I was up bright and early to photograph Jennifer and Grant’s wedding in Carrboro North Carolina. Their ceremony was at the Church of the Holy Family and their wedding reception was held at Carrboro Century Center near The Weaver Street Market. Upon my arrival I was graciously welcomed with some funny comradery by all seven of Grant’s groomsmen. I could tell this had potential to be a fun day.
But… I’m getting a bit ahead of myself… A little backstory… Jennifer and Grant live in Chicago and she had originally found my website while searching for a church. We spoke on the phone a few times and since she was out of state I was happy to recommend a few places she might want to look. Later when they were in town to visit we met up and really hit it off. I had sent her an email telling her how bummed I was that they lived in Chicago, since I knew that we would become instant friends… They are the type of couple that emits this positive energy to all of those around them. I’m all too lucky when I have people like this that come into my life.
As I began to meet more and more of their friends and family I began to get the feeling that this was going to be a really special group to work with. I truly do love what I do but this was one of those days where I had a huge smile on my face the entire day… except the times I was getting a little choked up during a few emotional moments. I guess I can’t help it sometimes when I see someone sharing a personal moment together. I guess that’s what has driven me to document those moments through photography.
If your a Luster Studios blog stalker you’ve probably noticed that I’ve started to write more underneath the photographs as opposed to huge paragraph at the beginning although this intro is steadily growing. It’s allowed me to connect the viewer with a specific photograph much easier. I hope this shift has been more interesting for everyone? So that being said… let’s check out some photographs from this super excellent wedding! No bouquet toss… No garters… No group reception dancing… but I honestly didn’t think they needed it. The connections and moments I captured are going to be far more meaningful… Sometimes less is more at weddings. Although I will admit that I’m sure this bridal party would have put on an awesome show if needed.
Thanks to everyone for making this event so memorable for me and including me in a special day!
The guys tackle the arduous task of figuring out how to fold their handkerchiefs.
This photo is simply classic! Jennifer’s sister applies touch up makeup to Grant’s face as he works on his “manly macbook pro”… And if that weren’t great enough… his oh-so-helpful buddies take photographs of him with their iphones. Love it!
A gift from one of the bridesmaids from Victoria’s Secret. They read “I said YES!” Here’s Jennifer showing them off to her girlfriends.
This is a great “OMG!” moment shared by the bride and one her friends after she had just placed the veil on her head.
The ladies share in a prayer circle.
And mom got a little choked up. I could tell she had a very special and close bond with her daughters.
Dad helps Jennifer take a sip of water under her veil. I really like the story behind this one.
Dad practices lifting the veil with his daughter… I think this turned out to be an even more special moment than when it actually happened for real at the altar.
“Now let’s have a look at you…”
This was quite possibly my favorite photograph of the day and made me smile from ear to ear! As we were walking into a room to photograph the bride and her bridesmaids shoes, Jennifer took cover behind her sister to hide from anyone that might be outside… She especially didn’t want to be seen by Grant. It’s truly a one of a kind photograph.
And here are the bridesmaid and brides shoes.
That is one handsome groom. Mom will be proud when she sees this one.
All the guys had the unique ability to dress it up…
… or drop it DOWN! Look out below…
A nice portrait of Grant and his father.
I had just as much fun with the ladies too and they all looked beautiful…
But if I can be honest Jennifer truly stole the spotlight. She looked radiant, natrual, and downright gorgeous!
On with the wedding ceremony!
Some of their best friends played as a wedding quartet. They all were really talented musicians.
Jennifer just trusted me to document her wedding. I think her only formal request was to capture a great photograph of Grant’s reaction as she walked down the aisle. I thought this one turned out quite nice! He somehow managed to put 5 different emotions into one expression. Man this guy is talented!
I snuck up on their videographer “friend” and captured this candid reaction.
The bride and groom light their unity candle.
A detail of the bridesmaids blue earrings.
A quiet moment before communion. I love the soft placement of Grant’s hand on his wife-to-be’s shoulder.
Thumbs up means “I’m really excited” in the Grantlish language…
It’s official. Another classic look on Grant’s face.
And it’s apparently time to do a “happy dance.”
This is THE BEST photograph overall in my opinion. It really sums up the feel of the day and the palpable love between these two..
How about some fun bridal party photos?
I hope they liked my idea for this shot. I think it could to be a great family heirloom photograph.
Va-va-VOOM!
On to the reception at The Carborro Century Center!
Their entrance to the wedding reception.
And their first dance as husband and wife.
I don’t know why, but I really like an untold story here…
During the wedding toasts I positioned myself to photograph the parents who just happened to be standing in a line. I though it was a great unplanned composition.
He dove in to try and snag their first piece of cake. I love how his significant other is desperately trying to hold him back!
The Carborro Center had these really nice old school, high school looking curtains. I thought these two wedding guests would look really cool in front of them so I did a little mini portrait session.
Simple… yet very strong…
I nice portrait with a reluctant grandfather. I thought it was important to document though and I think they all look fabulous!
I love this photograph of this shared moment between Grant and his mother at the end of the wedding reception.
An amazing bubble send off
Just married! Congratulations…
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