It’s really starting out to be a great 2012, with last month’s wedding at Proximity and now this fantastic Angus Barn wedding with Jon & Amanda in Raleigh, NC. They’re such a great couple, just super nice and so in love with each other. I saw it during their engagement session we had last year, but here, on the wedding day, it just really showed. Jon surprised Amanda with a super cool vintage red Essex to drive her to the Angus Barn and also as the exit vehicle they rode off in. The day itself was perfect – sunny, low 70s – you couldn’t beat it.

It was my first time at the Angus Barn, and it lived up nicely to it’s stellar reputation. Top notch facility and staff, beautifully set up and really just a pleasure to be part of this great wedding.

I’d like to point out a few of the images we’re sampling today. I picked the intro image because I think it sets the pace for Jon & Amanda. They’re big dancers, and they’re really good, so it’s nice to start with their first dance. Notice how he holds her and how she holds herself with him. There’s a softness – a caring – there – and it’s  nice to see. I also like how we can see their sweetheart table and the lights from the barn. By keeping the bridal party in the foreground we’re able to give Jon & Amanda the privacy of the first dance. It’s something to be observed, not to be intruded upon.

We have some great getting-ready shots. The dress is photographed the way I found it, which is perfect just laying on the bed. The light & shadows play nicely on the outline of the dress, and shooting it through the mirror in the room helps add to the soft quality of the image. Take note of the 4th image, which is a pre-day, girls only prayer. I had the fortune of having one of the bridesmaids that was next to me, outside the room, pull back the curtain divider just enough so I could see Amanda. Combined with the good fortune that she was facing me, we end up with a great, intimate image. Note the fingers on her shoulder. They’re from the hand of her Matron of Honor.

They had a first look before the ceremony, which is always so nice. A great relaxed way for couples to set the terms under which they want to see each other for the first time. You can see their first kiss in the 10th image (vertical in color).

We headed to the Angus Barn main facility for some photos with just Jon & Amanda inside. Although it was pretty dark, we did manage to get some great shots using light coming through the stained glass in the bar area (thanks to the patrons who let us take over their lunch) as well as some shots in the elevator. If I remember correctly, Amanda and I joked about doing shots in the elevator last year, and it turns out we did them, and they came out great. Something different you wouldn’t expect from an outdoor wedding by a lake.

After the ceremony, we did some sunset photos, and good friends Jordan & Melissa of K2 Productions got some killer footage for the movie. I’d like to point out that all 3 of these sunset images were taken while video was being shot. Trying to keep video out of the shot is challenging, but really, helpful, because it forces you to look for different angles.

We close out with a strong series of reception photos. There are 4 or 5 of Jon & Amanda dancing because they just carry themselves so well and it looks so graceful. The lights of the barn, the candle wheels hanging, they all add such great mood to the scenes. Note how Amanda’s arms wrap around Jon. How her body just drapes so nicely along his. How her dress has such great, light motion to it.

You’ll note the image of them kissing at their sweetheart table. An exercise in patience. This was shot through the glass of the double sided fireplace. The patience came from waiting for the glasses to be clinked to encourage the kiss. As I tell my students in class, part of photography is patience, and part of it is that decisive moment. Add some light, and composition, and well, there you have it.

Also note the great hug Amanda gives her Matron of Honor after her toast. You can see the emotion in her arms hugging her.

In addition to Jordan & Melissa, it was great working with Ken of Joe Bunn DJ Company, and Kelly of Angus Barn. By the way, as a side note, The Pavilion Tenderloin with Red Wine Jous at Angus Barn is by far – by far – the best tenderloin I’ve ever had. If you’re anywhere near Raleigh, make a reservation and order it.

Cheers Jon & Amanda, and we wish you all the best in 2012 and the years to come!

Other great vendors of note:

• Matthew Kanon, acoustic guitarist
• Darling Cakes – http://triciasdarlindesigns.blogspot.com/
• Tre Bella Florist – www.trebellaflorist.com

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