Amina+Jeremy // A Durham Maternity Session

Guyyyyysss if you aren’t familiar with the fabulous Amina Ford of Amina Ford Photography then get ready because not only is she an incredible photographer but she’s also the most sparkly pregnant woman you’ve ever seen in your life! Andddd she’s great. Also, so is Jeremy. He’s not wearing sparkles and he’s a radiologist instead of a photographer but he makes incredible dad jokes (well prepared for when she gives birth) and they’re an incredible couple. They live in New York City with their two dogs whom Amina will readily tell you about, and Jeremy will come back and tell you that he’s essentially just a means to an end so Amina can have dogs (we secretly think Amina likes him in addition to the dogs, but we can’t be certain since Amina really freaking love dogs so no promises).

It’s not a super well-kept secret in the community that I’m not a big fan of networking, and I dislike getting coffee with people I don’t know, and I’m not particularly good at being friends with other wedding vendors. I promise I’m not a grinch in real life, I just don’t like to talk about work, nor do I want to talk about other people in the business, and would rather just avoid everyone but my clients. But I do have a handful of vendor friends who have somehow sneakily snuck their way into my cold, unloving heart, and Amina happens to be one of them. We’ve been internet friends for some time, and she’s always supportive and loving and I love her back. We were honored to do these maternity photos for her and her husband Jeremy on their trip into Durham to visit with her family. Best of luck with the pregnancy and delivery, and I hope you’re back someday to visit wearing an equally sparkly dress.

Angel // A Senior Cat Session

I am so very lucky to have had the opportunity to photograph sweet Angel on December 2nd for some dear friends of ours. Angel belonged to our friend Annie’s grandmother (who you’ll see pictured in a old photograph here with Angel), and when she passed away, Angel went to live with Lois (Anne’s mom) and was frequently visited and cared for by Annie, her husband Michael, and their whole family. Angel was very much adored and lived a wonderful life. She was recently diagnosed with cancer in her jaw, and her family and veterinarian team took the best possible care of her. We thought she might have months, but it turned out to be just a few short weeks, and Angel unfortunately passed away shortly after we took these pictures. We’re so glad we got to photograph her for this family, who’s very close to our hearts, and so glad we got to pet and love on the amazing Angel. She was beautiful and spicy and enjoyed knocking things off bathroom sinks, playing with string, her New York Mets snowman, sitting in boxes and laundry baskets, watching birds, and picking on her dog brother Petey. She will be remembered fondly and dearly missed.

Amber+Kevin // A Winston-Salem Wedding

Amber and Kevin have been client gems for many months now and we’ve been so lucky to have them! Not only do they like cats (check) and Star Wars (check) and The Walking Dead (check) and Game of Thrones (check) but they are also going to Costa Rica for their honeymoon which is where we went (check) AND are rad enough people to not let a decent amount of really cold rain and weather get them down for their wedding. We were planning on doing their portraits around Old Salem (which is so cute from what I saw on the trolley) but due to pretty significant rainfall and super cold conditions we headed straight for the WONDERFULLY ADORABLE covered bridge instead and took over. Not a bad rain plan for pictures at all. Amber and Kevin remained positive and adorable themselves and had a great time, so rain didn’t spoil this parade. And I am loving all these winter stoles! Not only do they look cute but I do get them to wear them occasionally for half the time shooting so they also keep me warm as well (that’s the only reason why I have brides sometimes remove them).

Prior to the pictures, Amber and Kevin were married at the Trinity Moravian Church in a ceremony that included some sweet traditions. A unity candle was lit first, then Amber and Kevin passed that light to their own candles, then to the wedding party members, and out into every wedding guest present. Amber was also wearing a pink ribbon prior to the ceremony, which was changed into a blue ribbon by her mother to signify a married woman in accordance with Moravian traditions. Then we froze outside for a while on a bridge. Then we went to Footnote to celebrate with dancing and cake and some Pearl Jam (yessss). It was a beautiful day for these two stellar people, and we wish them the best of luck in their lives in Oklahoma! So glad we were your photographers!

Date: December 1, 2018
Ceremony Venue: Trinity Moravian Church // Winston-Salem, NC
Reception Venue: Footnote // Winston-Salem, NC
First Dance Song: “Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
Kevin’s Occupation: Senior Assistant Manager for Discount Tire
Amber’s Occupation: Aduiologist
How You Met: We lived in the same apartment building and Kevin finally got the nerve to actually ask Amber out… as we were both on the way to the grocery store. One grocery trip and another actual date for sushi, cocktails, and a late night drive was the start of the best forever!
Interesting Fact: Kevin has taught Amber more about Star Wars than she ever wanted to know, and is very envious of Geoff’s Boba Fett tattoo. Amber taught Kevin he actually likes vegetables (here’s looking at you, kale and brussels sprouts!). We enjoy watching The Walking Dead, GoT, and The Big Bang Theory together. We have a two cats; Louie the OG kitty and Bruce the new kitten. Louie and Kevin will not admit that they are best best friends.
Honeymoon: Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica in May 2019
Officiant: Reverend Joe Moore
DJ: Dow Oak Events
Florist: Beverly’s Flowers
Cake: Savannah Brodar (Amber’s cousin)
Caterer: Footnote
Hair/Makeup: Elyse Jerome
Coordinator: Perfect Pair Events
Church Coordinator: Sara Gentle
Transportation: Triad Trolleys