Read about this spunky Durham couple’s outdoor wedding (complete with butt tattoos, delicious pie, and some outrageous dance moves) in the Q&A below!

1. How did you and Victor meet and fall in love? I’d love to hear a little bit more of your story.

We actually dated in high school and lived a couple of blocks away from each other growing up!  Our high school romance only lasted about a year but we stayed close friends all through college and afterwards.  We wrote letters to each other, always hung out during the holidays, and then finally Jenny confessed her love to Victor and the rest is history.  It may or may not have had to do with a mix CD.

2. One of the risks in planning an outdoor wedding during North Carolina’s summer is the high likelihood of rain. Did this deter you from planning an outdoor wedding? What did your rain plan include?

The outdoors means a lot to us and it was never really even a consideration to get married inside.  We were worried a bit about rain so we rented a tent to have as back-up ceremony space and talked to our caterer about a rain plan.  We also followed an old tradition and buried a bottle of bourbon upside down on a beautiful day a few weeks before our wedding– it worked!!

3. What factors other than photos went into your decision on a wedding photographer? Why did you pick me?

We got a great recommendation from a close friend who is also a photographer.  Once we checked out your photos we were really impressed and excited to meet and learn more.  We loved the way you were so personal and open with us, and how you were so genuine in wanting to get to know us as.  We also loved your documentary style and your attention to quirky details in the photos that we saw of other weddings.  All of our interactions and meetings made everything feel natural and easy on the day of the wedding!

4. Did you foresee any part of your wedding day being difficult logistically or emotionally? Did I make it easier? If so, how? What surprised you about working with me?

Whenever there are so many moving parts and people, events can be really intimidating.  I think you really helped things run smoothly by having us make a detailed schedule for photos so that everyone knew when to be where.  It was great that you were on board with the schedule we came up with, and then you stuck with it and made it happen!  We were pleasantly surprised about your ability to be both totally in control and serious in giving direction, and also silly and fun at so many points during the day.  You walked that balance so well!

5. What is the first thing you want to do with the images? 

Well, probably we will shrink them down, turn them into temporary tattoos, and give all of our friends and family butt tattoos

Just kidding! We are really excited to share them with everyone and to have them to remember how incredible the day was.

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

We are just really diving back into our local granola business, Silo, and trying to have as many of adventures and travels as possible.  No big plans yet!

Are you planning your own unconventional backyard wedding? I love photographing DIY weddings and would love to help you better envision your day. Shoot me a message, and I’ll send you my wedding photography brochure!

A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:

Venue: Carol’s Garden Inn

Dress: Skirt from Urban Outfitters

Florist: Gillian Galdy

Cake: Desserts by Scratch and DaisyCakes

Second Photographer: Elizabeth Mendoza

Catering: Durham Catering

The post Jenny + Victor | DIY Backyard Wedding | Durham Wedding Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Kim + David tied the knot on June 20, 2014 at The Cookery in downtown Durham, North Carolina. Kim and David graciously participated in a Q&A about their wedding day, which is featured below!

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1. Why was it important for you to hire a professional photographer with a documentary approach? What other factors went into your decision to hire me?

We really wanted photographs that could capture the mood, energy, and feelings of the day. Those are things you just can’t get through posed pictures. We had seen some of Courtney’s work and knew that her documentary approach resulted in photos that not only captured the events of the day, but also the special little moments created by fleeting emotions.

2. Did you foresee any part of your wedding day being difficult logistically or emotionally? Did I make it easier? If so, how?

We thought our pre-ceremony timeline would be difficult to navigate. We got ready in separate buildings, drove to one location for pictures, went to another location for “pre-wedding drinks,” and then went to the final location for the ceremony/reception. A few days in advance, we asked Courtney for her opinion and she was so helpful in estimating time for pictures at each location. On the day of the wedding, she was great at guiding us along our timeline so we didn’t have to stress about it.

3. I loved how you utilized a lot of great local Durham vendors for your wedding. Was this a conscious decision on your part? What were some of the vendors you were most excited about?

Once we chose The Cookery as our location, the rest just kind of fell into place. Durham has so much to offer, we didn’t have to look elsewhere. I’d say we were most excited about The Parlour ice cream truck!

4. You booked an engagement session with your wedding package. What was it like to work with me in this more relaxed setting?

I’m really glad we got to work with Courtney before the wedding! The engagement photos were gorgeous and the photo shoot was just so fun. Having a laid-back photo shoot before the wedding gave us a chance to get to know Courtney which definitely helped us feel more comfortable the day of the wedding.

5. What is the first thing you want to do with the images? 

We want to print some photos to send to grandparents that couldn’t make it to the wedding. There is also a spot in our house that is waiting for a picture!

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

Kim just graduated nursing school and got her first job! So our big plans are to enjoy married life and embrace all these new steps in life!

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Kim and David, thank you so much for being such an easy-going couple to work with! I really enjoyed every step of the wedding process with you- from our first dinner at The Tobacco Campus, to all of our various photo sessions up until the wedding day! I hope you cherish these photos for years to come.

To view all of Kim + David’s wedding photos and order prints, please visit their gallery on my print service.

A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:

Venue: The Cookery

Dress: Maggie Sottero

Shoes: ChristyNg

Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew

Groom’s clothing: Suitsupply

Ties: The Tie Bar

Florist: University Florist

Second Photographer: Elizabeth Mendoza

Ice Cream: The Parlour

The post Kim + David | Wedding at The Cookery | Durham Wedding Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.

Katy and Pat tied the knot in downtown Durham on April 19, 2014 at the Durham Arts Council. This venue is one of my favorites, and not just because it’s three miles from my house. The massive windows encasing the first floor atrium makes for soft, beautiful light- especially on a cloudy day. The stairs leading up to the second floor make for the perfect spot to capture a bird’s-eye view of the scene, and the twinkle lights hanging from the ceiling create a romantic ambience that calls for minimal decorations.

In general, weddings are a communal affair- made possible by the love and support of family and friends. Katy and Pat’s wedding, in particular, was characterized by familial love through every step of the process. The cookies, cupcakes, and Boston-creme donuts that graced the dessert table were all made by family members. Katy’s brother designed the invitations, and cousins provided the flower arrangements. Katy’s mom even accompanied her for our initial consultation about photography! By the end of the wedding-planning process I felt like a part of this affectionate family. (I don’t think I’ve ever been hugged by so many people before at a wedding!)

Speaking of family, Katy’s bond with her grandmother was one of the sweetest I’ve ever seen. Katy told me her grandmother Penny is the reason why they chose the Durham Arts Council as their wedding venue. When they saw the wall adjacent to the parking lot that says “Penny’s furniture,” Katy knew it was a sign that this was destined to be their venue. My favorite photo from the day is of Katy and her Nana embracing in front of this wall, which is why it is the cover image for this entry.

Katy and Pat, thank you so much for being such kind, welcoming clients. Your copious hugs and thank-you’s were a breath of fresh air that gave me the energy boost I needed to edit several spring weddings. Thank you for reminding me why I love being a wedding photographer and for giving me the privilege to capture such precious moments on your wedding day!

A shout-out to all our fab vendors for making this day possible:

Dress: Tre Bella Bridal

Shoes: Naturalizer

Catering: The Original Q Shack and Pour Bar Services

Second Photographer: Grace Farson

The post Katy + Pat | Durham Arts Council Wedding | Durham Wedding Photographer appeared first on Courtney Potter Studio.