What can you even say about a wedding day like this? It was so full of beauty, emotion, family love, celebration, gorgeous summer light. . . I started out trying to narrow down the photos for a “proper” blog post but then I realized I just didn’t want to! Sometimes I find myself looking to other wedding photographers for cues on how long a blog post should be and what I should write about each couple’s story and that’s just silly! I love the idea of posting however many photos it takes to tell the story of the wedding day so get ready for a long one!
Truth be told, I was nervous about this wedding. Well, actually, I (still) get nervous before every wedding but since my little Sammy was born in October of last year I had maternity leave through one of the busiest wedding seasons (fall) and this was my first wedding of the spring wedding season, I hadn’t shot a wedding as the lead photographer in nine. months. (eek!). So yeah, I was nervous. But you know what? I think the break was good for me! It’s easy to get stuck in a routine and aim for getting the same shots of each wedding but it shouldn’t be like that! I feel like I got to shoot Sanu + Alexander’s wedding with fresh eyes and a new take on things. I felt more confident in the shots I was getting and I didn’t even have a second photographer on this one!
There were so many things that made this wedding day a special one… Sanu + Alexander are the sweetest couple and they and their friends did so many DIY projects to make Sanu’s dream wedding a reality. Their Christ-centered ceremony was so meaningful and even though we experienced an extreme downpour of rain for about five minutes pre-reception, everything was dried off quickly and the rest of the night carried on with tearful and hilarious toasts, a dinner under the stringed lights and stars, and an epic dance party. Also, this gorgeous venue belongs to my parents, y’all (They’re just starting to rent it out so if you want more info, email dunks10@aol.com)! I was married here during a rain shower in September 2009 and it was so fun to see the property I grew up on through different eyes this time. And since I had free range during the ceremony, I got a new angle on what is now my most favorite ‘first kiss’ photo of all time. . .
The details : Venue – in Oak Ridge, North Carolina – email dunks10@aol.com for rental info | Bride’s dress – Custom made, vintage | Bridesmaid’s dresses – Asos, Lulus, and Tobi | Florals – DIY/Farmer’s Market | Catering – Wicker BBQ
Absolutely gorgeous. Your photography is so good and you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting or beautiful subjects. I just sent your info to my friend whose daughter is getting married next year.
alexa, these are AMAZING. you are so unbelievably talented my friend!!!!
Wow, so beautiful. One of my favorite photos was of the bride wiping her tears during her sister’s speech. I also love the photos of the bride with her bridesmaids (fabulous dresses!), that amazing first kiss photo, and the very last photo of the post. I am glad this was a long post or else I would have been left wanting to see more!
Spectacular!