Lauren and Andrew

Lauren and Andrew were married on March 8, 2008 in Jones Chapel at Meredith College. There are a ton of images to share, so I'll jump right in.

I knew I would love working with Lauren from the moment I met her at the engagement session last summer.  She's been so relaxed, fun, enthusiastic, easy to work with and up for anything! Of course, she's a Meredith girl like me. Here are a few of my favorites from her bridal portrait session.

I love the way you can see her engagement ring -- which is gorgeous --  in this one at the piano.

This image makes me think of all the girls who've been married at the Chapel and posed for their portrait on the front steps.

Here's the winning shot, the one that was chosen to be displayed at the reception. I love the bare toes and that smile is pure Lauren!

After our session at the chapel, we walked across the drive to the big field by the lake. I like this shot a lot -- Lauren is such a natural in front of the camera. I tinted this one because the grass was totally brown at this time of year!

Now back to Lauren on her wedding day with a few of her bridesmaids looking on.

Andrew, the handsome groom...

I love the sense of anticipation in this image. Frank did a really great job on this shoot. He was not feeling great that day, but he powered through and got some amazing images. I'm so proud...

Lauren chose pinks and greens for her wedding colors. Julie at  The Blossom Shop provided all the flowers, including Lauren's gorgeous bouquet. 

Check out Andrew's ring on the maid-of-honor's thumb. Those flowers were just amazing and I love the little green berries.

At one point when we were waiting in the bride's room for the wedding to start, I said to Lauren, "I just love your wedding! It's so..." and we both said "emotional!" at the same time. For a while there Lauren and her mom Cindy couldn't look at each other without tears.  As Cindy helped Lauren into her gown, the tears were flowing.

They pulled it together for some very sweet portraits. Out of all of them, this is my favorite.

Lauren's Dad and his wife Gail arrived soon after.  The look on their faces as they see her for the first time in her dress and veil is priceless.

Lauren and her dad.  Moments like this are why I love being a wedding photographer.

Katherine, Lauren's cousin and the maid-of-honor, helps out with the garter. I really enjoyed shooting in this room in the chapel -- I love those windows. What great light!

One of Lauren's favorite getting-ready shots. "Who knew feet could be so pretty?"

I guess I should give Andrew a little more space in this blog entry! Here he is with the getaway car, a very cool red Hummer.

Reading a letter from his soon-to-be wife before the ceremony.

Jones Chapel is such a gorgeous place to get married. The chapel has large arched windows that let in wonderful light. One of the most striking features of the chapel is the pipe organ, which you can see in this image of Andrew's mom being escorted to her seat before the ceremony started.

A few images from the ceremony.

After the wedding it was off to the Raleigh Sheraton for the reception. As the bride and groom were waiting to be announced, I grabbed this shot of the rings.

The couple being introduced.  Lauren's dress was so gorgeous -- I just love photographing a pick-up skirt. The way the folds of fabric catches the light is very satisfying for a photographer!

With friends and family looking on, Lauren and Andrew share their first dance as husband and wife.

There's a moment at every wedding where I get a little lump in my throat. Usually, it's during the father/daughter and mother/son dances.

The dances and a slide show of the couple growing up cranked up the emotion in the room all over again.

My favorite detail to shoot...the cake! It's the best wedding photog perk. Of course, cake every weekend is doing nothing for my figure. Lauren and Andrew's cake was made by Lorie at Simply Cakes in Apex.

Check out the painted-on details. A great wedding cake baker is a true artist. It was really good too!

This post is taking on mammoth proportions, so I'll wrap it up  with a few more of my favorite shots. Patrick Cooke of  PC Productions did a great job with the music at the reception. Kids can always be counted on for some fun dancing shots!

Andrew goes after the garter...

...mission accomplished!

One last dance and they're off to St. John.

Lauren and Andrew, it was an amazing day and so great to be a part of it. We loved working with you and can't wait for the Fearless Bridal shoot later this month! And just FYI, I still want a ride in that red Hummer.

View the wedding slide show here.