Laura and Tina's Wedding at The Laurelbrook

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper”

— William Butler Yeats

What an incredible wedding weekend! Between the perfect spring weather, and awesome vendor team and the most genuine couple imaginable, it was certainly one for the books! Laura is one of the brightest little rays of sunlight you could meet. She disarms you instantly with pure kindness and grace. She had such a beautiful vision for the day down to every tiny fairy world given to every guest. (which she handmade herself!!!) She flowed so easily between each guest and what I found even more beautiful was the way Tina, who was admittedly less excited about the big crowd, kept an eye on her always, like a protector. She was so happy to see Laura so happy which made the crowd part easy. They were never more than a couple feet from each other all day. Getting ready in the same room and walking hand in hand between tables, always stealing glances at each other and it was just so very beautiful.

One of my favorite parts of the day was all the COLOR! Bloomworks used the entire rainbow in all the florals, the brides’ pink and blue dresses, the little fairy worlds, and of course all the desserts! It was so fun to photograph! And Janna’s team were rockstars of course. Every detail exactly as they wanted, every piece of the timeline right on time. So incredible to work with from the very first timeline email.

Thanks ladies for inviting me to be a part of your day!!

The Vendors who made the day Possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola Photography

Coordinator: Janna Simone Weddings and Events

Venue: The Laurelbrook

Laura’s Dress: Vow’d + Flower crown by BloomWorks

Tina’s Dress: Formalwear Outlet + Headband from NC Museum of History

Rings: Sparrowood Jeweler

Hair: Prickly Pear Salon

Florist: Bloomworks

Officiant: Pastor Tim Brown

DJ: DJ Wes

Harpist: Sarah Cavaiani with Hummingbird Harmonies

Catering: Cateringworks

Cake: Pasteryworks

Rentals: CE Rental

Get Away Car: Triangle Corporate Coach

JC Raulston Arboretum Engagement | Molly and Nick

“Her heart was wild but I didn’t want to catch it, I wanted to run with it to set mine free”

— Atticus

There are not enough words to describe how much I adore these two. I’ve been following along with their adventures before they even knew they were in love and so many of us cheered them on as they found each other and found themselves in each other.

I feel like Molly is my little sister in many ways, we’ve been hanging out since she was in middle school, same with Nick really. And then both of their parents have been mentors to me in various capacities for years, they’re truly a match made in heaven. I was overjoyed at the thought of capturing this epic moment for them. It seriously feels like yesterday I was capturing both of their senior portraits.

We got mobbed by mosquitos as we walked through the JC Raulston Arboretum for their Engagement Portraits and I even stepped in an ant hill half way through the shoot but didn’t even care, these two are so easy to work with, we just laughed it off. I absolutely loved asking them questions about their future, because they’re dreamers like me and on that topic they could talk for hours. Hearing them plan out their future grandparent names and how cool they’d be made me giggle, but also made my heart explode. I can see that exact future for them as clear as day.

You guys I could not be happier for you. This is just the beginning of your best adventure yet!

If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy this Arboretum Session with Addy Miller or this rainy engagement in Alpine Groves

Addy Miller Senior Portraits at JC Raulston Arboretum

“Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable ”

— Mary Oliver

Oh my goodness, I tried not to be toooo excited as I gave Addy a hug and asked her what her vision was for her session. I've technically known her family for a few years now but never had the opportunity to take her portrait. She's worked with so many different photographers in her incredible acting career I was a little intimidated. It's much easier to work with someone who's never been in front of a camera because they don't know what to expect. She has so many amazing portraits by phenomenal photographers on IMDB I was honestly shocked she asked me to do her seniors.

That said, she was incredible to work with, super professional, relaxed and didn't take herself too seriously. We talked about the same things I talk about with any senior: prom, future plans, her boyfriend Drew (who accompanied her on the shoot), and perhaps a little about her upcoming films. ;)

Addy I'm so excited for you! Both for graduation and your future, you're quite the gem, can't wait to see where the road takes you. Have SO much fun!

8 Tips on What to Wear for a Portrait Session

What do you wear when you want your engagement or family session to represent your personalities but also be beautiful but also comfortable but also.... 

It can be a little daunting trying to choose the outfits that will represent you in your home, on Facebook, in your grandma's living room for feasibly the rest of your life. Seriously my mom keeps these ridiculous 14x16inch glamor shots of me at EIGHT years old, front and center in the living room. Think 90s poof hair with 90s poof shoulder pads and MAGENTA. Omg. 

Nobody wants to end up on the cover of Awkward Family Photos. I am no fashionista, but I'm here to help. I have shot hundreds of family and engagement sessions and I've seen all the things.

1. First and foremost. Don't feel like you have to do any of these things or anything you've seen on Pinterest. I would rather you be YOU 100% of the time because you'll be more comfortable, and that will produce genuine smiles. 

2. Your colors don't have to match (everyone wearing the same thing) in order to look nice together. Variety actually brings out individual personalities and helps everyone feel more comfortable "in their own skin." 

3. I am personally a huge fan of solids because it distracts less from your pretty faces, that said, throwing in a pattern or two is nice to break it up. 

4. If you're going to wear two outfits, one dressy and one casual for example, it's nice to have both sets of outfits coordinate (as if all the outfits were in the same photo at the same time) so that when you make prints and hang them on your wall later they will match. 

5. I wouldn't argue too long with your child if they really want to wear something different or hold their favorite toy in every photo, happy smiles win out over matching outfits every time. 

6. Nothing looks better in a photograph than bold color. While you may want to use mostly neutrals like grey/tan/brown/white, throwing in a colorful accessory or shoes will add life to the image. 

7. Don't over think it! If you want to buy a new outfit for the occasion you are certainly more than welcome to, that can make the session fun. However, I've found simplicity to quite beautiful, relaxed and natural.

8. If you're willing, I may guide you into a seated or laying position on the ground. Depending on how the session is going and if your attire allows for it, so keep this in mind when choosing your outfits if this is a direction you would like for your session.  

Above all else, just plan to have fun. We will play around with different ideas and explore different areas. 98.5% of the people I work with are not professionally trained models with fashion stylists living in their closets, they're just everyday people with a wide range of personalities and stories to tell. Just bring yourself, prepared to live in the moment and I'll worry about the rest.