Kristina Montuori Bridal Portraits

Last Saturday, Nov. 27th, Kate and I traveled up to Roanoke, VA for the GORGEOUS wedding of Kristina Montuori and Jon Hillman. I'm still working on the blog post for the event, but thought I'd go ahead and share some bridal portraits I shot with Kristina this October. As you can see, Kristina is an incredibly beautiful bride! More photos from the big day to come in the next day or so!  

Kristina and Jon were married at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Roanoke, VA.  

More photos from Kristina and Jon's wedding soon!! 

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! 

Courtenay and Ivan at Claxton Farms

One of my favorite things about my job (there are quite a few) is that it allows me a chance to reconnect with people I grew up with during an important time in their lives. Courtenay and I go all the way back to middle school in Raleigh, NC and we played on both the middle school and high school volleyball teams together. It was beyond amazing to see Courtenay put on her wedding dress and walk down the aisle today and she looked gorgeous! Ivan, you're a lucky man! 

Courtenay and Ivan tied the knot this past Saturday, Aug. 28, at the beautiful Claxton Farms. It was a perfect summer day, much cooler than it's been recently and it almost felt like fall already. There was a lot of love at this wedding! Now, I'll let the photos speak for themselves... 

Courtenay gets a hug from her mother (above). 

Mother of the Groom, Janice, signs the wedding quilt that Courtenay's aunt made for the newlyweds (below).

It was a team effort to put on Ivan's boutonniere (below)

The Backstreet Band (below). 

Ivan waits with his groomsmen before the ceremony starts (below)

Courtenay's sisters share a kiss during the couple's first kiss (below).

Courtenay forgot to get her bouquet from her sister before walking down the aisle, there was a moment where it was almost thrown down the aisle, but they decided against it! :) 

Lots of love and hugs from friends/family!

While we did family photos, Ivan and Courtenay were SOOOO cute together!!! He kept kissing and hugging her! This photos was NOT posed. (below)

Courtenay's sister had the idea for this one (below). 

Courtenay and Ivan's first dance

Courtenay and her dad

After she danced with her dad, Courtenay's grandfather dances with her (below). He was a fabulous dancer!!! 

ok, just too cute. :) 

The Backstreet Band was awesome! 

This little one (Below) bounced around the dance floor all night!

Courtenay's sister, Christine, could really cut a rug!

Courtenay and Ivan, thanks so much for allowing me to be a part of your fabulous wedding day!