We were not only excited to shoot our first wedding of the year (Geoff did an excellent job second shooting this wedding with me), but we were also excited to see two of our very good friends get married, meet their AWESOME families, and have an excellent time… all of which we did. :)

For those who missed their abbreviated backstory on their engagement session post, Daniel was my sanity-saving best friend back at my old part time job before I went full-time with photography. He was pretty quiet when I first met him, but I gradually realized that the person singing really really really loud across the room from me was the same guy, and so I made an effort to get to know him since he amused me so frequently. Then I found out he likes the New England Patriots. This put a thorn in our friendship as I was constantly made fun of and harassed when I wore my Steelers jersey to work, but then again, making fun of each other is pretty much the foundation of our friendship, so it worked out pretty well. Until I found out that he was planning a Patriots themed wedding. And to be honest, I didn’t think he was serious (it can be kind of hard to tell when you’re trying to take someone seriously while they drink SunnyD out of a glass boot).

As it turns out, he was serious. A few weeks later Geoff and I had the privilege of meeting his absolutely lovely fiancé who is equally as wonderful and hilarious as Daniel (I had no doubts) to discuss photographing their wedding. Since then, the fabulous Mary Ann and I have also become close and we enjoy getting our butts kicked by our husbands when we go bowling. Daniel and Mary Ann are truly a couple that we love being around because they are exactly like each other to the point where it’s highly amusing and adorable at the same time (you’ll see here in a few minutes). They’re also some of the nicest people in the world, not to mention both of them being super cute and easy to photograph. :)

And you know what? Their Patriots themed wedding was awesome!!! There, I said it. I dislike the Patriots as much as they dislike the Steelers, but honestly, this was so well done.  Their centerpieces, colors, cake, and everything else worked perfectly and it was a beauuuutiful wedding. And they used some of their engagement session football shots in the save the dates and wedding programs (all football ticket themed), which was such a cute idea. YOU GUYS ARE ADORABLE. Also, their families were the best. THE BEST. Thank you all for being so kind, open, and helpful.. I hope all of you enjoy the pictures. And of course, we love you, Mary Ann and Daniel!

Date: March 5, 2011

Venue: Rand-Bryan House

Cake: Tier Bella

Flowers: Belinda Hobson

Dj: Mike Morse

Officiant: Bishop Jason Johnson

Musician [Singer]: Vanessa Durand

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Patriots themed wedding

Red White and Blue Wedding

New England Patriots wedding cake

New England Patriots themed wedding

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Groomsmen

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Wedding Dress

Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Red and White Bridal Bouquet

Red and White Bridal Bouquet

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer

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red white and blue groomsmen

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Rand-Bryan House wedding ceremony

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wedding veil

Below is by far my favorite picture of the day, period. Better than all the portraits, better than all the details and dance pictures combined. The ceremony officiant asked anyone who might object to their marriage to speak now, and they turned their heads in unison and gave everyone the same look at the same time… and I really don’t think it was planned. It also captures both of their sarcastic sides beautifully. ;)

Rand-Bryan House wedding ceremony outside

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March outdoor wedding

Exchange of rings

Vanessa Durand

Raleigh wedding photographer

First Kiss

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family portraits

Bridal Party portrait

Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Carolyn Scott Photography

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Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Wedding Portraits Raleigh NC

Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Rand-Bryan House Wedding

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Rand-Bryan House reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

Rand-Bryan House wedding reception

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Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

Garter Toss

Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

Raleigh wedding photographer

All the congratulations in the world, you two… We hope you’re having a great honeymoon and love the pictures when you get back! :)

Who says February engagement sessions can’t be chock full of awesome?! Katelyn (Katie) and Blake were engaged in December and will be having their wedding in October in Texas. Blake is in the army and stationed in North Carolina while Katie is still living in Texas but flies in often to see him. She called me about doing their engagement pictures in Raleigh, and we discussed a couple of different options for locations. They were conflicted about two different looks: the tall, grassy field look and the bright colored background look. Usually it’s one or the other and it’s difficult to find a place to do both, but we ended up taking the nature ones at Fletcher Park and then making a short hop and skip to do the rest in downtown Raleigh.

It’s difficult to tell these were even taken in February with the lovely colors they chose to wear and the happy sunshine that followed us. :)

And before you see these, I must warn you… YES – Katie’s eyes are really that gorgeous… and YES –  They are both that ridiculously good looking. AND FUN. I just love these two!!! Also, it never gets old to have a guy tell you at the end of the session, “Wow, that was a blast! I wasn’t expecting it to be that fun!” :)

Of course, thanks to the clients for being awesome/trust, and to Geoff, for assisting and capturing some great shots as my second shooter!

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You two are so gorgeous and fun! We had a great time working with you and wish you the absolute best of luck with your wedding!