A bride and groom pose outdoors under a floral arch. The bride is wearing a white dress and fur stole, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a suit with a bow tie. A lake and trees are in the background.

Umstead Weddings

filed under:

March 17, 2017

published on:

umstead wedding photographer – alex & marcus

There are a good number of reasons I love my job as a wedding photographer, and one of those is getting to spend quality time with people like Alexandra & Marcus, their friends and family, on one of the most important days of their lives. When I first met with them a year or so ago, I was immediately struck by their warmth, sense of humour, and how evidently in love they were. Those feelings were all reinforced when I shot Alex’s bridal session last autumn and got to meet her mum and Matron of Honour, Lace, who were really great fun, and I was really looking forward to shooting their big day.

And so it was that a couple of Saturdays ago, I headed over for the big day. The Umstead is a really great venue for an outdoor wedding and so I was pleased that it was a lovely sunny spring day. The ceremony was timed to perfection with the sun setting over the courtyard providing a gorgeous orange glow to the evening light. Alex and Marcus had put together a really great team of professionals to work on their day – The Umstead events staff themselves, A Southern Soirée, All Around Raleigh DJ, Embellished Blooms, Simply Cakes, Rev. Barbara Lodge, etc. everyone really came together to put on a beautiful wedding that was a joy to photograph. Selecting just a few photos for the blog proved tough! Here are just a few of my faves:

Elegant pink high heels with decorative elements on the toes are positioned back to back, casting symmetrical shadows on a reflective surface against a neutral background.
A diamond ring with a cushion-cut center stone and a halo of smaller diamonds is placed on a reflective surface. The background is blurred, featuring warm bokeh lights that create a luxurious atmosphere.
A delicate bouquet featuring a pale peach rose and small white flowers, reflected on a glossy black surface. The image is dark and moody, highlighting the softness and elegance of the petals.
A makeup artist carefully applies cosmetics to a womans face. The woman has her eyes closed, sitting in a softly lit room, while the artist focuses intently on her work.
A woman with styled blonde hair gets makeup applied while seated. She looks down with a subtle smile. The scene is in black and white, giving a classic, elegant feel.
A woman is having her makeup applied with a brush by another person. She is smiling and looking upward. The focus is on her eyes, which are being highlighted with eyeliner. The background is softly blurred.
Two women stand in a dimly lit room holding up a wedding dress against a window. The silhouette of the dress is highlighted by the light streaming through the curtains behind them.
A black-and-white photo showing a woman helping a bride with her gown in front of sunlit curtains. The bride faces the window, and they appear focused on preparing for the wedding. The room is softly lit, creating an intimate atmosphere.
A black-and-white image of a person buttoning the back of a wedding dress. The focus is on delicate fingers fastening the buttons along the gowns satin fabric. The scene conveys elegance and attention to detail.
A bride in a strapless wedding dress stands with her hands on her hips, while two women assist her with preparations. The scene is captured in black and white, emphasizing the elegant and intimate atmosphere.
Black and white image of a smiling bride with her hair up, looking out a window. She wears a strapless dress. The lighting is soft, enhancing the elegant and serene mood.
A black and white close-up photo of two people helping fasten a bracelet on a womans wrist. One person is wearing a ring, and the woman is dressed in a strapless gown. The focus is on their hands and the delicate bracelet.
A woman in a formal dress reads a letter while standing next to a bride in a wedding gown. They are indoors, captured in black and white. The mood is calm and reflective.
A woman holds a lace-edged handkerchief with writing on it, standing across from a bride with her back to the camera. Both women are in a softly lit room, with a framed picture and a lamp in the background.
A black and white photo of two people holding hands. One wears a bracelet and a strapless dress, while the other wears an off-shoulder dress. The background is softly blurred, focusing on the intimate connection between them.
A bride in a white gown stands in a hotel room facing a group of bridesmaids in black dresses. An older woman, also in black, stands nearby. The room is elegantly furnished with mirrors and artwork on the walls.
A bride in a white gown stands in a room, clasping her hands joyfully. A man in a tuxedo approaches her with open arms, both smiling. The setting appears to be a hotel room with a TV and two chairs. The mood is celebratory and intimate.
A black and white photo shows a bride in a white gown hugging an older man in a suit, likely her father, in an emotional moment. They are in a room with a dresser and framed pictures on the wall.
A bride in a white dress adjusts her gown while a man in a tuxedo wipes his eyes with a handkerchief and a woman in a black dress looks on in a room with a TV and framed pictures.
A bride in a strapless gown stands between two bridesmaids who are helping with her jewelry. The scene is set indoors with a table and decorations in the background.
A man wearing a black suit with a bow tie and boutonniere sits on a chair. Hes smiling and has his hands folded on his lap. The background is dark, highlighting the subject.
A groom in a black suit waits on a wooden bridge as a bride in a white gown walks toward him. The background is filled with trees and soft sunlight.
A groom in a black suit and bow tie stands smiling on a sunlit wooden bridge. In the background, a bride in a white gown approaches, her dress trailing behind her. The scene is surrounded by tall trees and soft natural light.
A groom in a black tuxedo holds a flower and smiles as he sees the bride in a white gown. They stand on a wooden bridge surrounded by trees, with a lake in the background.
A bride and groom embrace on a sunlit lakeside deck, surrounded by tall trees. The groom holds a white rose while the bride wears a white gown with an elegant updo. The serene scene captures the romantic moment.
A bride and groom smile at each other outdoors. The bride, in a white strapless gown, holds a white rose. The groom wears a black tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
A bride and groom walk along a forested path. The bride wears a white gown with a full skirt, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. They smile as sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating their path.
A couple dressed in wedding attire embrace in a sunlit forest clearing. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a black suit. Theyre surrounded by trees, with green leaves in the foreground capturing the warmth of the scene.
A couple embraces lovingly in a sunlit outdoor setting. The man is wearing a black suit and bow tie, while the woman is in a white strapless dress. They gaze at each other, surrounded by a blurred, natural background.
A couple in wedding attire joyfully run across a sunlit grassy field surrounded by trees. The groom is in a suit, and the bride holds up her white gown. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting long shadows.
A bride stands with four bridesmaids, all holding bouquets. The bride wears a white gown while the bridesmaids wear black dresses. They smile together outdoors in soft, natural light.
A man and woman dressed in formal attire are posing outdoors. The man is wearing a black suit and bow tie, while the woman is in a black dress and gloves, smiling brightly. They are surrounded by bare trees and greenery.
A bride dressed in a gown is getting her hair adjusted by one woman while three others look on. Two women in the background are handling her veil. The scene is set in a room with a window and some furniture.
Two large floral arrangements featuring white hydrangeas and soft pink roses are displayed on wooden pedestals outdoors. The background is softly blurred, creating a romantic and elegant setting.
A group of people in formal attire sitting outdoors. A bald man wearing sunglasses is smiling in the center. The woman next to him is adjusting her glasses, while an older woman is looking at her phone. Others are seated in the background.
A couple dressed in formal attire walks arm in arm outdoors at an event. The woman wears a blue dress with a white fur wrap, and the man wears a tuxedo. They are surrounded by floral decorations and greenery in the foreground.
A woman in an elegant black gown walks arm-in-arm with a man in a black tuxedo. They are outdoors, possibly at a formal event or wedding, with blurred greenery and a stone building in the background. Both hold small bouquets.
A bride in a white gown holds a bouquet and walks down an outdoor aisle arm-in-arm with a man in a black suit. They are surrounded by large floral arrangements and greenery.
A bride in a white dress holds a bouquet of flowers and walks down the aisle with an older man in a suit, possibly her father. They are framed by blurred foreground branches, creating a soft, intimate scene.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with a couple standing at the altar in the background. White flowers on tall stands and large lanterns with candles line the grassy aisle. Guests are seated on either side, and trees are visible in the distance.
A scenic outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated in rows on both sides of a stone aisle leading to a flower-adorned altar. The setting features lush greenery and trees, with a tranquil lake in the background.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom stand facing a minister. The bride wears a gown with a long veil, which a bridesmaid is adjusting. Four bridesmaids hold bouquets in the background. Trees line the scene.
A couple is exchanging vows during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The groom, in a black suit, smiles as he holds a piece of paper. The bride, in a white dress and veil, faces him. Three groomsmen, also in black suits, stand nearby.
A bride in a white dress and veil smiles at a groom in a black suit during their outdoor wedding ceremony. Bridesmaids stand in the background holding bouquets. The setting is against a blurred natural background.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony. A bride in a gown stands in the foreground. Two bridesmaids in black dresses, one holding a bouquet and wiping her eye, are in the background.
A group of older adults and middle-aged people sit together, dressed in formal attire, at an outdoor event. They appear to be watching something intently, with varying expressions of emotion. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom stand at an outdoor wedding ceremony, with bridesmaids and groomsmen on either side. The backdrop features a modern multi-story building under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand at an outdoor altar, surrounded by trees, with guests seated on either side. White petals line the grassy aisle, leading up stone steps to the ceremony. The scene is sunlit and serene.
A bride and groom share a kiss at an outdoor wedding ceremony, standing under a floral arch. The bride wears a long white gown with a veil, and a woman in black holds a bouquet, while the officiant stands nearby, smiling.
A wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride and groom standing together at the altar. A guest in the foreground is seated on a white chair, capturing the moment with a smartphone. Bridesmaids in black dresses stand in the background under a floral arch.
A bride and groom hold hands, walking down an outdoor aisle lined with white petals and surrounded by guests on chairs. Trees and greenery set the backdrop, as guests stand and smile in celebration of the couples union.
A bride and groom pose outdoors under a floral arch. The bride is wearing a white dress and fur stole, holding a bouquet. The groom is in a suit with a bow tie. A lake and trees are in the background.
A bride holds a bouquet with peach and cream roses, white flowers, and green foliage, including ferns and magnolia leaves. She wears a white dress and a fur shawl.
A man in a formal black suit with a bow tie stands outdoors. He has a boutonniere pinned to his jacket. The background is a blurred natural setting with some trees and bushes, giving a warm, rustic vibe.
A dimly lit, elegant dinner table is set with plates, glassware, and menus. Flickering candles in glass holders line the center, surrounded by lush floral arrangements, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.
A dimly lit dining setup featuring a dinner menu on a white plate with a silver rim. Silverware surrounds the plate, and a small candle casts a warm glow over a wine glass and an iced drink.
A beautifully decorated, multi-tiered wedding cake adorned with white and pink flowers is spotlighted against a dark background. Blurred candles in the foreground add a warm, romantic ambiance.
A dimly lit, elegant table setting featuring tall floral centerpieces with white and pink flowers. The table is adorned with multiple lit candles, creating a warm and romantic ambiance.
A dimly lit banquet hall set for a formal event. Long tables are elegantly arranged with white tablecloths, flower centerpieces, and candles. Chandeliers and soft lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A dimly lit dining table with a tall glass candle holder, a small textured votive candle, and blurred background lights creating a warm, intimate ambiance. Plates and glassware are subtly visible in the foreground.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a softly lit reception hall. The bride wears a white gown with a full skirt, and the groom is in a dark suit with a bow tie. Guests and a decorated table are blurred in the background. Black and white photo.
A couple dances closely at their wedding reception in a dimly lit room. They are surrounded by guests who watch them with smiles. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit.
A close-up of a decorative cake adorned with soft pink and white roses. The flowers are delicately arranged, adding an elegant touch to the textured, white cake surface. The image has a softly blurred, romantic effect.
A bride and groom cut a tall, tiered wedding cake adorned with flowers. The bride, in a strapless gown, smiles brightly, while the groom, in a tuxedo, stands beside her. Soft lighting and candles create a romantic ambiance.
A couple elegantly dances under a chandelier in a dimly lit reception hall. The woman wears a flowing gown, and the man is in a suit. Guests are seated at tables in the background, adding to the formal atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a woman hugging a man tightly, smiling with her eyes closed. The background is softly blurred, creating an intimate and warm atmosphere.
A black and white photograph of a couple dancing in a softly lit ballroom. In the foreground, out-of-focus wine glasses create a blurred effect. A chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding elegance to the scene.
A bride and groom gaze at each other lovingly amidst sparkling lights in the background. The bride holds the grooms lapel, both illuminated by warm, ambient lighting.
A person in a strapless dress embraces an older person with glasses and a suit in a dimly lit setting. Other people are faintly visible in the background.
A woman in a sleeveless purple dress dances with a playful expression at a dark, lively event. She gestures with open arms, surrounded by blurred figures and streaks of light, suggesting motion and activity.
A woman with long dark hair smiles and raises her arms while dancing in a dimly lit room. A blurred figure is visible in the background, and swirling light trails create a dynamic atmosphere.
Two women are dancing together at a party, both smiling and enjoying the moment. The room is dimly lit with purple lighting in the background. One woman is wearing a blue dress, while the other is in a black dress. Other guests can be seen in the background.
A group of smiling people dressed in formal attire pose together at an indoor event. The setting appears elegant, with dim lighting and decorations in the background. They look joyful and are gathered closely for the photo.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black tuxedo dance together on a dimly lit dance floor. She holds a drink, and both appear joyful. Lights streak in the background, and several people can be seen in the blurred background.
A group of eight men in formal suits are lounging around an outdoor fire pit at night. They are holding drinks and smiling, dressed in tuxedos, suggesting a celebration or wedding event. The fire casts a warm glow on their faces.
A bride and three guests, dressed in formal attire, are joyfully dancing and laughing together on a dimly lit dance floor. The bride is wearing a white gown, and the atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
A wedding reception with people dancing and celebrating on a dance floor. Gold confetti fills the air, and there is a bride in a white dress among the guests, who are wearing formal attire. The atmosphere is festive and lively.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing closely at an event. The focus is on them, with the womans back to the camera and the man embracing her gently. The background shows other people in soft focus, creating an intimate atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a romantic dance on an empty dance floor, surrounded by decorated tables. A chandelier hangs above them, creating an intimate atmosphere. The scene is captured in black and white.
A couple embraces on a dimly lit dance floor. The womans arms, adorned with red nail polish and a pearl bracelet, are wrapped around the mans shoulders. Her engagement ring is visible, creating a focal point in the romantic scene.
A bride and groom, both in formal attire, walk through a crowd of cheering guests. The guests throw confetti, celebrating under twinkling lights in an outdoor nighttime setting.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a confetti-covered dance floor, surrounded by cheering guests. The bride wears a strapless white gown, and the groom is in a black suit. The background is adorned with twinkling lights on trees.

Ceremony & Reception: The Umstead Hotel & Spa, Cary, NC | Planner: A Southern Soirée, Raleigh NC | Florist: Embellished Blooms, Raleigh, NC | Cake: Simply Cakes, Cary, NC | Strings: Florian Music, Raleigh, NC | Hair & Make-Up: The Make-Up Culture, Durham, NC | Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC

Check Out

want More?

Connect with us

Contact us for real, candid moments you’ll cherish forever.

Ready to make your wedding memories last?