Othic Wedding ~ North Carolina Farm Wedding (Part 2)

Since Clay & Mara’s wedding ceremony took place at dusk, we decided to wake up bright and early for a next-day portrait session. There is something magical about a next day session – no real time constraints, the couple has soaked in that they are officially married, and it’s another chance for the bride to put on that dress another day (without the fear of getting it ruined before the reception!) We ran around the farm, sat in corn fields, frolicked through the woods, and relaxed by the lake. Swoon. I can’t describe the peace and happiness I feel as I look through these images. This was also the last official time Clay was putting on his military uniform (which is a huge deal), and I’m so glad we could capture that last time in such a beautiful way. Clay & Mara, thank you for trusting me and being excited to explore nature for a few hours capturing your love. Even after being together for so long, I just love how you two still look at one another with such admiration and care. The quote by Pablo Neruda reminds me of Clay & Mara’s relationship, and I wanted to share his beautiful words with you all today.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.

I love you simply, without problems or pride;

I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this,

in which there is no I or you,

so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand,

so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.

- Pablo Neruda

fresh eggs right out of the coop!

Mara, you are GORGEOUS!!

Valerie Demo - So good lady… So so so good. <3

Tiffany Farley - Beautiful!!

Joe O'Daniels - Nicely done! :)

Mary Veterano - These are absolutely gorgeous!

Candice Benjamin - Love, Love, Love!!!

Mike Drofenik - Beautifully done! <3

Othic Wedding ~ North Carolina Farm Wedding (Part 1)

Swoon. I have been sitting here for days trying to figure out the proper words and right images to portray just how honored I felt to be part of such a special wedding. I left a pang in my heart as I drove away from their beautiful farm and the wonderful people (and pets!) that made us feel like part of the family. The wedding took place at their farm in northern North Carolina with the ceremony under their beloved dogwood tree in the middle of the forest. The wedding weekend was a collaboration of SO many hearts and hands. Friends came from not only all over the country, but the world to witness and celebrate in their uniting as husband and wife. Clay and Mara have been together for a long time, and have endured a lot as they both served in the military and have deployed numerous times. Towards the end of the wedding, Clay gave a momentous speech that left everyone in tears. It is in those moments that I felt my breathe literally be taken away and tears brimming my eyes. It was a beautifully emotional day and you couldn’t have asked for a better celebration. I have tried choosing images for this blog post on three separate occasions, so instead of trying to narrow them down, you’re going to get two blog posts! (YaY!) Mara & Clay, thank you for having me capture your perfect love & document all the big and little moments of your wedding weekend. I felt such a peace being at your farm and in your company. I am SO excited for your new adventures together and there will never be the right words to describe the love and relationship you share together. A special thank you to Allison for traveling with me and helping me capture their wedding weekend. So to everyone reading, enjoy the glimpse at such a special event!

Instead of cake, they had stacked cheese wheels (umm amazing!)

loved this sweet moment when mara felt a rush of emotion that left her in happy tears

Their beautiful puppy was the ring bearer!

When Clay & Mara mentioned there would be fireworks at the wedding, I didn’t realize how EPIC they would be. Watch the video!

Sneak peek at part 2, the portraits!

Monica Reid - So lovely I LOVE the emotion you captured when her mom is getting ready to hug her.

amanda - Such a beautiful story. Love!!!

Allison Kuhn - Wow! These photos capture the true joy, happiness and love surrounding this couple! What a beautiful story they share, and you show it so perfectly. Great photos, great wedding, great couple!

Eva - It was an extraordinary event captured perfectly. Well crafted photography!