A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom kissing in front of a gated entrance. The bride wears a long veil and gown. Two pedestrians, one man and one woman, walk past them in opposite directions. The setting appears urban, with a stone building.

Melrose Knitting Mill Weddings

filed under:

May 23, 2018

published on:

good shepherd & melrose knitting mill wedding – lauren & dennis

Well, what a fun day this was! Lauren and Dennis’s Good Shepherd & Melrose Knitting Mill wedding!! Lauren and Dennis live out in California, so I actually met them for the very first time on their wedding day. Till then we’d been talking via email and a Skype meeting. Even through our limited communication, though, I could tell they were a really cool couple. And this was finally confirmed when I rocked up to The Church of the Good Shepherd in downtown Raleigh and finally got to hang out with them. And what better day to do that than their wedding day?

This was my first time shooting at the Good Shepherd and what a beautiful church it is. It’s kind of hidden away in plain sight a stone’s throw away from the NC Capitol building, but it tends to get upstaged by the Sacred Heart Cathedral across the road. When I went in the day before the wedding to meet the coordinator there and scope out the church, I was totally blown away by its beautiful stained glass windows. Weddings are limited to parishioners and their families only, so they only do a few a year, nut I definitely hope to be invited back again to photograph a wedding there soon.

Following the ceremony, Lauren, Dennis and I walked over to the grounds of the Capitol, less than a block away. We spent a fun half an hour or so photographing portraits there before heading back to the church for them to get their beautiful vintage 1940 Cadillac Lasalle over to the Melrose Knitting Mill to catch the end of cocktail hour. As always, the Mill provided a fabulous backdrop for some additional portraits before we headed in for the reception where Mitch from Bunn DJ Co. had everyone partying till the wee hours. As you’ll see in the later pics, everyone had a blast – well, almost everyone ;).

OK, enough already. Here are just a few of my faves from the day. Congrats to Lauren & Dennis!

Ceremony: The Church of the Good Shepherd, Raleigh, NC | Reception: Melrose Knitting Mill, Raleigh, NC | Event Coordination & Catering: Steph Smith, Melrose Knitting Mill, Raleigh, NC | Florist: Fallon’s Flowers, Garner, NC | Cake: Sweets By Shayda, Raleigh, NC | Hair & Make-Up: Parlor Blow Dry, Raleigh, NC | DJ: Mitch Woodard, Bunn DJ Co, Raleigh, NC | Officiant: Rev. Robert Sawyer, Raleigh, NC | Transportation: Carolina Classic Car Rentals, Raleigh, NC | Assistant Photographer: Brian Calabrese, Raleigh, NC

A woman in a detailed, white lace wedding gown stands in front of a large mirror in a dimly lit room. The dress has a long train, and sheer fabric adorns the adjacent chairs, creating an elegant and serene atmosphere.
A woman in a lace wedding dress stands with the train elegantly spread on the floor. The black and white image emphasizes the intricate patterns and textures of the gown.
A bride in a white gown stands with her back to the camera, while three smiling women, including a young girl in a dress, are in the background preparing for a wedding. A black dress hangs on the door in the room adorned with framed pictures.
A woman adjusts a flower crown on a young girl in a white dress, while another woman in a wedding dress watches in the background. The scene is reflected on a glossy table surface in a warmly lit room.
A bride stands in a dimly lit room, wearing a wedding dress. Another person stands behind her, adjusting her hair. The scene is intimate and focused, with soft lighting creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride wearing a white lace wedding gown and veil smiles as a woman adjusts her necklace in a softly lit room. The scene is intimate and joyful.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom surrounded by their bridal party in a hallway with columns. The bride is adjusting her dress, while others chat or look on. The atmosphere is lively and celebratory.
Black and white photo of a bride in a lace gown and veil, holding a bouquet. She stands next to a tall, arched window with a lattice design, gently touching the veil with one hand.
A bride looking over her shoulder, wearing a white wedding gown with a lace bodice and a sheer veil. She has long, dark hair and a subtle smile, standing against a neutral background.
A bride in a lace wedding dress stands beside a wooden door inside a church. Another woman in a dark dress assists by adjusting the brides veil. Stained glass panels adorn the doors upper section. The lighting is soft and warm.
A woman in a long, elegant, lace wedding gown stands inside a room with wooden doors and patterned armchairs. Her dress features a long train, and she gazes thoughtfully ahead. The black and white image creates a vintage atmosphere.
A man in a tuxedo sits in a church pew, looking contemplative. In the background, a bride in a white dress and veil stands near a stained glass window. The scene reflects a moment of reflection in a church setting.
A bride in a wedding dress, wearing a veil, gently holds an older mans head with both hands. They are standing together in a dimly lit room, looking at each other. The scene conveys a deep emotional connection.
A bride and an older man, likely her father, share a kiss. The bride holds a bouquet of white roses and wears a lace wedding dress and veil, while the man is in a black suit with a bow tie. They appear to be in a warmly lit indoor setting.
A bride in a wedding dress stands in front of a stone church with Gothic arches. A person kneels, adjusting her dress, while another stands beside her. The setting is serene and historic, with a hint of greenery visible.
Bride in a white gown and veil stands with a groom in a suit inside a church. They are accompanied by four older women, standing and talking, near stained glass windows and wood paneling. A painting and warm lighting adorn the setting.
A bride walks down the aisle towards the groom in a church ceremony. The groom, in a tuxedo, stands at the altar with a priest. Guests seated in pews on both sides watch the procession. An ornate altar is visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a large church with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, illuminated by warm lights. The image captures the grandeur and intimacy of the wedding ceremony.
A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands during a wedding ceremony at an altar. A young girl in a white dress and two men in black suits are present. An officiant in white robes reads from a book.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a church, surrounded by wedding party members. The church features a large, colorful stained-glass window and ornate decorations above the altar. The scene is viewed from a balcony.
Aerial view of a wedding ceremony inside a dimly lit church. The bride and groom stand at the altar in front of a large stained glass window, with guests seated in wooden pews on either side of the central aisle.
A bride and groom stand before a minister in a church during their wedding ceremony. The church is decorated, and guests are seated in pews watching the couple. The altar is adorned with white flowers.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle of a church, smiling and holding a bouquet. Guests are seated on both sides, and a decorated altar is visible in the background. The scene is black and white with a formal, joyful atmosphere.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of a church. The bride wears a white gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom is in a black tuxedo. A colorful stained glass window is visible in the background. Guests are seated on either side.
A bride and groom in wedding attire walk hand in hand down a brick path. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a long gown with lace details and a veil. The groom is in a tuxedo. They look at each other, smiling, with trees in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom smiling as they stand close under a tree. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, and both are dressed in wedding attire, with the bride in a veil. Sunlight filters through the leaves above them.
A bride and groom pose outdoors in front of pink blooming flowers. The bride, wearing a veil and white dress, looks directly at the camera. The groom, in a black suit and bow tie, smiles softly in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand, smiling at each other. The bride wears a long white dress and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a black suit and bow tie. They are outdoors on a sunlit path with green bushes and blooming trees around them.
A black and white photo of a bride in a strapless lace gown holding a bouquet. She stands on a path, with her veil flowing in the breeze, surrounded by trees. The lighting creates a soft, dramatic effect.
A bride in a white gown and veil, holding a bouquet, stands closely with a groom in a black tuxedo. They are outside on a sunlit path surrounded by greenery, sharing an intimate moment with their foreheads touching.
A bride in a white dress and groom in a black suit walk side by side on a sunlit path. The bride holds her dress slightly off the ground, revealing silver heels.
A bride and groom stand closely together outdoors, with eyes closed and foreheads touching. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers, and both are dressed in formal wedding attire. Trees and steps are softly blurred in the background.
A bride and groom stand embraced in front of an ornate, arched doorway. The groom wears a black suit, while the bride is in a white gown with a long veil, holding a bouquet of white flowers. The setting is elegant and formal.
A couple in formal attire embrace on the steps outside a building with Library engraved on the stone facade. Ornate metal gates and arched windows frame the scene, creating a romantic atmosphere.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom kissing in front of a gated entrance. The bride wears a long veil and gown. Two pedestrians, one man and one woman, walk past them in opposite directions. The setting appears urban, with a stone building.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere leans against a textured wall, smiling. The image is in black and white, and the man appears relaxed and happy.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm outside a stone building. The bride is wearing a white gown and holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a black tuxedo. Both are smiling as they walk down a ramp lined with metal railings.
A bride and groom share a tender moment in front of a vintage car. The bride, in a flowing gown and veil, holds a bouquet of white flowers. The groom, wearing a tuxedo, smiles at her. Arched stone architecture is in the background. Black and white photo.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment outside a church, with a classic car in the background. The brides long veil drapes elegantly, blowing in the breeze. The scene is in black and white, adding a timeless feel to the wedding day moment.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sitting inside a classic car, looking out the window. The woman wears a wedding dress and earrings, while the man is in a tuxedo. The reflection of light adds a vintage feel to the scene.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and a white rose boutonniere stands casually against a brick wall and a rusty train car, smiling. The setting has an industrial feel.
A black-and-white image of a seated bride in a lace wedding dress adjusting a garter on her thigh. Her legs are crossed, and she wears strappy heels. The photo focuses on the skirt, garter, and her hands.
A bride and groom stand side by side in front of a large, rustic brick building with tall arched windows. The bride wears a long gown, and the groom is in a suit. The scene is captured in black and white.
A beautifully set dining table with white roses in vases, lit candles, and neatly arranged silverware. The soft lighting creates an elegant and inviting atmosphere.
A three-tiered white wedding cake adorned with white flowers is displayed on a table beneath an elegant chandelier. The background features a rustic brick wall, and blurred candlelit tables are visible in the foreground.
A chocolate frosted cake decorated with white roses sits on a glass cake stand. Behind it, a bouquet of white roses in a vase is visible. A cake server and knife are placed on the table in front of the cake.
A black and white photo of a couple embracing closely. The woman has her hand resting on the mans shoulder, displaying her ring. They appear to be dancing, with soft focus highlighting an intimate moment.
A bride and groom share a first dance in a rustic venue with wooden floors and brick walls. Guests in elegant attire watch, some seated and others standing. Chandeliers and draped curtains add to the romantic ambiance.
A bride and groom share their first dance at a wedding. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. They are surrounded by blurred guests and draped curtains in a softly lit room.
Close-up of a couple dancing, focusing on the grooms hand gently placed on the brides lower back. The brides dress has intricate lace details and buttons running down the back. The image is in black and white, creating a classic and elegant feel.
A bride and groom share a first dance in a rustic venue with brick walls and chandeliers. Guests are seated at round tables, watching the couple. A toddler in a suit walks toward the dancing pair.
A black and white photo of a wedding scene. A small child in formal attire stands in the foreground, appearing curious. In the background, a bride and groom dance together, surrounded by seated guests and draped curtains.
A black and white photo of a couple dancing at a wedding reception. The woman, in a backless dress, and the man, wearing glasses, hold each other close. Guests can be seen seated at tables in the softly lit background.
A black and white photo of a couple embracing closely while dancing. The setting appears to be a softly lit room with curtains and a blurred background, suggesting an intimate, possibly celebratory occasion.
A bride in a white dress and a man in a black suit share a dance in a warmly lit venue with exposed brick walls. Guests are seated in the background, and chandeliers hang from the wooden ceiling.
A black-and-white photo of a couple dancing, slightly out of focus in the foreground. In the background, a woman in a floral dress uses a phone to take a picture of the couple. White drapes frame the scene.
A black and white photo showing a couple dancing in a warmly lit, elegant room with high ceilings and chandeliers. The couple is smiling and other guests are seated at tables in the background.
A couple dances in the foreground at a wedding. Guests stand nearby, capturing the moment with their phones. The setting features exposed brick walls and draped white curtains, creating an elegant atmosphere.
A man in a tuxedo with a white rose boutonniere speaks into a microphone. He has short gray hair and glasses. Chandeliers and soft lighting create a warm atmosphere in the background.
A bride and groom sit closely together at a wedding reception. The groom wears a black tuxedo and the bride wears a white dress. They are surrounded by guests in a softly lit room, creating an intimate and tender atmosphere.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment at a wedding reception. The bride, wearing a white gown, gently touches the grooms face. He wears a black tuxedo with a bow tie. Soft lighting and blurred guests in the background create a romantic atmosphere.
A black-and-white photo of four people dressed formally at a wedding. Two people are seated, smiling and facing each other, while two others stand nearby, engaging with them. The atmosphere is joyful and light-hearted.
A woman in a black dress holds a microphone and gestures with her other hand while speaking to an audience at an event. She stands in a warmly lit room with guests seated at tables in the background.
A bride in a lace dress gently holds the face of a seated woman, both smiling tenderly at each other. Guests are visible in the background, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere at the event.
A group of people dressed formally sit at a table during a celebration. A man in a tuxedo and a woman in a white dress pose with a young child. The table is decorated with flowers, candles, and drinks. Others are visible in the background.
A black and white image of a person in a tuxedo holding a microphone and looking at a phone. They are standing indoors against a brick wall with a large, arched window behind them.
A black and white photo showing a man in a tuxedo and two young girls sitting at a table during a formal event. The table has champagne flutes, bottles, and floral centerpieces. The background includes several seated people.
A black and white photo of a wedding reception. A man in a tuxedo, seated at a table with white roses, smiles and covers his mouth. A woman and child are beside him, and a person leans forward, gesturing towards him. Guests are visible in the background.
A bride and groom smile as they cut a large, elegant white tiered wedding cake adorned with roses. They stand in a warmly lit venue with chandeliers and facing guests in formal attire.
People dancing and socializing in a warmly lit, rustic venue with exposed brick walls and chandeliers. A woman in a black dress smiles, holding a drink, surrounded by other guests enjoying the celebration.
A lively wedding reception scene with guests dancing energetically on a dimly lit wooden dance floor. A man in a blue suit strikes a dramatic pose holding a drink, while other guests dance and chat in the warmly decorated venue.
Three people dancing energetically at a party. The person in the center is wearing a white dress, while the others are in dark outfits. They appear to be enjoying themselves, with colorful lights illuminating the scene.
A joyful couple is dancing and smiling at a formal event. The man, in a suit and tie, raises his arm and holds a drink. The woman wears a blue dress and beams at the camera. The elegant venue features draped curtains and chandeliers.
A joyful bride in a white dress dances with three friends in a warmly lit venue. One friend in blue holds a drink, while another raises an arm energetically. The room features brick walls, elegant drapes, and a chandelier.
An older man in a tuxedo energetically dances at a brightly lit event with chandeliers. A group of guests in formal attire watch and smile in the background. The setting appears to be a rustic, elegant venue with exposed brick walls.
A groom playfully removes a garter from the brides leg with his teeth during a lively wedding reception. The bride sits laughing in a white gown while guests watch and smile in the warmly lit venue.
A woman in a white dress and glowing glasses dances energetically at a lively party. The blurred lights and movements around her create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, with several other attendees in formal attire joining in the fun.
A bride and groom in a lively dance at a wedding reception. Theyre wearing glowing glasses and holding light sticks. Guests around them are dancing energetically in a dimly lit room with brick walls and warm lighting.
A joyful wedding reception scene with people dancing energetically. The bride, in a lace dress, and a man both wearing glowing neon glasses. Colorful light trails create a vibrant atmosphere. People in formal attire are enjoying the celebration.
A lively party scene with people dancing and smiling. Neon lights create colorful streaks in the air. One person wears glowing glasses. The background is dimly lit, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
A group of people dancing energetically at a party with colorful lights. A woman in a blue dress and a man in a white shirt and tie are at the center, holding drinks and raising their arms. Others around them are also enjoying the lively atmosphere.
A woman holding a baby dances at a party. Shes wearing a colorful dress and the baby is in a green outfit. Lights create colorful trails in the background, and other people are visible enjoying the festivities.
A lively party scene with people dancing energetically. Two women in the foreground, one in a black dress and the other in a pink dress, hold drinks and smile. Blurred light trails suggest movement and a festive atmosphere.
A bride in a white gown dances energetically with a guest in a dimly lit room. The background features exposed brick walls, chandeliers, and other guests. Colorful light streaks create a lively atmosphere.
A couple kisses on the dance floor while holding drinks at a party. The man wears a headband and patterned tie, and the woman is in a black dress. Other guests and ambient lighting are visible in the background.
An older woman in a colorful dress smiles while holding a baby on her shoulders. The baby looks excited. They are indoors at an event with chandeliers and dim lighting.
A smiling couple dressed in formal attire poses indoors. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing a white dress, while the man is in a black tuxedo with a white rose boutonniere. They stand in front of a brick wall with windows.

Check Out

want More?

Connect with us

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

Ready to make your wedding memories last?