet

One of my favourite places for wedding photography in Raleigh is the beautiful Sacred Heart Cathedral downtown. So I was very much looking forward to finishing up my 2012 wedding season with Kimberly and Mike’s marriage there with the reception to follow at Second Empire, just a block or so down the street.

I met up with Kimberly, her mum, grandma and bridesmaids at the salon, Alter EGO, in the mid-morning and took some time documenting proceedings with the girls before heading over to the church for the ceremony. Sacred Heart is quite small for a cathedral (it is actually the smallest Roman Catholic cathedral in the continental USA), but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character, and is a place I really enjoy photographing for two main reasons: 1) it has some really nice, interesting architecture and 2) it is challenging to work in and forces me to get creative. With regard to this latter, the rules for wedding photographers are quite strict and we are basically required to remain in the choir loft at all times, which means we really have to work the situation to come up with interesting compositions and angles. The lighting in Sacred Heart is also quite challenging given the variations in intensity and colour from the altar to the back of the nave. The bottom line is that to take interesting pictures, you need to think quite a bit, change lenses and points of view quite a lot, use the features of the church for your composition, etc. I always find that kind of situation fun to contend with.

Following the wedding, we took some quick pictures outside before heading back in for the formals and, from there, on to Second Empire for the reception. After cutting the cake and some speeches, the Second Empire crew served an amazing luncheon. They are definitely a very well-oiled machine when it comes to catering for these events; the service and food really are fantastic. It was the second time I had shot a wedding reception there in the space of a month and I really think they do a fabulous job.

I’m not really a huge fan of table shots or taking photos of people while they are eating, so I invariably spend my time during this part of the day taking macro shots of things like the rings, bouquet, etc. We had some fantastic December light on this day, so I headed outside to make the most of it. During the slower parts of the day, I also look for the interaction between people while they are talking and document that without intruding or making myself obvious, which invariably leads to some great images.

Kimberly and Mike’s big exit came courtesy of a 1960’s Ford Mustang. What a fantastic car to make their getaway in! I was so jealous!

Congrats again to the happy couple and all the best for a long and happy future together!

Here are just a few of my faves from the day…

Black and white photo of two people seated behind a large sign with the words alter EGO in a hair salon. The lower half of one person is visible, wearing patterned boots and holding a bag. Shelves of hair products line the wall.
A young child with blond hair is looking at the camera with a slight smile. They are wearing a light-colored, fluffy jacket. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the childs face.
A black and white photo of a woman sitting on a bench in a room. She is looking into a bag on her lap. Behind her is a large window with a portrait and some books and magazines displayed on the windowsill. The room appears relaxed and quiet.
A woman in a black dress applies makeup in front of a large mirror in a modern salon. The setting is stylish, with sleek furniture and exposed ductwork on the ceiling. Bottles and beauty products are visible on the counter.
A hairstylist in a black blazer carefully applies makeup to a seated client with blonde hair in an updo. They are in a brightly lit salon with a large mirror reflecting the scene.
Black and white image of people in an office seen through a window. One person stands while others sit at a table, engaged in conversation. Office items are visible in the background. Shadows and reflections create a layered effect.
A woman with long brown hair is smiling while looking off to the side. She is indoors, and the background is softly blurred, featuring a subtle wall and a framed picture partially visible.
A bride in a white gown smiles and raises her arms while two women assist her in a room with wooden floors and white walls. One woman adjusts the train of the dress, and the other stands nearby with sewing items on a table.
Close-up of delicate, small white flowers with soft green leaves in the background. The petals have a gentle texture and a faint blush of pink, creating a serene and elegant composition.
A black and white photograph of three women and a young girl in a hallway. The women are in dark dresses holding bouquets, while the girl is in a light dress with a flower crown. A framed picture is on the wall behind them.
Black and white image of a bride with a veil, entering through a wooden door. She is smiling and holding her dress. Outside, parked cars and a tree are visible. The scene conveys a joyful and intimate moment.
Black and white image of a person in robes holding flowers, walking down a geometric-patterned aisle in a church. The perspective is from above, showing the pattern of the floor in contrast with the dark pews.
A black and white photograph of a bride and groom standing at an altar in a church. The view is from the back, showing guests seated on either side, with a lone person walking down the aisle towards the altar. Stained glass windows are visible above.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a church filled with seated guests. The church has vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate decor. The view is from above, highlighting the aisle leading to the altar.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding ceremony. Two bridesmaids adjust the brides veil, while two officiants stand behind an altar. A young flower girl looks on from the side, and the groom watches the scene. The setting is a decorated church.
A church interior with a vaulted ceiling decorated with stars. Stained glass windows line the walls above the altar, where a congregation gathers below. Soft lighting illuminates the space, highlighting the architectural details.
A black and white photograph of a church interior showing a congregation facing the altar. The altar is adorned with flowers, candles, and a crucifix. Stained glass windows are visible above, depicting religious figures. Two people stand near the altar.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sitting together in a church. They are positioned near the altar, with stained glass windows in the background casting light into the ornate space. The view is partially obscured by shadowed foreground.
A man in a suit holds a baby dressed in a polka-dot outfit while sitting in a church pew. A woman with tied-back hair, wearing a coat, stands nearby holding a booklet. Stained glass windows are visible in the background. The scene is in black and white.
A person in liturgical vestments stands at an ornate altar in a church, holding up a red book. The altar is decorated with white flowers, candles, and religious symbols, including crosses and angel figures.
A bride and groom share a kiss in a church setting. They stand before an altar adorned with flowers and candles. Two officiants are present, one holding a book. The scene is captured in black and white.
A black and white photo of a couple kneeling at an ornate church altar during a wedding ceremony. The altar is decorated with flowers and candles. Stained glass windows are visible above, adding a traditional touch to the scene.
A black and white image of a wedding ceremony in a church. The bride and groom kneel at the altar while two priests conduct the ceremony. Candles and floral arrangements are visible, and guests are seated facing the altar.
A wide-angle view of a church interior during a wedding ceremony. Guests are seated in pews, and the couple stands at the altar. Stained glass windows and arched ceilings add a vibrant touch to the sacred atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a kiss at the altar during their wedding ceremony, with a priest and a minister standing nearby. Guests watch and a flower girl holds a basket in the foreground. The setting is a church with floral decorations and candles.
A black and white photo of a wedding scene outside a stone church. The bride and groom stand surrounded by family and friends. A priest stands at the entrance, and a few children are nearby. The sky is overcast with scattered clouds.
A groom in a suit kisses a bride in a wedding dress in a room with lockers and a crucifix on the wall. Two other people are standing near a table, focused on a small task or object. The room has a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
A historic, ornate brick mansion with a central tower, surrounded by trees and gardens. A pathway leads to the entrance, flanked by benches adorned with red ribbons. The building is set against a clear blue sky.
A bride in a wedding dress and veil stands with her father in a crowded room. Guests, including a young boy and girl, look on. The space is decorated with chandeliers and ceiling fans. The atmosphere is joyful and celebratory.
A group of people dressed in formal attire gathers in a brightly lit room, holding glasses as if toasting. The room has wooden floors and a large television. Festive decorations are visible in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a group indoors, dressed formally. A young boy in the foreground is smiling while eating. Adults and children around are laughing and appear to be at a social gathering. The setting has wooden floors and soft lighting.
A newlywed couple shares a kiss at their wedding reception. They stand near a tiered cake adorned with flowers. Guests, dressed formally, watch and smile. The room is brightly lit with natural light from large windows.
Two wedding rings nestled among glossy green leaves and red berries: the upper ring is encrusted with diamonds, the lower ring has a smooth, matte finish.
A group of people sitting at a dining table in an elegant room, engaged in conversation. The table is set with glasses and plates, and framed artwork is visible on the wood-paneled walls. The ambiance appears formal and relaxed.
A bride and groom share a kiss at their wedding reception. They are seated at a table adorned with red flowers, surrounded by guests. The room is warmly lit with a decorative plant and framed artwork on the wall.
A large group of people are seated around a long dining table in a formal restaurant setting. They are engaged in conversation and enjoying a meal. The scene is captured in black and white, with framed artwork on the walls in the background.
A group of people sitting around a large dining table enjoying a festive meal in a warmly decorated room. The windows have Christmas wreaths, and theres a small Christmas tree in the background. The table is adorned with poinsettias.
Black and white photo of a bride in a strapless dress being assisted by two women in a dimly lit room. A man in a suit stands in the background, looking towards them. The scene captures a candid, intimate pre-wedding moment.
Close-up of a vintage teal Ford Mustang car, focusing on the front grille and emblem. The background features a tree and part of a brick building under a clear blue sky.
The reflection of a red, circular building and people gathered on the street is seen on the window of a vintage car, with part of the steering wheel and dashboard visible inside.
A vintage light blue car is parked on a street on a sunny day. A group of people dressed in formal attire stand near a historic orange brick house with a porch. Leafless trees surround the scene, and a modern building is visible in the background.

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