Bryan and Justin's Wedding at Rickhouse Durham

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”

— Lao Tzu

You guys, I cannot even begin to describe how much I adore these two. From the very beginning I feel like we have been besties and I’m not sure there is anyone more supportive of my work. Every single time I post I’m going to be in there area they tell all their friends and it just means the world to me.

Last year they trusted me with an extra extra special engagement shoot at Linville Falls Winery which you should totally read about here first if you like. And they have been so very fun to work with on all things planning.

For their preparation time on the morning of the wedding, they decided they wanted to just be chill and get ready together along side all their mutual friends and not make a big fuss about waiting until the ceremony to see each other. I must say this made the day so enjoyable for everyone with tons of laughter, cheers and stories.

An equal star of the day was most certainly their best boy Ketsu who did everything exactly as they asked, and even waited until the perfect moment to bring the rings down the aisle. As the anticipation for the ceremony built I hid them in the back room with just Ketsu so they could have a moment, and I swear, as soon as he saw them he jumped for joy and pulled out all the excited wiggles, instantly bringing down any bits of stress that had built up. He really is the very best good boy. :)

The ceremony itself was one of those where we basically had to mop the floor after due to allllll the tears the entire room collectively shed, myself included. For two beautiful humans who felt the need to keep their relationship a secret up until their actual engagement out of uncertainty for how everyone would respond, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Both that first day and this day were a huge testament to how far we have come as a society, and more importantly, how many truly genuine friends they have who adore them for exactly who they are.

May there be no doubt ever again. Justin and Bryan, you are loved, supported, celebrated. Thank you for trusting your community, for being vulnerable and allowing us to come along side you. We are all cheering you and Ketsu on, now and forever.

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue: The Rickhouse, Durham, NC

Wedding Coordinator: Rose at Bright Rose Events

Wedding Attire: Bernard's Formalware and David’s Bridal

The Rings: Lashbrook

Barber: Mike Chops RDU

Florist: Ninth Street Flowers

Officiant: El Fisseha

DJ: DJ Scotty B

Event Lighting: Get Lit

Photobooth: Cynthia Viola Photography

Catering: Donovan's Dish

Cake Baker: Fat Rabbit

Accommodations: Unscripted Durham

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: American Party Rentals

Invitations: Christina Berkowitz

Favors: Cookies by Debbie (Justin's mom); Recipe card and Workout card by Justin & Bryan

Anna and Jim's Engagement at the American Tobacco Campus

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

These two cuties drove down from Kentucky for their engagement shoot this weekend and will again for the big day in May. We were so excited to find the weather would be perfect, because when you travel that far, you’re not as able to do a rain back up.

They have the sweetest Golden pup, Kit, who just had to be a part of the shoot as well. He’s basically the star of the show, but they prefer it that way, and Kit certainly doesn’t mind.

While we were waiting for Anna’s dad to drop off kit for his debut, we took a pause to celebrate the day at a local pub, I highly recommend this (or bringing a bottle of wine if we’re in a park to share) for your shoot. It’s such a fun way to celebrate and also get rid of any nerves. ;)

When I asked what they would be doing in 30 years she said he will have invented something by then and they would be living off that plus Kit would still be alive for sure since he’s a super golden and their cat too of course…. Perhaps that’s what he invents…everlasting life for the fur babies!

I had so much fun getting you know you guys this weekend! Looking forward to spring!

McKenzie and Ian's Engagement at American Tobacco Campus

“Keep your face always toward the sun and shadows will fall behind you ”

— Walt Whitman

These two have been such troopers as they’ve navigated what it means to reschedule a wedding due to Covid. We were supposed to have these engagement photos back in the spring with the wedding this fall, but of course all has been pushed back a little. It was far from spring in the 95 degree Durham Summer heat but they pulled it off like professionals.

They both kept apologizing for being awkward and unphotogenic, and well…as you can see… I kept telling them they’d lost their minds because not only are they beautiful but so very natural together.

The humidity finally got the best of all of us so we decided a quick pit stop for a couple drinks would cool us off and it worked like a charm. (not to mention gave us extra photos in a fun location!)

Refreshed and ready, they changed into their favorite team jerseys and showed off all their personality. They are die hard fans and were so excited to show off their colors. :)

Thank you so much for enduring the heat with me you guys! All the reschedules will be worth it in the end! Can’t wait til next fall!

Western Carolina Senior - Emily

“When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen… There will be something solid for us to stand on or we will be taught to fly”

— Patrick Overton

This girl. 

When I first met Emily she was a bouncing light keeping her sister Caity, mom, and all the other bridesmaids calm yet super excited for Caity's wedding. She was super encouraging, full of joy and helped make the day truly memorable. We were friends before we knew it and already discussing her upcoming graduation portraits before the end of the night. 

Well that day has arrived and she'll be graduating SO soon from Western Carolina with an Education degree and while she wants to teach, she's definitely leaning more toward what the Boys and Girls Clubs are doing in the world and she'd love to continue making a difference there. She's so amazing. If you get the opportunity to meet her, you must. 

Emily I'm so excited for you and all that's in your future, I hope you love these favorites from our adventure around Durham's American Tobacco Campus!