• Welcome!

    Luster Studios is my personal portfolio where I share weddings, special events, engagement sessions and portraits. My origins stem from a fine arts degree in photography and computer graphics. My "style" is a perfect blend of creative ideas driven by a relaxed attitude and a fun yet thoughtful personality.

    Through a combination of posing and photojournalism I strive to capture planned and spontaneous moments that will later help you relive how you were feeling at that exact moment. I'm based in North Carolina and often travel to destination locations. I look forward to getting to know what inspires you both creatively and personally.

    - Craig Carpenter

Fearrington Village Wedding in Pittsboro (Minna + Jarrod)

I LOVE to fall wedding photography, especially when the the ceremony and reception are set in beautiful locations like the Fearrington Village in Pittsboro, North Carolina. The village is a premiere destination for classic southern weddings and is a must visit if you are looking for a modern rustic experience. Minna and Jarrod’s wedding ceremony took place in the Garden Terrace and their reception overlooked the famous Belted Galloway cow pasture. As you’ll see, it was quintessential backdrop for a variety of wedding photographs.

Minna was a simply stunning bride and had made some perfect decisions in planning the details of her wedding. The color scheme that she chose and the little details really added to the look and feel of the event. I especially liked the gold leaf necklaces that her bridesmaids were wearing. Even though the weather was a little bit on the chilly side, I think it only added to that “feeling of autumn” and kept everyone alert and vibrant.

Most of the preparations were done “in-house” at The Fearrington but Minna recently reported to me that everyone was terrific in the planning and execution of the wedding. I really enjoyed getting to know this couple and can’t believe that the wedding is finally over. I look forward to keeping in touch. Thank you to everyone for making me feel welcome and congratulations to a happy couple whose love will stand the test of time.

Wedding Coordinator: Fearrington Village – Cheryl Jansen van Rensburg
Cake: Fearrington Village – Jill Leckey
Flowers: Fearrington Village – Mary Stevens
DJ: Clint Clayton
Hair Stylist: Syd’s Harishop

fearrington village north carolina
unique bridal portrait
autumn fall wedding bouquets
red maroon bridesmaid dresses

Some killer wedding shoes!

wedding hairstyle orchid bride
wedding dad kissing mom

Minna’s parents were simply TOO cute!

bride wearing jacket suit

It was a little chilly during the shoot. Minna’s brother offered up his jacket to keep his sister warm. How sweet!

gold leaf necklace leaves

How perfect is this gold leaf bridesmaid necklace

groom boutonniere orange fall
portrait groom wedding
creative groom portrait
dog wedding wearing tie

This is Miles… Miles is a well behaved sophisticated dog who likes to look his best on wedding day.

groom dog portrait
wedding ceremony chairs heater

This is one of my favorite photojournalistic photographs of this year. The guest stole all of the seats closest to the heater. It’s one of those moments that I probably never would have thought of.

piano keyboard wedding ceremony

Minna’s brother played a keyboard piano during the ceremony processional.

dog ringbearer wedding

Best… ringbearer… OF ALL TIME!

mom dad walking daughter aisle
bridesmaids crying wedding
hugging parents wedding

I really like this moment.

fall wedding outside
bride crying wedding altar
ring exchange funny

The look on Minna’s face during the ring exchange was priceless. In my mind she’s saying… “Now if I put this on your finger… THAT’S IT! There’s no taking it off…”

fearrington village weddings
first kiss wedding altar
cocktail hour wedding

Everyone joined in the sun room to sign the marriage license, enjoy a glass of wine and to simply take a breather.

wedding officiant funny
creative wedding family formals

A creative family portrait utilizing white umbrellas.

bride groom umbrella

The couple take a moment for themselves to walk the Garden Terrace.

fearrington the knot wedding

This area of shrubbery is known as “The Knot” because it’s design intertwines in the shape of a knot.

fearrington village wedding photos

I couldn’t decide which of these I liked better.

bride groom kissing wedding
fearrington village pittsboro

Joining up with the bridal party.

fearrington village garden terrace
creative wedding party photograph

I hope the bridal party likes this shot.

fearrington village wedding pittsboro
wedding=party skipping outside

There’s nothing like skipping through a field on your wedding day!

bride running grass

I also love this solo shot of the bride after everyone else was out of the frame. Note to self that if you’re ever running a race a wedding gown is not built for speed.

portrait bride groom
wedding rings macro photograph
ring shots wedding photos
first dance bride groom

Minna and Jarrod share their first dance together…

parents dance wedding reception

… and their parents.

wedding cake red flowers
photo table centerpieces

The couple decided to use some of the photos from our engagement session as table centerpieces.

bridesmaids wedding toast
wedding slide show friends family

One of the bridesmaids had prepared an image slideshow. It contained photographs of friends and family that couldn’t make the wedding holding up well wishes written on posterboard.

bride groom wedding toast
fearrington wedding reception garden terrace

An emotional set of toasts had Jarrod choked up a bit too.

kid dancing wedding reception

Time to dance!

man woman dancing wedding
sexy couple wedding reception

I really liked the way this couple was dressed.

black gloves womens outfit

I HAD to get a solo shot too! Those black gloves rock…

grandmother dancing with groom
mother father dancing wedding
wedding reception fearrington
fun bridesmaids wedding reception
fearrington village wedding photography

When I saw the white sunglasses that the bride had one I decided to set up some creative portraits in front of the curtain.

bride groom karate poses

Don’t MESS with the BEST!

wedding white sunglasses bride
wedding exit line hands

I helped them set up a little “mini-exit” using the arms from their friends and family. I thought this was a really fun shot with a hint of that rockstar paparazzi feel.

3 comments

Sandy Kim - December 26, 2009 - 4:18 pm

Your wedding was so beautiful and intimate…I loved the fall colors in your flowers and bridesmaid’s dresses. I have to admit that i got teary looking at the photos…everything was so perfect! Congratulations Minna and Jarrod!

The Studio Noir - November 22, 2009 - 10:32 am

GREAT ringbearer!! Got some great shots – what a beautiful wedding :)

D. Hawkins - November 21, 2009 - 9:55 am

I think my favorite shot is of the bride embracing her mother after the vows and the emotion you were able to capture between the two of them…Another beautifully chronicled day!

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