So how exactly does one choose the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC as the place to get married? Well, you walk yours dogs around the grounds, look at sculptures and fall in love with a place kind of like you fell in love with each other. Familiarity and beauty: works every time.

Charlene Gourlay and Jon Rathbun were married at the Museum in June of this year and while the ceremony was scheduled to be outside, the weather moved us in … and then back out. There was no harm done, because it was beautiful inside and we were still able to capture the couple and their entire wedding party outside around the various windows, pools, walkways and green spaces.

There were so many beautiful spots to grab photos of these two, and while we were new to the spot, we’d done our homework and it was an embarrassment of riches. Their dream of a wedding planner – Morgan – ran everything like a Swiss timepiece. He was so familiar with the Museum that he gave us plenty of extra ideas and tips.

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Some couples don’t want to do a “first look” when the bride shows herself to the groom prior to the ceremony, but this couple chose to because the setting was so gorgeous. It did NOT take away from Jon’s reaction when he saw Charlene walking down the aisle.

One particularly sweet and comic touch was the couple’s ring bearer. He donned sunglasses and showed that he was the day’s “tight security,” complete with ear piece and briefcase.

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Since Charlene’s father is no longer with us, they did something extremely touching as part of their ceremony. Charlene walked halfway down the aisle and then Jon walked the rest of the way to fetch her and escort her to the pastor. It wasn’t just charming, it was really tender.

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I hope that urban brides will remember that not every wedding needs to be in a church, and that places of interest – with lots of art, sculpture and open spaces – make great reception locations. The weather would have been described as dodgy in just about any other location, but because they selected the museum, it was impossible to take a bad shot. Gorgeous couple and a perfect spot.

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The reception was indoors and the details of art made it special and really cool for capturing images that will last a lifetime. It was an easy-going and fun reception with lots of dancing, music and a great DJ, and plenty of mingling and listening to stories from the family and friends present. This is always such a fun part of shooting any wedding – learning more about the couple from those who truly know them and adore them.

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Charlene and Jon made their great escape using glowsticks and it was as beautiful as the rest of the day. Blue light and lots of love and a kiss before they left to go start the next big chapter of their lives.

Congratulations and Best Wishes to you both. We loved being a part of your big day.

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We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs, engagements and weddings, brides, and special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

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