Melissa+Jackson // 214 Martin Street Wedding

Melissa and Jackson are two rain proof kids in both mind and spirit. The forecast was unusually cold for March, but also called for an epic downpour to start riiiiight at the time of their first look. Geoff and I were optimistic – rain almost always get pushed back, and all we needed was for it to hold off an hour. But, because this is how the weather seems to be rolling so far in 2018, the rain started right at the first look, and continued on through their pictures. Then I promised Melissa that there was an alley nearby that had a fish mural. But… the city had painted over it to be a plain yellow. Then they got excited about the weird fruit and vegetable and strange faces mural behind it, but there were cars in every. single. spot. in front of the wall. But then! Thennn!

Because Melissa and Jackson are so badass, they stayed super positive and super wonderful and super friendly despite all of this! And so did their bridal party! And it was cold! And wet! And YET WE MARCHED ON. Equipped with nothing but clear umbrellas and a will of steel, we blocked traffic in City Market and did what we came there to do. We took pictures in that plain yellow alley that used to have the fish! BOOM! Then a car moved and we were able to shoot in front of the weird veggie faces wall! BAM! And Melissa’s dress was absolutely soaked afterward and so were her shoes, so we called in a favor to the wonderful ladies we just photographed at the Design Gallery Salon just recently, and they were so kind as to throw Melissa’s Toms in a dryer for a few minutes while they used several blow dryers on the bottom of her dress. :) TA-DA!

It was a good, good day with good, good people who also like cats. These guys are moving back to North Carolina from Ohio later this year and we’re glad to repopulate the city with more happy-go-lucky people like them. PLUS LOOK HOW CUTE THEY ARE.

– Date: March 24, 2018
– Ceremony + Reception Venue: 214 Martin Street // Raleigh, NC
– First Dance Song: “Carolina in My Mind ” – James Taylor
– Occupations: PhD students, soon to be postdocs
– How You Met: In a math class at UNC
– Interesting Fact: We’re brewery fans. Our favorite thing to do in a new city is check out local beer.
– Honeymoon: Austria

Officiant: Terri Hollingsworth, family friend
DJ: Al Sibille, Epic DJ Entertainment
Florist: Eucca on Etsy
Cake: Groovy Duck Bakery
Caterer: 214 Martin Street
Hair/Makeup: Junction Salon

Maternity+Doggo Session.

Amy+Ben+Nathan // A Newborn Session

It’s our pleasure to officially induct Amy+Ben into the CSP 5 Timer’s Club (yep – it’s like hosting SNL, but being on our blog instead… which is just as good, right?)! Their most recent shoot was their maternity session with us in January, and on that blog post, I also link to all the other sessions in their past if you’re interested, which you should be, because Amy+Ben are GREAT! And (to no one’s surprise), so is their new addition Nathan. Nathan is a champion sleeper. Like, a CHAMPION SLEEPER ALL CAPS. He slept through, quite literally, 98% of the session. Sounds and light did not disturb him, but he’s not a huge fan of outfit changes (who is?).

And it’s a good thing Nathan’s a stellar sleeper too, because I locked Amy, Ben, and their two-week-old infant out of their house on accident. We walked onto the porch for a couple pictures, and I closed the door behind me (in my defense, they have cats, and I did not want said cats to escape… also in my defense, I did not know the door would lock). We then realized we were locked out, and locked out with a newborn. But because Nathan is a CHAMPION SLEEPER ALL CAPS, he literally did not notice. We were outside for about 30 minutes and he didn’t wake up because he’s a boss. Thankfully, it was nice out, and more thankfully, Amy and Ben know us very well so they weren’t mad and it wasn’t awkward to wait on their porch for 30 minutes while a locksmith came (I am so sorry you guys). Whooooops. Now I know. And let this be a warning to you all not to let me near your doors.