This wedding reception was at the Woman’s Club in Raleigh, NC and could be best described as “elegant fun.” I can honestly say that everyone at the event looked amazing! I’m usually not up on the latest fashion… ok… I have very little fashion sense… but I had to stop to compliment many people throughout the night on how nice they looked. All of the gentlemen looked quite handsome (many were wearing colorful bowties) and the ladies looked smashing from head to toe.
Sometimes I photograph a wedding and when I get to the editing process it’s nearly impossible to choose my favorites. Such was the case with Mary Mac and Penn’s wedding. Their ceremony took place at a beautiful church in downtown Raleigh called the Episcopal Christ Church. The church was established in 1854 and the architecture is amazing. I was asked not to photograph during the ceremony (which is probably a blessing in disguise) because I would probably have A LOT more photos to post. :)
The decor of the Woman’s Club added to the elegant ambiance of the evening, but that didn’t stop anyone from tearing up the dancefloor! And this is where the fun part of the evening kicked in. They had hired a live wedding band called “Class Act” from Eastcoast Entertainment who truly rocked the house. They knew a lot of contemporary songs as well as the classics and added their perfect soundtrack throughout the evening. At one point they even invited the bride and groom on stage to play their keyboards along with one of their songs. Even though neither of them are trained musicians I think they really got into it! I would suggest this band for anyone looking for a great mix of motown, funk or soul.
With 10 bridesmaids, 13 groomseman, and over 300 friends, family and guests this wedding had lots of great moments to photograph. I’ve tagged a few of my favorites below but there were a lot more. Thanks to everyone for having me out!
NOTE: If you’re looking for Mary Mac’s bridal session it can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Mary Mac and Penn were married on 08-08-09. I noticed these little ivory plaques on the end of each church pugh. I knew that I was going to be creating a wedding album for the couple, and I thought that I would take some photographs of the “8″ and “9″ to use to represent the date they were married. I hope they like the idea.
These yellow bridesmaids dresses were the perfect chosen color. I jokingly asked them if they had pulled the pantone color from the wall of the parlor in the church because it matched so well and looked planned out… Maybe it secretly was. :)
See how stunning everyone looked! I told you so!
The anticipation in Mary Mac’s face is palpable!
She and her father share and emotional moment before he walks her down the aisle. To be honest, I sometimes wish that I could make myself (and my camera) invisible during these moments because I sometimes feel guilty for being there… but on the other hand they will have this photograph to treasure for the rest of their lives.
Just about to be married…
Yeah! we’re married! I LOVE the fist pump Penn!
The couple has a private moment while admiring their rings.
Welcome to the family.
Now THAT is one good looking bridal party!
We were very tight on time but I requested that the couple take a small detour on the way to their trolley. I’m glad we did because this turned out to be one of my favorite photos of the day.
It’s the Raleigh Trolley! I love when couples use this to get them from there ceremony site to their reception venue. It’s so fun and colorful to photograph.
I love the expression on this little girls face.
Mother and son sharing their first dance.
Really enjoying herself…
Grandpa smiles as this junior bridesmaid shares a funny story with him.
I love Penn’s expression in this one.
This is my favorite detail shot of the day. I found a chair in the back room at The Woman’s Club with this amazing fabric.
The bride and groom were instant rockstars and really got the crowd dancing.
This shot was an obvious keeper but if you look closely in the background you’ll see another moment (that I didn’t notice at first) that might make you laugh too.
We don’t need a limbo stick to show you our moves!
See what I mean? Beautiful people at every turn…
During the bridal toss Mary Mac tricked everyone. Instead of throwing it blidnly over her shoulder…
She turn and threw it directly to one of her good friends who promptly grabbed it… I don’t think the recipient was in on it though!
As I was taking a photograph of the wedding dress at the beginning of the day mom had mentioned to me to be very careful with it. Once the ceremony is over all bets are off though.
I really liked these streamers for the wedding send off. I had actually not photographed them before and they made the perfect alternative for anyone that didn’t want bubbles, sparklers or seeds.
The final moments before the coupls left in the limo. Have a great honeymoon guys!
5 comments
i like the dress and every thing
mutluluklar dilerim…..
Wonderful emotional moments, beautiful solid photography, I love your works.
Thi
These pictures are outstanding. You were able to capture the love and the beautiful event that was just the perfect wedding for a couple that clearly had a great time celebrating the beginning of their wonderful life together. The selection of photos here on the blog and the commentary that you added was so perfect. I’m sure that all of your clients appreciate your personal touch as well as your fabulous photography.
WONDERFUL CRAIG!!!! Can’t wait to see the rest. You were just perfect for us!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!