This week I was back at one of my favorite hotels for Christy & Charles wedding. There is something special about an Umstead Wedding. I’m not sure if its the service, the surroundings or just the fact I know most of the wonderful staff at the the Umstead Hotel. Either way they really know how to host a beautiful wedding and are prepared for any circumstances – which we certainly faced this past weekend with threatening skies and very dubious weather forecasts.
The wedding day started out beautifully with both my wonderful clients getting ready at the Umstead Hotel. Ginger Mullins was working on the bridal hair & makeup for Christy in the Governors suite while the guys were out golfing. After getting some awesome preparation photography, I turned my attention to photographing both of Christy’s beautiful wedding dresses. As the Umstead Hotel rooms are gorgeous, I had no shortage of places to hang the dresses to get some great shots. As the guys returned and got ready, I headed up to their room just as they were were getting ready to pay tribute to Charles father by cracking a few cans of his dad’s favorite bear, Pearl. I know not everyone may get that, but it was a very touching moment and I was certainly touched to be part of it.
As we get ready to head out to the Umstead Hotel Lawn for the wedding, the skies were, well, not wanting to cooperate. A light mist was coming down and while the guests were seated outside, we looked at the weather forecast and it was, well, not good. Christy really wanted to married outside so Charles, being the awesome guy he is, made the call and said “Let’s do it”! I think someone cashed in some Karma points as the very light rain stopped as soon as the ceremony began. Even though the radar showed we should of been getting poured on, the skies remained sealed for the duration of the ceremony.
After the ceremony and couples portraits, we headed into the Umstead Hotel for the reception. The Stone Age Romeo’s were brought in to get the reception jumping and right after the parent dances, they did just that! This was the first time I had heard them play and I will definitely make time to go see them again! As the reception wore on, Christy changed into her 2nd wedding dress and, well, let’s just say Charles was impressed. As the wedding reception wore down, many of their close friends and family headed over to the Umstead bar to finish off the evening. I am happy I was able to join them, sans camera, to help send them off in style!
Congratulations to you both! Thank you so much for having me as your wedding photographer and I hope you enjoy this small sampling of photos from your wedding!
