Sweet Life Studios :: (formerly Sweet Life Photography) Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh Wedding Photographers

The Wedding Show!

Administrator — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 13:52:21 +0000

It’s Monday morning. My feet hurt, my voice is hoarse, my muscles are sore…and my face hurts from smiling. Regardless of all the blood, sweat, tears and coin it takes to get ready for bridal shows, I never cease to enjoy them! It’s great to see so many of my “Team Wedding” friends — those super-talented creative geniuses behind the gorgeous floral designs and delicious confections we love to photograph and the best reception playlists to keep every guest on their feet all night long, not to mention the planners who keep it all on track — but the BEST thing about bridal shows are the brides, grooms, moms and FOBS (friends of the bride) we are so fortunate to meet. It just never gets old! I find myself energized and excited by each new face and story we hear. So from me to everyone who took the time to stop by and visit our booth this past weekend at The Wedding Show: THANK YOU. We’d love to photograph your wedding and hope to hear from you soon!

Wedding at the Angus Barn – Melissa and Eric

Christa — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 02:06:41 +0000

Melissa and Eric are married! We’re so happy for them, and so thankful to have the chance to capture the beginning of their lives together. The ceremony was at Our Lady of Lourdes in Raleigh, NC on July 28, 2012. The reception followed at the always beautiful Angus Barn Pavilion. And, yes, the food was incredible! Cinda’s Creative Cakes made sure that we had very yummy and beautiful dessert, as always. Fleurtations created beautiful floral pieces that we had a great time photographing all day! There were so many incredibly beautiful things to shoot… as evidenced by the enormous amount of photos. You have no idea how hard it was to narrow down the images!

This incredibly beautiful and delicious cake was made by Cinda's Creative Cakes

href=”http://www.sweetlifestudios.com/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/0277.jpg”>

Say hello…

Administrator — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 21:13:23 +0000

Christa Davidson has joined us as a Partner Photographer! Now, with three experienced and very talented photographers, we can offer you so much more!

Christa is a very funny woman, a hopeless romantic, and an award-winning Certified Professional Photographer, who happens to be enamored with the way photography can tell a story. She always has fun shooting, and based on all the laughing and smiling, you’d never know how seriously she takes her job… until you see the images. Professionally photographing weddings since 2005, she feels truly blessed to be able to do what she loves. Want to see more? Check her out on www.SweetLifeStudios.com.

NC State Engagement Photography :: Markee and Dave

Administrator — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 02:33:38 +0000

Full disclosure: I was raised a Carolina Tar Heels fan. When I was growing up, NC State was Carolina's big rival, not Duke, as is more common today. But when I decided to go to college at Meredith, I remember my uncle, himself an NC Sate alum, telling me that living in Raleigh meant I was going to have to learn to pull for State. Naturally, I scoffed at such a ridiculous notion. Of course, he was right. You just can't live in Raleigh for four years and not gain an affection for the Wolfpack. Yeah, I switched sides. My grandmother still hasn't forgiven me.

One of the best things about living in Raleigh now is going back to State's campus (and yes, I spent quite a bit of time there when I was a student at Meredith) for engagement sessions. It is one of my most favorite places to shoot. Some might say the university isn't as picturesque as UNC or Duke, but I beg to differ: the bell tower, the Brickyard and of course, the Free Expression Tunnel, rank right up there at the top of my list of great photo locations in the city. Frank and I met up with Markee and Dave, one of our fabulous October couples, for their engagement session this Fall. Here are just a few of my favorites.

This is the image Markee and Dave chose for a gallery-wrapped canvas.

Markee and Dave, we'll see you when the leaves are vibrant again…on your wedding day!

Duke Gardens Weddings: Heather and Dave are married!

Administrator — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:18:30 +0000

I'm so excited to feature Heather and Dave's wedding on the blog. Heather did an amazing job with all the details and I loved her color scheme — pink and orange. If there is a happier color combination, I don't know what it is. It was absolutely perfect for a May wedding at Duke Gardens on Mother's Day.

The day began in my favorite suite at the Washington Duke Inn. The light is always beautiful in the bedroom — perfect for showing off Heather's gorgeous gown.

The ribbon detailing and beading-encrusted back-bodice on Heather's gown was so lovely and unique.

Love the body language — maybe just a tad nervous? Who isn't on their wedding day?

Heather checks her make-up and jewelry one last time.

All that fuss was worth it, Heather — you were breath-taking.

While Heather was getting ready upstairs, Frank was working with Dave downstairs.

I love this shot of Dave with his mom.

No wedding would be complete without a little drama. Heather and Dave's came in the form of major over-crowding at the gardens. Apparently, everyone in the Triangle wants to take their mom to Duke Gardens on Mother's Day — especially if it's a gorgeous day. I have never in all my years shooting at the gardens seen anything like this. It was crazy. Mother's Day Madness. All the parking lots were completely full and a security guard was turning away everyone — even wedding guests. I had to leave the inn early to make sure I could get to the gardens, find a parking spot and haul my equipment to the Doris Duke Center in time for the wedding. Luckily, Frank was already there, so I knew we would be covered if I had to park blocks and blocks away, but it was nerve-wracking for everyone involved. Eventually, everyone made it in, but word to the wise — if you're getting married on Mother's Day in Duke Gardens, make sure to plan for a little parking-lot mayhem.

Heather arrived at the gardens with about 10 minutes to spare. I still have no idea where her mom parked the truck!

Dave walks in with Rev. Kayelily Middleton — one of my favorite people on the planet — to begin the ceremony.

Heather and Dave chose each other's sibling to be their only attendant. Here's Heather's brother, Tommy, Dave's best man.

And Dave's sister, Lisa, Heather's maid of honor.

I love the amphitheater behind the Doris Duke Center. It may be the most private place in a public garden to get married. But when you're in the amphitheater on a bright sunny day in the late afternoon, you're getting hit by some serious sun. When you're a guy in a dark suit getting married, you get a tad sweaty. Here Kayelily does her part to keep Dave looking his best. Plus, I think he'd just finished his vows at this point.