I write the post coming to the end of an 8 week run of back to back weddings. I”ll be back at it in 2 weeks, but for now, a short break. What is the one thing that I’ve seen for the past 8 weeks? REALLY, REALLY happy brides. I mean, straight up, “This is the best day of my life!” happy. It’s so awesome. And May 29, 2011 with Beth & Corey was one of those weekends.

Beth had all her girls in one room at the Hilton, where she put on such a classy wedding dress with a perfect veil. A mix of old school class with some modern chic touches. The guys – let’s touch on the guys for a minute – exactly how does the 4 time ACC wrestling champ from Carolina end up getting ready at Cameron Indoor Stadium (much less get married at Duke Chapel??). Oh, ok, he’s a wrestling coach for Duke – and how does that happen? lol – I don’t know, but Corey is so much the man he had 15 groomsmen! I hesitate calling them that, because really, after spending the day with them, and hearing the toasts they each gave, Corey has 15 brothers. 15 brothers who all had custom Chucks and dress shirts, both with the wedding date embroidered on them. Awesome.

Duke Chapel was as beautiful as always. I call your attention to the photo of Beth and her Dad waiting under the light in the foyer area of the chapel – a beautiful moment. Also, look right after that, and see the look of her Dad as he peers through the paned glass looking into the chapel itself, waiting his turn.

The entrance of Corey was amazing. It wasn’t one by one, but rather, a huddle formed. A soft murmur of voices as the 15 brothers engulfed Corey in the center and they swayed slowly in a rhythm. And then they started coming up the isle. Not really walking, but like you would see a boxer entering the ring from the underground. Look at the photo from behind, the hand on Corey’s right shoulder. Intense.

After the ceremony, we stopped at Duke Gardens for some one on one shots, which turned out great. We spent about 30 minutes there and then headed over to The Cotton Room where Michelle Aldred (owner of the Cotton Room) had put together a beautiful spread. Michele and the Cotton Room have quickly become one of my favorite venues to work with and places to shoot receptions. They do an amazing job and the location is fantastic.

Of course, the highlight of the room was probably the amazing cakes from Swank Cake in Raleigh. Check out the two shoe cakes they made which matched the shoes of Beth and Corey.

You’ll notice Beth & Corey changed into some awesome threads for the reception. Totally cool for this intense club-like setting. MadStone Band from Kernersville, North Carolina (phone: 336.453.3213) put on a mix of R&B and hip-hop the likes I haven’t seen. Add in the bridal party and friends, and it was so intense, I was honestly worn out by the end of the night (and it takes a lot to wear me out). Being sandwiched in the middle of the guys, who had taken the mic, and were rapping and singing to the band’s songs, was so intense and so fun. Madstone never stopped, just kept playing harder, louder, and more intense, and the crowd ate it up, and begged for more. Check out the photos of Corey getting some serious air. This was one happy reception :)

Ok I’ve gone on long enough. Let me mention these other great vendors, and check out these fantastic samples. Cheers, Corey and Beth!

Cake–Swank Cake Design, Raleigh NC
Florist–Fresh Affairs, Raleigh NC
Catering–The Cotton Room/Triangle Catering, Durham NC
Band–MadStone Band, Kernersville NC email: tonymitchell@live.com
Graphic Design–C. Hawkins, cencational designs; Chapel Hill NC
Hair–Adaomma Edwards, Jade and Co. Salon, Greensboro NC
Teresa Echard, Split Endz Salon, High Point NC
Barber–The Renaissance Barber Shop, Durham NC; Parkwest Barber School, Durham NC
Make-Up–Crystal Williams, Split Endz Salon, High Point NC
Special Effect Lighting–Jeff Simpson, Raleigh NC
Video–Johnny Jones, Durham NC