nc wedding vendors
Vendor Chat with The Love Project Weddings
Vendor Name: Jenn Ackerman
Company Website/Blog: www.theloveprojectweddings.com
For this week’s featured vendor, I had the opportunity to interview half of the husband and wife team, Jenn Ackerman. Jenn and Tim are both international award-winning photographers, including the recipient for an Emmy for their documentary on mental illness in prison. In addition to having spent time documenting mental illness and aging in prison, living with the homeless to shred light on their struggle, and documenting rural heath in Africa (which is one of the things I am passionate about and have spent time researching, that is ethnic and rural health disparities), they are a brilliant team of destination wedding photographers based here in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, serving destination brides worldwide. Featured below is my interview with Jenn!
TD: What’s the story behind The Love Project Weddings?
JA: The Love Project actually began as a documentary. As documentary photographers, we have seen and photographed some of the most emotionally-draining and heart-wrenching stories. One summer, while photographing inside a prison about the mentally ill, it was too much. We decided that we needed to document something that was a little lighter and full of joy so we began documenting love. It was called The Love Project and we documented people of all ages who were in love. We documented old love, young love, large families and small families. As we continued the project, we started to look at those moments when love was defined such as births, deaths and weddings. It was extremely fulfilling and rewarding as we loved photographing people on the most important days of their lives. In 2008, we decided to continue The Love Project and focused on weddings. Since, The Love Project has grown into a wedding photography studio that continues to push us as photographers and bring us joy at the same time.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
JA: We love getting to know the couple’s that we photograph and more than anything feel like our job is to tell their love story. As a team and married couple, we know and understand the power of shooting images from the heart. We believe you can’t photograph what you don’t feel so we value developing a relationship with the people we photograph and we hope it comes across in all of our images. We like to think of our couples as more than a client – they’re friends. Also, we are a boutique wedding photography studio. We pride ourselves in only doing a handful of weddings every year which keeps us fresh and creative. This approach allows us to photograph the first wedding of the season like the last with an abundance of creativity and excitement.
TD: What is your style of photography?
JA: We like to say that we cross the lines between fine art and documentary photography. Trained as documentary photographers, we love to capture tender and storytelling moments. At the same time, we want to make images that are timeless works of art.
TD: How many people shoot for The Love Project Weddings?
JA: Two photographers. Jenn Ackerman and Tim Gruber, a married couple, are the photographers behind The Love Project. Both are international award-winning photographers. We have an interesting perspective as a couple photographing weddings. We are in tune with how each other ticks and we’ve used this team approach on a variety of projects including our work for Miss Universe, The New York Times, and our Emmy-winning prison documentary.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
JA: Aside from creativity, rapport is the most important ingredient to great photos. Making sure you both feel comfortable with your photographer is really important as they will be with you for the majority of your wedding day. You should also be excited to give your photographer creative freedom on your wedding day. You should hire someone that you have confidence will make beautiful images no matter the moment.
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
JA: Beautiful light is an important ingredient to making great photos so obviously we’re attracted to the times of day like dawn or dusk. However, some of our best photos this year actually came from overcast and thunderous skies. Overcast skies are great as it acts like one big softbox making for great diffused light. So while it may add a little drama to the day, we’re not opposed to the dramatic light a storm can bring.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
JA: These two things get me going in the morning. I (Jenn) need a good morning kiss from Tim and my To-Do List posted on my keyboard from the night before.
TD: Jenn, thank you so much for the interview!
Featured below are photos from The Love Project Weddings of an Outer Banks destination wedding in Corolla, NC. Please note that Corolla is not pronounced like the car, rather locals call it Kuh-RAH-Luh, where the second syllable sounds like “all”. Hey lovelies, this is Eastern North Carolina.
I love this photo and that the guys sported Chuck Taylors!!
Matt and Adrienne’s wedding on 10-10-10 was filled with glorious details from head to toe – her birdcage veil to his Chuck Taylors. It was an October day on the Outer Banks you dream of for your wedding – 80 degrees and sunny. Shortly after Adrienne cheered on her beloved Redskins to victory, she walked to the beach and down the aisle. With the help of The Embellishers, all of their details came together beautifully, many of which Adrienne created herself. ~Jenn Ackerman
To view more work from The Love Project Weddings, please be sure to visit their company website and blog and if you are planning a destination wedding in the Outer Banks, please be sure to consider this fabulous husband and wife team, Jenn and Tim.
Contributing Wedding Vendors:
Cater: Good Life Gourmet
Reception: Gertrudes Breakaway, a Beach Realty/Kitty Hawk Rentals for Weddings and Special Events
Wedding Florist and Day of Coordinator: The Embellishers
Wedding Cake: Great Cakes
Ceremony Musician: Roy Murray
Reception Music: DJ Bruce
Read MoreVendor Chat with Brian Mullins Photography
This shot was taken just off of Fayetteville St. in Raleigh, NC. The bride’s gorgeous Vera Wang gown was provided by Alexia’s Bridal.
Vendor Name: Brian Mullins
Company Website/Blog: www.brianmullinsphotography.com
Brian Mullins is a leading and award-winning wedding photographer based in Raleigh, NC and has been a professional photography in the area since 2005. His work has been featured in both local and national publications and I am so honored to feature the following interview that I conducted with him.
TD: What is the story behind Brian Mullins Photography?
BM: The story behind Brian Mullins is a bit unorthodox. I have a background in cinematography and concert lighting so I’ve always enjoyed creating drama with light. I had shot film still photographs for some time but was turned off by the darkroom aspect of things (lack of instant gratification). When digital photography became viable, I needed to re-learn the cameras, exposure and process so I turned to a professional photographer who was an acquaintance of mine for training. Not long after, he needed a photographer to shoot a magazine piece for him of a historical home decorated for Christmas. I shot it and, well, I think it went into the bin. However I did get another assignment and was published shortly thereafter. The beginning of my photography career was that piece being published before I ever had a client. Needless to say, that was thrilling and firmly set my path as a professional photographer.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
BM: I base my approach of working with brides on my own personal experiences being photographed. I try to get photographed twice a year by a professional and use that experience and how it made me feel to relate with my clients when they are in front of the camera. I love keeping a dialogue going while I am shooting and pulling personality out of my client. Whether they are jubilant, nervous, calm, fidgety or stoic, I want to get past the trepidation of the camera and capture who they are truly, instead of what I see on the surface at any particular time. In short, I try to remove the camera as much from the equation as possible.
TD: What is your style of photography?
BM: My style, like many photographers, tends to change slightly based on my client. It’s not portrait photography or photo journalistic but a mix of both. I’ve heard it called portrait-journalism and that would probably be the best definition I can agree with. Being there to observe and document during key moments while still creating more artistic pieces is something I think is key to any wedding day.
TD: How many people shoot for Brian Mullins Photography?
BM: I am the primary shooter for the company. I have been bringing on associate photographers to shoot with me and, in the near future, there will be multiple photographers who can work independently on any given day. In the past, I have worked solely alone but am starting to bring a lighting assistant with me to open up the artistic lighting techniques that are impossible to do when alone.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
BM: The best advice I can give brides when selecting their wedding photographer is look at their personality first and photography second. Of course, this becomes difficult when looking at hundreds of photographers work without ever meeting them. The reason this is so crucial, however, is every wedding day is different and every photographer’s work is based on their personality. So if you like their work you are more apt to like the photographer but, when you like the photographer, you almost always love the imagery they produce. Pricing, obviously, is an important factor in this equation but you should only consider pricing after the first two factors. Wedding photography can be quite difficult as the lighting conditions, most times, are atrocious. The pace of the day is extremely quick and it can’t be re-done, so getting the personality that makes you comfortable, the photography you love and a price that you can work with is, to me, the trifecta of choosing a wedding photographer.
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings.
BM: My favorite time of day for weddings is generally close to sunset. I tell every one of my clients “the worse the light, the more dramatic we must become with the photos.” Later afternoon, sunset, dusk and even “night” gives me a ton of options to create mood and drama, if we wish, and opens up possibilities generally not plausible to do in the mid afternoon sun without a lot of extra time.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
BM: Oh gosh, this is actually a difficult question. Coffee, for one, just gets my day started. I am a huge coffee snob and order custom roasted beans directly from the importers. However, checking my email first thing in the morning comes even before the coffee. Something about seeing the email come in (no junk mail mind you) just gets me pumped for the entire day. So, I guess I have to cheat and give you two.
TD: Brian, thank you so much for interviewing with me!
BM: Thank you Tabitha! It’s an honor to have been interviewed by you!
Following are a few beautiful wedding photographs of Brian’s work as well as a short description of the location. To view more of his work please visit his company’s website.
This engagement session was taken during sunset at the Adams Family Vineyards in Willow Springs, NC.
This shot as taken at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.
The groom came out onto the dance floor and was immediately surrounded by the bridesmaids. Was quite a fun shot to take as I kept thinking to myself ‘hands, hands, everywhere hands’! Reception took place at the Washington Duke Inn [in Durham, NC].
This wedding was shot on the beach in front of Captain Charlie House on Bald Head Island, NC.
Read MoreThis reception had been wild so I knew once the guests had their ‘Ammunition’ that it would be a complete showered of rose pedals. Taken at the Old Towne Club in Winston-Salem, NC.
Vendor Chat with Lisha Myers Photography
Vendor Name: Lisha Myers
Company Website: www.lishamyersphotography.com
Company Blog: www.lishamyersphotography.blogspot.com
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to interview Lisha Myers, a destination wedding photojournalist who is a new transplant from San Francisco to the Raleigh, NC area. Today, I would like to feature that interview as well as the Lake Tahoe destination wedding of Amanda and Richard, that Lisha submitted to us. First up is the interview.
TD: What’s the story behind Lisha Myers Photography?
LM: It all started when I was in college and all my close friends were becoming engaged and married and [they] started asking [me] to take their engagement photos because they wanted to be comfortable in front of the camera and have the photos represent a true picture of them as a couple. I, of course jumped at the opportunity and I guess it spread like wildfire. Before I knew it, I was taking photos left and right for friends and their families.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
LM: I love to get that chance to sit down with a cup of coffee and conversation and hear about their story. I love weddings: every aspect of it. My career lets me capture their memories, relationship, wonderful wedding, and more importantly, a sense of who they are.
TD: What is your style of photography?
LM: I try to shoot as natural as I can. I like the raw, uninhibited, photojournalistic feel of photography. I want others to get drawn in and captivated by my work and leave with a sense of emotion and admiration for the couple.
TD: How many people shoot for Lisha Myers Photography?
LM: Our studio is Husband and Wife run. My husband is extremely talented and can always find a shoot that I would otherwise pass up on. Between the two of us, we capture every angle and moment of the couple’s day.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
LM: Look for a photographer’s style that you just can’t get enough of. Fall in love with their work and also their personality. Make sure you see plenty of work before making a decision and don’t be afraid to ask too many questions!
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
LM: I prefer late afternoon, evening lighting for weddings. The light that time of day is wonderful and so romantic. I cannot think of one person that does not look beautiful in that lighting.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
LM: Coffee.
Now a few photos from Lisha Myer’s clients, Amanda and Richard’s Lake Tahoe destination wedding.
Lisha thank you for reaching out, interviewing with me, and submitting this destination wedding. Again, welcome to the east coast and especially to the Tarheel state. North Carolina brides and grooms, please be sure to check out Lisha Myers Photography and blog and to view more details from this wedding, please click here.
Read MoreDay After Wedding + Vendor Chat with Lindsay Corrigan
Vendor Name: Lindsay Ann Corrigan
Company Website: www.onceuponatimephotos.com
I am excited about today’s post for a couple of reasons. I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Lindsay Ann Corrigan and I am featuring a few photos from my first clients who actually had a trash the dress or day-after wedding photo session, which were photographed by Lindsay. Why the excitement?
We are breaking ice in Eastern North Carolina (ENC). You see, although the popularity of “trash the dress” sessions are increasingly popular among brides across the country, in ENC it is still relatively new despite our numerous destination wedding locations. Translation, most of my clients have not been interested in trashing their wedding gowns. Seriously, you would think it was a taboo to suggest it.
Perhaps after viewing a few images of Kristi and Joe’s “day-after wedding” photo session, (actually it took place after their honeymoon) more of you Carolina brides will be interested in booking what Lindsay calls her “All Dressed Up” day-after wedding photo shoot, which is ideal for brides who do not mind having some fun and getting a wee bit dirty, but without fully tarnishing their wedding gowns. Say in natural setting with lush greenery, sand, and water?
The Interview
I first met Lindsay at a bridal show back in February. Let me say, she has such a warm and genuine spirit that just draws you in. Don’t you just love it when you get that feeling upon first meeting someone? I do.
Okay, here is my interview.
TD: What is the story behind Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry?
LC: I worked as a newspaper reporter and photojournalist for a short time during college and fell in love with capturing the amazing stories people have to tell, especially the ones filled with joy and emotion. The idea of a portrait career had just started to form in my mind when a friend of a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I was smitten! It was a dream come true to be able to capture and retell over and over with my camera all the symbolic details, emotions, expressions, and events that made up their wedding story. So I added weddings to my portrait idea and Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry was born.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
LC: I sit down with the couple and get to know their story: the first date, the proposal, special memories, wedding dreams, anything they are willing to share with me. Then I envision how I will bring out who they are as a couple in their photographs. On the wedding day, I do my best to help the couple enjoy their wedding day, and I stay on task to ensure I accomplish their wishes.
TD: What about your style of photography?
LC: I enjoy using artistic elements, such as unique angles and contrast. I tend to lean toward non-traditional portrait journalism technique, which incorporates candid shooting and guided posing to create a natural look. My subjects are the focus and my goal is to capture their true beauty. I also like to incorporate locations, architecture and props that are unique or meaningful to bring out their personalities.
TD: How many people shoot for Once Upon a Time Photos?
LC: I am the only photographer at Once Upon a Time Photos, but there are three other photographers that I hire as second shooters on a regular basis.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
LC: Look for a photographer with a style that you love! Make sure to see a handful of entire wedding collections by each photographer you consider, meet with the photographer before signing a contract and get references from former brides.
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
LC: Late afternoon weddings work the best because we can shoot portraits during the early evening, which offers the most romantic and appealing lighting.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
LC: Prayer!
TD: Same here…love it!
Now a few photos from my clients’ “day after wedding” photo session. Their session took place in the historic town of New Bern in a secluded park located on the Neuse River, which is located in the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina.
Kristi also invited her sister, Kara, who was also her maid of honor along to join in on the fun. As you can see, Kristi did not get in the water with her actual wedding gown. She was willing to do the sand, but she changed into a bridesmaid dress and trash it with her maid of honor. Talk about fun! I love that she got her sister involved.
Actually, this got me thinking, “why not ask your bridesmaids to join in all the fun?” Think about it. Are they likely to wear their gown again? Probably not. If so, a little water may not necessarily cause any damage depending on the fabric. Kristi told met when they got home, they
…threw them into the washing machine–after all they were already trashed, so if the washing machine ruined them, who cares–they came out PERFECTLY clean! I steamed them with my fabric steamer and they’re good as new again!
I hope you enjoyed the interview with Lindsay, owner of Once Upon A Time Photographic Artistry and are encouraged to live it up a little and book a trash the dress or day-after wedding session. Trust me you will have a ton of fun and you will have the memories captured in time to share with your grandchildren some day. Please leave us some comment love. To view more photos from this session, please visit and subscribe to Lindsay’s photography blog.
Read MoreIndian Wedding + Vendor Chat with IWP Photography
I had the opportunity to interview half of the husband and wife team (Hitesh and Mica Parekh) from IWP Photography, a wedding photography firm based in Raleigh, NC that specializes in indian weddings. Feature below is that interview and a few photos from their recent clients, Arti and Naraj’s indian wedding ceremony.
TD:What is the story behind IWP Photography?
MP: IWP Photography was started as Tesh’s Fine Art & Photography back in 2007. We changed the name after our son was born in 2008. IWP are his initials. The name means so much more to us…it reminds us why we do what we do every time we mention our business name! We specialize in Weddings & Professional Event photography, Commercial Photography and Food Photography.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
MP: Our approach is simple. Listen, Listen, Listen to what the Bride says she wants and create a package to fit her perfectly. This is one of the most important days in a Brides life and we want to make sure that her dream of how her photography will be is met.
TD: What about your style of photography?
MP: Tesh, the lead photographer and owner of IWP is a master at lighting. Also, he knows his camera just as good if not better than the manufacturer which means that he mostly creates the finished images in the camera instead of in post production mode using a certain program. We have very little time in post production and that is so important to us.
TD: How many people shoot for IWP Photography?
MP: 2 photographers, Tesh is the lead and Mica is the 2nd photographer
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
MP: We have a whole article on this and can send it to anyone that would like to read it. From that list, number one for us is a photographer that guarantees their work.
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
MP: Evening weddings offer a type of magical lighting that you can’t get any other time of the day, but any time is great for us. Since Tesh is a Master of Lighting, he can recreate any light tones he needs for the photo. We love weddings especially because of that special moment between two people at the very time that they commit themselves to one another forever….that makes all the work so rewarding!
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
MP: A to do list! And number one on the list is prayer and giving thanks. We are so blessed to be able to capture moments in time that can be seen for a lifetime or longer…that means everything to us.
TD: I love your list of things that you can’t start your day without!!
To view more photos this Arti and Naraj’s wedding, please visit IWP Photography’s blog. Mica, thank you so much for answering my questions and sharing photos from this beautiful wedding.
Read MoreFree Engagement Session by Winstead Photography
Roger at Winstead Photography is offering a complimentary off-site engagement photo session, including a free 8 x 10 print to all new clients, who book his services during the month of February.
Roger serves clients throughout North Carolina and beyond, including for destination weddings. To learn more about Winstead Photography, please visit their website. And if you’re on Twitter, you can follow him here.
Photo Credit: Winstead Photography
Feature Fridays – White Thread Inspiration Blog
If you are a bride in the Carolinas and are seeking inspiration for your wedding, please be sure to checkout the White Thread blog, edited by Dina Holland.
I first met Dina (she has such a warm spirit) back in June at a social media workshop for wedding professionals in Raleigh, presented by Liene Stevens of Splendid Communications. Since then, Dina has launched a very inspiring wedding blog “…to showcase the unique, personal, love-filled weddings being held right here, throughout North & South Carolina.”
If you are a recently engaged bride and want to see how other Carolina brides before you have done their wedding in style, I invite you to visit and subscribe to the White Thread’s blog.
Get Inspired!
Read More 
