As a photographer, there are definite influences I draw upon for my work. 17th century art happens to be one of those influences so when I met with Ross & Amy and they to me they wanted an NC Museum of Art wedding, I was over the moon to photograph it. Being able to have access in the museum with a camera and a cool couple is, well, one of those things that just refreshes my soul.
Ross & Amy wanted a low key, relaxed environment so having their wedding at the NCMA was perfect. The newly re-designed museum, if you haven’t seen it, from the outside looks rather minimalist but as soon as you walk thru the doors, you see what an incredible job they have done showcasing their art collections. The lighting alone is something I could spend days playing with – the museum really outdid themselves with providing perfect light for viewing (and in my case, taking photos) of the entire facility.
Ross & Amy both got ready at the museum and elected to see each other before the ceremony. They were going to just walk up and say hi to each other but humored me to build up the moment, just a little, in the front of an old wing of the museum. One of the really fun things about being in an art museum is the ability to incorporate the surrounding art into their wedding photographs. After we did their first look, we headed into the newer wing and shot all of the family formals. It was quite a warm day so being inside for formals was a definite welcome relief from the heat of the day. When I was shooting formals, it hit me how BIG the NC museum of Art is.
For the wedding ceremony, we headed out into the northern Courtyard of the museum which is a concrete paved area with water, fountains, lily’s, artistic pieces and trees surrounded on three sides by the tall glass walls of the museum. This provided a beautiful light to filter in over the ceremony and make for really gorgeous photos of Ross & Amy trading their vows. With so many cool aspects of the museum being present, I had to get a few “different” shots including reflections and one of the coolest pairs of tennis shoes I had seen.
After the ceremony, we headed into the wedding reception inside the museum where a table so long it would of made kings proud was waiting for the couple and their guests. With the timing of the wedding, we decided to wait to do the couples wedding portraits near the end of the evening. I did find a really cool opportunity, while everyone was eating, to do an “inception” style ring shot. Funnily enough, I haven’t seen the movie yet but not long after this wedding, I did see a “spoof” of the ring spinning scene. As their rings were not the normal metal (they are black wedding bands) I figured they would appreciate something a little different. After the dances and the cake cutting, we did get the chance to walk around the museum and get some really cool wedding day portraits. I always want my clients personalities to come out in the photos and, personally, I think I captured them perfectly.
Ross & Amy, thank you SO much for having me as your wedding photography. It was really a pleasure getting to hang out with you and your friends and family. I hope you love your photos as much as I do!
