Last weekend the Whitford Plantation in New Bern, NC became the international home for Sarah & Christian’s wedding weekend. Hailing from Belgium, with friends and family from as far as Lebanon, a rainy Friday gave way to an incredibly perfect Saturday on the water for an ideal wedding. With gorgeous rooms inside and a perfect outdoor setting, Whitford Plantation proves itself an ideal location for an outdoor wedding.

The introduction image really does a nice job of encapsulating the weekend. I pulled Sarah & Christian away for about 5 minutes during their cocktail hour for this series of images. The soft tree moss does a great job of framing Sarah’s side , while Christian’s side is left open, and combined with the water, leave us feeling unbound. We also get a great view of Sarah’s phenomenal dress.

The next few photos show off the dress and veil in more detail, and the ring shot is set to the background of one of several masks throughout the plantation. We follow with some really nice images of both Sarah & Christian getting ready. The foreground in all three do a great job of giving us a feeling of “peaking in” on the couple as they put on their finishing touches before the ceremony.

Of the ceremony shots, I think my two favorite images are the one of Sarah walking the path to Christian and the one with her hand on his face. In the first, its a vantage point we don’t see to often – especially as a guest. And the second is such a tender and loving moment – one that any man would want on the day of his wedding – an unscripted soft expression of love.

After a few images to set the scene for the reception, I wanted to show two images focusing on Christian. The first is a great moment from his soft spoken brother Patrick. This great  moment shows that often a gesture says more than any word can. Following is a perfect hug between Christian and his daughter Tara, who takes note of me taking the photo. As you know I much prefer the unaware photograph, but in this case, Tara’s smile is perfection. This hint of her knowing I’m watching, and a wry smile to let me know she doesn’t care and I’m not relevant.

Following the dancing, I wanted to end with a shot from Sarah & Christian’s first dance. The hug, the embrace they share – you can see the love in Christian’s eyes and you can see it in Sarah’s back. The shadows do a great job of showing us just enough, for anymore would be intrusive.

It was great working with all the true professionals at the wedding. I had a great time seeing familiar faces like Rachel, Patrick and Tamara, and of couse making new friends as well. Special note to Rachel Munro & her team of Bridal by the Sea who did an amazing job setting up and coordinating the wedding.

Cheers to the Sarah & Christian as they enjoy a bit of newlywed bliss :)

Vendors of note:

Kathy Canby Cakes | Whitford Plantation | Intimate Bridal | DJ Professionals |The Chelsea | Making Faces | Bridal by the Sea | Hair Gallery | Southern Hospitality Service