There was an air of a familiarity as I photographed Emily and Patrick’s wedding at First Presbyterian Church and the reception at Quail Hollow Club.

I had photographed her sister  Ellen’s wedding a few years back at the same venues and I welcomed a chance to work with her wonderful family again.

It rained heavily much of the day but there were a few breaks that allowed some outdoor photos. This was my third-straight wedding at First Presbyterian and I always enjoy the beautiful architecture of the historic church.

Everything was in place for an excellent event including a wonderful service by the Rev. Katherine Kerr, great work by Elizabeth Pearson Frost and the staff at Quail Hollow and another amazing cake from the talented Kathy Allen of Kathy Allen Fine Wedding Cakes. Company photographer Laura Mueller was on hand and created some beautiful images.

It was such a pleasure working with everyone and congratulations to Emily and Patrick!

Emily gets ready

Portrait at Quail Hollow Club

Beautiful bride

Quick group shot at home before Emily got dressed at the church

Emily's nieces got a bit impatient as their mothers were photographed

Custom attire for the bride

Heading to the church

Emily took everything in stride, including a little spelling snafu on their sign

Patrick and his father arrive at First Presbyterian

The ladies arrive

The bride makes her way to the church

Laura captured Patrick, his father and his brother with the groomsmen

The groom heads out for a few pictures

Family portrait

Sister Ellen gets ready as Emily waits

Bridesmaids discover a hair issue

Heading to the chapel

A misty night at First Presbyterian

Patrick watches his bride enter as the Rev. Katherine Kerr and his father look on

The Rev. Kerr has the wedding party turn to see the guests

Ruth hugs her new son-in-law

Emily's father, Paul, congratulates Patrick

Time for pictures

Emily has some fun during the family photos

Emily and Patrick

Heading to the reception

The trolley gets ready to head to Quail Hollow in this atmospheric shot from Laura

Making their entrance

Patrick's parents enjoy the dance floor

Getting ready to cut into an edible masterpiece from Kathy Allen Fine Wedding Cakes

Emily's grandmother, right, got into the act as the ladies took to the stage

Emily sings with her sisters and mother as her grandmother adds some backup vocals

Patrick did a little performing too

Escaping through the flower petals

Sendoff

Hunter and Michael exchanged vows at First Presbyterian Church in a joyful day filled with family.

I love the historical setting of First Presbyterian, which stands in stark contrast to the gleaming uptown buildings that surround it.

Michael’s family has deep Louisiana roots, but even a loss by their beloved New Orleans Saints couldn’t put a damper on this day.

The service was followed by a wonderful party at Charlotte Country Club.

The Rev. Kirk Hall conducted the ceremony and Jean Cochran served as wedding director. Thanks to company photographer Laura Mueller for all of her beautiful work and to the excellent staff at Charlotte Country Club.

And congratulations to Hunter, Michael and your families.

Hunter and Michael

First Presbyterian Church

The guys were keeping a close watch on the playoff game between and Saints and the 49ers

Michael with ring bearer Cameron, his nephew

Michael with his sisters

Hunter with her brothers

Getting some help with the dress

Hunter has some fun while getting ready

Hunter with her father, Laurens

Placing the veil

Hunter's mother, Libbie, makes sure everything is in place

Hunter spots a friend

Waiting

High-five for flower girl Natalie

Hunter hugs her grandmother

Almost time

Laura captured Hunter's grandparents being greeted in the church

Hunter's brothers prepare to escort their mother into the service

Entering the ceremony

Michael watches Hunter and her father arrive at the alter

Beautiful historic setting at First Presbyterian Church

Newly married

Libbie hugs her new son-in-law

A little touch-up before group shots

Quick kiss from Mamie, Hunter's grandmother

Making their entrance at Charlotte Country Club

First dance

Father/daughter dance

Hunter and her grandfather, another nice moment from Laura

Hunter's parents enjoy the night

The bride and bridesmaids entertain the crowd

Flower petal finish

Gretchen and Mark’s intimate celebration was a wonderful way to finish off our 2011 wedding season.

And as Gretchen told me, “Mark and my story is one of joy, grief, and many, many, blessings.”

The couple, who have known each other for many years, both lost a spouse to cancer. Gretchen’s first husband, also Mark, was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer in 1988. “He was an amazing man who dealt with his illness with tremendous courage,” Gretchen noted.

Mark’s wife Louella was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. Gretchen and Mark would speak every so often about caring for a spouse with cancer. Mark lost his wife in April 2008 and Gretchen’s husband passed away in August 2008.

Gretchen said, “There are not many people widowed in their 40s who are raising children, so Mark and I continued to talk every so often.  We both loved our spouses very much and grieved their loss very hard. In early 2010 Mark and I met for a business lunch and spent two hours talking about our spouses.  A few weeks later we met for a not so business lunch and that was the beginning of our life as a couple.”

She added, “He has two wonderful boys, Russ and Luke, and I have two great kids in Alec and Gracie.  We are incredibly blessed in that despite having lost so much so young, the kids recognize that our relationship makes their parents happy and they have been really supportive.  This doesn’t mean we haven’t had bumps, but so far it has worked well and Mark and I are very excited about our new life as a family.”

Gretchen’s friend, the Rev. Katherine Kerr, led the service at First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte . They had become close during Gretchen’s husband’s illness.

Following the ceremony in the church’s chapel, the group moved to Myers Park Country Club to celebrate. Thanks to Karen Litton, event coordinator at the club, and the Rev. Kerr for their help.

It was a privilege to play a small part in this special celebration and best of luck Gretchen, Mark and their children!

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year to all!

Gretchen, Mark and their children, Alec, Gracie, Luke and Russ, follow the Rev. Katherine Kerr's invitation to greet their guests during the service

Gretchen waits with her father, stepmother, sister and daughter before the wedding at First Presbyterian Church

Gretchen and Gracie share a quiet moment while waiting

Mother and daughter laugh as they prepare for a big life change

Gretchen and her father

The ceremony

Gretchen celebrates with her sister and her mother

Mark's sons Luke and Russ with their grandmother

Gretchen and Mark

A festive holiday setting at Myers Park Country Club

Some tasty dessert

Finishing off a wonderful night