RYAN & BROOKE / NC BOTANICAL GARDEN / MOTHER AND SONS / DURHAM, NC

I don’t think anything speaks to my heart more than an intimate wedding with a woodsy background, along with a bride who wears a navy dress and is a florist, and groom who isn’t afraid to shed a tear when he sees his woman for the first time that day. Not that this day was made with me in mind at all, but when clients like Ryan and Brooke find you, and hire you to capture their day because you just mesh, life is very good.

The thing I love the most about small weddings is just getting to spend more time with my brides and grooms. For example, seeing Brooke get ready with her two best friends and her sister was such a joy. It wasn’t a production, it was just witnessing the good times with her favorite people. The ceremony was so special and small, as everyone gathered on tree stumps to watch Brooke & Ryan say I do. The best part, with your friends and family being so close — having someone hand you a tissue isn’t strange, or hugging people in the crowd after your first kiss as husband and wife is just natural. No big exit is needed, you can take pictures with all your guests, and gather around a table small enough so you could talk to everyone and share all the great food.

Brooke and Ryan had been together for many years and for them to finally start on this adventure was one for the books. I am thankful they let me part of their day, and I know this will be one of my favorites for years to come.

WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Chelsea Morgan Photography
Getting Ready Location - Durham Hotel
Ceremony Venue - NC Botanical Garden
Dinner Reception - Mother and Sons
Flowers - Old North Farm