“Extreme Heat across the state today and tomorrow and the heat index will likely be at times over 105 here in the Triad to over 110 in the eastern part of the state…”

Yup, that’s the forecast from July 24, 2010 in Greensboro, NC. And even inside, it was hot. Proximity Hotel, which is the first LEEDS certified green hotel in the country, was pumping out all the A/C they could to keep up – but really, all that heat didn’t matter. Brandon & Sara brought about 130 of their closest friends and family to celebrate the day with them, and they did just that, in total style.

I’ve been looking forward to their wedding ever since we first talked. To start, they knew the perfect day to get married would be my birthday ;) and also, in a way, Sara and I planned our respective weddings at the same time, and at the same place. It was my first time back to Proximity since having gotten married there myself a couple of months prior. You see, some photographers go the week before to scope out a location to get ideas – but me – I step it up – I actually go all out – I get everyone together and actually have a wedding to really see what it’s really like ;)

We had a great time getting ready  – tons of people in and out of two adjoining rooms, lots of laughs, and some drinks were being poured – good times! Tiwa of Pink Diamonds did some amazing make up work and soon enough it was time for the ceremony.

To keep things cool, the shades of the Social Lobby were pulled, but it really added a great and new backdrop for the ceremony. After the ceremony, we braved the heat (yeah, it’s odd saying that lol) and took a bridal party photo out in the back, and then back inside for some one-on-one shots and the reception. On the reception table, each guest had a hand-wrapped giant Belgium chocolate bar which looked so good sitting on the perfectly folded cloth napkins. After a great dinner, several heart felt toasts and some delicious cake, Randal Calloway put his DJ skills to the test and these guys brought down the house with some serious tunes and dancing. Perhaps the highlight of it all was the African “train” style dance. Think of your more common American train dance, but set to African beats, and line formations which reminded me of the old Brazilian soccer warmup runs, and concluded into a giant spinning circle of people.

Special thanks to Amanda and crew who did their usual fantastic job of putting on the event. Let’s check out some photos and cheers to Sara and Brandon!