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This past weekend, I was lucky enough to shoot the wedding of Jackie & Rob. I'm in the process of editing those images now, but wanted to take the opportunity to show you these images from Jackie's Raleigh bridal photography session at The Sutherland, which we did last month. For those that aren't familiar with it, The Sutherland is a lovely wedding venue just up the road in Wake Forest. Built in the 1831, the house is on the National Registry of Historic Places and has an incredible amount of unique spots to shoot in. We really were spoilt for choice and only had time to shoot in a small number of the rooms in the time we had available. ... READ MORE

Last week, I headed out to Duke Gardens with Yasmin and Mike for a really fun engagement shoot. Regular readers of the blog will know I shoot there a lot, so to keep things fresh on this occasion I challenged myself to shoot with just two pieces of gear: a Canon digital camera with an 85mm f/1.2 lens and a Pentax 67 camera with a 105mm f/2.4 lens. It was a cold day, so we pretty much had the gardens to ourselves and the light was gorgeous. Yasmin and Mike were troopers and we came away with some pretty nice shots. Here are just a few of my faves: ... READ MORE

Duke Gardens on a sunny autumn morning. It doesn't get much better than that! Here are a few frames from Megan and Shawn's Durham engagement session from just before Thanksgiving. Looking forward to their big day in May! READ MORE

Ceremony: St. Therèse Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC Reception: Trump National Golf Club, Charlotte, NC DJ: DJ SPCLGST, Raleigh, NC Hair: Salon Envy, Mooresville, NC Make-Up: Jenny Le, Charlotte, NC Catering: Trump National Golf Club, Charlotte, NC Florals: From This Day Forward, Mooresville, NC Dress: The Lily Rose, Cornelius, NC Tuxedos: Jos. A Bank, Raleigh, NC Cake: Trump National Golf Club, Charlotte, NC I had a fab time shooting Ashley & Matt's wedding back in October. They are an incredibly cool couple who were great to work with - they basically trusted me to take care of their wedding photography m ... READ MORE

Ceremony: St. Michael The Archangel, Cary, NC Reception: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh, NC DJ: All Around Raleigh DJ, Raleigh, NC Florals: Creative Touch Events, Raleigh, NC Hair & Make-Up: Atomic Salon, Raleigh, NC Catering: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Raleigh, NC Dress: Elegant Bridal, Burlington, NC Tuxedos: Men's Wearhouse, Raleigh, NC Cake: Edible Art, Raleigh, NC Rentals: Connie Duglin Linen, Raleigh, NC [x_line] I first met up with Perciliz and Brendan over drinks in the Wild Turkey Lounge at the Angus Barn. It was a cold autumnal evening and so I was very pleased indeed to be introduced by Brendan to ... READ MORE

A couple of weeks back, I headed down to Hope Mills, just outside Fayetteville, to spend a few hours around sunset in the company of Michelle and Clay. Rather than going with traditional wedding photography for their day, they wanted to just take some portraits ahead of time, which sounded like a fun idea to me. So with a couple of cameras, a fab location and a whole lot of juicy golden hour light, we sallied forth and went for a stroll with the sole purpose of having some fun and seeing what we came up with. Here are just a few of my fave frames from their sesh. Cheers, guys! ... READ MORE

Ceremony & Reception: Snipes Farm Retreat, Chapel Hill, NC DJ: Damien Maass, Raleigh, NC Hair: Morgan Ipock, Wilmington, NC Catering: Layton's Catering, Raleigh, NC Dress: Carolina Bridal World, Smithfield, NC Cake: Amy Formby, Maysville, NC September kicked off in style with the Chapel Hill wedding photography of Nicole & Wayne's nuptials at Snipes Farm Retreat. This was another new venue for me, and I had a lot of fun exploring the character of the buildings and grounds with two lovely people who are totally in love with each other. Having such emotion on show combined with them giving me the leeway to do my th ... READ MORE

Ceremony & Reception: The Pavilions at the Angus Barn, Raleigh, NC Officiant: Rev. Barbara Lodge, Chapel Hill, NC Florals: The English Garden, Raleigh, NC Hair & Make-Up: Make Up For Your Day, Raleigh, NC Transportation: Moonlight Transportation, Fuquay Varina, NC Catering: Angus Barn, Raleigh, NC Vegan Cake: Whole Foods, Raleigh, NC DJ: The Perfect Beat, Raleigh, NC Rentals: CE Rental, Raleigh, NC Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Ferguson, Durham, NC Annie and Grant's beautiful Pavilions at the Angus Barn Wedding was a really fab day to document. It was a day of contrasts; from the bride and bridesmai ... READ MORE

Ceremony & Reception: Grand Marquise Ballroom, Garner, NC Florals: Jeffrey's Florist, Dunn, NC Planner: Creative Purposes, Raleigh, NC Make-Up: Tiwa Lawrence, Raleigh, NC Hair: Suede the Salon, Durham, NC Videographer: Complete Raleigh Video, Raleigh, NC Cake & Catering: Cake Couture Boutique, Raleigh, NC Transportation: Classy Transportation, Raleigh, NC Rentals: CE Rental, Raleigh, NC DJ: Spin, Raleigh, NC Photo Booth: Complete Weddings & Events, Raleigh, NC Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Ferguson, Durham, NC This year marks my fifth season as a Raleigh wedding photographer after moving d ... READ MORE

Perciliz and Brendan are getting married next month, so it was great to be able to spend some time with them both enjoying a couple of cocktails before heading out to shoot their Duke Gardens engagement session. It was a grey, humid day, but we managed to find the light and have some fun. Here are just a few of my faves from our sesh: READ MORE

Last month, I was privileged to join Leah and Evan in their intimate beachside wedding at the beautiful Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Just eight guests and me. It was simply beautiful. Here are just a few of my favorites from their wedding day and day-after portrait session. Look out for the special guest that gatecrashed the reception on the beach!     READ MORE

Ceremony: First United Methodist Church, Wilson, NC Reception: Private Residence, Rocky Mount, NC Florals: Vikki Tillman, Wilson, NC Hair: Kellie Blood, Salon Fenix, Wilson, NC Make-Up: Merle Norman, Wilson, NC Rentals: Chair & Equipment Rentals, Rocky Mount, NC Cake & Catering: Scarborough Fare Catering, Raleigh, NC Transportation: Lifestyle Limousine Company, Raleigh, NC Dress: Waters Wtoo Marguerite by Wedding Dress Shoppe, Wilmington, NC Suits: VIP Formal Wear, Raleigh, NC Band: Walrus, Greensboro, NC Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC My dearest y'alls, How's it going? Ho ... READ MORE

Ceremony & Reception: Barclay Villa, Angier, NC Wedding Planner: Kimberly Williams, Weddings by the Vine, Cary, NC Florals: Fresh Affairs, Durham, NC Hair & Make-Up: Salon Blu, Raleigh, NC Officiant: Christopher Cockerham, Holly Springs, NC Rentals: Party Reflections, Raleigh, NC Cake & Pâtisserie: Sweet Memories Bakery, Apex, NC Catering: Rocky Top Hospitality, Raleigh, NC Transportation: EcoStyle, Raleigh, NC DJ: Kyle "DJ Speck" Gauthier, Evening Tide Productions, Holly Springs, NC Ceremony Musician: Anita Burroughs-Price, Raleigh, NC Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC Back ... READ MORE

I met up with Kathryn and Justin a few weeks back to shoot their engagement pictures around Duke Gardens. It was one of the first warm days of spring so the gardens were were pretty packed. We took some time to venture off the beaten track to find some space to ourselves. Here are a few of my fave pics from the shoot. READ MORE

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham, NC Reception: The Great Room, Top of the Hill, Chapel Hill, NC Accommodations: Arrowhead Inn, Durham, NC Florals: Tre Bella, Durham, NC Dress: Tailor-made in China. Make-Up Artist: Meijia Li, Raleigh, NC Cake & Pâtisserie: Gugulhupf, Durham, NC Stationery: Grapevine Print & Design, Durham, NC Transportation: Classy Transportation, Morrisville, NC DJ: David Edwards, Raleigh, NC Videographer: Story2movie Studio, Apex, NC Assistant Photographer: Erin Costa, Wilmington, NC Joanna and Shenduo were married at Duke Chapel on a beautiful, rainy Saturday la ... READ MORE

Joanna and Shenduo tied the knot at a beautiful Duke Chapel wedding this past weekend. The weather for their wedding day couldn't be any more different from last Tuesday's when we headed out for Joanna's bridal photography session around the campus at UNC Chapel Hill. Here are a few of my faves from the shoot! READ MORE

Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham, NC Reception: Nasher Museum of Art, Duke University, Durham, NC DJ: Island Sound, Raleigh, NC Florals: Ninth Street Flowers, Durham, NC Dress: Sophia Tolli, Australia Duke Chapel Wedding Photographer: Joe Payne, Raleigh, NC Catering & Cake: Sage & Swift, Durham, NC Rentals & Linens: American Party Rentals, Durham, NC Transportation: Greenway Transit, Durham, NC Coffee Service: Event Espresso, Raleigh, NC Favors: The Mad Popper, Durham, NC Assistant Photographer: Rebecca Ferguson, Durham, NC Following up one Duke win with another, here are a few ... READ MORE

Probably the single biggest influence in my interest in photography and the launch of my photography business was the birth of my first child, Charlotte. One of the first things I did when I learnt that my wife, Cristel, and I were going to be parents was to go out and buy a camera, some lenses and lots and lots of books. Despite the fact I was doing my MBA back then, I read and studied A LOT and took pictures of pretty much everything that moved (or didn't move for that matter) - I shot anything! Over time, my work got noticed and I naturally moved into shooting portraits for friends; families, babies, kids, head shots and from there into we ... READ MORE

Planner: Sally Oakley Personalized Wedding Planning, Raleigh, NC Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Duke University, Durham, NC Reception: Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC DJ: Kevin Majoros, KM DJ Company, Raleigh, NC Florals: Watered Garden, Raleigh, NC Bridal Accommodations: Double Tree "Mansion on the Hill", Durham, NC Catering & Cake: Prestonwood Country Club, Cary, NC Linens: CE Rental, Raleigh, NC Transportation: Greenway Transit, Durham, NC Limousine: Carolina Livery, Durham, NC Videographer: Damien Maass, Cary, NC Assistant Photographer: Jimmy Beech, Raleigh, NC 2014 was an absolutely fantastic year i ... READ MORE

Just before Christmas, I got together with the lovely Rachel for her bridal session at Duke Chapel. She and Kevin were married two days later and images from that fab day will be coming soon. In the meantime, here are a few of my faves from the sesh. It was pretty parky out so full marks to Rachel for suffering for her art. Big props to Rachel's mum, Donna, for all her help too! READ MORE

I've been a bit sporadic with my updates recently; it's been a crazy autumn and things are only just starting to slow down for me. Anyway, I plan to catch up over the next few weeks, so we're all good! To get things back on track, what better way than this recent Raleigh engagement photography session? I had no idea there were so many cotton fields around these parts! I guess I need to get out more. If this shoot is anything to go by, I definitely will be going back! Big thanks to Kelly and Cameron for being such fab people for suggesting the location and allowing me to change the date to avoid the rain and catch the best light. Looking ... READ MORE

Planner: Charyl Williams of Social Butterfly Events, Wilmington, NC Ceremony & Reception: St. Thomas Preservation Hall, Wilmington, NC DJ: Dan White, Active DJ Entertainment, Wilmington, NC Florals: Design Perfection, Wilmington, NC Bridal Accommodations: City Club at De Rosset, Wilmington, NC Groomsmen Accommodations: The Wilmingtonian, Wilmington, NC Cakes: Elsie's Sweet Treats, Richmond, VA Caterer: Pine Valley Market, Wilmington, NC Hair & Makeup: Bangz Hair Salon & Spa, Wilmington, NC Lighting: High Performance Lighting, Wilmington, NC Rentals: Party Suppliers Rentals, Wilmington, and CE Rental, ... READ MORE

Wedding Ceremony: University United Methodist Church, Chapel Hill, NC Reception: The Carolina Club, Chapel Hill, NC DJ: Joe Bunn, Bunn DJ Company, Raleigh, NC Florals: University Florist, Chapel Hill, NC Catering & Cake: The Carolina Club, Chapel Hill, NC Assistant Photographer: Jimmy Beech, Raleigh, NC   A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of being the Chapel Hill wedding photographer at Alexandra and John's wedding at the University United Methodist Church and The Carolina Club in downtown Chapel Hill, NC. I always love shooting in new venues and both the UUMC and Carolina Club are fantastic places to phot ... READ MORE

Planner: Shawn Schindler Events, Raleigh, NC Wedding Ceremony: All Saints Chapel, Raleigh, NC Reception: Driftwood Southern Kitchen, Raleigh, NC DJ: Scotty Williams, Unlimited DJ, Raleigh, NC Florals: Expressions of Love, Fuquay Varina, NC Ceremony Music: Arioso Strings, Cary, NC Accommodations, Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Downtown, Raleigh, NC Cocktail Hour Music: Russ Thompson, Raleigh, NC Cakes: GiGi's Cupcakes, Raleigh, NC & Edible Art, Raleigh, NC Hair: Julie Burgess at J. Edwins Salon, Raleigh NC Makeup: Krista Massey, Raleigh, NC Transportation: A Formal Affair, Raleigh, NC Videographer: Div ... READ MORE

Wedding Ceremony: Duke Chapel, Durham, NC Reception: Treyburn Country Club, Durham, NC DJ: Lenny Fritt's Touch of Class DJ's, Cary, NC Florals: Tre Bella, Durham, NC   Cake: Sweet Memories Bakery, Apex, NC Hair & Makeup: Posh Salon, Durham, NC Accommodation: Durham Marriott City Center, Durham, NC Assistant Photographer: Jimmy Beech, Raleigh, NC   Lexi and Tom's Duke Chapel wedding went down in the books as being one of the wettest I have documented, both in terms of the weather and the fact I was actually moved to tears during the ceremony for the first time ever. It was Tom's sister's singing that ... READ MORE