Luster Studios » North Carolina Photographers Craig Carpenter

On a magical night I followed tinkerbell to downtown Raleigh and found myself swept away by a young couples “Disney Themed” wedding. This was my first time photographing a wedding reception at the Sheraton Hotel and it’s always exciting for me to explore new locations. Everything was visually fresh and it really got my creative ideas flowing. Or maybe it was all just a dream? Here’s what I remember…

Wedding Reception: Sheraton Hotel – Susan Blakesley
Disney Theme Cake: Sweet Memories Bakery
Music and DJ: Island Sound DJs and Video – Jason Huggins
Flowers: Fallon’s Flowers

“The ‘Bell’ of the Ball” – Written by Craig Carpenter

Once upon a time a boy named Nathan was born on a naval base in Guam and around that same time a girl named Jenny was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Even though each of their kingdoms were on opposite sides of the world, it was either by fate or mere coincidence that they met one day. They became good friends.

Each of their families knew that their children were destined for great things and encouraged them to attend a facility of learning called “NCSTATE.” This was reserved for the most promising students in the land and was where young men and women went to train in their family profession. You see… in those days your craft was chosen by the family surname. “Smith’s” would be blacksmiths and “Carpenter’s” would be carpenters. Nathan was a “Bell” so he initially decided to become a bellmaker. Jenny was perplexed on what to do though! There was no guild set up for “Perry’s” and the closest thing she could think to do was to take up fencing. She did not like swords or digging holes for fence post though. What was a girl to do?

She had heard about a relatively new guild known as “The Disney College Program.” It was far far away in a place called “The Magic Kingdom.” She was torn between leaving Nathan and following her heart. She yearned for a sense of adventure though. Much to Nathan’s dismay she decided to join. But, just as she was riding away on her horse Nathan stopped her and asked if he could come too. “She said YES!”

When they arrived at the new kingdom they were put to work immediately. Jenny swept the Main Street in the Magic Kingdom while Nathan hosted puppet shows in a giant golf ball looking thing that some called “Epcot”. He enjoyed life as a bard and fabricated stories with strange names like “Finding Nemo” and “Turtle Talk.” Many times Nathan did miss being a bellmaker though. But, with Jenny by his side he had convinced himself that he could let that dream go though.

Then one day he had spectacular idea! He invited all of their friends and family to meet him at the Walt Disney World Castle for a special announcement during a new lighting display. He had become personal friends with a girl named Cinderella so she let him use her home (and her rose garden) for the evening. He also recruited the help of a local group called “The Dream Squad.” This roving outfit is an elite pack that grants special wishes. Well… Nathan had a wish that he needed to come true!

When everyone arrived they all started “painting pictures” of the couple. Jenny didn’t think this was out of the ordinary though. She knew that they were a strikingly beautiful couple and was used to people asking if they couple create portraits of them. Then Nathan started talking to her during this “pictureshoot.” She thought to herself “Who in the world talks while having their portrait made?” It took her awhile to realize what he was saying. He had dropped to one knee, removed a gorgeous diamond ring and asked her to marry him. “She said YES!”

Nathan realized that he was about to create the finest “Bell” that he could have ever imagined. And they lived happily ever after…