Photographer of the Quarter!

I've really enjoyed watching the International Society of Professional Wedding Photographers grow over the past year or so. The organization is run by Joe Milton, an incredible wedding photographer who knows his stuff. Boasting some of the best photographers in the world, the quarterly contest produces some seriously stunning images from all around the globe.

This quarter, I had seven images place and earned the Photographer of the Quarter title with the most contest points. I'm humbled by the honor and proud that my name is even up there with some of my photographic heroes.

Here are the winners:

Umstead shoot

I don't really consider myself a fashion photographer, but man did we have a blast during this model shoot at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary. Tre Bella Bridal of Durham provided the dresses, VIP Formalwear of Raleigh provided tuxes, and Ginger Mullins did an awesome job with hair and makeup.

Our models Ken and Gretta did a great job... Enjoy:

The Ivy League

When Kerry contacted me last year about shooting her wedding, she was full of ideas. She's a graphic artist with particular tastes and really wanted a unique event. By the third time she called, I could sense a little stress. Well, a lot of stress. Trying to plan a North Carolina wedding while you're working full time in New York City is no easy task. So, I suggested hiring a planner.

Well, Kerry took my advice very, very seriously. She went straight for the best. Enter Ivy Robinson from stage left: Ivy is more than a planner. She's an event stylist. A good planner keeps everything running smoothly. A great planner does not just schedule times. A great planner povides the little touches that make for transitions from moment to moment - handling seemingly impossible situations with grace and ease.

Ivy is a great wedding planner.

The event took place at the already-gorgeous-but-dressed-up-to-be-absolutely-incredible Weymouth Center in Southern Pines. An all-star cast of characters added southern charm and sophistication: including Kermit Ruffins, a jazz trumpet virtuouso from New Orleans, Total Productions Services of Raleigh for amazing lighting and ambiance, and a host of other fantastic vendors, including White Rabbit Catering - some of the best barbeque and Filet Minon I've tasted.

Anyway, enough of my blathering, check out some pics:























And you know I don't normally post a tone of detail shots, but these are too beautiful to leave out:













I think this should be Kermit's next CD cover:


Some night details:






And onto the show-stopping reception:








Kermit led everyone out for a one-of-a-kind (at least around here) sendoff... called a "Second Line Parade":








And here's the lady who styled the whole affair:



Thanks, Ivy! And thanks to Kerry for inviting me to play a role in such a unique event.

Brianna, Matt, and the Finger Lakes

I grew up about an hour from this gorgeous wedding at Keuka Lake in upstate New York. Wineries abound around the lake, including Bully Hill, where Brianna and Matthew held their rehearsal Dinner.

They picked an amazing location: Garrett Chapel is a little gem hidden at the top of the lake.

Enjoy some pictures... a lot of 'em!

































































And the slideshow is here.