Chris and Claire | Wedding Day Part 1

The moment I walked up to Chris and Claire at their consultation at the Coffee Shack in Winterville, I knew they were going to be a fun couple. Their wedding day was full of continuous entertainment! Many of their lovely friends are very involved in the Theatre program at East Carolina University and they pulled out all the stops (well, they may beg to differ – but it was a lot). I had to stop shooting several times because I was laughing so hard. And believe me, I needed to be laughing.

They are all super creative, which I absolutely loved! You’ll see some of their handmade décor in the next post. AND!!! Claire’s gown was handmade by her bridesmaids, along with their bridesmaids’ dresses. Amazing talent, people! (See Claire’s Bridal Portraits here)

I am getting a little emotional writing this post. I do not in any way want to take away from Chris and Claire’s excitement while seeing their wedding photography for the first time, but I want to express sincere appreciation to them, their family and friends. I am going to explain below the photos, if you would like to know what I am talking about, but for now, just enjoy the getting ready shots!

 

I feel the need to share what the day was like for me (which is not at all the norm for my wedding posts) because it just shows the kind of people Chris and Claire are.

As I was about to leave for Chris and Claire’s wedding I received some tragic news from a friend. (I will be sharing more about this in the coming days.) I spent the better part of the 45 minute car ride weeping. When I pulled up to my assistant’s house on the way, I took a minute and just said a prayer that God would help me focus on the task he had for me – capturing Chris and Claire’s most special day and bless them with the creative wedding photography they dreamed of.

I shared what was going on with my amazing assistant, Mackenzie Kern, and second shooter, Rachel Ricks. And I am so thankful they were there to support me that day – because they really did. I know I was not myself and my mind was a little fuzzy at first, and they both just took charge and helped me see clearly.

I am so thankful to God that Chris, Claire and their family and friends are the people they are. I did not share what was going on with them. And yet, they were the perfect people to be working with on that day in my life. Chris and Claire were just so laid back. They just wanted to enjoy their day. They were so flexible. There was just a sense of togetherness among all their family and friends. There was nothing awkward about any relationship – they would not let anything be awkward – awkwardness was made light with lots of jokes – lots.  Like I said, it was like a comedy show. Some of my favorite photographs are the ones Rachel got of Claire eating bacon (which I will not post on my blog, so no worries, Claire) and the zombie attack (def posting those!).

So thank you, Chris, Claire, friends and family, for being so awesome that day. I pray that you will have a blessed life together and a happily ever after. More photos to come!