A black and white photo captures a smiling bride in a lace dress and a groom in a suit. The groom gently rests his forehead against hers, surrounded by a softly focused natural background.

Wedding Photography

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October 30, 2017

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st. catherine of siena & the sutherland wedding – maria & andrew

Maria and Andrew’s St. Catherine of Siena & The Sutherland wedding was definitely a highlight of my year so far. As wedding photographers, we can only hope for three things: great subjects, great locations and great light – all three were available in abundance on this beautiful day.

Throughout the day, it was a joy to just stand back and watch Maria and Andrew interact together and just photograph them as they are. They are so obviously besotted with each other and there were so many tender moments between the two of them, there was really very little direction needed from me for the portrait side of things and we ended up with so many great pictures, it was difficult to cut things down for the sake of a blog post. Everything from the getting ready, through to the ceremony was full of joy and emotion – manna from heaven or a wedding photojournalist. And the reception was a total blast from start to finish – so many great characters tearing up the dance floor thanks to Maria and Andrew’s fab family and friends and the mad DJ skillz of Steve Stowe!

As a side note, it was brilliant to shoot at St. Catherine of Siena again as I hadn’t been there since the new church building was opened a few years back. Even though it’s obviously a modern building, the architecture has a classic, warm feel with high ceilings, arches, and windows providing a lot of beautiful light. And The Sutherland is always a great place to shoot with its old house full of plenty of character and natural light, its outbuildings and gorgeous grounds.

Finally, the light on the day was just beautiful. We were blessed with gorgeous sunny weather from start to finish, which was just the cherry on top. All told, we were truly spoilt!

As always, I want to send out my thanks to the fantastic team that came together to put on such an amazing event. They are:

Ceremony: St. Catherine of Siena, Wake Forest, NC | Reception: The Sutherland, Durham, NC | Planner: Adams & Events, Cary, NC | Dress: Downtown Bridal, Salisbury, MD | Florist: Fresh Affairs, Raleigh, NC | Cake: Ashley Cakes, Raleigh, NC | Bride’s Hair & Make-Up: Wedding Hair by Liz, Raleigh, NC  | DJ: Steve Stowe, Bunn DJ Co, Raleigh, NC | Rentals: Petal & Oak Rentals, Raleigh, NC | Catering: Rocky Top Catering, Raleigh, NC | Lighting: Total Production Services, Raleigh, NC | Transportation: Lifestyle Limousine Company, Raleigh, NC | Videographer: Hayzen’s Productions, Greensboro, NC | Assistant Photographer: Brian Joseph, Apex, NC

And without further ado, here are my picks of the pics:

Elegant white high-heeled shoes with bows rest on a wooden floor, surrounded by delicate lace and sheer fabric, possibly a veil or train. Sunlight highlights the intricate details, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
A woman and a young girl sit on stairs together. The woman is looking at the girl, who is smiling and wearing a dress, with her hair in curls. The scene is warm and candid.
A black and white photo of a young girl twirling in a dress while two women dressed casually watch and smile in a room with mirrors and an open door.
Two women style hair in a salon. The woman on the right, wearing a pink shirt, is having her hair done by a stylist. Another stylist is working on a young girl in the foreground, who has long, dark, curly hair.
Close-up of a person holding an open book with one hand resting on a page. They are wearing a ring with a noticeable stone. The grayscale image focuses on the hand and book, suggesting a moment of reading or contemplation.
A black and white close-up of a woman looking down, with her hand covering her mouth. She has long eyelashes and is wearing a ring on her finger. Her hair is swept back.
A smiling woman with dark hair is having her hair styled and sprayed by another person. She is wearing a white top and her hair is elegantly arranged with a decorative pin. The scene is in black and white.
A woman in a long gown helps adjust the dress of a bride in a white wedding gown. They stand in a sunlit room with white shutters, a patterned rug, and a chair with cushions. A decorative frame hangs on the wall between two windows.
A bride with dark hair smiles brightly as an older woman, also with dark hair, helps her with her lace wedding dress in a warmly lit room. A large mirror and a window with soft light appear in the background.
Close-up of hands fastening intricate buttons on a lace wedding dress. The image is in black and white, capturing the delicate details of the lace and buttons.
A bride in a white wedding dress kisses a woman in a grey lace dress inside a warmly lit room. A long veil cascades on the floor beside them. The room is decorated with floral artwork and a cozy chair. Sunlight streams through the windows.
A bride in a white lace gown touches her face emotionally as a woman in an embellished dress reads a note to her in a warmly lit room with a mirror and a fireplace in the background.
A bride with a decorated hairpiece hugs an older woman warmly in a sunlit room. The woman wears a grey embellished dress, and they both seem emotional.
Bride in a lace wedding dress stands inside a warmly lit room, adjusting the train of her gown. Light streams in through a nearby window, casting a soft glow on her intricate attire.
A bride in a lace wedding dress sits as another woman helps her with a garter on her leg. The brides dress features intricate lace sleeves. The setting is intimate and warmly lit, creating a cozy atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown and veil stands smiling and gesturing with her hands in a room. Seven women in navy blue dresses and one young girl in a white dress watch her with expressions of joy and anticipation. The room has a patterned rug and framed art.
A man adjusts his vest while looking in a mirror, preparing for a formal occasion. The setting is a wood-paneled room with shelves in the background, captured in black and white for a classic, timeless feel.
A man in a suit, with a light-colored vest and tie, stands in a warmly lit rustic room with wooden walls. Sunlight streams through a window, illuminating his face. A painting and a wooden table are visible in the background.
A black and white portrait of a bride in a lace wedding gown with a deep neckline. She stands against a dark background, looking softly at the camera with her hair styled back and a veil. The focus is on her face, capturing an elegant and serene expression.
A bride in a white dress stands on the balcony of a large, two-story, white colonial house with black shutters. Below her on the steps stands a groom in a gray suit. The house is surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.
A large, tan church with a circular window and three arched entrances sits under a clear blue sky. People walk up and down the steps leading to the entrance. Trees are visible in the background.
Three boys dressed in choir robes stand in a line. The first boy holds a tall, ornate cross. They are in a church setting, and their expressions are attentive and contemplative. Black and white photograph.
A bride in a white gown and veil walks arm-in-arm with an escort down the aisle of a church. The setting is elegant, with empty pews on either side, leading to a wooden door at the entrance. The scene is captured in black and white.
A groom wipes his eyes as the bride, in a veil and gown, enters with another man, possibly her father. They stand in a softly lit church, with a blurred background and focus on the emotional moment.
A groom lifts the veil of a bride in an ornate wedding gown during a ceremony. A groomsman stands in the background, watching the scene. The setting is elegant and softly lit.
A wedding ceremony taking place inside a large church with high arched ceilings and decorative architecture. The bride and groom are at the altar, surrounded by the wedding party, while guests are seated in pews.
A bride and groom are exchanging vows in a church, with the bride smiling. Three bridesmaids in navy blue dresses stand to the side, holding bouquets. A priest presides over the ceremony, and guests are seated in the foreground.
A bride and groom stand at the altar of a church during their wedding ceremony. A priest reads from a book, while an acolyte and two groomsmen look on. The bride wears a long veil, and guests are seated in the pews.
A row of women in dark dresses stand with their heads bowed and hands clasped, appearing to be in prayer or reflection. The image is in black and white, emphasizing the solemn and peaceful atmosphere.
A groom and bride kneel in prayer during a church wedding ceremony, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen sitting in adjacent pews. A religious icon and a woman praying are visible in the background.
A woman gently embraces a young boy in a suit, both seated on a wooden bench. The boy looks thoughtful, while the woman gazes at him lovingly. The setting appears to be a formal event or ceremony. Black and white photo.
A priest blesses a kneeling couple during a church ceremony. Other people are seated in the pews, observing the ritual. The setting is a large, ornate church interior. Black and white photo.
A wedding ceremony in a church with a high ceiling and large crucifix. The bride and groom stand at the altar, surrounded by guests seated in pews. The church interior is decorated in red and cream tones.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. The groom and bride kiss at the altar, facing the priest. Two altar boys stand nearby, and guests watch from the pews.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of a grand, arched church interior. The pews are filled with guests, and two attendants follow the couple. The image has a soft focus effect, highlighting the architecture and ceremony.
A black and white photo of a wedding party walking along a sidewalk. The bride, in a lace gown, holds a bouquet and is accompanied by the groom in a suit. Bridesmaids and groomsmen, also in formal attire, follow them. A building with arched windows is in the background.
A bride in a lace gown stands in sunlight beneath an archway, casting a shadow on the brick ground. Her long veil drapes elegantly behind her, capturing the light. The background features a stone structure with columns.
A bride and groom stand happily together in front of a dark door. The bride is in a white lace gown, and the groom is in a gray suit with a boutonniere. Beside them sits a black and brown dog with a leash, looking towards the camera.
A wedding party poses outdoors in a sunlit garden. The bride and groom stand in the center, surrounded by bridesmaids in navy blue dresses and groomsmen in gray suits. A young flower girl stands in front, holding a bouquet.
A bride and groom stand closely together in a lush garden setting. The groom wears a gray suit, while the bride is in a white lace dress, holding a bouquet of flowers. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
A black and white photo captures a smiling bride in a lace dress and a groom in a suit. The groom gently rests his forehead against hers, surrounded by a softly focused natural background.
A bride and groom share their first dance in a large, rustic hall with vaulted wooden ceilings. Guests seated at round tables watch them. Sunlight streams through the windows, creating a cozy atmosphere. The photo is in black and white.
A bride and groom share a joyful dance. The bride wears a lace dress and smiles up at the groom, who is in a suit with a boutonniere. Warm, soft lighting enhances the intimate moment.
Two women joyfully embrace, one in a floral dress and the other in a bridal gown. They are inside a room with blurred people and greenery in the background, sharing a moment of happiness.
A young woman in a blue dress kisses a smiling man on the cheek in a suit, surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight streams in, adding a warm glow to the outdoor setting.
A bride and groom are sitting at a table, laughing and clapping. A man in a suit, holding a microphone, stands nearby, likely giving a speech. The table is decorated with flowers and a Mr & Mrs sign. The setting appears to be a wedding reception.
A bride wipes her tears while seated beside the groom at a wedding reception. They are at a table decorated with flowers. A man stands beside them giving a speech, holding a microphone. The background shows large windows and brick walls.
A black-and-white photo of a groom tenderly kissing the forehead of a smiling bride. The groom wears a white shirt and tie, and the bride wears a lace wedding dress, both appearing content and close together.
A bride and groom sit at a table decorated with flowers and a Mr & Mrs sign. The bride is laughing, and a woman in a navy dress stands to the right, holding a microphone and raising her hand, as she gives a speech in a warmly lit venue.
Two women smiling and standing close together at a wedding. One is in a white lace dress, and the other in a dark gown, holding a microphone and a phone. A man is seated in the background. Black and white photo.
Two women are joyfully hugging at a celebration. One is wearing a white lace dress and holding a glass of champagne, while the other holds a cocktail. Both appear happy, with warm lighting in the background.
A bride in a lace gown and a groom in a vest and tie share a slow dance. The setting is dimly lit, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Large windows in the background reveal a blurred outdoor view.
A couple dances closely, with the woman resting her chin on the mans shoulder. Her hand is gently placed on his back. The scene is softly lit, creating an intimate and tender atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom peeking out from adjacent wooden doors. The bride wears a veil and dress, and the groom is in a suit with a boutonniere. They stand behind a hedge, looking at each other with smiles.
A bride playfully gestures while holding hands with the groom, who looks amused. They are standing in front of a wooden building with a sign reading Chandler House. The bride wears a lace gown, and the groom is in a gray suit with a white boutonniere.
A couple stands on the steps of a large, white, two-story house with a brick chimney. The house has a wraparound porch and dormer windows, surrounded by neatly trimmed bushes. The sky is clear, and the setting is serene and picturesque.
A couple in wedding attire walks side by side in a garden, next to a brick wall with a decorative archway. The bride wears a long, white gown, and the groom is in a suit. Green foliage surrounds the scene.
A bride in a white lace gown joyfully embraces a woman in a blue dress, lifting a leg playfully. They stand on a brick path surrounded by lush greenery and blooming pink flowers in front of a charming house.
People are gathered on a lawn outside a rustic building during a social event. Some are playing cornhole, while others stand and mingle. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and a soft evening sky.
A bride in a white dress joyfully dances with guests at a lively party. The group, including men in suits and women in dresses, raise their hands and clap amid colorful lights. The atmosphere is celebratory and energetic.
A joyful wedding reception scene with a large group of people dancing and celebrating. A man in a white shirt is holding up a drink with one arm while embracing a woman in a white wedding dress. The room is dimly lit with a lively atmosphere.
People dancing barefoot in an open indoor space with patterned lighting on the ceiling. Some hold drinks as they enjoy the lively atmosphere. The scene is festive and vibrant.
A joyful bride in a white dress dances energetically with an older man at a wedding reception. Guests around them are smiling, clapping, and enjoying the lively atmosphere. The venue is warmly lit, with tables and decorations in the background.
A bride and groom dance energetically at a wedding reception. She wears a lacy white gown, and he is in a white shirt holding a beer bottle. Guests are enjoying themselves in the dimly lit venue.
A couple dressed in wedding attire plays a clapping game while seated in an elaborately decorated indoor venue. The lighting casts intricate designs on the wooden ceiling, creating a warm and festive atmosphere around them.
Three women in elegant dresses laugh and dance joyfully on a colorful dance floor. The atmosphere is festive, with warm lighting and a beautifully illuminated ceiling.
A group of people dancing energetically in a dimly lit room with colorful lights. A woman in a white dress leads, smiling and raising her arms, followed by several others in festive attire. The background shows a high ceiling with intricate shadows.
A man and woman are dancing closely at a lively indoor event. The woman is wearing a white lace dress, and the man is holding a drink. Other people are visible in the dimly lit background, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A lively group of people dancing energetically at a party. The atmosphere is festive, with dim lighting and many guests enjoying themselves on the dance floor.
A group of people, dressed in formal attire, embrace in a circle at a celebration. They are smiling and appear joyful, with colorful lights and a lively atmosphere in the background.
A bride and groom share a tender moment on a softly lit dance floor, embracing closely. The bride wears a lace wedding dress while the groom is in a light-colored shirt. Warm, blurred lights create a romantic ambiance in the foreground.
A couple embraces under an illuminated tree with vibrant red, yellow, and green leaves at night, creating a romantic atmosphere. The surrounding area is dark, highlighting the couple and the colorful tree.

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