“Nikki was the best! I couldn't believe the day after our wedding she had emailed us 50 photos already and they were amazing. There is a trend in wedding photography for washed out "romantic" colors but I wanted the opposite - full colored images that are bright bold and make an impact and Nikki delivered. In addition, she was just very easy to work with. She worked so quickly with the group family shots and just knocked those out. For solo shots just the groom and me, we felt very comfortable and at ease. There was limited direction which was nice, feels like she captured more natural images that won't feel so staged.” —Risa, the Bride
I will start this off by stating that Risa and Matt have impeccable style. I say this because I literally said this all day on their wedding day. Risa got ready and dressed at their own apartment in downtown Durham. I was so amazed when I walked in—the amount of greenery from their plants, just the right amount of furniture that really matched the decor, and the perfect amount of minimalism and art to set the space apart as their own.
This was so much fun to photograph at the beginning of the day! The light that poured in was beautiful as it bounced off of the walls and onto the closest family members that were there with Risa. When Risa put on her delicate and intricate lace dress—it was just breathtaking to see her all as one. What was even better to witness was when her dad saw her for the first time. That was a site to see, and a privilege to photograph.
Matt started his day at The Durham Hotel. I’ve always loved this hotel for their quirky details, like their curtains—they are my favorite color in the world, mustard yellow. Once he was ready and prepped for the day, he headed across the street to the cute little alleyway right beside Alley26. It is here, that he had his first look with Risa. Personally, I have a hard time picking out a favorite part of their day that I photographed, but this moment may be high on my list. There is something so nice about a couple seeing eachother for the first time—their anxiety goes away, and for a brief moment in the day, its just them.
What I loved most about them is the fact that they loved our city of Durham. Right before they walked down and through the American Tobacco Campus and to their wedding venue, they pit-stopped at a parking deck that gave the prettiest view of downtown. It was such a sweet scene to see these two practice their first dance up there together, and just bask in the moment of what the day ahead of them holds. The portraits of them at this location are some of my all time favorite wedding images to date. A great feeling is attached to them.
Risa and Matt had such a beautiful Jewish ceremony at Bay 7. Risa was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents, and her dad was the one to perform the ceremony. The ceremony was breathtaking in and of itself. The words said, and guests looking in awe were only one aspect of the grand picture. The twinkly lights that seemed to paint a night sky right above them were my all time favorite detail about their wedding. It created such a romantic mood to pair with the vows exchanged.
Later that night, guests were greeted by a candlelit dinner and SO MUCH DANCING! The best part of dancing?! The hora! So much fun, energy, and twirlilng! This was so upbeat and amazing to photograph (especially with the fun lights all around them!). Risa and Matt’s genuine happiness was contagious, and I found myself smiling the more and more the song went on. Right after, Risa and Matt had their first dance. This was especially special as their best friend was the one who sang it. My heart = So FULL!
It was a night full of so much love, kindness, and genuine belly laughs. Risa and Matt, thank you for your kindness and trust in me to photograph such a special occasion for the two of you. It has been an honor to serve you, and I am thankful to have met you both.
Special thanks to all of the vendors who made their day possible!
Planning and Coordination by Emily Katherine Events
Accommodations by The Durham Hotel
Wedding Venue at Bay 7
Catering by Angus Barn
Flowers by Bowerbird Flowers
Ceremony Musicians by Save the Date
Band by Right to Party
Hair and Makeup by Kristina Overton
Transportation by Greenway Transit
Gown by Saks
Invitations by Paper Culture
A spotlight on The English Garden Raleigh Florist! This beloved North Raleigh flower and gift shop is owned by husband-and-wife duo Cydney Davis-English and Warren English. Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to capture a branded photo shoot at their studio.