A bride and groom walk hand in hand through a sunlit, grassy park. The bride holds up her white dress, and both are smiling at each other, surrounded by trees and soft, golden light.

North Carolina Weddings

filed under:

August 3, 2021

published on:

howard memorial church & blount-bridgers house wedding – julianne & john

As I catch up on my blogging after a seriously busy spring, it’s time to share some images from Julianne & John’s beautiful Howard Memorial Church & Blount-Bridgers House wedding over in Tarboro, NC.

If you’re following along on my blog, you may remember Julianne’s bridal session at Rose Hill Estate from a few months back. That was a lot of fun, so if you haven’t seen it yet, you really need to check it out; it’s not often you end a bridal session in a cemetery!

Anyway, I knew what fun characters Julianne and her family are and we’d bonded pretty well at the bridal session. Add to that the fact I would be shooting at beautiful venues I’d never photographed in, and you can guess I was very much looking forward to these high school sweethearts’ big day.

How the day unfolded:

So, I started off at Julianne’s parents’ house where Julianne and her bridesmaids were getting ready. It’s always great photographing in places with character and a story. If there is an emotional attachment it just adds to the vibe of the day. It definitely hels the bride relax too. As Julianne’s childhood home, there was no shortage of memories on display in the form of photos, etc, and the natural light coming through the large windows was lovely to work with.

One of the good things about having the chance to bond over the bridal session was that Julianne trusted me implicitly. So when I recommended she get in her dress in the hallway of her home while I shot down from the top of the stairs, she was totally up for it. The result was some of my favourite images of a bride getting in her dress ever.

From there, we headed over to the church which is also the same church Julianne’s parents got married at 35 years ago. It’s a beautiful church, but one with rather strict policies on where photographers can work from: Erin and I were limited to shooting from the narthex doorway, which was a fun challenge for us both.

On the way to the reception, we stopped by the historic Town Commons for a photo by the Wyatt Memorial Fountain. Julianne & John really only had this sole request so I was more than happy to do so. The golden hour light was amazing and so we took a few extra photos in just a couple of minutes before getting back on the bus to the Blount Bridgers House. It was a gorgeous summer evening and everyone had a really great time chatting, eating, drinking and dancing the night away.

Why did you choose Joe Payne Photography?

“Joe’s creativity and use of light.”

And how was your experience?

“First of all, I would love to give more than 5 stars to Joe. He is all around AMAZING to work with and very detail-oriented with his photos and lighting. My bridal session photos and wedding photos came out so beautiful and stunning that they made me tear up. He is very sweet and responds to emails and messages quickly! I highly recommend going with Joe!!”

So, having said all that, let’s see some pics. Here are just some of my faves from Julianne & John’s day:

A makeup artist applies lipstick to a woman with styled hair in an elegant updo, both focused and set against a bright, softly lit background. The image is in black and white, giving it a timeless feel.
A person is lying down, partially covered by a large, swirling mass of soft, white fabric, with their hands gently resting above their head. The scene is ethereal and dreamlike, captured in black and white.
A black and white photo shows six people in floral robes surrounding a bride on a wooden staircase. They are adjusting her dress train. Light streams in from windows, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.
Black and white image of a bride in a gown standing by a window with two women. They are indoors, with a chandelier in the foreground. The scene is viewed through a reflective surface, adding a dreamy effect.
A woman with blonde hair and wearing a white bridal dress looks directly at the camera. Her hair is styled up with a loose strand framing her face, and she wears pearl earrings. The background is softly blurred.
A man in formal attire stands by a window, adjusting his tie. His reflection is visible in a framed mirror across from him. The room is softly lit, creating a calm and introspective atmosphere.
Two men in formal attire are seen in a black and white photo. One is helping the other adjust a bow tie while smiling. They stand in a room with open closets and framed pictures on the wall, creating a warm, candid atmosphere.
A black and white photo shows a bride in a flowing gown, reflected in an ornate mirror. She stands gracefully in a softly lit room, surrounded by framed pictures and decorative vases.
A bride in a wedding gown and veil sits beside an older man in a tuxedo. They appear to share a moment together in a dimly lit room adorned with framed art and a lamp. The atmosphere is serene and intimate.
A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle of a grand church, accompanied by a man in a suit, towards a group waiting at the altar. The church is adorned with chandeliers and large organ pipes, and the pews are filled with well-dressed guests.
A black and white photo of a bride walking down the aisle with her father in a church. Guests stand on either side, and the groom waits at the altar. A musician plays a violin on the balcony above.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a church, surrounded by their bridal party. The interior features a large organ, stained glass windows, and a chandelier. Guests are seated, with the scene viewed from an open door in the foreground.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a church, holding hands during their wedding ceremony. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are seen nearby, with guests seated in the foreground.
A black and white photo of a couple getting married in a church. The bride and groom stand at the altar with a priest. A large chandelier hangs above, and an organ pipe structure is in the background. Guests are seated on either side.
A bride and groom stand at the altar in a church during a wedding ceremony. Guests are seated in wooden pews on either side. The reflection of the scene is visible on a shiny floor. Stained glass windows and a large organ are in the background.
A bride and groom walk arm in arm down the aisle of a church. The bride wears a flowing white gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom is in a dark suit. Guests are seated on either side, and a large organ is visible in the background.
A bride and groom walk down the aisle in a church, surrounded by seated guests. The bride is holding a bouquet of white and pink flowers, and the groom is in a dark suit. Floral arrangements adorn the background.
A newlywed couple shares a kiss outside a church. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a wedding dress with a veil, while the groom wears a suit. Bridesmaids are visible in the background near the church entrance.
A bride in a flowing dress walks with a groom beside a historic brick building. Bridesmaids in elegant dresses hold her train. They are surrounded by lush greenery and the scene is sunlit, highlighting the joyful occasion.
A bride and groom share a kiss in a lush, green park. The bride wears a flowing white gown, holding a bouquet of white and pink flowers. Behind them is an ornate black fountain adorned with spherical lights, surrounded by trees.
A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other in a sunlit park. The bride wears a flowing gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit with a boutonniere. Trees and soft sunlight create a serene backdrop.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors in a sunlit, grassy area. The bride wears a white gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit with a white boutonniere. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, romantic atmosphere.
A bride and groom stand close together outdoors in a serene, wooded setting. The bride, in a lace gown and veil, looks down gently, while the groom, in a dark suit with a boutonniere, gazes at her. The scene is softly lit, emphasizing their calm expressions.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand through a sunlit, grassy park. The bride holds up her white dress, and both are smiling at each other, surrounded by trees and soft, golden light.
A bride and groom stand with a group of people in formal attire outside a large, historic house. The setting sun casts long shadows, highlighting the greenery and architecture. The sky is clear with a few clouds.
A bride and groom dance under a large white tent at a wedding reception, surrounded by elegantly dressed guests. Tables with floral arrangements and a bar are visible in the background, creating a festive atmosphere.
A bride and groom share their first dance at a wedding reception. Theyre smiling at each other under a decorated canopy, surrounded by softly blurred guests and greenery.
A bride and groom are walking towards a group of smiling guests at a wedding reception. The guests are standing under a white tent, dressed in formal attire, and are surrounded by lush greenery and floral decorations.
A bride in a wedding dress smiles while dancing with an older man in a tuxedo. They are in a warmly lit setting with a draped tent ceiling and blurred greenery in the background. Both appear joyful and close.
A black and white photo of a groom in a tuxedo dancing closely with his bride in a wedding dress. They are in a decorated venue with guests and plants in the background. The brides veil is visible, and they appear joyful.
A joyful bride in a white dress is clapping and smiling widely at a wedding reception. She is surrounded by friends and family, with a blurred background that includes flowers and festive decor. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom cut a large tiered wedding cake adorned with pink and white flowers. They are under a white tent, surrounded by guests. A decorated football helmet is visible in the foreground.
A bride and groom kiss under a white tent surrounded by guests. The bride wears a white dress and a veil, while the groom wears a suit with a white rose. A floral arrangement and part of a wedding cake are visible in the foreground.
A young woman in a floral dress sits at a table with her phone, surrounded by empty glasses and plates. People in colorful attire dance and socialize in front of a house adorned with string lights in the background.
Five women are standing together outdoors, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in colorful summer dresses, surrounded by greenery, with a house visible in the background. Some hold drinks in their hands.
A lively outdoor gathering under large white tents, with elegantly dressed guests seated at round tables on a grassy lawn. People are socializing and enjoying the event in a vibrant, green setting.
Three women are standing and smiling while holding drinks at an outdoor gathering. They are dressed in colorful summer dresses. In the background, other guests are mingling amidst greenery and trees.
A garden wedding reception with a white tent, surrounded by lush greenery and fairy lights. Guests gather under the tent, while two children walk along a brick path in the foreground, bordered by a white fence and neatly trimmed bushes.
A group of people at an outdoor event, with some seated around a table decorated with flowers and others standing and chatting in the background. The scene is set in a garden with trees and lush greenery.
A woman in a pink dress sings passionately into a microphone under soft stage lighting, accompanied by a band in the background, inside a tent decorated with string lights.
Three musicians perform energetically at an indoor event. A trumpet player, trombone player, and saxophonist wear white shirts and red bow ties, illuminated by soft stage lighting. A microphone stands in the foreground.
Three women in formal dresses enjoy dancing at a party. One in a wedding gown smiles, while the others in blue dresses hold drinks. Guests chat in the background under a tent.
A lively indoor party scene with people dancing and enjoying themselves. One woman in a pink hat laughs with a drink, while another raises her hands joyfully. The setting is under a large tent with dim lighting. Colorful outfits and decorations add vibrancy.
A group of people dancing energetically at an indoor event. Two women in the foreground are wearing floral dresses and holding drinks. A woman in the background wears a pink hat. The scene is lively and festive.
A man in a light shirt and dark pants dances energetically at a party, holding a drink in one hand. Other guests, casually dressed, dance and socialize in the background under a decorated tent.
A lively dance scene at a party with people in formal attire. Two women in blue dresses energetically dance, with one wearing a pink feather boa. Others around them are also dancing under a white tent ceiling.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a grassy path, surrounded by guests holding sparklers. The scene is illuminated by string lights and the night sky, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Thanks to: Ceremony: Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church / Reception: Blount-Bridgers House / Planner: Marian Barnhill / Florist: Meristem Floral / Band: Gentlemen & Their Lady / Dress: Coastal Knot / Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse / Catering & Cake: Scarborough Fare Catering / Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa

Check Out

want More?

Connect with us

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

Ready to make your wedding memories last?