I love how Amy and Conan knew exactly what they wanted and didn’t fret about buying all those things the wedding industry says you MUST have for your wedding day. Their wedding was intimate, inclusive, and effortlessly blended their two beautiful families. What a joy to be a part of this amazing day!

This exuberant couple answered some questions for me about their photography experience and wedding inspiration (which they hilariously describe as “controlled-chaos!”). Read their wonderful response below.

And if you’re planning your own unconventional celebration? Come check out the Raleigh LGBTQ Wedding Expo this Sunday, February 25th. There’ll be all types of vendors, from photographers like myself, to catering, music, and everything in between. Click here for more info and to RSVP for this free event. Everyone is welcome!

1. What are some of your favorite things about your partner? How were these attributes expressed during or leading up to your wedding?

Amy: Oh, geez. I could go on forever about this! Spoken like a true newlywed, I’m sure. Conan is the most patient and understanding person I’ve ever met.  When we got engaged, we both knew we didn’t want to wait to get married, but we also wanted to take a little time to plan the perfect wedding for us. This meant squeezing months of preparation into a much smaller time frame. Challenging, but totally do-able. Conan and I set up a plan of action and made it work. He was a true partner in the whole process, and kept me sane when I started to unravel about it coming together. He’s truly my rock and safe place to fall.

Conan: Every day since we met and doubly so since married I keep finding new favorite things about Amy! Her laugh, her smile, her glorious hair! The fact she laughs at all my stupid jokes and has come to see my cat Boo as her cat Boo! Our low-key engagement (in our pajamas) and controlled-chaos marriage ceremony/reception are direct reflections of her wonderful spirit. She is the joy that I wake up to and bliss that I fall asleep to.

2. What was most important to you in planning your wedding?

We wanted something intimate and romantic, but without all the bells, whistles, trims, and trappings of a traditional wedding. We wanted to get married at the Courthouse, but not without our family and friends there. We wanted a reception that was more like a big dinner party than about garters and bouquet tosses. Simple, yet super fun.

3. Are there any details or moments from your wedding that are particularly special to you? 

Amy: Walking down the street to the Courthouse dolled up with a photographer taking photos of it all. That was a processional. It was like all of Downtown Raleigh was there with us, wishing us well. Seeing our friends and family in the security line at the Courthouse: we had to be the happiest bunch ever to go through a metal detector. Putting Conan’s ring on the wrong hand. Our first meal as husband and wife: street vendor hotdogs. Best ending to a no-carb wedding diet ever! And my friend Matty’s speech at the reception was one of the most poignant, heartfelt impromptu speeches: I’ll never forget that.

Conan: All of the above and… Having family fly in from Texas. Having my son try his hand at photography, which gave us a particular photo that we will cherish forever.  “Owning” the 4th floor of the courthouse as seemingly the only wedding in all of Raleigh that day. Driving around in a car with “Almost Just Married” and then with a quick wipe “Just Married” on the back. Feeding cake to my lovely new wife and holding her hand while listening to some funny and touching speeches from friends and family.

4. Now that you’ve tied the knot (and survived!), what advice would you give to other folks planning their wedding?

Keep. It. Simple.  Find out what’s most important to you (food, venue, photographer, dress, etc.), and budget accordingly. Every couple has different priorities when it comes to that. Design the wedding you want to have, not someone else’s. Plan so you feel comfortable going into the Big Day, and trust it will go almost according to plan. The things you remember will be spaces in between.

5. What is the first thing you want to do with the images? Wallpaper the hallway? Internet fame?

Sell ‘em to TMZ!

6. What is next for you as a couple? Any big plans?

New York this Fall! A house is on the horizon, and Europe next year.

7. Anything else you’d like to add?

You’re awesome. Please post that.

Amy + Conan, thank you for being such a breeze to work with. Your wedding was an authentic reflection of your values and joie de vivre, and I had an absolute blast memorializing your day. And I hope that piñatas become a new tradition at wedding receptions! Enjoy your pictures!