Amber and Nathan

I have had the great good fortune of assisting several awesome North Carolina photographers at weddings recently. We call it "second shooting" in the wedding photography business. I just call it "fun" because that's what it is...no stress, just photographing what I want to and generally having a ball with the couples getting married and their families. Just last week I helped out my good friend Rick Ward (www.rickwardphotography.com ) at Amber and Nathan's wedding. I enjoy working with Rick because he basically gives me "just the facts" then turns me loose to shoot whatever I want to. I love being with the bride and her bridesmaids as they're dressing for the wedding. It's like girlhood on steroids in those dressing rooms -- hair's fixed, make-up applied, shoes exclaimed over, jewelry admired, flowers everywhere -- and always that great moment when the bride puts on her gown. Amber looked absolutely breath-taking in her wedding gown. Brides look so much more elegant these days -- no huge pouffy sleeves or enormous, butt-spanning bows (like I wore). I love the beauty and drama of the gown and the entire day and feel so privileged to be a part of it all. I should mention that these beautiful stained-glass windows can be found throughout their wedding site, the Long View Center in downtown Raleigh, NC (www.longviewcenter.com). If you're looking for a wedding venue in Raleigh, this is a great place to check out.