Today is Amanda and Jeffrey’s first anniversary, so my purpose in this post is two-fold. On one hand, Amanda and Jeffrey, I simply want to wish for you an anniversary as lovely as your wedding; on the other hand, I wanted to thank you for choosing me to be your wedding photographer, and to reminisce for just a moment about that beautiful day and all that led up to it.
This wedding was a little different for me because I already knew Amanda and Jeffrey before they got in touch about photographing their wedding. Just a year earlier, I had the privilege of capturing the wedding of Jeffery’s brother, Kevin, and his beautiful bride, Cori. When Amanda and Jeffrey got in touch about shooting their nuptials, I was ecstatic about having the chance to spend more time with this loving and hilarious family.
Amanda and Jeffrey met while both were temping at the same Banana Republic. Once they’d gotten to know each other a bit, Amanda asked Jeffrey to join her and some friends for a drink at a local bar but, conveniently, none of Amanda’s friends showed. Not long after, they made another date and ended up sitting by a waterfall in Alamance County. It was during this meet-up that Amanda apparently chickened out of a Nerf sword fight. Not coincidentally, this was the very spot Jeffery chose to propose to Amanda. He’d spent a year and a half learning to play guitar with his eyes on this very day, and when they arrived at the waterfall, the instrument was hidden and waiting. He played and sang their song, and then asked her to take the plunge with him.
The wedding took place on June 4th, 2016, at Summerfield Farms in Summerfield, NC. One of the things I remember most vividly about the day was the heat, a frequent challenge of being a North Carolina wedding photographer in the summertime. I was about halfway through my maternity break at that time, but had come temporarily back out into the world to spend the day with Amanda and Jeffrey. At one point in the day, I recall having to flee to the parking lot to—ahem—pump surreptitiously in my Volvo. A note of thanks here to my amazing second photographer, Nathan, for covering me on the dance floor…
Of course, I remember the wedding itself, too. It was simple and elegant. I think the word ‘thoughtful’ describes it as well as any other adjective. There was nothing over the top, nothing vulgar. More so, it was the thoughtfully chosen details—the stacked suitcases at the sign-in table; the plain white linens on each table adorned by simple burlap runners; and stacks of beloved books topped off by vases of flowers. It was beautiful, and I’m so happy I got to be there with Amanda and Jeffrey that night. An image of the wedding that has stayed with me is from the end of the night, when the heat broke and the rain came down, and how everyone just danced in the downpour. What a gorgeous way to end a perfect night.
Happy anniversary, you two. I hope this year has been a good one for you, and that the second year of your marriage is even better.
XO.
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Summerfield Farms. Summerfield, NC
Event Coordinator: Alyssa Wray of Summerfield Farms
Day of Wedding Coordinator: Nina of All Events DJs NC
Hair and Make-up Artist: Carla White
Bride’s Jewelry: BHLDN
Bride’s Dress: BHLDN
Men’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse
Florist: The English Garden
Catering: Fresh. Local. Good. Food. Group. Catering
Cake: Maxie B’s
Cupcakes: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Thank you to Nathan Abplanalp for your beautiful images.
