Erin and Chris in Raleigh, NC

Saturday, Nov. 13, I had the HONOR of being a part of the wedding of Erin Duff and Chris Koontz. Every once in a while, my job grants me the unique and special privilege to reunite with old friends during one of the most important times in their lives. This is one of my absolute favorite parts of my job. 

When Erin contacted me that she was engaged, I was thrilled! I grew up with the Duffs. Erin drove me to school when I was a freshman in high school; Her brother, Bill and I were friends; and I used to babysit for her younger sister, Claire (all grown up now!). So you could imagine that seeing Erin in her wedding dress last Saturday was surreal in the most fantastic way!  

I'm so happy that Erin has found someone as great as Chris to spend her life with. Thanks to you both for including me in the festivities! Below are some highlights from the day: 

 Mr. Bill Duff, father of the bride, kept this photo in his pocket (above) in case anyone needed a good laugh! 

Below, he sees Erin in her dress for the first time.  

The ceremony took place at St. Michael's Episcopal Church in Raleigh (above)....Yes, that's the moon in  that photo :) 

Flowers by Joseph Barnes of Catering Works  

There is no photography during Episcopal wedding services as a general rule, so this is where we (as photographers) get creative, while being respectful of church policy. I got these shots from through the glass door :)  

The Reception was held at the Stockroom in downtown Raleigh. 

Cake by Catering works.  

A great impromptu father-daughter dance!  

The Craig Woolard Band was a class act and a whole lot of fun!  

 

The superstar of the night was this little boy who NAILED the "If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it" dance!!! When he did this part (below) I thought I was going to die from cuteness overload!! 

Fun with the groomsmen!  

A Big Congratulations to Erin and Chris! Thanks so much for trusting me to play such an important role on your wedding day! 

Raleigh Round Up 2010

Last Friday, Nov. 12, I had the honor of photographing the Raleigh Round Up for the fourth year. Check out the photos I took at last year's round up!

This event takes place every year at the NC State Fairgrounds and raises money for the American Cancer Society. A group of fantastic Raleigh women, The Red Sword Guild, head up the event and spend a lot of time and energy putting it together every year. 

As one of Raleigh's premier charity events, the Red Sword Guild gala has raised over $2.5 million over the past 13 years! This money goes to funding research to save lives, government advocacy, community education, and crucial programs that support cancer patients and their families. 

One of the best things to do at the Raleigh Round up is sample some of the fantastic foods graciously donated by Chefs for a Cure. 

This years chefs (below) included Jason Smith of 18 Seaboard, Corbett Monica of Bella Monica, Michael Casey of Cantina 18, Vivian Howard of Chef and the Farmer, Ian Sullivan of Coquette Brasserie, James Boyle of Duck and Dumpling, John White of Moe's and The Flying Biscuit, John Powers of Fosters, Tony Fusco of Gravy, Scott Crawford of Herons, Steph Hensley of Margaux's Restaurant, Mel Melton of Papa Mojo's Roadhouse, Kevin Campbell of Porter's City Tavern, Coleen Speaks of PoshNosh Catering, Ed Schrage of Pronto Pasta, Jim Anile of Revolution Restaurant, Daniel Schurr of Second Empire, Matt Scofield of Sitti, Dustin Pierce of Vivace, Linwood Parker of White Swan and Lucindy Willis of Yancyhouse Retaurant. 

Guests peruse the silent auction (above) and play in the casino (below)

One of my favorite things every year is seeing all the awesome cowboy boots!! (Below)

Live Auction with Ben Farrell (below) 

"SOLD" (below)

Betsy Davis of the American Cancer Society thanks Red Sword Guild Gala Chairs, Ashley White and Whitney Zinner (below)

Some great donated prizes were also raffled off! 

What I think is incredible about this event is that it really has it all! Silent auction, raffles, casino, live entertainment, live auction, even a mechanical bull!!! 

This years musical entertainment was provided by Yarn (above) and Party on the Moon (below)

While in Raleigh, I also did three sittings for Images For a Cure! I would love it if they found a cure for this nasty disease in my lifetime! Until then, I'll do all I can to make sure we're still researching!