I met Caroline thru a previous wedding client of mine, Christa, and when we first met, I was thrilled to learn her wedding would be in Pinehurst. Even though it’s only about an hour away, I hadn’t yet photographed a wedding there so, needless to say, I was thrilled. There are quite a few Pinehurst Wedding Photographers but as Caroline is local to Raleigh, it was easier for us to meet locally and both travel down for her wedding in Pinehurst.
Their wedding ceremony took place at the Village of Pinehurst arboretum and their wedding reception was at the Fair Barn. Having never been to either location previously I got there a bit early so I could look around and get an idea of what the photography conditions would be. Having photographed in barns before, I know they all have one thing in common – darkness! I actually love “dark” weddings though because, essentially, the only light you’ll have is what you bring, so that makes for some very cool wedding photography! The Fair Barn also has Christmas lights strung throughout which adds a lovely warmth and charm to an already gorgeous venue.
We could not have asked for better outdoor wedding conditions. Cloudy skies and a slightly cool breeze made it comfortable for everyone to be outside, no matter if they had one a full suit or a sleeveless wedding gown. After the ceremony (and my end run behind the ceremony to capture the happy couple pouring sand into a vase), we headed into the downtown area in Pinehurst to photograph some wedding portraits involving Caroline, Branden and their wedding party. We located a small, very charming inn that was vacant and used it and the surrounding areas as a backdrop for the group photos. Caroline, Branden and I then snuck off to get a shot in front of the Pinehurst Resort – a GORGEOUS hotel with amazing landscaping and beautiful architecture.
Back at the Fair Barn, the sun was setting as Branden and Caroline started their first dance. The barn has an overhead skylight which lets in, normally, the perfect amount of light into the center of the building but, with it being cloudy and the sun going down, it provided very little additional light which made for some very cool layering of light in the photos. After dinner, the cake cutting and toasts, everyone got busy on the dance floor and helped the happy couple celebrate their wedding. I spotted a really great opportunity for a cool portrait that evening, and Caroline was gracious enough to pose for a few shots before her and Branden exited the wedding reception under the shaking of pom poms.
I’d like to extend my sincerest thank you to Caroline, Branden and both of their families for their hospitality and graciousness on their wedding day. As always, I’ve selected a few of my favorite photos to show below.
