FotoRecord » Wedding Photography

category: Wedding Photography

08.26.2010

I love events filled with emotion and Brantley and Ryan’s wedding certainly fits that category.

Brantley was a beautiful bride and she is also incredibly expressive. The day was full of emotion and fun from the beautiful ceremony at Christ Episcopal Church to the reception at Charlotte Country Club.

It was easy to see why Brantley, a teacher, is greatly admired by her students, and a good number of them came to the wedding to show their appreciation.

Company photographer Laura Mueller did her usual fantastic job helping to cover the event from all angles.

May Chrisman and the staff at Charlotte Country Club were excellent to work with and it’s always fun hearing The Atlanta Showstoppers - just an incredible band. Also Jay at In Bloom and Amy from The Wow Factor Cakes added to the fantastic atmosphere for the event.

It was an amazing day all around. Congratulations Brantley and Ryan!

Brantley and Ryan

Brantley's dress

Getting ready

Team effort

Excitement

Bridesmaids approve

Sharp-dressed men

Brantley and her mother spot some of Brantley's students

The lovely ladies

Ryan's mother, who got a little choked up right before the service, gets a hug from his sister

Brantley's mother gets a kiss from her father just before the wedding

Brantley's mother gets a kiss from her husband just before the wedding

Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte

Ryan's grandmother and mother get ready to enter the church with Brantley's mother

Brantley's mother and brother get ready for the service

The bride and her father enter the church

Brantley tries to watch the action

The men arrive

The service

A happy moment

Time to celebrate

A big hug from Brantley's mother

At Charlotte Country Club

Time for some pictures

The wedding party

Checking Ryan's ring

The happy couple

Brantley and Ryan

The scene at Charlotte Country Club

The cake

Wonderful work from Amy at The Wow Factor cakes

Arriving at the party

First dance

More from the first dance

Brantley dances with her father

Toasting

Party time

More dancing

Sparkler sendoff

A hug for the road

08.05.2010

Valerie and Nick married along historic Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC, at the Cottage on the Creek.

The intimate event was a wonderful family celebration complete with a first for me: the ring bearers flinging their pillows down the aisle upon their entrance.

But nothing would put a damper on this wonderful event, even heat and humidity that made locals a bit uncomfortable.

It was also a great pleasure seeing Anne and Tim and their families. We photographed their wedding in Charlotte in 2005 (on a similarly hot day) and later had the pleasure of photographing their twins - Mary Anne and Austin. Anne and Tim’s parents and Tim’s sister made the trip as well. I also learned that Valerie’s family and I shared some ties in Upstate New York and both families were a joy to be around.

Congratulations Valerie and Nick, and have a great time in Saint Lucia!

Valerie and Nick at the Cottage on the Creek along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant, SC

The dress

A little help from her friends

First look

Valerie's excited

Feeling good

A hug from one of Nick's daughters

Nick and his father get ready

Flower for one of the ring bearers

Flowers all around

Ready for the ceremony

The first ring bearer decided he wasn't going to carry his pillow - so he flung it down the aisle

His cohort liked the move so much he threw his pillow too (I don't think the actual rings were on the pillows)

Everyone got a good chuckle out of the ring bearer antics

Valerie was so expressive

Nick waits for his bride

The wedding site along historic Shem Creek

The happy couple leave the ceremony

Nick glances back to one of his daughters following the service

Newly married

Having some fun

First dance

Lost in the moment

More dancing

The setting as Nick dances with his mother and Valerie with her father

Nick dances with his daughter

A hug from both daughters

Tim swings Mary Anne as Anne dances with Austin. They have been wonderful clients and it was great to see them again

Bridesmaid Courtney shares her joy with her friend

And the emotion poured out

Pretty setting

More dancing

Last dance

07.16.2010

We’ve been having a very busy summer and I haven’t had a chance to update the blog.

But I wanted to mention a wonderful, intimate wedding we did for Nancy and Jim in Freedom Park on July 4th. And while there weren’t any hot dogs or apple pie on the day we celebrate America, there was an abundant supply of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Congratulations Nancy and Jim and thank you for letting me celebrate the holiday with you all.

I’m going to be doing some traveling and we have an upcoming Charleston-area wedding. Check back soon for images from our adventures.

Nancy and Jim in Freedom Park

07.01.2010

Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte was the setting for Kristen and Greg’s beautiful wedding Saturday.

Prevalent heat and humidity didn’t stop anyone from having a good time as the group moved to Myers Park Country Club for a enthusiastic celebration.

The Atlanta band Papa Sol pumped out some fantastic music as seemingly everyone worked up a sweat on the dance floor. The Carolyn Shepard Design group helped create an elegant atmosphere for the party.

Todd Sumlin, a long-time friend, former co-worker at The Charlotte Observer and stellar photojournalist, came along and captured some wonderful photographs.

Thanks all for an amazing day and congratulations Kristen and Greg!

: Kristen and Greg

: Kristen and her Maid of Honor

: Kristen’s mother Lisa watches the preparations

: Portrait of the ladies before the ceremony

: Kristen on the front porch of her parents’ home

: Kristen and her mother Lisa

: Beautiful bride

: Greg and his Best Man relax at Christ Episcopal

Click to continue reading “Charlotte Wedding Photography: Kristen and Greg”

06.16.2010

Having already photographed Tanner for her bridal portrait in April, I knew she was a beautiful bride. And I also had the pleasure of meeting and talking with her parents Martha and Bob at that time.

A talented young photographer, Laura-Chase McGehee, was kind enough to come along and give me an assist on Saturday. Laura-Chase just finished an internship at The Charlotte Observer and is preparing for another one in Chattanooga, TN. Pamela Bailey at Flowers from the Cellar created some beautiful florals.

Following the beautiful service at Myers Park Presbyterian, it was a quick trolley ride over to the Mint Museum of Art on Randolph Road. David Klingel, director of special events at the Mint Museum, did a wonderful job coordinating the event and he even took a few moments to show me some great photo locations behind the museum. David will also be directing events at the new Mint Museum Uptown, which promises to be an incredible venue as well.

I had such a good time working with both families at this great celebration. Congratulations Tanner and Sam!

Tanner and Sam in one of the garden areas at the Mint Museum

Tanner and the bridesmaids arrive at Myers Park Presbyterian Church

Bride and bridesmaids arrive at Myers Park Presbyterian Church

Tanner's mother Martha helps with the dress

Fixing the veil

Beautiful detail

Relaxing before the service

Tanner's sister and maid of honor Lang leads everyone in prayer

Ring detail

Sam waits for the service

Tanner and her father talk as they prepare to walk down the aisle

Just married

Laura-Chase got this view from behind as Tanner and Sam exited the church

Celebration

As I followed the couple, Laura-Chase captured this nice moment of both sets of parents celebrating

Time to take pictures

Tanner's sister Lang recalls a funny moment from the ceremony

Tanner's sister recalls a funny moment from the ceremony

Tanner pauses for a moment as they prepare to travel to the reception

The bride pauses for a moment as they prepare to travel to the reception

Some beautiful soft light as Tanner waits in the doorway

Some beautiful soft light in the doorway

Tanner's mother prepares to bustle her dress

Preparing to bustle the dress

Tanner's mother fixes her dress as her father Bob and Sam look on

Tanner's shoes, another nice detail from Laura-Chase

The bride's shoes, another nice detail from Laura-Chase

Riding to the reception

The groomsmen have some fun as they head to the reception

Tanner and Sam

Enjoying the moment at the Mint Museum

A beautiful spot for a spin

Happy times

Tanner and Sam had a quiet moment to themselves but they couldn't keep from checking on the party

The couple had a quiet moment to themselves but couldn't keep from checking on the party

Entrance

A dip during the first dance

Listening to Tanner's father make a toast

Listening to Tanner's father's toast

Tanner hugs her father after a special dance

Lots of great dancing

The crowd gathers to watch the cake cutting

Having some fun while cutting the cake

"Ain't No Mountain High Enough" to stop these ladies

Sparkler sendoff

06.10.2010

Although they no longer live in the area, Davidson College graduates Ann and Byers have a deep love for their school and wanted to get married on the historic campus.

Following a beautiful ceremony at Davidson College Presbyterian Church and some photos on campus, the party moved to The Point Lake and Golf Club in Mooresville for a rollicking reception.

There were many wonderful family moments throughout the day as both sets of parents, siblings and spouses and children played a big part in the events.

We are so blessed to have some amazing photojournalists working with us. Our company photographer Laura Mueller was out of town but Todd Sumlin stepped in and captured some fantastic images. Both Todd and Laura are among the finest photojournalists in the Carolinas and we are so thankful for their help.

Thank you also to Kelley Cartrett-Phifer, director of private events at the Point Lake and Golf Club, who did a fantastic job keeping everything organized and on track. The Men of Distinction kept guests dancing all night with a steady stream of great songs.

Congratulations to Ann, Byers and their families. It was a pleasure working with you all.

Ann and Byers on the boardwalk at The Point Lake and Golf Club

Ann writes a note to Byers as she gets ready at Davidson College Presbyterian Church

Ann's mother Genie gives helps with the dress

Ann's mother Genie helps with the dress

Ann tears up as she reads the note Byers sent with her present

Ann shows her new earrings to her bridesmaids

Finishing touches

Ann's sister-in-laws document the action

Ann and her father Hart talk just prior to the service

The lovely ladies

Beautiful

Ann's gorgeous dress

Byers gets some pre-wedding encouragement from his sister Lauren

Byers and his father Johnny, far left, pray with the ministers prior to the service

Hart checks his watch as the readies to walk Ann down the aisle

Ann's joy shows as she walks to the church entrance

Moments before entering the church

The bridesmaids prepare to enter

The flower girls, Ann's nieces, pave the way for the bride

Ann's brother, a groomsman, points his daughter in the right direction

Byers watches his bride

Married

Celebrating

Watching guests leaves following the ceremony

Todd captured the pair looking back at the wedding party as we moved to take pictures

A quick wave from Byers

The Davidson graduates wanted some photos on the beautiful campus

We stopped for some photography at The Old Well

Campus kiss

Byers' uncle let them use his classic car for transportation

The fathers, Johnny and Hart, share a laugh at the cocktail hour

We stopped for some pictures on the board at The Point Lake and Golf Club

We stopped for some pictures on the boardwalk at The Point Lake and Golf Club

Romantic setting

Byers and Ann

Cool drink for a hot day on the lake

Time to party

First dance

Big finish

Everyone was having a great time

The cake cutting got a bit messy but ended with a kiss

Ann and her brother had some serious dance moves

The band, The Men of Distinction, were the men on the move as the horn section blew right onto the dance floor for a big finish

The band, The Men of Distinction, were men on the move as the horn section blew right onto the dance floor for a big finish

Ann and Byers ride off in style

06.02.2010

Christine and Mike’s intimate wedding at the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island was a photographer’s dream.

Attractive, fun-loving couple, wonderful venue and beautiful light gave me plenty of visual opportunities. And while I’ve done numerous weddings in the Charleston area, I haven’t gotten many chances to shoot on the beach and that was another bonus.

As someone who loves the game of golf, I know the Ocean Course, which is hosting the 2012 PGA Championship, is incredibly unique and rated as one of the best in the country. But I digress, we were here for a beautiful wedding and the venue didn’t disappoint.

Many thanks to Dorsey Sullivan, Kiawah’s conference service coordinator, who handled all of the details to perfection.

Christine and Mike both love to laugh and they and their families were a joy to work with.

Congratulations and best of luck!

Christine and Mike on the beach at Kiawah Island

The clubhouse for the Ocean Course on a beautiful afternoon

With her dress hanging nearby, Christine discusses last-minute details with the minister

A fun moment as the women got ready

Christine looking beautiful

Checking the dress

Mike and his son/best man Robert get ready

The setting for the intimate ceremony

Christine arrives

The flower girl, Mike's niece, makes her entrance

Christine's father makes a humorous comment

Exchanging rings

Beautiful early evening ceremony

Celebrating

Christine celebrates with her new brother-in-law

A quiet moment before taking family pictures

A quiet kiss before taking family pictures

A quick golf cart ride out to take some portraits on the beach

A walk on the beach in some amazing light

Christine kicks up her heels

Then they decided to try it together

Christine's homage to their alma maters - but she noted the Gators were on top

A kiss on the beach

Wonderful setting for a little spin

Another sun-splashed moment

Christine jokes with Robert as they head back for the reception

Christine and Mike wanted to make sure to take a moment on a joggling board, a piece of Charleston history

Christine and Mike wanted to make sure to try the joggling board, a Charleston tradition

Light paints the flowers and clubhouse as the reception gets underway

Mike enjoys the evening with his friends

The porch was a perfect place for dining and dancing

The groom's cake with another reference to Mike's South Carolina Gamecocks and Christine's Florida Gators

Ocean breezes and an overall pristine evening

Smoke break

Adding some sparkle

One more dance

05.26.2010

It was a great pleasure documenting an amazing wedding weekend for Elizabeth and Brad and their families.

The couple lives in New York City but Elizabeth’s parents live in Charlotte and people traveled from far and wide to celebrate.

After the rehearsal at Belk Chapel Friday, everyone moved to Charlotte City Club for a wonderful dinner hosted by Brad’s parents.

Dina Berg Blazek did a fantastic job helping coordinate the events with her team of Amy Horack, Debra Hall and intern Kristen Lew. Our company photographer Laura Mueller was a huge help and captured some beautiful images.

The entire weekend was a delightful family event with much involvement from grandparents, parents, siblings and assorted cousins and other relatives. Elizabeth’s minister grandfather Denny led the service and the wedding party included Elizabeth’s two brothers and sister and Brad’s sister and father.

Following the wedding at Belk Chapel, the group headed to the Quail Hollow Club for a magnificent meal and night of dancing and fun.

Thank you to Elizabeth, Brad and their families.

Cheers and have an amazing time in South Africa!

Elizabeth and Brad at Belk Chapel

Rehearsal Friday evening at Belk Chapel

Elizabeth's mother, Amy, practices with sons Taylor, left, and J.D.

Family friend Anne, left, and Elizabeth's grandmother, Varion, give pointers to flower girl Kendall

Elizabeth and Brad practice

The group moved to Charlotte City Club for the rehearsal dinner

Amazing cake from The Wow Factor's Amy Craparo paid tribute to Brad's love of the links

Dinner at Charlotte City Club

Brad and his mother Janice listen as his father Bob speaks

The two families share some laughs as they watch a slideshow

Brad looks on as Elizabeth jokes with her sister Denard, center, and Brad's sister Katie

Brad gets an assist with his tie

Brad's gift from Elizabeth

Brad's parents sharpen their dancing skills in the hotel

Trolley ride to Belk Chapel

Elizabeth's beautiful dress

Elizabeth gets ready

Flower girl Bella had some pre-game jitters but rallied and did a great job

Amy helps her daughter with her shoes

Amy approves of the veil, the same one she wore to her wedding

Amy approves of the veil, the same one she wore for her wedding

A grand entrance for the beautiful bride

Father David greets Elizabeth with a kiss

Elizabeth looked lovely

Elizabeth's grandfather Denny, who performed the service, prepares

David has a quiet moment as he waits for his daughter to arrive

David waits for his daughter to arrive

Elizabeth's cousins were excited for her arrival

The doorway was a popular spot as a bridesmaid sneaks a peak at Elizabeth

The doorway was a popular spot as a bridesmaid sneaks a look at Elizabeth

Brad's sister Katie, left, Elizabeth's sister Denard and flower girl Kendall had to check the bride too

Elizabeth peaks back as Amy Horack of Dina Berg Blazek Events gives an assist with the veil

Elizabeth peeks back as Amy Horack of Dina Berg Blazek Events gives an assist with the veil

Kendall and Bella get ready for their big moment

Entering the church

Elizabeth's minister grandfather and Brad watch her entrance

Another cousin, this little guy was determined to get a rose petal

Success

Leaving the service

Sweet Tea vodka cocktails

Denard gets a quick touch-up from her sister

Bridesmaids in some beautiful early evening light

The wedding party on the back lawn at Quail Hollow

Enjoying the evening

Beautiful setting at Quail Hollow

Wonderful confection from Haines Barksdale of For Goodness Cakes

First dance

Elizabeth showed her skills as glow sticks were fashioned into a jump rope

Elizabeth's grandparents share a dance

Big finish to an amazing weekend

02.10.2010

I had the great pleasure of helping document Liz and Michael’s wedding Saturday with three other photographers.

Liz is a talented young photographer who works with two of my friends. She photographs and shoots Super 8 movies with Richard Israel and works as studio manager for Kristin Vining. So we teamed up to collaborate on coverage and also got help from another friend, Rodney Slate, a Greensboro area photographer who runs Autumn Song Photography. Richard also shoots film and he used a variety of film formats including 35mm, medium format and even broke out his Speed Graphic to shoot 4X5 portraits.

It was so nice to see the love and faith displayed by both families and everyone was so easy to work with. Michael’s father is the minister at CrossWay Community Church and he performed the service.

Each photographer has their own distinct style and it was fun to see how we all approached photographing the day. While we all draw from different genres at times, Richard is know for his incredible fine art sensibility, Kristin has a fun, fashion-oriented approach and Rodney is more of a quiet observer. And I utilize a very documentary, photojournalistic style in my photography. Richard, who was the main photographer on the shoot, plans to create a website of the coverage to demonstrate each photographer’s style.

It was great fun working and sharing with these talented photographers and we couldn’t have had better subject matter.

Congratulations Liz and Michael - I think you are going to have one spectacular wedding album!

Liz and Michael

CrossWay Community Church

Michael gets an assist getting ready

Flower girl on the run

Liz helps keep the flower girls warm while pictures are taken

Some pictures before the ceremony

Not everyone wanted to smile for the photos

Family member photo op

Michael watches his bride approach the alter

Michael watches his bride approach the altar

Liz, also a talented photographer, created the decorations

Liz created the decorations

During the ceremony

A song of praise

A quiet moment during the service

A happy bride

Leaving the service

A big kiss for the newly married couple

Liz turns the tables on the photographers as Michael and her mother look on

Michael's father, the minister CrossWay who performed the service, rests on Richard's Speed Graphic

Michael's father rests on Richard's Speed Graphic

Liz's brother and his girlfriend try to stay warm during the group photo session

Getting warmed up for the family photos

Richard shoots a variety of film formats and broke out the 4X5 Speed Graphic for some potraits

Richard shoots a variety of film formats and broke out the 4X5 Speed Graphic for some of the portraits

Kristin gets Liz and some of the bridesmaids laughing during the photo shoot

Liz and Michael

Staying warm during the shoot

A quick kiss

They are both very comfortable in front of the camera

Getting ready to leave the church

Balloon sendoff

The team: myself, Kristin Vining, Richard Israel and Rodney Slate

01.26.2010

January is a slow month for weddings but it is a very busy time for wedding planning and the inquiries for 2010, and even 2011, are coming in fast and furious.

It’s also a good time of year to update websites and blogs so I just finished adding a new section to our website.

While we’re known for our documentary wedding photography, we also do many portraits and I wanted to show some of the brides we’ve had the pleasure of working with. All of our pre-wedding day portraits are done on location, putting an emphasis on relaxed, natural images.

I’ve included a few samples below, but also take a look here and be sure to click on Record Brides to see more portraits.

Relaxed bridal portrait

Natural portrait of a beautiful bride

Chapel Hill bride

Location portrait

Charlotte bride

Using soft, diffused window light before the ceremony

Location bridal in an uptown park