Kelly+Steven // Wedding at The Sutherland

Our time with Kelly and Steven was way too short and they spent their wedding day talking to WAY too many people that weren’t us (how rude!) so at some point we’re going to have to visit them out in California and force a long-distance friendship upon them because they love zombies and Game of Thrones. I believe that zombies were mentioned several times in speeches and so they are our people. And it’s wonderful that their general nerddom is widely known, accepted, and loved by their family and friends.

We hadn’t met with Kelly or Steven before their wedding, and I believe that booking them went something like this:
1.) Kelly inquires. Carolyn responds.
2.) Another couple inquires for the same date a few hours later. Carolyn responds to both this couple and to Kelly and Steven, letting them know multiple people are looking at the same date.
3.) Kelly frantically calls 0.025 seconds after the e-mail reaches her inbox, leaving a desperate and panicked voicemail for us.
4.) Carolyn calls Kelly back and she swoops up the date.

It’s always really humbling and wonderful when someone really loves your work and wants to book you, but Kelly and Steven were a whole other level and made us feel so welcome!! To evidence my perpetual undervaluing of ourselves, Kelly said, “I’m so glad you’re here!” while she was getting ready, and I believe I looked around the room and said, “Who, me?” after a 10 second pause. It is SO NICE to be appreciated and to work with clients who treat you like family even though you just met! I’m sad that these two live in California, but I’m happy to feel like we now have friends across the country who also like zombies.

Kelly and Steven are two perfect peas in a pod. They’re nerdy, adorable, and have a height difference that Geoff and I can relate to. They love dancing and chose Eric Hodgden to keep their party going, which is always an excellent choice! They also had the BEST TEAM of flower girls and ring bearers. I did not make one single member of this team cry! And for those who follow our work, you’ll know that I’m always making some flower girl or ring bearer visibly miserable. Not these guys. They were hilarious, but also really helpful, and adorable 100% of the time. There was delicious food and sparkly lights in a tree and a BEAUTIFUL bride and handsome groom, and also a really cute stuffed reindeer. We love you, Kelly and Steven! Thank you for being supportive and AMAZING clients!


– Date: September 16, 2017
– Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Sutherland // Wake Forest, NC
– First Dance Song: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – Sleeping at Last
– Kelly’s Occupation: Manager for a power wheelchair company
– Steven’s Occupation: 3D Graphic Artist
– How You Met: Match.com
– Interesting Fact: We love travelling, rescuing dogs, and practicing zombie survival skills.
– Vendor Credits: Pastor – Jeff Babajtis. DJ – Eric Hodgden of All Around DJ Company. Florist – Lyn of Fresh Affairs. Cake – Ashley of Ashley Cakes. Caterer – Vicki with Rocky Top Catering. Hair/Makeup – Makeup For Your Day. Coordinator – Christy Ethridge of The Sutherland.

Promo // Gilded Bridal.

I am so, so, so thrilled to have done our third promo shoot for the fabulous Gilded Bridal! For those who missed parts one and two, Gilded Bridal is a boutique bridal shop in downtown Raleigh run by our very own former engagement and wedding client Susan Langford! She offers dresses from independent designers, and they’re badass. And I’m not just saying that because I love her. If her shop was around when I was married, my dress would’ve been a whole different ballgame.

Susan cares deeply about her brides and also her awesome staff, so for Gilded’s Staff Appreciation Day, I came in to take headshots of the gorgeous Gilded girls as well as brides going through the process of picking out a gown and accessories. Then they all went to get manicures. It was a good day.

So if you’re in the market for a wedding gown in the Triangle area, check out Gilded Bridal in downtown Raleigh because Susan is awesome and I am so proud of the incredible business owner she’s become! And now we have a ton of women e-mailing us to tell us that they bought their dress from Gilded and it’s our current wedding clients buying wedding things from our former wedding clients and that makes us smile a lot because our clients are THE BEST! And it’s neat to see them come together.

Thanks to the amazing crew who helped us pull together this day! Hair/Makeup by Samantha Ray of Lula Hair + Makeup and Joanne Maye. And thank you to our amazing models and staff: Leah, Amy, Susan, Natalee, Lauren, and Heather! You put the sparkle in Gilded Bridal. :)