Alyssa+Ben // Montego Bay, Jamaica Engagement Session

I have so, so much to say about Alyssa+Ben’s amazingness and how we ended up in Jamaica with them, but I’mma save that all for their wedding blog post. So for now, just be satisfied with these pictures of Alyssa and Ben tackling each other and faceplanting in the water together. Rest assured that it was like 900 degrees with 900% humidity when we shot these, and admire how little they look like they’re sweating. Gaze upon the gloriousness of a Jamaican beach and know that somewhere, somehow, Bob Marley is playing softly in the distance. And please enjoy a pina colada on our behalf as you look through these. BRB with their wedding.

Mary Beth+Brandon // The Cookery Wedding

Mary Beth and Brandon came to us via beloved clients Megan and Carly, so we already knew that we’d like them. Then we liked them more when we found out that they like Twin Peaks, and also cats. Then we liked them even MORE when their first dance was to the Twin Peaks song “Dance of the Dream Man” by Angelo Badalamenti – bonus points for them being totally illuminated by red lights via the Black Lodge, err, I mean, their DJ. Then we liked them EVEN MORE when we got to hang out with them all day at their wedding. They are two of the most thoughtful, kind, gentle people who I want to hug all the time. They had flower crowns and flower necklaces (!) and flower bracelets (!). They planted little popsicle sticks in flower pots for a seating chart. They walked down the aisle together, and planted a tree in a pot for their ceremony, with each of their parents watering it. They treated everyone with kindness and were two of the most gracious wedding hosts. All the vendors were able to sit at a table with the guests and eat (!!) and we were treated so very well. They’re just good people.

The day contained added bonus points for using taking pictures in a neighborhood that contained a friendly neighborhood cat who then, once befriended, we literally could not get rid of. He’s in like, every picture after that unless we cropped him out. He insisted on posing with them and stopped just shy of giving us suggestions and directions and taking over the entire wedding by himself. I know they say that rain on your wedding day is good luck, or pennies in your shoe and stuff, but I’m fairly certain that a cat who’s knowledgeable about photography and inserts himself into every posed picture has to mean SOMETHING, right? I’m guessing it’ll mean like 25 years of the BEST LUCK EVER and then after that just regular good luck. And I hope so, because Mary Beth and Brandon deserve it. So happy to have come across them and to photograph this beautiful wedding at The Cookery’s new space!

Date: June 23, 2018
Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Cookery // Durham, NC
First Dance Song: “Dance of the Dream Man” – Angelo Badalamenti
Brandon’s Occupation: Energy Specialist (Mechanical Engineer)
Mary Beth’s Occupation: Speech-Language Pathologist
How You Met: In farm school in Pittsboro, NC in 2008
Interesting Fact: We have crossed paths in many different avenues of life, even prior to officially meeting. Brandon still owes Mary Beth $3 which he borrowed from her at the thrift store in 2008.
Honeymoon: France (Paris, Provence)
Officiant: Michelle Johnson, LCSW
DJ: PlayPlay
Florist: Bluebird Meadows
Cake: Kelley G Cupcakes
Caterer: Snap Pea Catering
Hair/Makeup: Natasha Abe
Coordinator: Events by Emily

Tori+Josh+Atticus+Lorelai+Mia.

I love these people! They have a lot of art, and I want all of it. They have some matching Nikki McClure art to ours, as well as a John Stamos-style “Have Mercy” print in their daughter’s nursery. Scattered about they also have pirate artwork, as well as an entire wall with old-timey style art about how loose lips sink ships. In addition, they also have a vintage fireplace screen that I’m coveting even though I have a gas fireplace that’s already covered in glass. In short – we like them and their house and can easily talk to them about Twin Peaks.

BUT THEN THERE’S THEIR CHILDREN. Atticus is 3 and was super shy at first, but once we started talking to him about Richard Scarry cats and their various employment occupations, he was pretty excited. Then he turned into FULL ATTICUS and ran around at a great speed. He read books about pigs! He attacked his mom and his dad and his little sister (in a nice way)! He ate Cheerios! He cooked in his kitchen! He put on a tutu WHILE wielding a sword! He dug stuff up in the yard! He was unstoppable and adorable. His little sister is almost-1-year-old Lorelai who is so freaking cute I can hardly stand it. Her personality so far seems quite adaptable, happy-go-lucky, and along for the ride. She’s easily amused and cute in 100% of situations. Also, clearly has an epic romper wardrobe. Their little dog Mia enjoys sitting near Lorelai during snack time to try and help clean up anything that might fall on the floor.

We had a great time getting to meet and document this crew. Plus it’s really great to know more people who can alert me when fabulous items are placed on Craigslist. Thank you, Tori+Josh!