Belk of Smithfield Hosts Bridal Expo

Belk of Smithfield, NC is hosting it's bridal show and expo Sunday, February 22nd. It will be from 2-5pm at 1231 N Brightleaf Blvd. I'LL BE THERE!!! I participated for the first time last August, so I know a little about what you can expect. Food--Casey's Catering and Florist will likely be there with plenty of reception food samples, cake, and punch. You'll have the opportunity to meet local wedding vendors, and register to win prizes. There will probably be a gift just for showing up--it was really nice last time--and you can start a wedding registry at Belk if you'd like. If you're from Johnston County you might as well start a registry at Belk because you know all those old ladies from your church are going shopping for you at Belk.

I know some couples are recently engaged and don't necessarily have a date set for the wedding, but you can go anyway. It's a great way to do some preliminary research, and WIN STUFF.

**BIG HINT** on registering for prizes: the way it worked last time was the brides had to speak to each vendor and check off or get them to check off that she had spoken with them--there aren't too many vendors so don't get intimidated. But some vendors aren't as, mmmm, outgoing as others, so some brides didn't meet everyone because the vendors weren't taking the initiative to introduce themselves. SO, either make an effort to speak to all the vendors, or come see MEEE and I'll make sure to introduce you to everyone. (cause I love you and I want you to win!!! Yea!)

All the wedding vendors are asked to give something for a door prize. My give-away will be an engagement session and you can choose from a 16x20 print or a coffee table photobook of your proofs. It's a $300 value, so come to the show so you have a chance to win it!

I've set up this show as an event on facebook. If you're a facebook member you can click this link to RSVP or invite others to attend. I think there is some way to set up events on facebook for the public to see, but I don't know how. If you have any tips let me know. You're always welcome to be my facebook friend or become a fan of Studio 310.

Win a Gift Certificate from Wedding Paper Divas

I love paper. Probably because I studied graphic design in art school with a bunch of paper loving professors. My typography teacher creates beautiful hand pressed books, and he occasionally spent time in class showing us his work and explaining the letter press and book making process.

Because of all the time and work that goes into designing and creating these items, they are generally outside of my budget, so I was excited to hear about a contest Wedding Paper Divas is having right now. Brides (or grooms, what an awesome surprise for the bride) can submit their engagement story through February 22nd for an opportunity to win a gift card for wedding invitations, response cards, and thank you notes. Awesome!! Check out the website, their designs are gorgeous.





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callie and devin's wedding day

My brother-in-law Jim grabbed this photo during the ladies' photos. I like how the soft focus works for this one. Jim's a computer engineer with a major photography hobby, fun lenses, and a good eye. It wasn't planned, but he ended up being my non-contracted second-second shooter at the wedding.




Some of the musicians. You'll hear their beautiful sounds if you watch the video included in this post. This photo also shows off the chuppah (or huppa)--the canopy the bride and groom stand under for the ceremony.




This Messianic Jewish wedding included both Messianic/Christian wedding traditions and Jewish ones. One of the Jewish traditions is the bride circling the groom 7 times.




A couple photos from Nia--my fabulous (contracted) second shooter for the day.




Congratulations Callie and Devin.



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7 Circles video from one of the wedding guests. Watch it!!



|hotel: Hilton Wilmington Riverside, NC (getting ready and bridal party photos)|
|wedding ceremony + reception: The Balcony on Dock Street, Wilmington, NC|
|hair: Melinda Keener of Sizzor Trix, Goldsboro, NC|
|makeup: Rosa Bourgeois with Mary Kay, Goldsboro, NC|
|dress + veil: Tre Bella Bridal, Durham, NC|
|bridesmaids dresses: Lynn Lugo|
|bride's flowers: Caitlyn W, Goldsboro, NC|
|bridal party's flowers: Julia's, Wilmington, NC|
|chuppah: Linda M, Goldsboro, NC|
|ceremony music: Faith + Simon Dwight, Smithfield, NC; Christina R, Cincinnati, OH; Daniel W, Goldsboro, NC|
|reception dj: Done Deal Entertainment, Wilmington, NC|
|cake: Allison's Cakery, Wilmington, NC|

If you'd like to contact any of these vendors that do not have a website, let me know, and I can help you get a phone number or email address.

the blooming tulip

I photographed the Nick, Dana, their pooch, and Nick's bigger family before Christmas for some family Christmas card photos and gifts. I think the plan was to do photos outside at their house but it was one of those ridiculously cold and windy days in November, so there was no question for them about moving the session indoors.

Dana owns a graphic design business, and she designed their Christmas card. Check out The Blooming Tulip online.



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kathryn and justin's wedding day

Kathryn & Justin were married the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the King Family Vineyards in Crozet, VA near Charlottesville. The venue was gorgeous, the bridal party was entertaining, the reception was a blast, and all the details from the day were amazing. You can check out ALL the photos from the wedding at the Studio 310 proof site.

Kathryn and Justin saw each other before the ceremony for some portraits of the two of them.







Becca got some great stalker shots, including this one.














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