Amy and Jeff are amazing and hilarious people and definitely saw to it that both Geoff and myself had a wonderful day alongside them and the rest of their family and friends. I’d be out of eyesight with Amy when I’d hear her shout, “Carolyn!” and I’d shout back, “Yeah!” and she’d shout, “I appreciate you!” and I’d shout, “I appreciate you too!” and it went on like that for a good while (when she wasn’t busy doing yoga moves). They’re both generous, lovely, and just so ridiculously nice to not only us but everyone else they encountered and managed to stay that way through the entire planning process and wedding day.

This was our first wedding at the Cotton Room where it didn’t rain (!!). It threatened to, but it held off and sent in its place a substantial amount of wind. The wind did a few wrestling moves with Amy’s veil throughout the photos but stayed on her head nonetheless… and eventually the clouds and wind parted to fill the giant windows in their venue with light for their ceremony.

We are so thrilled for Amy and Jeff (and their adorable dog who is happy to have his dog-parents newly married) and just a tiny bit jealous of their awesome honeymoon to New Zealand and Bora Bora while we sit here in the rain in Durham…. but we forgive them anyway because they’re so nice. :)

 Date: March 30, 2014

Ceremony and Reception Venue: The Cotton Room // Durham, NC

First Dance Song: “All of Me” – John Legend

Amy’s Occupation: Business Development Director at an engineering consulting firm

Jeff’s Occupation: Business & technology consultant

How You Met: Amy hit on Jeff at the gym…and then forced her number on him :)

Interesting Bride Fact: Amy used to believe that her name was spelled A-M-Y-Q- . (period)  She is generally uncoordinated but very enthusiastic.

Interesting Groom Fact: Jeff’s dream job is to be a LEGO designer!  He is also generally athletic.

Honeymoon Destination: Auckland, NZ and then on to Bora Bora!

Vendor Credits: Officiant – Rev. Barbara Lodge | DJ – All Around Raleigh DJ | Florist – Triangle Catering | Catering – Triangle Catering | Hair – Blo Salon | Makeup – Janise Carter | Coordinator – Amalia Sarnecki-Ackley of the Cotton Room

Ohhh, Liz and Chris! Remember their adorable engagement session on Liz’s mom’s horse farm? I knew their wedding would be as great as they are, and it was. :) Not only are they beautiful inside and out, they are perfect together and have a wonderful and supportive system of family and friends. We had a great time. It was a perfect outdoor ceremony and reception on a gorgeous day and had that subtle but sweet touch of southern charm. :) I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful wedding to photograph on their day!

Date: June 4, 2011

Venue: Weymouth Center, James Boyd House // Southern Pines, NC

Flowers: Aldena Frye Custom Floral Design

Caterer: Sweet Feed

Cake: The Bakehouse

Officiant: Reverend Stephen Huber

Reception Band: Christabel & The Jons

Ceremony Musicians: Jan Johannson (violinist), Julie Elkins (guitarist)

This is one of most gorgeous floral arrangements I’ve seen. Aldena Frye did a magnificent job on the bouquets and boutonnieres.

Liz and Chris didn’t do a first look as they spent the morning preparing for the wedding themselves. They met in the James Boyd library along with the rest of their family for toasts before the ceremony.

Absolutely adore the multiple cake table in every single way. The Bakehouse did an awesome job and yes, that is a sword in the front. They used it to cut their cake (awesome!!!). It belonged to Liz’s grandfather and has been used to cut several wedding cakes in their family.

That pine tree to your left is over 400 years old! Imagine all the weddings it’s seen. :)

I love this cute candid to the right that Geoff caught as they were walking to their receiving line.

I was beyond words excited for Christabel & The Jons. Not only were they our first live band to photograph during a wedding (it’s way overdue!), but they didn’t play covers, but rather their own music, which was beautiful. They are from Tennessee and play a beautiful mixture of swing, blues, and jazz. SO highly recommend it’s not even funny. Check out their link in the above vendor section if you’re looking for a band or just want to hear some sweet music. They tour all over as well, so you might be able to catch them some night locally.

This is one of my favorite photographs I’ve ever taken. Liz, you’re beautiful! Weymouth Center, you’re beautiful!

CAKE CUTTING WITH A SWORD! Aaaaamazing. Watch out there, Chris.

Seriously, what a beautiful beautiful wedding. The following conversation took place between Liz and I about a wedding before the wedding:

C: Is there a tent?

L: No, I don’t like tents.

C: Is there a rain back-up plan?

L: No, we’re just hoping it doesn’t rain.

Hahaha I though that Liz’s faith in the weather was utterly amazing and it definitely worked. And I definitely have to agree with her on the fact that I think a tent would’ve ruined the mood of this particular wedding. It just had too much of a gardeny summer night feel and a tent would’ve taken it away. We shot the reception slightly different because of it, alternating methods between the two of us, but I love how it turned out (and it was infinitely less stressful, so we may be switching over soon).

Congratulations, Liz and Chris! We wish you and your family the very best moving forward into married life! We had an amazing day with you!