And sometimes you get 70 degree days…in January. Nida + Clay share my distaste for bugs + heat, so we picked a beautiful 70-degree “winter” day and played in the woods for their engagement session last month.

More meaningfully, Nida + Clay decided to take pictures in Umstead Park, since that was the location of their first date (a nine-mile run!) after meeting at the Fullsteam Run Club. I didn’t make them run nine miles for this session, but we did get a workout walking the trails in the park.

Nida + Clay, thanks for being so laid-back and fun during your session! I loved the ideas you brought to the table and really enjoyed collaborating with you. Thanks for so eagerly embracing the concept of #brinsonbanksing, too, haha! I hope you love your photos!!

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This was such a fun way to end the 2016 wedding season, as I couldn’t have asked for a more adorable couple who gave me carte blanche to carry out my creative vision.

Often wedding days are packed with one event after another, but Tim and Teague wanted to have ample time for portraits. So we spent a glorious stretch of time wandering from one cool spot to another during “golden hour,” spanning City Market, Historic Oakwood Cemetery, and even Pup’s Day Out to visit their fur-babies.

 

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Janel and Lenard tied the knot on April 25, 2015 at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh, NC. Spring storms couldn’t put a damper on this fun couple’s celebration- inside it was all smiles, even though the rain forced them indoors. To learn more about Janel + Lenard’s wedding inspiration and day, read the Q&A below!

To view all of the photos from Janel + Lenard’s wedding and order prints, please visit their wedding gallery on my online print shop!

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

We met in 2008 at the Aggie/Eagle Football Classic, and Lenard asked me to dance. The first two times I turned him down. But the third time he asked we danced the night away and we are still dancing.

2. Tell me about the inspiration for your wedding celebration. How did the day itself line up with your vision and expectations?

Our wedding theme was Simple Elegance, and we envisioned an intimate celebration with close friends and family. We wanted an elegant venue, elegant food, and an elegant affair while keeping it very intimate. The day turned out to be exactly what we had planned. It was a day that we will always cherish.

3. What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

Immediately after the ceremony Lenard and I were ushered into a side room where we were able to take in the moment of us having just said I do. That moment with just him and I were awesome

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

When I first spoke with Courtney and the initial contact we had, I knew right then she was the photographer for us. Lenard and I are very easy going and Courtney’s personality matched perfectly. She was so helpful and easy to talk to. We selected Courtney because we felt that she would tell our story beautifully through her photos.

Some of our guest commented days later: “Your photographer was all over the place!” and that was good news to me.

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

It rained our entire wedding day. However Lenard and I never lost focus. Courtney made taking picture inside and outside of our beautiful venue seamless. We had such a good time with her and her assistant.

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

When we receive the images Lenard and I will sit down and relive our day through Courtney’s eyes before sharing with family and friends.

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

Life before we got married was awesome as we have truly been blessed. The only plans Lenard and I have are to love each other unconditionally everyday regardless of the road ahead.

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Janel + Lenard, thank you so much for inviting me to document your day! Your wedding wasn’t only elegant, it was also tender, joyful, and a blast to photograph. I hope you cherish these photos for years to come!

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

Coordinator: Felicia Moseley Events

Photography Assistant: Katy Folk

Brides’ Dress: Anjolique Bridal

Shoes: David’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Savvi Formalwear

Flower Girl Dresses: Flowergirl Dress for Less

Groom’s Clothing: Custom-made

Groomsmen Clothing: Savvi Formalwear

Florist: Fresh Affairs

Dessert: Verdell Williams

Invites & Programs: Corey Tietsma- Total Graphics

DJ: DJ Heavy

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Wedding season 2015 started off with a bang with Sara + Daniel’s wintry downtown Raleigh engagement session. Icy roads, overcast skies, and drizzly weather might have deterred another couple, but Sara and Daniel embraced the crazy February weather, and together we found inspiration in unexpected places.

So often I find myself shooting engagement sessions in the same places: picturesque spring gardens, sunny fields, local parks. I appreciated Sara and Daniel’s offbeat vision for their photos, which included (in their own words): “cracked sidewalks, tall grass in empty lots, flaking murals, and rusty warehouses.” At one point during the shoot they even told me we could get grittier, so we moved to a muddy lot near train tracks and found an abandoned couch in the middle of a field. They embraced their adventurous side: traipsing through fields and climbing slippery mounds to get the perfect shot.

One of my goals for 2015 is to really challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone, so I decided to use lights for majority of this shoot. As much as I enjoy utilizing “magical” available light at sunset, some days (like this gross winter day!) you just can’t rely on that. My assistant Kasha Mammone did a wonderful job maneuvering the soft box and positioning herself in precarious spots to create the perfect light.

I love making pictures that honor my clients’ unique stories. Daniel proposed to Sara in a field of monarch butterflies in Mexico (I know, I know. Way to trump every other couple’s engagement story, guys!) The last spot we hit in Raleigh showcased a beautiful butterfly mural, which is so fitting for Sara and Daniel. These last photos are graphic and simple, but I think they are my favorites from the shoot. While any other couple would look cool in front of this mural, it contains a deeper meaning for Sara and Daniel.

Sara and Daniel, thanks for being so adventurous during our shoot! I loved collaborating with you to make these pictures and can’t wait to see how you creatively use them for your wedding!

To view all of the photos from Sara + Daniel’s session and order prints, please visit their online gallery on my print shop!

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