Suzi+Jason // Wedding in Glen Arbor, Michigan

We first met Suzi and Jason at the wedding of Melanie and Nicole in Durham, a little over a year ago. Suzi was Melanie’s maid of honor and helped us with all sorts of tasks, including (but not limited to) blowdrying Melanie’s wedding dress after taking pictures in a tropical storm, so I loved Suzi instantly. We didn’t get too much of a chance to talk to Jason as we were kinda busy photographing the reception, but we know him well now, and I have to say that these are some of the nicest and most level-headed people in the world. It was hot (very hot) in the sun when we took pictures on the beach at 1pm and while we were all very, very uncomfortable… and sweaty… and sticky and ugggh. And during all that,  Jason was super cooperative and never complained and was completely and utterly amazing. This should tell you a lot about him considering he was the only one wearing a black suit. ;) We already knew Suzi was like this after meeting her in NC, but with their powers combined, they were SO NICE. Also, their reception was travel and Dr. Who themed, and who doesn’t like slow dancing with a giant Dr. Who cardboard cut-out? Nobody, that’s who.

When we were asked to photograph their wedding in northern Michigan, we were super excited because going to new states is fun and because being in Michigan in August should’ve, theoretically, been cooler than being in North Carolina in August (turns out that this really isn’t true, but that’s okay). But the best thing we’ve learned from all of this is how beautiful Michigan is! Glen Arbor, where their venue was, had water that was crystal clear and Caribbean blue and it was totally Lake Michigan and I was confused and perplexed but not complaining all at the same time. We drove up to Traverse City from Chicago and had a super scenic and gorgeous drive along the way, and in conclusion, I would recommend going to Michigan because it’s beautiful (also, I had several amazing omelets while I was there).

To Suzi and Jason – we think you’re great, and we’re so thankful to have been able to see Michigan because of the two of you, and we’re sending you big hugs and high-fives from North Carolina!

Date: August 15, 2014

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Homestead Resort // Glen Arbor, Michigan

First Dance Song: “Fields of Gold” – Sting

Suzi’s Occupation: Project Manager

Jason’s Occupation: Sr. Server Administrator

How You Met: Camping near Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Interesting Fact: We are heathens and had a child out of wedlock ;-) and named said child after a Dr. Who character.

Honeymoon Destination: Cinque Terra, Italy (next year)

Vendor Credits: Officiant – Salim Bhabhrawala | DJ – Aaron Wolinski | Florist – Melanie Ballance | Cake – Cate Ackerman | Caterer – The Homestead | Hair/Makeup – Lillyjade Spa at the Homestead | Coordinator – Barb Ellis | Photo Booth – Kristen Richardson

Commercial Food + Event Photography // Cheese Please

Sometimes we shoot weddings, and other times Carolyn gets paid to photograph food while Geoff stands in line for grilled cheese. This is an event I photographed for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance’s Cheese Please festival at the downtown farmer’s market. This year Buku, Kimbap, The Oakz, Jimmy V’s, and Bolt Bistro competed for the title of Grilled Cheese Champion (i.e. “People’s Choice for Best Grilled Cheese”). This year Jimmy V was the crowning champion, and while I didn’t get to taste any of the food (gluten-intolerant), I did smell it… and looked at it a lot… and maybe drooled a little bit.

Katie+Geno’s Engagement Session

Katie and Geno are two beautiful and wonderful people who have one of the most ridiculously silly dogs we’ve had the pleasure of meeting. They recently got engaged and, both being from Pittsburgh, PA, are having the wedding up in the ‘Burgh, but wanted their engagement session to reflect where they currently live down south. We had planned on shooting in Raleigh until an event being held in the exact spot they wanted to shoot in spoiled our plans, so we traveled up to Wake Forest instead to shoot a bit of their session at their place and downtown. Bentley, their very southern dog, accompanied us and spent his time alternating between being adorable and barking at Geoff (it was Bentley’s birthday so he could do what he wanted). We all ran around Wake Forest and got to know each other and how awesome and sweet Katie and Geno are, and how much fun they have together, except when Katie is watching the Hunger Games at night and the screaming occasionally keeps Geno awake. :D We wish these guys the very best for their wedding up north and we were happy to be a part of their engagement down south!