Did you Rehearse?

Sean and Zoe did. I was super happy to be at their rehearsal dinner... It really helped to establish some rapport amongst the guests as well as the couple! Plus there are all those little moments where people are meeting or seeing each other for the first time in forever.
On to what I got:

and happy autumn.

this last image is funny in a way. I saw this and thought it was lovely, but now I am reminded of my long ago personal blog, before I discovered I had some talent as a photographer myself, when I 'lifted' an image just like this from a photographers portfolio to decorate the site. Yes, taking images and putting them wherever is wrong. It is illegal, in fact. I put my name on my blog images for that reason-- so you're welcome to lift them and use them but please leave my name on them.

Anyway,
I was a teeny bit disappointed to not stay late enough at the dinner for the toasts. I heard that's where all the tears and funnies were. BUT. Sure did love documenting the moments I was there for, and did I ever get some awesome photos at their wedding. Oh, John was there too...yep. Stand by, more later this week. Have a happy!

Katie and Matt...

I looked forward to Katie and Matt's wedding for months! Not only were they beautiful and sweet to work with in their sessions before the wedding, I had extra enthusiasm because their reception was at Childress Vineyards! I put this little slideshow together for them to celebrate the awesomeness of their day:

Now I have to mention here that Shane Snider, of Shane Snider Photography was my awesome partner in crime at Katie and Matt's wedding. Shane is super funny, I knew this from the couple times we'd bumped into each other in the photographer world, but working with him was not what I expected. It was a lot like...being all by myself...only someone handed me these super awesome and already edited images to give out... hah!

Anyway, Katie and Matt, I know you will love our images. Here are my favorites...

Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}

_{Shane Snider for Lacey Gadwill Photographer}
Congratulations newlyweds!
More to come next week.

Monamie+Sam...

The Indian culture has a huge variety of traditions that the bride can choose from... so researching for this wedding was almost futile. In the end, I did what I always do best; observe and seek out the moments and beauty. I loved being a part of this, and documenting it. I have to admit that I worked harder than usual, as there was so many various activities happening at once in different locations, so many details, so many things I wanted to shoot and I kept getting pulled away! I am still very proud of my coverage and can't wait to share all the image with the families and friends of these two gracious and beautiful newlyweds. Thank you and many blessings!

Heidi & Adam wed in Chapel Hill!

I had the wonderful pleasure of working with Heidi and Adam again (click for the e-session) just a couple weeks ago. They started their day with a 'first sight' and jumped right into portraits before the ceremony. No getting ready pictures this time!

This flower girl booked down the aisle, then turned to get the younger flower girl.

Of all details, I am showing this one because I really love a church that allows you to drop petals. :)

The cocktail hour featured a blue-grass band playing in the corner. You can tell everyone just wants to have fun!

I adore how she tells him to behave, and he does. She looks mighty pleased. :)

There was a lil' scuffle for the garter belt. Men behaving badly. lol

Heidi honored her Grandparents with the bouquet. Sixty five years of marriage! That's wonderful.

Their DJ now has my vote as favorite ever. He LOVED himself some music, trust me. And he had a great way of working with the crowd. Here, they 'group hug' the couple when they hear 'That's Amore".

Adam lifts his bride in times of trouble. :)

Congratulations newlyweds! I had a wonderful time-- what a bunch of fun-lovers you are. :) More pics coming soon!

Angela+Eamon are in Ireland...

I wish I was too! The weather here is so hot and dry dry dry, everything is baked and wilted and I regret not photographing my morning glories and John's water lilies already. Even the mini climbing rosebushes have withered and yellowed. Imagine the green of Ireland! Oh!

Thankfully I have beautiful weddings to shoot, such as Angela and Eamon's...




Wonderful bridesmaids have all your details on lists that they keep up-to-the-minute. One of Angela's 3 beautiful sisters.

This is the best wedding coordinator I've had the pleasure to work with. Here she is making a last second stitch of some sort on Angela's wedding gown! White Diamond Weddings.




This is the Main Post Chapel at Ft. Bragg.


So...the bridesmaids and Mom thought I accidentally tipped the table I was standing on. Pppssshhh! What I don't do for a laugh from my clients. haha...ah. Yeah.









back at Angela's family home for the reception.








No idea what's funny here. Maybe... Angela was like, "It's so hot, my candles are melting out there!" Angela was really nice enough to be able to laugh about that...

I like a couple that says, who cares about tradition! We're cutting the top layer!

Always, always always laugh. This is key, and they already have it going for them. Yay!!!!

Love from the fam. Something about trading Angela for swords, I really don't know what that meant, but everyone thought it was fair. LOL, j/k.

and, last but not least, always remember the joy you felt, evident here.



Angela was the sort of woman that many of clients turn out to be-- women I wish I could be friends with! She really is full of life. Angela and Eamon, I wish you joy in discovering more about each other!

We have plans to hit the road and beach tomorrow in Myrtle. I'm so excited! Yay! Personal picture taking opportunities. Wish us well.

Tyler+Robert in Kannapolis

Tyler and Robert are two very evenly tempered people. They already seem to be almost one, in the way that only two people who have known each other a very long time can be. I recall a mentioning during the toasts as being 'about time'. I'm not exactly sure how long their dating period lasted, or the engagement, but it was obviously so long that everyone they love knew it was going to happen.


great friends can lighten the nerves





showing off matching manicures









an emotional toast...




The celebration was intimate, and all the more special for it. Thank you for letting us be a part of your day.
Best Regards,

Shelley+Richard, Hickory NC

Aren't they a gorgeous couple?
As you can tell if you scroll down a couple posts, Shelley changed her hair for the wedding! She looks gorgeous both ways (OK, I have hair envy), but I'll bet she'll tell you she's glad she had the bridal session as a trial run through. I know the flowers changed a bit, too....
Shelley made several of the details herself...like the rice holders.

but someone else did a darn good job on the flowers.

waiting for the big walk...

Shelley, I don't know how you feel about this, but who votes that she looks like Priscilla Presley?

cake...

more cake... you know, I just about don't eat cake anymore. John is very disappointed. I am all about the cheesecake these days....I digress.

"..so how big was the diamond she wanted?" haha, just kidding!

I can't say it any better...

best wishes!

Amanda+Brian at Revolution Mills

May 17th brought this fabulous couple's wedding, I'd been looking forward to shooting since their e-session. Their day brought joy...

seeing the bride with her hair done... I love the expressions!

the dress...

the dress on the bride, her first view of herself.

So cute! These flower girls were just gleeful. They know sign language, too, way to go Mom and Dad!

Amanda's flowers were inspired by wildflowers. I really adored them. Must find out who did the flowers, best ever.

seeing his bride approach..

that's a big family you have Brian... WOW.

awwww...I'm teary just looking at this. Brian loves Amanda, I can tell. :)

A country pig-pickin' was the theme for the reception. Great idea! Home-made pie was substituted for the traditional wedding cake. Very cool.

OK, there was seriously awesome dancing, best ever. It appears everyone can swing dance in Amanda's family. Her Dad told me he could teach me in just under a minute, I just had to let myself be thrown around. Um, I was too busy (and two left feet?) to try.

What's a pig-pickin' without some games? Follow the leader, according to groom or bride's team. Great idea from the DJ!

Congratulations to two wonderful families, plus one brand new one!
We're planning an "After Session" for the couple photos, and based on their engagement session from last year, I'm certain it will be beautiful. I can't wait-- so glad I get to work with you again!

Amanda + Brian...tease

Before I go do my weekend work (and, ok, visiting with my friend in Asheville!) I wanted to give Amanda and Brian's family some small snippett of the wonderful day John and I documented for them last weekend.

This is Amanda and her father considering how much more entertaining the processional might appear if they walked ala "We're Off to See the Wizard...". Sad to say they stuck with convention on the actual walk...

More soon!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend everyone.

Lauren+Mike: married!

A local wedding... and such a classy family. I was a little worried that the reception would be dry...it wasn't. It was absolutely kicking. In fact, I had the pleasure of working, once again, with Sugar the Band, and they rocked so hard and so loud that there must have been 100 people on the dance floor most of the time. Questions on building codes and weight capacity on one side of the building popped briefly into my head, it was just that much bass and dancing and blessing. It was really amazing.

Lauren used her Mother's veil, so long and gorgeous. She also, as I heard tell, took this piece from her Mothers' dress to decorate the bouquet. Lovely idea.

Love from the bridesmaids...

Self reflection before the aisle.

Pretty church, huh? I was delegated to shooting from the balcony and also through a keyhole cutout in the door. Since it was just me.. that was a lot of running around (soundlessly I might add) up and down the steps in wedges and toting two cameras. I am so cool.

I have not been using my fish eye much this year...but it sure came in handy when the dance floor was too packed for me.

Sorority sisters... I think this is how they call their own husbands? lol

There were so many cute kiddos totally grooving right along with their older counterparts...

Another wonderful idea. Each table was decorated with personal childhood pictures. This one just begs to have its' story told. I love it.

And a parting shot...the female lead singer of the band may not like. I really dug her shoes and legwarmers...if you must know.

And that's my story of Lauren and Mike's wedding day in Sanford and Carthage. Congratulations to each couples family and I pray for blessings on your union. More pictures next week!

Jennifer+Jeff @ Duke Gardens

Where did I read recently... something close to " I hate when I finish something... because that means it's over". I feel this way frequently about my weddings and clients because there's all this anticipation and excitement and my brain is smoking trying to see different for each client... and then my 6 or 7 or 8 hours is up and you say Bye! Thank you! *sniff, sniff* and what's left to show?

OH! Great photos. :) Thanks to Jennifer and Jeff. John and I had a most wonderful, creative time documenting your day. I am loving our work....

John rocked with the guys...

..I like my take on boys getting ready. See his sister sleeping in the tent? Awesome.

Jeff has a mega-watt smile.

I am so skinny, you can't see me.

Just too funny, floating flower girl!

The limo driver was late. Like, 20 minutes or something. This made for a little tension in the limo. Jennifer is visibly wishing for time to fly.

We almost never get this kind of view of the bride approaching her groom. Mostly because at a church, we'd have to be on the altar. Impossible.

I asked Jen earlier in the day why we hadn't done an engagement session..or bridals. She said..."uh...we didn't want to". Too bad for me!

I was wicked excited when I saw the screen and decided to do some backlit shots. Awesome.

My shot... I am ecstatic about this. I knew I had an awesome image and just stopped for a second in awe. Someone asked me if I ran out of film and missed the whole thing. LOL. I must have looked funny.

J's shot... his is sparkier and glittery. Dang!

Many many many kudos for a beautiful inspiring wedding. Plus, thanks for being so polite and giving us room to breathe. I want to do it again! LOL
Gallery will be up next week...I'm email.
Best!

Meredith+Dustin

I was so startled when I saw the pickle sign on my way into Mt. Olive, I almost crashed the car. OK, I'm exaggerating a little. I think I buy Vlassic or the walmart off-brand. I don't know much about pickles.

So radiant!

Meredith and Dustin wanted to do the family pictures before the ceremony, so we coordinated a private moment for them before hand. Dustin got very emotional. There were actual tears.

The Junior bridesmaid looks so regal.

I've heard of nail-biting, but a whole fist? HAH!

The church before it filled. Yes, before. 15 minutes before. It was standing room only by the end. Talk about a lot of family!

Then the couple disappeared to hit a few holes before the reception. Not really.

Wonderful flowers, everywhere.

Thank you so much for sharing your wedding day with me. If you're looking at this on your honeymoon, Dustin and Meredith, I pray you're at least on a laptop with your feet in the sand.

Gwynne+John in Gastonia

I guess I am in a mood to show a/lots of images and b/present them a little differently...

So many amazing moments!

Gwynne's family was so talented. Her Dad played the drums part of the night, brother, Ben sang and played guitar, and her uncles took turns too. And obviously the bride is a killer dancer. In fact, there are so many really, really great pictures of everyone dancing, I am totally impressed.

John and I had a great time at The Gastonia Country Club. As soon as I find out who did the flowers, the name of the rest of the band (Shades??) and other details, I'll post them. Thanks to everyone! Best Wishes to the newlyweds. :)

...tomorrow will find me at Meredith and Dustin's wedding. I can't wait! They are bringing their doggies for portraits!

art

A friend and I were talking recently and realized we viewed artistic photography completely different. To me, this first look picture from Gwynne and John's reception is artistic:

I happen to think it's cool. I think it's unique in that it's not technically correct. It's kind of eerie, and I'm into eerie sometimes. It definately shows motion, it shows me thinking outside the box (aah, how refreshing).

I never did discern what art is to her-- what she views as artistic was typical to me. How odd.

I won't say art is subjective because it's said too often.

Anyway, congratulations to Gwynne, John, all the other John's and Gwynne's at the wedding, Ben the (dreaded) soulful singer, and the ghost girl in this picture. More coming next week.

Lori Jean+Brian at Little River

I had not met Lori Jean or Brian or any of their family and friends before the wedding. This happens a lot.. some people are too busy to meet, some live far. Some just view photography as another checklist item (for shame!). But I am always thankful to realize that my prayers have paid off, and I've been blessed with wonderful clients.

In Lori Jean's case, she had classic elegance and poise. She was incredibly polite and thoughtful. And she's a chemist or something incredibly intelligent.
Brian was cute, too, but as a married woman I can't go on and on about other men (the band members were pretty darn cute, too, but I digress).

Unfolding of the day...

so American Gothic...not original, I see it over and over and finally felt it with these curtains, lol!

What a wonderful day! I hope the newlyweds are off enjoying Italy (why don't they hire me to tag along? Something for you soon-to-be's to consider. "The Honeymoon After" I would so totally go to Italy)
Congrats... and leave me a comment or two! :)

first looks: Lori-Jean and Brian

For people who profess to hate pictures, you two sure are photogenic.

Just wanted to show that it does not have to be Carolina blue skies to be a beautiful photo. I always love some clouds mixed in, and a full onslaught of overcast can really mean-- DRAMA! Add rain in, and still want to work and we are really in for some spectacularly amazing photos. It's all good... and I mean all of it. :)

Full blog post coming next week...

Shelley+Alex: again

Just in case you're too busy to watch a slide show.. plus John and my son Hunter (kids and husbands are always so honest) both said it made them dizzy and ADD... Here are some of my favorites from the wedding!

LOVE the details!

the dress!

the shoes!

I'm crazy about this shot of the Mother of the bride getting help by the gorgeous bride.

Alex sent a surprise disc of songs for the drive to the church. Shelley got so choked up we had to ask the driver to turn it off for a bit...

St John the Baptist Cathedral was the perfect setting...

love the energy...

monogramed on both sides! This was the most yummy cake I have had in so, so long. Cake by Elaine Mincey at Elaine's Events

The flower girls spun until...

they tumbled. and then they spun some more!

*sigh* bridesmaid and her family, so much love here, had to share!

and here, my tribute to paparazzi everywhere:

We had a blast! Best Wishes to Alex and Shelley, more to come!

other vendors we had the pleasure to work with:
location: Legare-Waring House
videographer: Artistic Eye
florist: Flowers by Margaret Perry
band: Sugar the Band/ out of Raleigh
and everything went smoothly with Cindy at Engaging Events.

Shelley + Alex

A new slide show! Set to Shelley and Alex's first dance (I remembered! yay me!)




How cool is that? These will be available for iPod's sometime this year.

I heart Charleston.

For those looking for Alex and Shelley's **amazing** wedding, a tease:

Shelley and Alex hired us for their 'destination wedding' in Charleston. We decided to make a weekend of it...because my best friend, Mary, thought it was marvelous as her family lives there (her sister being the most wonderful singer/song writer Milani Estrada, whose wedding I shot last year, and who is soon to dominate the airwaves... I digress). Mary said 'bring the kids! I'll meet you there, watch them while you and John work'. Mary lives 5 hours from me in Asheville, and with our busy lives as working Mom's-- and opposite schedules as I am working on weekends, when she is off-- we don't see each other nearly enough.

This was obviously an amazing idea. Mary is sweet and wise, and therefore my best friend forever. :)

Our trip starts with us snatching the kids from school just before their spelling quiz's. Strike one. Strike 2, the pouring rain slows us for a long while when... our car decides it's tired of all this shifting and throws itself into 2nd gear, while we were propelling forward at 75 or 80mph. Not so comfortable.

John limps the car into the one mile away Florence car shop while semi's thunder by and my babies don't realize the possible doom coming from behind. 2 hours and $157 bucks later we're on the road again.

But wait! Now the FAN that cools the engine... isn't working. Then we run into stand still traffic... I should mention here how lucky John is that there was a fabulous oldies station with the Beatles playing so I could serenade him. Once traffic began moving again... everything is peachy keen jelly bean. We were 5 hours behind schedule and unable to visit with my friend for Friday... but we'd made it to Charleston and the car was working as God intended.

[this is the most excellent explanation for why I come to town early for destination weddings. actually, this is true for me at just about any meeting, I am 30 mins early or more so that I am not late, I cannot stand to be late]

Saturday, all things were good to go! The wedding was really, really wonderful, and my visit with my friend was SO great. If you were at Embassy Suites, you may have seen us giggling uncontrollably over Cosmo's in the lounge downstairs Saturday night. I'm not so picky about where I find my fun, and besides, the bar made some yummy drinks.

We finished the weekend with a trip to an aquarium and a booking (knock wood) for another wedding in SC this year. Yippy! Who is more blessed then me?

Shelley and Alex's wedding pictures coming soon!!!!

Kathryn + Alan

The beautiful, tasteful wedding of Kathryn and Alan.
From the Carolina Inn to the gorgeously detailed older church to the art museum... from the elegant dress of the bride to the always popular hydrangeas to the flower petal escape... everything was quite classic.
Which is why I really struggled with posting the next image. In my opinion, though, it's just too cute to not share.

but that's the only getting ready image I'm posting. Here, the ladies share a prayer for Kathryn's happiness and future:

and then hide her from the grooms eyes:

The guests are ready for a wedding! by Sherri Winstead for Lacey and John Photography:

The brides mom came for the bridesmaids, leaving us alone. Kathryn was so contemplative and maybe a bit nervous. But the light was gorgeous...

and outside...such an old world feel to this one.

Father of the bride gives a kiss of encouragement:

What a packed house! I found myself in the balcony without much room! But God is good and look at this pretty view!

first kiss! Sherri Winstead for Lacey and John Photography.

I love this.

When in a museum, you should eat truffles. Aren't these monogrammed versions way cute?

Kathryn and her Mom, Brenda. Photo by Sherri Winstead for Lacey and John Photography:

the next two images are amusing to me. No, it's nothing really different in the way of wedding photography... but what I love is the difference in the reaction of our respective sexes.

Alan is way excited:

Congratulations! Many, many more pictures to come in your online gallery over the next couple days. Thanks for allowing us to capture so many wonderful moments.

This was a great way to end our 2007! And now... what will I do for the next 2 months? Guess I'll be catching up on those albums... now's the time to send me your favorites for your books!

Special thanks to Sherri Winstead of Sherri Winstead Photography, a wonderful friend. I hope this is just the first of many times we work together. Your portrait work is still my very favorite.
Many blessings!

fun: Rachel + Lance

Rachel was referred to me from Kate's Mom (or was it Megan's? and Megan referred Kate??). Anyway it went, I am such a blessed woman! Witnessing the relationships of all these women has been really rewarding for me. Each wedding was so different from the other, and each girl so different I saw a completely different bunch of guests at each womans' wedding.

Lance and Rachel had to be the party couple of the bunch. What a wonderful wedding! for you, your family, and most of all your friends, who obviously mean so much to you.

I loved the colors of Rachel's red and the church's blue walls in this room:

getting The Dress on... loving all the hands here:

alright, who nailed the groom? sheesh!

Rachel and her girls. I wish everyone had friends like yours, woman!

First dance

First dance 2.0

I do believe he was encouraged to try the frosting..

post cake smush

cross walk in style... that's a lot of bridal party!

what flower girls do

my exit, stage left. :)

Congratulations to you both! Your online gallery with many, many more images will be ready in a few days.
Special thanks to my new assistant, Alexis on her first time out. Good job!

sweet: Autumn + John

I keep thinking they are from Indiana, like me, but no, it's Ohio. Close enough for me!

Autumn and John were our third wedding in Pinehurst for 2007, but it amazes me how each couple, each bunch of guests and each wedding vision can be so unique. Even the work from John and I seems a bit different for each client.



as the guys took fun portraits with John....

I photographed the ladies getting ready. Love this nervous flower girl.




beautiful Autumn!


it's a really, really long walk down the aisle for a little flower girl...

sometimes you just need a hand to get you there.










during the toasts...


grooms cake.... looks just like their dog. so cute!

Johns' view of the cake-cutting.

...am I truly invisible at weddings? because I should have been in John's shot given my angle:

no, not invisible.


Well, what end would you have cut? (great seeing, John!)

The grooms' brother...

plays guittar in an almost famous band! He had a solo at the wedding:



It's been wonderful working with you! I'll cross my fingers for a future shoot with your family. Best Wishes!


John, my husband, is talking about taking his own weddings. This will mean we'll be able to take additional bookings. I'll keep you posted on that!

Be swell!

So much in common: Elnaz and Will

Elnaz described herself and Will as being very different physically speaking, but I really found they had much in common. For instance, they are both quite sophisticated, both very kind (thanks for treating me like a guest!).

Though the location was challenging, I made it work for me! Let me explain: the location was beautiful, but the walls inside are black, ceiling black... very very dimly lit. But my goal is always to preserve the integrity of the night, including the location, and not work against it! So, instead of blasting tons of light at everyone and flatting out the ambience, I took advantage of the biggest feature my camera offers, it's ability to function superiorly (is that a word?) in low light situations. With creative lighting, allowing the black tiled floor to reflect, and special thanks to the guests getting their dance on, I rocked. :D

I love this moment...but wish the videographer was somewhere else!

Combined parent dances are becoming more and more popular!

A male belly dancer?

Trying something different...backlighting during the sparkler exit. Awesome!

You can see many more by visiting their proofing gallery
It was a pleasure working with you and your family and friends. Many blessings!

expressive: Mr. and Mrs. Oldham

I am so behind on blogging weddings, I hardly know what to say. So bare with me while I ramble on.
Lance and Vanessa were an unusual booking for me because, as you might be able to tell as you look through my documentation, they are Jewish. I really did do my homework for this wedding, and it was my 2nd Jewish ceremony...but still, it was full of so many traditions and busy with activity and circumstance!

Well, I showed up and Vanessa was dressed so I just sort of shot while observing the last minute nerves. The wedding couldn't begin till sundown, and of course who tells the sun when to set? Not even a Rabi, and so there was quite a bit of pacing and 'when?, what's going on'?





The ceremony had two parts, really. The meeting, the veil thing in honor of Abraham and Rachel, then the signing of the marriage contract, presentation.



Someone petted my head during this first ceremony. Have you heard of that game where you get points...never mind.
Then on to the other half..similar to the ceremonies I have witnessed or photographed before.





Afterward, the bride and groom had some alone time. Portraits. On to the reception! Bread, dances, more dancing, dinner.









I also remember that the other wedding couple at the O'Henry that night was surprise! friends of the Oldham's. What a strange coincidence. I also was allergic to something at the hotel...which kept me running for the restroom every few minutes.

That's the extent of what I remember most. Isn't that terrible? I love that I am blessed with these unique experience, witnessing so many precious family moments, being surrounded, in a way, and included in special times. I so appreciate these blessings-- each wedding, it's uniqueness, the tender moments, the lessons I learn by observing you and yours. I wish I could write better, because each and every wedding is worthy of it's own story, it's own book.

WOW, I am waxing poetic. Must be bedtime! Congrats to you both!

Vikki+Michael: fun!

When I did their engagement pictures, I couldn't help noticing they were addicted to fun. What I didn't realize was how amazing their wedding would be! And as they aren't into posing for portraits, I couldn't have been happier. I had so. much. creative. freedom. Thank you so much!!!






name that venue....










inspired by the brides' dress...



at Tosca Restaurant..I love the moving people contrasted against those who don't dance. :)


Be blessed!

years of friendship: Jennifer+Matt

Jennifer and Matt have known each other since high school days, met on the job... I am so happy for them! I really got the sense they want the same things out of life.















Best Wishes, newlyweds!

Milena+Michael

Congratulations you two!
a little prep work...


stary eyed...so beautiful!


why do churches make us stay a million miles away from the action?