First Wedding of the 2014 Season!

First Wedding of 2014 - 04.26.2014

Meet Christian, Thomas 'T.J' and their beautiful little girl as they have celebrated the most beautiful day Riverside at the Country Club as a family. 

As you take a good look at the proud daddy, such emotion is evoked: "Three is really the perfect number".  The best of gifts received by the couple, and the most cherished, is a beautiful girl named 'Colbie'. The sweet story had its start in January 2010, when these two young lovers met.  Christian had relocated to the Port City in Wilmington, NC and Thomas "T.J" was swiftly introduced by the bride's mom, as a guide.  But, chemistry was evident and as events developed, there was an official first date in March,  2010 and as courtship continued they welcomed their little treasure in the Fall of 2011, and an engagement proposal had already been in the works.  

But, when 'Colbie' was born they decided to place focus in parenting, they were a family already and as life continued, preparations for the special wedding day were in order and in April 26th, 2014 our sweet family of three took part of the most heartfelt and genuine ceremony , as 'Colbie' was one of the most important participants of this amazing day!

The bride and groom decided for their wedding theme to be "Rustic-Classic", and the ceremony and reception were hosted by New Bern - Golf And Country Club in New Bern, NC.

The ceremony was held 'Riverside' in the late afternoon on Saturday April 26th, 2014 and was witnessed by 100plus guests.  Christian, the beautiful bride wore a gown by "Mori Lee  by Madeline Gardner".  Her Flowers were beautifully put together by "Michael's Florist" in New Bern.  Cake and Cupcakes were designed by "Ali Smith Cakes".

A touch of  "Rustic-Classic" details were classically done along with decorations, bridal gifts, bridesmaid dresses as well as the party favors for the day and our bride's favorite cowboy boots.

The colors chosen for the day  were sand for the bridesmaids dresses and classic grayish-black for groom and his groomsmen. 

A simple, yet very meaningful ceremony that was filled with many emotions, especially when 'Colbie' received a bracelet that signify that 'Union' as family being part of the classic observance by the colored sand poured into mason jars, which signifies 'all become ONE', followed by the seal of commitment by the couple with a kiss as they held their sweet treasure.

Finally husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard walk away from the ceremony area and are greeted by family and loved ones.

Formal pictures followed and these were not your standard images, as bridal party all together wanted to have fun and so we did, the images reveal the laughter and enjoyment as we worked with them.

the reception was exceptional, couple's first dance along with their sweet girl was memorable. After dinner, the night was filled with great music and entertainment along with a serenade by best friends and dances that completed the moment perfectly...

We are really joyful to see how a wedding can be pondered, especially after a long series of life events, defeating the 'norm'.  So, this family has become a stronger unit and in this day, they enjoy all of God's blessings.

Weddings are all so different and still keep that classic essence.  What will your story be?

Lynn & Lisa | Destination Wedding in Mammoth Creek Panguitch, UT 09.21.2013

Lynn & Lisa… 09.21.2013 | Mammoth Creek, UT

I believe in love.

I believe in love as one of the strongest forces… No time, No distance, No obstacles can come between the love of two people, who adore and care for one another…

The reason of travel for family members simply involves more than a mere couple of hours - try 10+ just to be there, at that one place that holds the significance in itself, where so much has been shared and experienced… A simple site which for many may be only a camping ground… To our sweet couple it signified their ‘time’ together, away from it ALL -

A simple ceremony, involved plenty of planning… And much surprising to be revealed to the groom and it was successful all around!

For me as a photographer, a destination wedding entails more than meeting a bride and closing a deal, a lot rides in my ability to create that amazing relationship with the sweet trust given, the details and such… There are other responsibilities other than delivering their captures…

Just to be there a day prior as well as making sure all my gear works and it is not lost during transport, my destination work involves long hours at airports, sitting in the most odd spots somewhere to find good outlets to connect and work, eat, sleep to be ready for their day… Driving, scouting, be that person with the one pin that may hold a dress together, who knows? All you know, is that YOU have to be ready for anything!!! And this is the aspect of my travel that I love so much.

Finally.. After a day of happiness… We obtained all the images that were envisioned and I have met some incredible new friends, who I cannot wait to see soon! My client, my bride and now, well… I cannot wait to hear more about her great time in the mountains with the love of her life!

Proofs have already been delivered.. And now we wait… :)
At their own time and pace, when they are ready!

Congratulations to such amazing pair… We shall see you really soon!!

I am the lucky one, I have the best clients!

allie miller

When choosing your Wedding Photographer - Cheaper is NOT always BETTER -

St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church 

No flash Photography was allowed.... - Still was illuminated!

Your Wedding Day.. Ahhh – You have waited for this moment almost all of your life… And now, here comes the planning… And along with all preparations, it is a good time to start shopping for a photographer – after all you do not want to trust those images to some hobbyist who “loves to take pictures” or someone in your party with a point-n-shoot {usually a good hear-ted friend}, right?

If you are reading this blog, you have probably landed here and the title has caught your eye –  I am so glad you’ve decided to check out this article, because finding a wedding photographer can be a bit overwhelming.  I know, prices range from almost nothing (friends with cameras, the hobbyist) to prices as high as $30-50,000 dollars!! And no! this figure is not a typo.

I can let you in a little secret, since you got this far – Good wedding photography is not cheap, but it is the most important investment you will make on your special day..  It is not an expense {key word} you are investing a lot into your big day.   In easier terms, when your wedding venue is over, the food will be eaten, the transportation will be returned, tuxes taken back and the dress and decorations packed away (possibly will never worn or used again – my gown is pretty in a box).  Now, your photos, Ah {Smile} – these are usually the only remaining evidence of all the hard work you put into your wedding day.

What we are saying is, that If you are hiring a wedding photographer, just make sure you hire a photographer that you are comfortable with and feel like you can actually trust to take on your day personally.  Even if it is not our booked wedding, just make sure you are truly confident they can handle the work load, the day, the guest, the lighting {that their gear can handle most lighting situations?} etc and treat you and your party with respect.

Professional photographers, we come in all shapes and sizes. We all have various levels of experience and education.  So to say not all wedding photographers are created equal.

We can say that we are not the low end cheap, but we are not the most expensive either.  We  do shot many weddings, and have multiple PRO camera bodies, PRO lenses and flashes, and we are ready for anything, for example if one of our cameras break down, you can trust we have backups, again not missing a moment. And this is exactly what you want when you are hiring a photographer.  Also, do not forget planning for the worst, is your photographer affiliated? Do they have insurance? What is the contract read? Are they professional? When you first met – Were they dressed appropriately to your interview?

With my wedding packages, there are always two of us taking photos.  I’ve used other photographers before, but the second photographer is USUALLY my husband.

We love what we do and we have fun shooting weddings.  Honestly, we are so grateful to work with so many couples who truly understand the value behind our craft. And we have created some pretty sweet relationships as well as with many clients that we have photographed.

Sometimes in conversations with friends and colleagues, we are always amazed at some of the horror stories we hear about their wedding photographers and the stuff we come across in social media.

There are of course lots of  talented photographers too, but, the way of handling your day’s captures are different.  So, it is important to meet and survey the professional photographers you are considering for your special day.  Not everyone is a good fit ( whether be for you {client} OR the photographer).
Your overall experience is an important factor for all those involved, when you have a great rapport.  For some reason if you are  not comfortable with their style.  Do not settle.  Find someone that you will  be comfortable with, remember they will be on your every moment on your day.

Keep in mind that  good professional photographers get booked  real FAST!

Make sure they are not double booking on your day or taking other sessions during your day.   A story last year we had to turn away 5 brides requesting wedding dates in September and November. We simply could not shoot them because we were already booked – our attention is solely to you, and if hiring someone – expect nothing less!

If you find someone you really like, make sure you get in touch with them as soon as possible. If for example, our style suits your taste – send a message – even if not in the area… {hint}

Perhaps, you are just researching – give us a ring- or Skype with us and feels like you would would just like to come by and visit.  We would be glad to let you look more closely the work we do, and our process and see if you like what I offer.

Never imagined I could really write this long blog, but I know it has gotten longer than intended.

Final words – When hiring a professional wedding photographer just make sure you like them as a person/people and you can tell a lot by first impressions.
So, If you are a fit {like peas in a pod} you will likely click with them during your  day and it will reflect in the outcome of your photos.

Also, make sure they have good gear and backups to handle your wedding and most lighting situations.  (Plus, make sure they actually know how to use it!) If you’re not having an outdoor wedding with a nice cloud cover and a brightly lit reception, you might run into issues. Saying that also, make sure you like their past work and this perhaps will be the best predictor of the outcome.

So, even if their price might be right, but their style might be wrong.  Cheaper is NOT  always better.  Sometimes cheaper is just CHEAP and the product will be shown and discussed for times to come among friends and family…. True story!

Now, there is a lot of work ahead… Let’s plan this day!

Allie Miller
Owner/Photographer – Eastern NC

Carly & Eddie - A Wedding to Remember!

Carly & Eddie said "I Do"

The Story...

At the historic Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, NC. on November 17th, 2012 -Carly & Eddie said "I Do" 

All was in perfect order... Thanks to the amazing planning skills of Jessica Gibbs with {A Shindig Southern Event Planning}  

The sweet and short story will begin on how it was such a great feeling to know that Carly and Eddie had their eye on their photographer before they even had invites sent out or our bride even had bought a dress.... 

Saturday morning, we, arrived early and just at the moment before anyone was even ready...Needless to say, this wedding was not just a regularly booked wedding to us was also a special day because Carly and I have become friends and for over 2 years she has seen me grow while my photography became a business...

Okay, again back to the story... The main house at the BAC {Brooklyn Arts Center}has all the amenities that anyone can wish for...  and no worries at all because of it all was smooth sailing. Such a great team and everything was so well organized.

While bridesmaids were getting ready the atmosphere was so soothing and relaxing... Jessica {A Shindig Southern Event Planning} had everything under control. and so we focused on capturing the day, which has been the most important day for the newlyweds as well as for their family and friends alike.

And after a few hrs, the moment we all waited for arrived: The Ceremony... So many emotions and so much love filled the big main room at the BAC... 
Words cannot describe, but pictures will...

Needless to say the after happenings of the ceremony were just beyond fun.. Everyone danced, mingled and participated... This was with NO doubts one amazing day!

This day, was a day that we all would love to repeat all over again! I know this for sure.

Our newlyweds, and all family and guests had the best time... And YES! They are living happily ever-after!


www.alliemillerweddings.com