INTERNATIONAL AWARDS WON

I am always interested in seeing the results of the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers (ISPWP) quarterly contests. This group represents some of the best wedding photographers in the world. The association announced it's Spring winners and there I was. I placed 17th overall in this associations talented international field with a first in "Framing the Subject," and placing fifth in the "First Dance" category.

Below are the photos which placed for the quarter.



This image was from Tara & Tom's wedding. I spotted this immediately and had to take advantage of the proximity of the cake, couple and dinosaur. How often do you get to incorporate a dinosaur at a wedding....really.



I really love this photo and the energy it shows. This was Megan & Paul's first dance and everything fell into place this day for myself and the cool couple.

Thank you for taking the time to look at some photos.

CHAT WITH AZUL AND FRIENDS

Come join the fun with Azul and friends. We will be at The Grand Marquise Ballroom along with coordinator Shawn with Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events getting to see this amazing venue up close. Who is invited? All engaged couples are welcome to spend the evening with us Thursday, June 10, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The evening will feature a tour of the facility, hors d'oeuvres and dessert, and the opportunity to talk with some of the area's leading vendors.



Featured Vendors Include:
The Grand Marquis Ballroom
Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events
We Cook for You
Premiere Catering
Azul Photography ( you know me :)
Swank Photo Studio
Beth Jarvah Photography
Fresh Affairs
The Green Kangaroo
Sweet Memories Bakery
Seasound Studio and Entertainment
Classic Party Rentals
Blue Diamond Limo
Enchanting Moments
Heart and Style Collections by Joanie Edge

We look forward to seeing you there!

KATIE & VANCE GET MARRIED

Katie and Vance's wedding was a day we have been looking forward to since the first time we met. They are a couple who thoroughly enjoy photography and had a high priority on selecting a photographer to document their wedding. Lucky for us, Tracy Adams with Tracy Adams and Events sent them our way.

The day started off smoothly with a cool breeze and a timely arrival of the bridal party at the church. Flower balls from Fleurtations Weddings & Events lined the aisle along with pink bows attached to the pews.

As guests were filtering into the church, Kathleen was busy documenting Katie and the bridesmaids getting ready, while I was with Vance and groomsmen.

As Arioso Strings played, Katie stood next to her father wiping tears away moments before she walked down the aisle. The congregation stood and snapped pictures as she made her entrance. The ceremony was beautiful and 40 minutes later Vance kissed his bride.

After the ceremony, we headed to a nearby park to create portraits of the bridal party and the amazing couple. Meanwhile, Tracy Adams and Jeff Simpson with Simpsound were transforming the church's basketball gym into a beautiful ballroom. Cinda was there as well (Cinda's Creative Cakes), preparing her amazing looking cake and candy bar.

Upon entering the pink lit foyer, guests found their places on a seating scroll created by Maria Scheel. Beautiful table cards and menus were also created by Maria.

From the first dance to the playing of "Freebird," Lenny Fritz kept the party rocking! Bubbles filled the route to the car as Katie and Vance made their escape.

Congrats Katie & Vance and thank you for allowing us to document your wedding!

MEGAN & PAUL IN B&W

I first met Megan at a bridal show and she was thrilled with our work. She completely understood our style and knew what she wanted...something different and fresh. This is why I wanted to show her wedding in all B&W on or blog.

Megan has a smile like no other. She was smiling the whole day from when I started documenting the wedding until the end of the night. I noticed the smile when I arrived at her parents home. Megan was receiving the finishing touches on her hair and make-up by Margo with Belloviso, Inc. All of her bridesmaids were there and they were in great spirits.

We had a perfect sunny day for the wedding at Sacred Heart. Hydrangeas lined the pews while bridesmaids held onto their beautiful lily filled bouquets created by Lyn, with Fresh Affairs. The ceremony was filled with laughter due to the wonderful homily by Father Sal .


After the ceremony we headed to Pullen Park for some quick portraits of the bridal party and then headed over to the reception at the Renaissance Raleigh North Hills.

Below is what Megan & Paul had to say about their favorite photo from the day.

We love the image of the wedding party under the trees in Pullen Park. It reminds us of Raleigh and having a blast with our cousins over the wedding weekend. The lighting, shadows, and depth-of-field makes it look so unique and perfectly captured the fun we had taking the portraits with you.

- Megan & Paul

The ballroom was filled with amazing table arrangements by Fresh Affairs. Candlelight illuminated the tables and lite a pathway to the dance floor for Megan & Paul's first.

The band kept the night alive and the dance floor packed all night. The surf & turf main entree looked amazing and the hand decorated cake was delicious.

There were so many great memories which I will carry away from the wedding. Like, Megan's father crying during their dance, Paul's jam session for the crowd, the handmade glass cake topper, a tumbling groomsmen and I will never forget the bride who could not stop smiling on her wedding day.

Congratulations Megan and Paul!































































If you would like to see more images from Megan & Paul's wedding please visit our online gallery.