A couple walks hand in hand away from the camera on a grassy field, surrounded by trees. The woman is wearing a flowing white wedding dress and the man a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, ethereal glow.

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November 21, 2018

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pavilion at carriage farm wedding – ashley & devon

Early last month, I headed out to photograph my first ever Pavilion at Carriage Farm wedding for the lovely Ashley & Devon. After the excitement of the weather we had in September, I was pleased to see the forecast and that we were going to be blessed with a beautiful sunny day out in the countryside.

I met up with Ashley and her bridesmaids in the bridal suite at the venue while Erin headed over to hang out with Devon and his entourage. As I say, I’d never shot at the Pavilion at Carriage Farm before. If you’ve never seen it, it really is a great venue with a lot of clean, directional natural light, especially in the bridal suite. If you’ve ever checked out my blog before, you probably know my style is very much based on a documentary style using and manipulating the available light, so I enjoyed every second we were in there.

Ashley and her planner, Chelsey at The Gathering Co. had done a really god job of putting together a great timeline that maximized the amount of time dedicated to photography. Ashley and her girls were already made up and ready to get dressed when I got there, but we still had over two hours for the getting ready portion of the day, which allowed the bride to have a first look with her dad, a blind first look with her groom where they exchanged letters, and still have plenty of time for portraits both inside the bridal suite and outside in the sunshine. I really enjoy having the freedom of this kind of additional time in order to make sure we get beautiful portraits of everyone in the bridal party as well as the parents of the bride and groom.

Following the ceremony, we had another hour dedicated to portraits, so we were able to take care of those all-important family group shots and still have plenty of time to explore the woods next to the venue and play with the beautiful golden hour sunlight. We took A LOT of great pictures, so we’re only really able to scratch the surface with this blog post, unfortunately. I have. load more I wish I could share, but I don’t want to bore you all.

Anyway, from there, it was into the reception and a first dance lit by the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the pavilion. K9 Entertainment provided a great night of music before we headed out for a sparkler exit with just the bridal party around 11pm.

A big shout-out to all the great people that made Ashley & Devon’s day so great to work on:

Ceremony & Reception: Pavilion at Carriage Farm, Raleigh, NC | Event Coordination: The Gathering Co., Raleigh, NC | Florist: Teacup Floral, Raleigh, NC  | Caterer: Cook Shack, Louisburg, NC | Cake: Rachel Bailey Cake Artist, Fuquay Varina, NC | Hair & Makeup: Megan Perry, Raleigh, NC | DJ: K9 entertainment, Apex, NC  | Dress: Carolina Bridal World, Smithfield, NC | Assistant Photographer: Erin Henderson, Wilmington, NC

Love and best wishes to Ashley & Devon, who are a suer-cute couple with a lot of fabulous chemistry. I wish you guys all the very best!

Onto my picks of the pics. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

A ruffled ivory wedding gown is elegantly hung on a wall sconce in a dimly lit stairwell. The soft lighting casts warm shadows on the dress, highlighting its intricate design and creating a romantic atmosphere.
A close-up black and white photo of a brides hand resting on her wedding dress. The dress features intricate lace and bead details. She wears a sparkling bracelet. The background is subtly blurred with chairs and tables visible.
A bride stands in a room with wooden walls, wearing a long, ruffled wedding gown. Another woman adjusts her dress. Soft lighting casts gentle shadows, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. Two lamps and sofas are in the background.
Black and white image of a close-up on an intricately detailed bridal gown, featuring floral lace patterns and delicate buttons. A hand with painted nails rests on the hip, enhancing the elegance of the ensemble.
Close-up of delicate, layered ruffles of a white or ivory wedding gown fabric, creating a soft and ethereal texture. Bright lighting highlights the intricate translucent material.
A woman in a white strapless wedding dress with a ruffled skirt stands on a plush carpet in a cozy room. Wooden walls and a gray couch with patterned pillows are in the background. The woman is looking to the side and smiling.
A black and white photo of a bride in a ruffled gown stands in a cozy room with wooden ceilings as she shares a joyful moment with an older man in a tie. They are both smiling, surrounded by a plush rug, a sofa, and a lamp.
A black and white photo of two people embracing warmly. One person, wearing a wedding dress, faces away from the camera. The other person, an older individual with short hair, smiles as they share the hug. Wooden interior details are visible.
A black and white photo shows three men in formal attire. One man is lighting a cigar, wearing sunglasses. Another holds a water bottle, and the third, smiling, wears glasses. Trees are visible in the background.
A man in a navy suit and sunglasses sits on wooden barrels outdoors, sipping from a green bottle. Sunny day with grass and a sloped dirt area in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a group of people in formal attire. They pose outdoors on grassy terrain with wooden barrels. Some are holding drinks. A forested area is visible in the background.
A group of individuals dressed in formal attire, raising beer bottles in a joyful outdoor toast. The focus is on their hands and bottles against a backdrop of trees and blue sky.
Four men in suits and sunglasses enjoy cigars and drinks outdoors. One man laughs while the others chat, creating a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand on opposite sides of a door, holding hands. Both are smiling, with the groom holding a note. The bride looks joyful in her wedding dress, while the groom is in a suit. The scene is captured in black and white.
A bride in a white gown stands smiling with a bouquet of flowers. Beside her, a woman in a blue dress holds another bouquet, and two men in suits smile in the sunlight, with trees in the background.
A bride in a white gown holding a bouquet stands with four bridesmaids in navy blue dresses, each holding small flower bouquets. They are outdoors with a forest backdrop, smiling and laughing together.
Black and white photo of a man in a suit standing outdoors. He is looking to the side, with one hand in his pocket. The background is blurred, featuring trees and greenery.
A close-up of a person with green eyes and pink lipstick, gazing slightly upward. The image has a soft focus on the facial features, with a dark background creating a dramatic lighting effect.
A black and white photo of a bride in her wedding dress standing in a room with bridesmaids. The room has wooden beams, a chandelier, and modern furniture. Natural light streams through two windows, casting soft shadows.
Four women in formal dresses share a moment together indoors. Three are standing, one in a bridal gown, and the fourth is seated. They appear to be engaged in conversation and smiling, suggesting a celebratory occasion.
A bride in a flowing wedding dress stands before a large mirror in a softly lit room. The airy fabric cascades around her as she holds part of the skirt, with her reflection visible in the background.
A black and white photo of a bride in a ruffled dress sitting inside a rustic wooden room. A bridesmaid assists with her hair. Other bridesmaids in dark gowns stand or sit nearby, chatting and preparing for the wedding.
Three women in elegant dresses prepare in a softly lit room. One applies makeup, another adjusts her hair, and the third, in a wedding gown, observes. The setting has a cozy, rustic vibe with warm wooden walls.
Three women are indoors, with two standing in the foreground facing away from the camera, and one sitting in the background smiling at them. The scene appears candid and joyful. Black and white photography.
pavilion at carriage farm wedding - ashley & devon
A group of people sitting outdoors on white chairs at a formal event. They are dressed in summer clothing, including dresses and suits. Some are holding programs, and the sunlight highlights the scene. The background is blurred vegetation.
A woman and a man, both smiling, walk arm in arm down an outdoor aisle set with white chairs. The audience, seated on either side, watches the pair as they walk on a sunny day. A stone building is visible in the background.
A bride in a white dress stands beside an older man in a black suit, holding his arm. The groom, in a blue suit, faces them during an outdoor ceremony. An officiant holds a book, and seated guests watch in the background.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors on a sunny day. Guests are seated on white chairs facing a wooden arbor, surrounded by tall trees. The bride and groom stand at the altar with a large crowd of attendees watching.
A bride and an older man stand outdoors, both with eyes closed, during a wedding ceremony. The bride holds a colorful bouquet, and a person stands in front of them, possibly reading. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit stand facing each other, holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony. An officiant with a white beard and glasses stands beside them, holding a book. The background is a natural, sunny setting.
A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands, during an outdoor wedding ceremony. A man officiating the wedding reads from a book. The background is blurred greenery.
A bride and groom exchange vows during a wedding ceremony. They are holding hands, with a person in the background holding an open book, likely officiating the ceremony. The image is in black and white.
A couple stands facing each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride wears a white dress with floral detail, while the groom is in a navy suit. An officiant holding a book stands between them, and trees are visible in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss in an outdoor setting. The bride has floral hair accessories and the groom wears a suit with a boutonniere. They embrace each other against a blurred natural background.
A bride and groom embrace warmly in a sunlit outdoor setting. The brides hair is styled with an elegant accessory, and she wears a strapless dress. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the tender moment.
A bride and groom in wedding attire walk hand in hand down an outdoor aisle. The bride holds a bouquet of autumn flowers. Guests stand and smile as the couple passes, under a wooden arch, surrounded by trees.
A group photo at an outdoor wedding. The bride in a white gown and the groom in a navy suit stand in the center, flanked by family and friends in formal attire. They are all smiling, with trees and greenery in the background.
A wedding party poses under a wooden pergola in a garden. The bride is in a white gown, the groom in a navy suit. Bridesmaids in navy dresses and groomsmen in vests and bow ties stand and sit around them. Trees can be seen in the background.
A couple stands closely together in a sunlit forest, surrounded by tall trees. The woman is wearing a white wedding dress and the man is in a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
A couple stands in a forest path, sharing an intimate moment. The woman wears a flowing, strapless white gown, and the man is in a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the tall trees, casting a soft glow around them.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a forest path. The groom is in a dark suit, and the bride wears a flowing white gown. They are smiling at each other, surrounded by tall trees. The image is in black and white.
A couple walks hand in hand away from the camera on a grassy field, surrounded by trees. The woman is wearing a flowing white wedding dress and the man a dark suit. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, ethereal glow.
A bride in a white dress embraces a groom in a dark suit in a sunlit outdoor setting. The woman looks into the camera with a serious expression, while the mans head is turned away. The sunlight creates a warm, glowing effect.
A couple gazes at each other lovingly in a sunlit outdoor setting. The bride wears a strapless gown and a hairpiece, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere. The background is softly blurred, capturing the warm ambiance.
A woman in a strapless, ruffled wedding dress stands confidently outdoors. She is smiling, with hands on her hips, in front of a blurred forest background. The sunlight creates a halo effect around her, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand in a sunlit forest, gazing at each other lovingly. The soft sunlight creates a romantic atmosphere, illuminating the surrounding greenery and casting a warm glow on the couple.
A couple embraces in a forest, bathed in warm sunlight filtering through the trees. The woman wears a lace gown, and the man is in a suit, both smiling softly. The scene is serene and romantic.
A bride and groom stand back-to-back in a forest during sunset. The bride wears a strapless white gown with a floral hair accessory, and the groom wears a dark suit with a white rose boutonniere. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm glow.
A bride in a flowing, strapless wedding gown and a groom in a dark suit stand together in a forested area. The groom looks to the side with his hands in his pockets, while the bride poses with her hand on her hip. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a sunlit field at sunset. The bride wears a flowing white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. Tall trees border the field in the background, casting long shadows.
A couple, dressed in formal attire, walks hand in hand across a sunlit field. The long shadows cast by the setting sun enhance the warm, romantic atmosphere. The womans dress cascades in soft layers as they stroll toward the horizon.
A bride stands outdoors in a strapless lace wedding dress, holding a bouquet of flowers. The sun shines brightly, creating a soft, glowing effect around her. The background features an open field with blurred trees.
A sunlit table set for an event, featuring elegant decorations. There are white napkins, wrapped gifts, glass vases with pebbles and greenery, and candles on the dark tablecloth, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
pavilion at carriage farm wedding - ashley & devon
A table setting with a floral centerpiece featuring orange and white flowers in a vase. There are candles, water glasses, and a small wrapped gift. A place card labeled Barry is visible on the table.
A bride in a wedding gown is being assisted by several people in a rustic wooden room. Other guests in formal attire are gathered nearby, some chatting and smiling. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
A black and white photo captures a wedding reception in a spacious hall with wooden beams. A couple dances under chandeliers, surrounded by seated guests.
A bride and groom share their first dance, smiling at each other in a softly lit room. Guests sit in the background, watching the couple lovingly. The atmosphere is intimate and joyful.
A black and white photo of an elderly man and a young woman embracing closely, with the woman’s hair in a braided updo adorned with small flowers. They appear to be dancing in a softly lit room, surrounded by blurred seated guests.
A woman and man dance closely, smiling at each other in a warmly lit room with a stone fireplace in the background. People are seated at tables nearby, watching the dance. The mood is joyful and intimate.
A woman in a navy dress dances energetically with her arms raised at a dimly lit event. The background is blurred, capturing motion and colorful lights, creating an energetic and lively atmosphere.
A bride in a white dress energetically sings or shouts while dancing with a person in a red shirt. The background is dimly lit with string lights, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A woman in a pink dress is doing the worm dance move on a dance floor, while a group of people surrounds her, smiling and clapping. The background shows blurred lights, indicating movement and a festive atmosphere.
A person in a suit and bow tie energetically dances and points at a wedding reception. The background is filled with blurred lights and guests, creating a lively atmosphere.
A lively group of people forms a conga line in a spacious wooden hall with chandeliers overhead. Tables with candles are set around the room, and guests dance joyfully, dressed in formal attire, creating a festive atmosphere.
A smiling bride in a lace wedding dress dances joyfully with a groom in a vest and tie. The motion blur suggests theyre spinning, surrounded by other guests in a warm, festive setting.
A group of people, mostly men in vests and ties, are joyfully clapping and dancing at an indoor event. Some are smiling and others are focused on clapping in rhythm. The background is softly lit with more people visible.
A woman in a floral dress and a man in a red shirt are dancing joyfully with their arms outstretched on a dimly lit dance floor. Other people are visible in the background, also engaged in dancing and socializing.
A bride in a strapless gown dances joyfully with an older man in a shirt and tie. Several guests in dresses and suits cheer them on. The background features a stone wall and soft, warm lighting, creating a festive atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a kiss under a wooden porch lit by lanterns. They are surrounded by a wedding party holding sparklers. The scene is set in front of a red barn with warm glowing windows, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere.
A silhouetted couple embraces in front of a warmly lit barn entrance. Sparkers illuminate their outline, while a group of people holding sparklers forms an arch around them, creating a romantic and festive atmosphere.

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