A couple in traditional attire kneels before a priest during a wedding ceremony in an ornate church. The wooden interior features religious icons, and flower arrangements adorn the space. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom wears gold vestments.

Raleigh Wedding Photographer

filed under:

August 1, 2021

published on:

st mary coptic church & prestonwood cc wedding – pina & aj

And, just like that, we’re already headlong into August. It’s been whirlwind of a year so far, and I’m still very much catching up on my blogging. This is a wedding from May that marked my second ever St Mary Coptic Church & Prestonwood CC wedding combo. Considering we also started the day at downtown Cary’s Mayton Inn, we had a really great combination of venues to work in. I really enjoyed the diversity of the imagery I was able to create for Pina & AJ.

How it all started:

Pina & AJ met back in the summer of 2017 when Pina first moved to NC from NYC for med school. She didn’t know anyone and met AJ at the church they were later to get married in. The relationship was a slow burn to get started, but then Pina recounts:

“When I finished my first year of medical school, I was going back home for the summer and I had a trip planned to Greece with my friends. I was telling AJ this and he jokingly asked if I could get him something “Greeky” while I was there. Then he sent me a text saying: “I want to see you before you leave.” In my head, I was, like, “What?! This must mean something!”, but I had no idea what to make of it.

And so I did manage to see him at our fellowship meeting that week right before I left for 10 weeks. Then on my last day in Greece, something made me text AJ (probably a little crush I had): “Did you really want something Greeky?” And a few hours later, I was on a mission to find him an “aluminum or wooden cross ” to wear around his neck. Gosh, is he picky!

Four weeks later, I am back in NC and I go to the fellowship meeting on Friday and run into AJ. I tell him I forgot his cross and I will bring it on Sunday. AJ then says, “Oh, that’s no problem. I can just come get it.” Mind you, I live an hour away, so I thought he was just joking!

The next morning, I get a text from him saying he wanted to stop by and pick up his cross. Umm, what!? Why is he coming when I told him I would bring it? I start panicking and the first thing I do is call my dad (only child problems). My dad tells me to relax and just go meet him at a coffee shop. And so I did and gave him his cross.

We talked a lot that day, got to know each other and I showed him around my campus.

Fast-forward 17 days later, AJ asked me to dinner, and that was our very first date. And the rest is history.”

Why Joe Payne Photography?

“We searched and searched for a photographer for what seemed like forever. We reached out to many, looked at many portfolios and nothing seemed to really stand out. Though they were all good, their photos weren’t unique. When we came across your photos, they seemed different. They stood out in a way that is honestly hard to describe (probably because I don’t know all the technical photography terms). Your photos look natural yet very eloquent. Your work resembles that of passion, dedication and hard work, yet at the same time, looks effortlessly beautiful. You seem to capture couples in their natural state. We are hoping to see lots of smiles and unnoticed captured moments of love and joy. I would also love to see some of those mysterious pictures of the couple that you seem to be very talented at! We hope to see Joe Payne at work and doing his thing :)”

And how was your experience?

“Simply put, we valued our wedding photos as the most important piece of our whole wedding. We fell in love with Joe’s photos the instant we viewed his gallery on his page. Joe was very responsive and answered all of our questions. He talked with us and made sure he understood our vision. He is a phenomenal photographer and his work is so evident of this. His style is so unique because he captures details and moments you may be completely unaware of. His photos spell out a perfect story. He is so passionate about what he does and we loved having him. We highly highly recommend, you will have no regrets!”

A wedding dress hangs in front of a window at the end of a corridor. Warm overhead lights illuminate the hallway, creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride stands in a white lace wedding dress, smiling as another woman adjusts her gown. They are in a softly lit room, and the bride wears a tiara with long, wavy hair cascading over her shoulder.
A close-up black and white photo of a bride wearing a lace wedding dress. Someone is fastening the back buttons. The delicate lace pattern is visible, and soft light streams in from a window, creating a serene atmosphere.
A bride is having her shoe with pearl embellishments fastened by a person. Her dress is lacey, and she is standing on a patterned carpet. The scene is in black and white.
A person in suspenders stands with their back to the camera, gazing out a bright window. The room is decorated with framed pictures on the walls. The scene is in black and white, creating a nostalgic or contemplative atmosphere.
A man in formal attire, including a bow tie and suspenders, adjusts his cufflink. He stands reflected in a glossy surface, creating a mirrored effect. The scene is captured in black and white, giving it a classic, elegant feel.
A bride in a long, white gown and floral headpiece is standing and smiling as two women help her with her dress and hair. They are indoors, in front of a wooden wall and a modern light fixture. Another woman is seated in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress walks down the aisle, holding a bouquet and escorted by an older man. Guests smile and take photos as they look on. The scene captures a joyful moment of the wedding ceremony.
A black and white photo capturing a couple in wedding attire facing a priest in ornate robes, holding incense, in a church filled with seated guests.
A bride and groom smile during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a white gown and tiara, while the groom is in a black suit with a red sash. A religious figure in traditional attire stands before them, with ornate artwork in the background.
A bride and groom dressed in ornate, traditional attire share a joyful moment at a church wedding. They are holding a bouquet of pink and white flowers, standing before a wooden backdrop with religious icons.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a richly decorated church. Priests in traditional robes stand at the altar, where a bride and groom are present. The altar features an image of a religious figure with a staff, and there are ornate wooden carvings.
Two people in ornate, traditional religious garments stand close, holding hands during a ceremonial moment. One wears a detailed robe with intricate patterns, suggesting a solemn and sacred atmosphere. Flowers are softly blurred in the background.
A couple in ornate attire is being crowned during a religious wedding ceremony in a church with iconography in the background. The bride holds a bouquet, and the officiant places a crown on the grooms head.
A black and white photo of a traditional wedding ceremony. A couple in ornate robes and crowns bows their heads as a religious officiant, wearing a dark robe, holds a cross over them. Icons are visible in the background.
A black and white photo of five women in matching dresses seated in a church. Four hold bouquets and one wipes her eye with a tissue. They appear to be part of a wedding ceremony, likely bridesmaids. They look emotional and engaged.
Four clergy in traditional religious attire stand with their hands open in prayer. They wear black robes and caps, with detailed embroidery on their garments. The background appears to be a softly lit indoor setting with floral decorations.
A couple in traditional attire kneels before a priest during a wedding ceremony in an ornate church. The wooden interior features religious icons, and flower arrangements adorn the space. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom wears gold vestments.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in a church. A bride and groom stand at the center, surrounded by clergy wearing traditional religious garments. An altar with religious iconography is visible in the background.
A bride and groom stand on a grand staircase, adorned with floral arrangements. The bride wears an elegant lace gown, holding a bouquet, while the groom is in a tuxedo. They are looking at each other lovingly under ornate draperies.
A group of 15 people, including a bride, groom, and child, are posing outdoors in formal attire. The bridesmaids wear light blue dresses, and groomsmen wear navy suits. Everyone is smiling, and the background features greenery and sunlight.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand outdoors. The bride wears a long, white lace dress, while the groom is in a black tuxedo. They gaze at each other lovingly, surrounded by lush greenery and trees in the background.
A smiling couple in formal attire stand closely together outdoors. The woman is in a lace gown and the man is in a black tuxedo with a bow tie. Sunlight filters through trees in the background, creating a soft, warm glow.
A lavish wedding table centerpiece features a tall, ornate gold stand adorned with pink and white flowers. Surrounding the centerpiece are elegant place settings with glasses and wrapped gifts on a warmly lit banquet table.
Newlywed couple joyfully descends a grand staircase, hand in hand, surrounded by floral arrangements. Sparkling fireworks light up the background, adding a festive and celebratory atmosphere to their entrance.
A couple dances closely in the center of a grand ballroom filled with fog and surrounded by sparkling fountain effects. Guests watch from elegantly decorated tables, and a large chandelier hangs above, casting a warm glow on the scene.
A bride and groom share a romantic dance on a fog-covered floor in an elegant ballroom. Guests watch from their tables, with a grand chandelier overhead and ornate decor surrounding them. The scene captures a timeless, joyful moment.
A bride with long dark hair and a tiara smiles as she hugs an older man in a dark suit during a dance at a wedding reception. The background is softly blurred, highlighting their joyful expression.
A black and white photo of a wedding reception. People are seated, watching and recording with phones as a couple dances in the foreground. The room is elegantly decorated with flowers and a large cake on display.
A black and white photo of an emotional embrace during a dance. A woman with light hair closes her eyes and hugs a man in a suit tightly. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the intimate moment.
A group of people dressed in formal attire joyfully dance at a celebration. A woman in a pink dress is at the center, smiling widely, surrounded by enthusiastic guests in suits and dresses, all clapping and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
A joyous crowd celebrates at a party with colorful lights. A smiling child is lifted up by a man while others cheer and clap around them, dressed in formal attire. The atmosphere is lively and festive.
A joyful wedding celebration with a bride in a white dress dancing with friends. The group is smiling and enjoying the lively atmosphere on the dance floor, surrounded by guests in formal attire.
A joyous bride in a white gown dances energetically with guests on a wedding reception floor. The room is richly decorated, and everyone is smiling and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
A lively party scene with people dancing. Two women are in the foreground, one in a floral dress and the other in a red dress, engaging playfully. Green lights illuminate the room, and others are dancing in the background.
A woman in a light blue dress dances joyfully at a party, surrounded by other people in elegant attire. The room has dim lighting, with purple and pink hues accentuating the festive atmosphere.
A bride and groom share a kiss beside a classic white Rolls-Royce parked under a grand portico. The bride wears a long gown with a train, and the groom is in a suit. The setting is elegant and illuminated at night.
A bride and groom stand smiling in the center, surrounded by guests holding sparklers in celebration. The scene is festive and joyful, set in a night-time outdoor event, with a large group of well-dressed people applauding the couple.
A bride and groom share a kiss while surrounded by guests holding sparklers during a nighttime celebration. The couple stands on a tiled path, and the joyful crowd forms a lively arch with their sparklers.

Credits:

Ceremony: St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church / Reception, Catering & Cake: Prestonwood Country Club / Planner: The Royal Ribbon / Accommodations: The Mayton Inn / Florist: Fresh Affairs / DJ: Dynamic Excitement / Dresses: Lana Addison Bridal / Tuxedo: Indochino / Hair: Melissa Dunn / Makeup: In God’s Image / Limo: Lifestyle Limousine / Vintage Car: Carolina Classic Car Rentals / Videographer: Morgan Scott Films / Assistant Photographer: Steve Jamroz

Check Out

want More?

Connect with us

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

Ready to make your wedding memories last?