Jessie & TJ: Married!

Jessie and TJ were married on October 3 in Kinston, NC at Queen Street United Methodist Church, a beautiful historic church built in 1911. The day was tailor-made for a wedding: sunshine, blue skies and puffy white clouds. If there had been blue birds fluttering around and bunnies hopping through the grass, it couldn't have been more perfect.

 

 

 

The stained glass windows in the church were beautiful. I focused on a tiny part of one for a close-up of the rings.

 

 

 

The church has a lovely bridal parlor, complete with antique furniture, a chrystal chandelier and an oriental rug, thoughtfully provided by the church's wedding director, to tone down the bright blue carpet. It was a great space for Jessie to get ready in. I loved the antique mirror, placed at just the right angle to capture the make-up artist as she worked her magic.

 

 

 

 

 

This is always one of my favorite getting-ready shots: the placement of the veil. It's a delicate procedure. I love how Jessie's mom Debbie is holding onto her. I think she was actually keep Jessie upright so that the hairdresser wouldn't pull her over when she put the veil on -- she was making sure that veil wasn't going anywhere!

 

 

 

Lately, I've found myself a tad obsessed with through-the-door shots. I especially like this one.

 

 

 

And this one...

 

 

 

While all the beautifying was going on, Frank was outside with TJ and his many groomsmen, all of whom were a riot. Frank said he spent much of his time with them laughing.

 

 

 

The man of the hour with his Dad. I really like this shot. Those windows were amazing!

 

 

 

I LOVE this moment as TJ's mom Gwen spruces up his hair. Isn't that just like a mom? I can almost hear TJ saying, "Mom, stop! You're embarassing me!"

 

 

 

After photographing Jessie upstairs in the balcony, I noticed as she started down the stairway that the light from the narthex was throwing a lovely shadow on the wall and quickly fired off a shot. This is the result. I love it!

 

 

 

Jessie, you made such a beautiful bride!

 

 

 

Not surprisingly, the church had very strict rules about where we could be to photograph the actual ceremony. Frank and I spent the majority of the ceremony on opposite sides of the balcony. But I was able to be on the floor during the processional.  As Jessie made her entrance, I was tucked away in a corner as instructed, but kept my eye on her mom and grandmothers. I love their expressions.

 

 

 

After scooting back up the aisle as Jessie and her dad passed, I flew up to the balcony to take my spot. We were instructed to position ourselves so that we would not be seen by any guests, which meant we spent most of the ceremony across from each other in the balcony, which curved around and directly above the sanctuary. The sharp angle down to the sanctuary floor provided some wonderful angles. I love this shot of Frank's as Jessie and her dad walked up the aisle.

 

 

 

Eight bridesmaids watch as Jessie walks down the aisle.

 

 

 

Love the angles -- and TJ's expression!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Married!

 

 

 

My favorite. Thanks, honey, for always being ready.

 

 

 

Reception bound!

 

 

 

The reception was held at The Bentley, a beautiful bed-and-breakfast inn in the heart of downtown Kinston. The beautiful day turned into the loveliest of evenings, perfect for the guests who sat out under the stars and in the moon-light!

 

 

 

Jessie and TJ's grand entrance down the center stair-case. Classic!

 

 

 

 

 

These two were so adorable!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love to capture guests interacting. Jessie's sister-in-law Audrey is expecting soon -- I bet she had so many hands on her baby bump that evening!

 

 

 

The band was amazing. Just three guys strong, they had everyone on their feet and having the best time! This was taken from outside on the porch looking in through the window. First doors, now windows...I sense a phase coming on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What better way to end a perfect day than with a sparkler send-off?

 

 

 

 

 

Jessie and TJ, thank you for the privilege of photographing your wedding. We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

Nov 26, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 3 Comments »

Jessie & TJ: Sneak Peek

Congratulations to Jessie and T.J. who were married yesterday at Queen Street United Methodist Church in Kinston, NC. A lovely, Old South-style reception followed at the Bentley, a romantic inn in the heart of downtown Kinston. Here's one of my favorite shots of the newlyweds. As I was busy photographing the rest of the 17-member wedding party recessing out, Frank ran from his perch in the balcony to grab candids of the couple and their families immediately after the ceremony. I'm so glad he was there to capture their happiness! Jessie is the 12th bride in the family to wear that gorgeous lace veil, originally brought from Spain. She was an absolutely radiant bride!

Thanks to Jessie and T.J. and their friends and family for making us feel so welcome. Hope Hawaii is everything you deserve it to be!

 

 

 

 

Oct 04, 2009 | Wedding Photography | 1 Comment »