cristina+eric
I shot the colorful, energetic, beautiful wedding of Carolina alums Cristina Chenlo and Eric Stam last Saturday. I shot Cristina’s bridal portraits earlier in the week, which turned out to be a foretaste of the wedding—both shoots were some of the most enjoyable, creative shoots I’ve had all year! Though the light was golden and the setting was inspiring, the joy I experienced really stems from their families’ and friends’ love for the Lord and for each other.
Cristina and Eric got married at La Grande Maison and Gardens in Mebane, N.C., which was a really pretty setting for their evening wedding. They also chose to get married on the hottest day of the year; on my way over to the gardens the radio broadcaster announced that with the heat index the temperature felt like it was 113 degrees! The heat didn’t dampen spirits (no pun intended); everyone still managed to tango and salsa the night away. Cristina’s family is from Argentina, so there was a great fusion of Argentinian and North-Carolinian food (and music). I tasted some of the best empanadas I’ve had since I went to Chile three years ago…
I shot this wedding with the fabulous Justin Cook, who graduated from the J-school with me (different years) at Carolina. He’s won oodles of awards for all sorts of photos and documentary projects. Justin’s energy and great sense of humor is really refreshing, especially when you have to be on your feet for ten hours! About half of the photos below are his version of the day—the tight 600mm shots are all his babies.
Enjoy!
Courtney, you did such a fabulous job! These are simply gorgeous. You also did a fantastic job of conveying the joy of a seriously HOT couple on a seriously HOT day! Bravo!
Thanks Abby! Justin and I had a blast, even though it was hot. I definitely won’t forget this wedding.