Josh and Eva celebrated their wedding with family and friends at Delightful Inspirations in Raleigh. The day started out with the threat of rain, but the sun poked through the clouds just as the couple said their “I do’s”.

Eva grew up in a close knit family who celebrated the Christmas holidays each year by turning their home into a life-sized gingerbread house. Josh was presented with a quaint set of gingerbread cufflinks, to welcome him into the family. And to honor Eva’s grandmother, a lady who loved butterflies, the girls pinned little butterfly clips onto their flowers.

The gingerbread theme continued into the reception where a pair of bride and groom gingerbread men stood watch over the celebrations atop the cake.

But the highlight of the reception was a surprise musical presentation by Eva’s mother, father and family friends. The couple was serenaded with a song that Eva’s mother wrote entitled “Many Homes”.

“When we’re born, we cannot know of our many homes,
Homes that make us want to sing and write about in poems.
We know we want a home that’s filled with family and friends,
A home where we hope that the love never ends.”

I was honored to have been present and entrusted with capturing the moments that Josh and Eva will always cherish.

Leanna and Matt exchanged their vows on a cold but sunny day at The Oaks at Salem in Apex. And though there was a chill in the air, there was nothing but warmth and happiness among this wonderful group.

Several things were fun and unique about this wedding. The beautiful bouquet of butterflies was designed and created by Leanna herself to honor loved ones. There was a magnificent chocolate fountain, provided by The Chocolate Boutique in Raleigh, which featured both dark and milk chocolate cascading down multiple tiers. And finally, if you know Leanna or Matt, be sure to ask them about the “ambush” that happened a couple miles down the road as they left the wedding.

In addition to their wedding being the first one of the 2013 season for me, it was a real honor to shoot it because Leanna’s father and I are old friends and former co-workers.

I hope you enjoy just a few of the many images captured this day.

Wow!

What a year 2012 was for me! I had the honor and privilege of meeting and photographing a number of wonderful couples. Their weddings took me to Miami, Savannah, Lumberton and of course, Raleigh. I also photographed weddings in the mountains of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

There were sunny days, rainy days and everything in between. Some of my favorite images were shot under some very trying conditions. But in every single photo, there is a deep meaning to me and/or the couple.

As I went through all of the weddings I shot in 2012, I realized that it would be nearly impossible for me to select just a few favorite photos, as there were simply so many to choose from, however I did manage to make a final selection.

I hope you enjoy the following photos. They represent just a few of the wonderful, joyful moments I shared with some remarkable couples.