Kelly+Steven // Wedding at The Sutherland

Our time with Kelly and Steven was way too short and they spent their wedding day talking to WAY too many people that weren’t us (how rude!) so at some point we’re going to have to visit them out in California and force a long-distance friendship upon them because they love zombies and Game of Thrones. I believe that zombies were mentioned several times in speeches and so they are our people. And it’s wonderful that their general nerddom is widely known, accepted, and loved by their family and friends.

We hadn’t met with Kelly or Steven before their wedding, and I believe that booking them went something like this:
1.) Kelly inquires. Carolyn responds.
2.) Another couple inquires for the same date a few hours later. Carolyn responds to both this couple and to Kelly and Steven, letting them know multiple people are looking at the same date.
3.) Kelly frantically calls 0.025 seconds after the e-mail reaches her inbox, leaving a desperate and panicked voicemail for us.
4.) Carolyn calls Kelly back and she swoops up the date.

It’s always really humbling and wonderful when someone really loves your work and wants to book you, but Kelly and Steven were a whole other level and made us feel so welcome!! To evidence my perpetual undervaluing of ourselves, Kelly said, “I’m so glad you’re here!” while she was getting ready, and I believe I looked around the room and said, “Who, me?” after a 10 second pause. It is SO NICE to be appreciated and to work with clients who treat you like family even though you just met! I’m sad that these two live in California, but I’m happy to feel like we now have friends across the country who also like zombies.

Kelly and Steven are two perfect peas in a pod. They’re nerdy, adorable, and have a height difference that Geoff and I can relate to. They love dancing and chose Eric Hodgden to keep their party going, which is always an excellent choice! They also had the BEST TEAM of flower girls and ring bearers. I did not make one single member of this team cry! And for those who follow our work, you’ll know that I’m always making some flower girl or ring bearer visibly miserable. Not these guys. They were hilarious, but also really helpful, and adorable 100% of the time. There was delicious food and sparkly lights in a tree and a BEAUTIFUL bride and handsome groom, and also a really cute stuffed reindeer. We love you, Kelly and Steven! Thank you for being supportive and AMAZING clients!


– Date: September 16, 2017
– Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Sutherland // Wake Forest, NC
– First Dance Song: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – Sleeping at Last
– Kelly’s Occupation: Manager for a power wheelchair company
– Steven’s Occupation: 3D Graphic Artist
– How You Met: Match.com
– Interesting Fact: We love travelling, rescuing dogs, and practicing zombie survival skills.
– Vendor Credits: Pastor – Jeff Babajtis. DJ – Eric Hodgden of All Around DJ Company. Florist – Lyn of Fresh Affairs. Cake – Ashley of Ashley Cakes. Caterer – Vicki with Rocky Top Catering. Hair/Makeup – Makeup For Your Day. Coordinator – Christy Ethridge of The Sutherland.

Raleigh Wedding Photographer in Chapel Hill: Janice+Dan

Remember our UNC fans Janice+Dan? They’re back! This time it’s their wedding photos and we were so excited! Janice and Dan are the perfect couple, exhibited by how much they crack each other up and the fact that their friends started calling them “Danice.” They’re super sweet people and have a wonderful family and friend base to boot. We felt totally welcome and part of the family, despite the fact that we sometimes didn’t speak the language. :) Dan is Filipino-American and Janice is Taiwanese-American, so there were lots of different traditions and cultures thrown into the mix during their wedding day, and it was beautiful! Their wedding was held at the Carolina Inn because they met during their freshman year at UNC almost ten years ago. Today, Dan is in his residency to become a neurologist and Janice is a public health research analyst. Now they’re married, and will live happily ever after! :)

Date: June 18, 2011

Ceremony+Reception Venue: The Carolina Inn // Chapel Hill, NC

Officiant: Ms. Jennifer Duffy

Cake: Sweet Memories

Florist: Tre Bella

Coorindator: Bliss by Sam // Sam Dockery

Makeup: Makeupforyourday // Jennifer Parker-Buenviaje

DJ: DJ Island Sound // Peter

Our bride decided a nap was in order. A good nap sets the tone for the day. ;) Janice had two lovely dresses – one traditional American wedding dress, and one Chinese wedding dress! Gotta love a bride with two dresses and two shoes. :)

Our friends at Makeupforyourday did a wonderful job on the hair and makeup! And Tre Bella, the florist, had gorgeous floral arrangements!

We had the pleasure of working with Sam Dockery and her girls from Bliss by Sam for the coordination. :) They were so awesome to have around!

I’m pretty sure this is when they realized I was standing in the shower to get this shot.

Janice and I were discussing the first look while she was getting her hair done. Geoff and I coordinate the first look setup via cell phone, and we had it all planned out. However, someone in Janice’s camp mentioned something about a squirt gun, and Janice decided that ambushing Dan via water pistol was by far the best idea, and I couldn’t have agreed more. Best. First. Look. Ever.

…Dan quickly regained control of the squirt gun. :( Hahahaha.

This middle shot is entitled The Middle School Dance.

I don’t think I could’ve had a lovelier bride. Janice is simply stunning. And just LOOK at her beautiful bridesmaids! Of course, the gentlemen were awfully dashing as well.

Janice and Dan incorporated a few Filipino traditions into their wedding ceremony such as the coin ceremony and the chord and veil.

So let’s talk a little bit about the weather. The weather looked great all week. Even the day of, it looked great. A bit overcast? Maybe. But great. Sun was shining while all the parents were seated. Then somewhere around the middle of the ceremony our skies quickly darkened and the wind picked up like no other. Janice and Dan lit a unity candle, which was quickly extinguished by the wind. ;) At this point, we were becoming a little concerned. :)

The ceremony was finished quickly and we ran inside, just as it started to pour. :) Thankfully, rain is good luck on your wedding day! And also – we did the family portraits and bridal party beforehand, so it was easier to just do two people inside than it would be to do large groups. And I think they turned out great! Thanks to Bliss by Sam for her quick layout knowledge and to the Carolina Inn for having an awesome building inside and out.

Thanks to Sweet Memories for the beautiful cake and for DJ Island Sound for rocking out the evening. :)

The bride and groom went into a secret choreographed first dance!

Congratulations, Janice and Dan! I hope your honeymoon was splendid. We had an amazing time and hope to see you guys again!