The night before last, I was extremely honoured to receive the “2013 Best of NACE Award” for “Best Photography” at the Triangle NACE Annual Awards Gala at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club in Durham, NC.

NACE is a fantastic organization with the mission of developing professionals in the wedding and event industry. As such, this particular award meant a lot to me on a couple of levels: firstly, given the number of wedding photographers involved in our chapter at both the membership and board level it was judged by another chapter who didn’t know anything about who we were, and, secondly, I was up against a number of other very well-established Raleigh wedding photographers whose work and reputation I really respect.

The rules for the competition stipulated we had to select a wedding and submit just 20 images along with a written summary of why we chose this particular event. My written submission from Deniz and Robbie’s Duke Gardens wedding from last July, went like this:

This was a fun event to shoot as Deniz is from Turkey and Robbie from Durham. They planned their event meticulously from their home in New York. The rainy day added some excitement to proceedings as Deniz spent the morning getting ready at the Washington Duke Inn. Aside from getting her make up, hair and photos done, she multitasked by making phone calls to organize moving the event from outside at the amphitheatre at Duke Gardens to inside the Doris Duke Centre.

The rain added to the romantic mood of the day and it was lovely to see the bride’s beaming face as she walked down the aisle. After the ceremony, the rain cleared and the light was gorgeous for us to go outside and take the family formals and shots of the couple together. We then headed back inside to the reception where the couple had their first dance. After that, the guests took it in turns to give toasts that raised more than a few smiles. It was a very relaxed day and I really like the pictures given the obvious love between the couple and the unbridled happiness that is evident from all involved.

It was really tough narrowing it down to just 20 to tell the story of the day, but here are my favourites from different parts of the preparations, ceremony, portraits and speeches.

And here are the 20 images I selected from Deniz and Robbie’s day:

Two women stand in front of a window holding up a wedding dress. One wears a short white dress, and the other wears a long silver gown. The window has striped curtains, and light streams in, creating a silhouette effect behind the dress.

A black and white photo of a woman with closed eyes and bare shoulders, looking downwards. The soft focus and lighting create a serene, introspective mood.

A black and white photo of a bride standing by a window in an elegant wedding gown. Two people assist her with the train of her dress, one sitting and the other standing. The room is softly lit, highlighting the gown’s intricate details.

Close-up of a smiling person with dark eyes, holding a delicate netted veil near their face. The background is softly blurred, highlighting their joyful expression.

A black and white photo of a bride holding her dress and flanked by two people. One person holds an umbrella over the bride as they walk near a car on a rainy day. The group looks joyful and relaxed despite the weather.

A group of men in suits stand in a break room, engaged in conversation. One man is stepping onto a counter, while others hold cups. The room has a ceiling light and various items on shelves. The scene is in black and white.

A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet as she walks down the aisle with a man in a dark suit. They are in a decorated room with guests watching. Portraits hang on the walls in the background.

A large hall with a high wooden ceiling and beams hosts a wedding reception. Guests are seated at round tables, watching a couple dance in the center. The room is warmly lit with natural light streaming in through windows.

A bride and groom share their first dance in a brightly lit room. The bride wears a flowing gown, and the groom is in a light suit. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand nearby, applauding and smiling. Black and white photo.

A bride and groom walk down the aisle in a wooden lodge venue, surrounded by guests taking photos. The bride is wearing a white gown, and the groom is in a light-colored suit. Attendees are seated at decorated tables and standing with cameras.

A bride and groom embrace in a room filled with friends and family. The bride is wearing a wedding dress, and the groom is in a suit. Guests around them are smiling and chatting, holding flowers. The scene is joyful and celebratory.

A black and white image of a bride in a gown adjusting her hair, surrounded by bridesmaids in light dresses and groomsmen in suits. They are outside, standing on a garden path with greenery and flowers in the background.

A bridal party stands together outdoors under a wooden arch. The groom and groomsmen wear beige suits, while the bride and bridesmaids are in dresses. The sky is overcast, and trees are in the background.

A man in a light suit poses outdoors with a boutonniere on his lapel. He stands in front of a blurred architectural background, smiling slightly in a black and white photograph.

Two women in lavender dresses sit on the ground, chatting and holding drinks. One has purple hair with a floral hairpiece, and there is a bouquet of flowers beside them. They are on a paved area with greenery in the background.

A couple in wedding attire embraces under a wooden archway in a lush garden. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a light-colored suit. Greenery and a clear sky form the backdrop, creating a serene and romantic scene.

A bride and groom share a tender moment outdoors. The groom in a beige suit kisses the brides hand as she smiles warmly. The bride wears a strapless gown and a floral hairpiece. Warm sunlight filters through the background, creating a romantic ambiance.

A couple shares a dance in a rustic setting, surrounded by guests. The room features wooden beams and a decorative ceiling light. The black and white image captures a romantic atmosphere.

A man in a suit holds a microphone and raises a glass, appearing to give a toast. The background is softly blurred, with ambient lighting creating a warm atmosphere. The photo is in black and white.

A bride with red hair and a flower accessory laughs while sitting at a table with guests during a wedding reception. People around her are smiling and dressed in formal attire. A centerpiece with flowers is on the table.

A black and white photo of a group of people seated at a table, with one person in the foreground raising a glass in a toast. The scene is slightly blurred, creating a soft, celebratory atmosphere.

My sincere thanks to Triangle NACE for all the great work they do for our industry, to all the vendors and other photographers that have helped me in my journey as a Raleigh wedding photographer so far, to Deniz and Robbie for asking me to shoot their wedding and, finally, to my lovely wife, Cristel, for all her love, patience and support as I figure out what I want to be when I grow up.