After months of kicking around the studio going slightly stir crazy, it was great to head out to photograph Sophia and Kevin’s Childress Vineyards wedding a few weeks ago. I’ve really enjoyed all the intimate ceremonies I’ve photographed this summer; they have a unique beauty I’ve really enjoyed documenting. But it was really nice to just get back to some semblance of normality with a “proper” wedding, albeit for a few hours. To see and document a couple, totally in love with each other, being together and exchanging solemn vows, whilst surrounded by their closest friends and family is something I really miss.

Sophia and Kevin are a really lovely, fun couple with a joie de vivre that is infectious. They chose to tie the knot as the sun began to set over the picturesque vineyards at Childress and the light was simply exquisite. After the ceremony, they took a few minutes alone together to enjoy a glass of wine and some food, before we headed out to take some portraits. I have to say I was really blown away by Sophia’s natural beauty and her gorgeous dress (and super HEAVY, jewel-encrusted veil) and so I had a lot of fun photographing her and really had a tough time choosing just a few of her portraits for the blog.

With great speeches, a fabulous belly dancer and a whole lot of great tunes provided by Scotty at Making Memories, the reception was a lot of fun to be at, let alone photograph. I had a smile on my face all evening.

Here is some lovely feedback from Sophia & Kevin on their experience working with me:

“My wife and I hired Joe to shoot our wedding at Childress Vineyard in September and we’re BLOWN AWAY with the quality and attention to detail in every shot! Finding an excellent photographer was our number 1 priority when we started planning our wedding over two years ago, and from the moment we first met Joe over a couple of beers at a local brewery, we knew we had found the perfect person to capture our special day. In addition to getting beautiful pictures throughout the day, Joe was personable, funny and kind, helping minimize any potential stress the day brought! Sophia and I highly recommend Joe’s services to anybody who values quality photography for their wedding!”

All in all, it was just brilliant to be back doing what I love to do: wedding photography. Here are just a few of my personal favourites from Sophia & Kevin’s special day…

A stone fountain with three tiers in front of a building, surrounded by colorful flowers and small trees. The building has a stone facade with red roofing and archways. The sky is overcast, creating a serene atmosphere.

A pair of high-heeled shoes stand on a reflective surface, surrounded by wine bottles. The lighting creates intricate shadow patterns on the wall, resembling abstract art. The scene is captured in black and white.

A woman in a floral robe prepares for a wedding, holding a lace bridal veil. Another woman steams the veil near a window, with an ornate wedding gown hanging nearby. The room is elegantly decorated with large mirrors.

A close-up of an ornate veil with intricate floral lace patterns spread out on a dark surface, showcasing detailed embroidery.

A woman in a salon holds a makeup brush, applying it to a seated womans face, who is wearing a robe. Theres a reflection in a mirror showing the same scene. Two wall clocks in the background display different times. The makeup artist wears a mask.

A woman wearing a floral robe holds headphones while looking in a mirror. A makeup artist, dressed in black with a mask, stands nearby with makeup brushes. The setting appears to be a preparation area. Black and white image.

A black and white photo of a bride in a wedding dress looking in a mirror, framed by blurred figures in the foreground. She appears calm and reflective, preparing for her wedding day.

Black and white image of a bride sitting on a chair in a room, wearing a long, detailed gown. Another person, dressed in a floral robe, is kneeling and adjusting the brides dress. A large mirror and window with curtains are in the background.

A bride looks into a large mirror wearing a wedding dress. Two women assist her; one adjusts her veil while the other smooths out the train. The scene is set in a bright room with a wooden floor and a tall mirror.

A bride in an elegant lace wedding dress stands in a vineyard, holding a bouquet. Her long veil flows dramatically behind her. The scene is in black and white, creating a timeless, romantic atmosphere.

A bride in a detailed strapless gown holds a bouquet of white roses and greenery. Her dark hair is styled in waves, and she wears dangling earrings. The background is blurred, suggesting a garden or outdoor setting.

A black and white photo of a smiling man in a suit and bow tie, captured outdoors. He has a beard and wears a boutonniere on his lapel. The background is blurred, focusing on the subjects joyful expression.

A groom in a gray suit stands under a stone archway, facing away. Behind him, a bride in a lace wedding dress approaches, smiling. Sunlight filters through the arch, highlighting the serene outdoor setting.

A newlywed couple stands happily under a stone archway. The groom, in a gray suit and bow tie, smiles while the bride embraces him from behind, wearing a flowing white dress and veil. The setting is elegant and picturesque.

A newlywed couple embraces under a covered patio. The bride wears a white floral gown and veil, while the groom is in a gray suit. They are surrounded by stone pillars and soft lighting, creating a romantic atmosphere.

A groom in a suit wipes tears from his eyes, smiling as he stands near a bride in a strapless dress with flowers in her hair. They are positioned between stone walls, sharing an emotional moment.

A bride in a white gown walks down an outdoor aisle with two people, one on each side. They are surrounded by greenery and colorful flowers. A stone lamp post is in the foreground. The background shows a pavilion under a sunny sky.

A bride walks down the aisle with a long train, escorted by two people, towards an outdoor altar. Guests stand on either side, and the sun sets in the background.

A bride walks down the aisle, smiling and linking arms with a man and a woman, possibly her parents. The groom, facing them, waits at the altar. The scene takes place outdoors with blurred guests in the foreground.

A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors in a vineyard setting. The bride and groom stand before an officiant under an ornate arch. Guests are seated, and the bridal party looks on. Lush green vines and trees fill the background.

A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony at an outdoor venue. A couple stands before an officiant under a decorative archway. Guests are seated on either side. The brides long veil flows gracefully on the ground.

A bride and groom stand at an outdoor altar during a wedding ceremony, with guests seated on either side. The backdrop is a lush vineyard under a cloudy sky, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

A couple exchanges vows at an outdoor wedding ceremony, standing under a decorative arch with a scenic vineyard backdrop. The bride wears a long veil, assisted by bridesmaids, while guests stand nearby, all bathed in warm, golden light.

A bride and groom stand at an outdoor altar with an ornate archway, surrounded by guests seated on either side. The scene is set against a picturesque vineyard under a dramatic sky. Pink flowers frame the foreground.

A bride and groom stand facing each other during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The officiant, wearing a white robe, stands in front of them. The scene is framed by green leaves and red flowers, with guests seated in the background.

A black and white image of a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom stand facing each other, while seated guests watch. A couple in the foreground looks on attentively. The setting appears to be outdoors with a building and trees in the background.

A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands during a wedding ceremony. The bride wears a lace wedding dress and veil, while the groom is in a suit. The background is blurred with guests seated. The image is in black and white.

A bride and groom stand before an officiant during a wedding ceremony. They are wearing crowns on their heads. The scene is black and white, and the couple looks happy.

A bride and groom stand together under a decorative archway outdoors, surrounded by flowers and greenery. Guests are seated in the background, and a wooden barrel is nearby. The atmosphere is serene and romantic.

A bride and groom, both wearing crowns, stand at a wooden barrel during a ceremony. The bride is drinking from a chalice while the groom smiles at her. They are outdoors, with a backdrop of trees and a building.

A bride and groom stand embracing in a vineyard, with the groom in a gray suit and the bride in a lace wedding dress with a long train, holding a bouquet. The vineyard rows extend into the distance, and the background is lush and green.

A bride and groom share a romantic kiss in a vineyard. The groom wears a suit, and the bride is in a lace wedding gown with a veil. They stand on a path surrounded by grapevines, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.

A couple poses together on a vineyard path. The groom is in a gray suit with a burgundy bow tie, and the bride wears a strapless white lace gown, holding a bouquet of white flowers. Green vines and netting line the path behind them.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand down a vineyard path. The bride wears a strapless gown with a long veil, and the groom is in a suit and bow tie. They both look happy and are smiling at each other. The vineyard is lush and green.

A groom in a suit and bride in a strapless gown stand on a grassy field, looking at each other lovingly. The bride holds a bouquet. Trees and a serene landscape fill the background. The image is black and white.

A black and white photo of a couple in a loving embrace. The man, wearing a suit, kisses the smiling woman on the neck. She is wearing a strapless dress adorned with beading. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting.

A bride and groom stand close, gazing at a vibrant sunset over a landscape with a lit building. She wears a lace gown, and he is in a suit. The sky displays striking hues of orange and purple.

Silhouette of a bride and groom holding hands between two stone pillars at sunset. The dramatic sky is filled with vibrant orange and purple hues, creating a romantic and dreamy atmosphere.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a suit energetically enter a venue with raised arms. The background features string lights and a decorated reception area. The image is black and white, capturing a celebratory moment.

A bride and groom share their first dance in an elegant, warmly lit venue. Guests sit at round tables, watching the couple. Twinkling lights hang from the ceiling, enhancing the romantic atmosphere.

A newlywed couple shares a romantic dance on a polished floor. The groom dips the bride, who is wearing a lace wedding dress, as guests watch in the background. Strings of lights are reflected on the floor, adding a magical ambiance.

A bride and groom sit at a lavishly decorated table, smiling and listening to a speech by a woman holding a microphone. The setting appears to be a wedding reception with flowers and candles on the table. The image is in black and white.

A bride and groom dance at their wedding reception surrounded by guests. The venue is decorated with draped fabric, string lights, and a chandelier, creating a festive ambiance. People enjoy dancing together on a polished concrete floor.

A bride and groom dance energetically on a reception dance floor, surrounded by guests in formal attire. The venue is decorated with string lights and a chandelier, creating a festive atmosphere.

People dancing joyfully at an indoor event with dim lighting. String lights hang overhead, creating a warm atmosphere. A woman in a floral dress and another in a burgundy dress are in the foreground, smiling and holding a drink.

Three women dancing in a warmly lit venue. The woman in the center wears a blue dress, the woman on the left a floral dress, and the woman on the right a red dress. They hold hands and appear joyfully engaged in a moment of celebration.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a gray vest and red bow tie dance energetically at a wedding reception. They’re surrounded by blurred motion of lights and other guests in a dimly lit venue.

A woman in a red and black belly dance costume performs in a dimly lit room. She wears a decorative face covering, and there are guests seated at round tables in the background. String lights decorate the ceiling.

A belly dancer in a red outfit performs in the center of a room with seated guests watching. The room is warmly lit with chandeliers and string lights, and tables are set with candles and decorations.

A bride in a white gown dances energetically with a woman in a red dress at a lively wedding reception. Other guests surround them, smiling and celebrating under string lights in a warmly lit venue.

A bride in a white wedding dress dances joyfully, holding hands with a man in a vest and tie. People in the background are also dancing in a dimly lit reception hall decorated with string lights.

Guests in elegant attire dance under a large chandelier in a warmly lit reception hall. String lights adorn the wooden ceiling, creating a festive atmosphere.

Couples are dancing in a warmly lit indoor venue. The bride and groom are at the center, sharing a dip. String lights and a chandelier create a cozy ambiance. Other guests are dancing or sitting at tables in the background.

A bride and groom joyfully exit an arched doorway, hand in hand, beneath a canopy of glowing sticks held by guests lined up on either side. The scene is warmly lit, capturing the celebration.

Ceremony & Reception Venue: Childress Vineyards, Lexington, NC | Wedding Planner: Daniel Varela at Chad Biggs Events, Raleigh, NC | Officiant: Amy Rio, Winston-Salem, NC | Florals: Bloominous, Los Angeles, CA | Hair & Make-Up: Mena García Beauty, Raleigh, NC | Dress: Essense of Australia, Lenexa, KS | Catering: Childress Vineyards, Lexingon, NC | Cake: Gigi’s Cupcakes, Winston-Salem, NC | DJ: Making Memories DJ Service, Raleigh, NC | Belly Dancer: Laylianah Mahasin, Durham, NC | Assistant Photographer: James Nix , Charlotte, NC