Jess and Brandt – Naples, Florida
So, those who read my blog know that I am usually very good about keeping up with posting…. however, these past few weeks have been crazy! I’m planning on posting a few sessions and weddings all at once, so bear with me. 
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of traveling down to Naples, Florida to photograph Jessica and Brandt’s beautiful wedding. I met Jess last year in Tampa at Holly and George’s wedding. I was thrilled to hear of her engagement and so happy to travel down to sunny Florida once again.
The wedding was beautiful! We had amazing (hot, hot, hot) weather. I loved the reception venue, Olde Cypress. The golf theme was so fun! Hope you had a great time in Greece and wish you the best!
Erica and Wes – Highgrove Estate
PURPLE. That about says it all…
Wes is a huge (I mean HUGE) ECU fan! He insisted on his school colors for the big day and Erica agreed. I love how the entire purple theme carried on throughout the entire day. Even the bride’s shoes were purple!
The wedding was held at the Highgrove Estate in Raleigh, NC. This was my first time shooting at this venue and loved it! Such awesome light!
Erica is from Marion, NC and so it meant I had the pleasure of seeing many familiar faces! Thanks for having me and such a great time. Marc and I wish you the absolute best! Special thanks to Priscilla of Orangerie Events, who made the day go by without a hitch! I hope to work with you again in the near future. Okay, on with the pics…
The couple chose to meet each other before the actual ceremony for pictures… i love these…
Okay, so everyone at this wedding knows how excited I was to debut my new pink chair I snagged on a thrift store run before the wedding…
Marc took this adorable shot of the flower girl…
The decor by Flowers on Broad Street was BREATHTAKING! I was amazed by all the different shades of purple and pink!
Candy and Matt – Session in Savannah, Ga
So…. I just adore Candy and Matt. I’ve photographed their little boy for years, but, this was my first chance to work with just the two of them. Candy had approached me a while ago about shooting a 10 year anniversary session. I jumped at the opportunity, especially since Candy offered to fly me to Savannah, Ga for the weekend. Savannah is special to them for two reasons: 1- they grew up there… and 2- they were married there.
I haven’t been to Savannah in so long… I needed a mini-vacation. All I can say is… thank you to Candy and Matt! The company was great and the seafood… AMAZING. Can’t wait to work with you again…
This is the courtyard they were married 10 years ago…
We headed to the beach for some fun!
An Irish Wedding Slideshow
I have so many images from this wedding. It has been a daunting task to edit. I think in part, I loved this trip so much that it’s hard to bring myself to finish.
Fiona and Chris have such a sweet love. I decided to put together a slideshow for them, they have been so patient. There is a black and white theme going on, but if you make it to the end… it will hopefully make sense? I also decided to use the music from the processional during the ceremony. It is so moving. Enjoy!
FYI: PLEASE PRESS PLAY AND THEN PRESS PAUSE. ALLOW THE VIDEO TO LOAD FOR 3 MINUTES AND THEN PRESS PLAY AGAIN. THIS WILL HELP THE SLIDESHOW RUN SMOOTHLY. 
Rachel and Kyle- Wedding on the Farm
I have to admit, I was a little sad at this wedding. This is the last of the three daughters and I had the pleasure of photographing each wedding. I just adore their mother, Susan, who has become a mother figure to me over the years. It was bittersweet.
Rachel and Kyle have dated for years and it was great to see them married. I loved the theme of yellow and blue! So many bright colors on a not-so-bright day…. luckily, the rain held off for us until the reception.
Oh yeah, did I mention they held the wedding at Rachel’s home which also happens to be a Cow Farm in Linville. I love this location! I had so much to work with….fields of flowers, rocks, barns, and of course…cows. I just loved the cows. Special Congrats to Rachel and Kyle and thank you for the awesome gift! I can’t wait to use it in future shoots.
Susan made the DELICIOUS lemon tarts and Rachel’s grandmother made the quilt for the couple.
I saw these chairs and had to use them for a shot…. It was finally Rachel’s turn.
Probably my favorite part of the day… Dad cried, actually I think everyone did?
Best Friends forever.
Krystal and Cameron – Married…
I am so happy for Krystal and Cameron! I have known this couple for a long time. I photographed her sister’s wedding last year and it was great hanging with a lot of the same crowd again! Krystal chose to keep the wedding close to home and The Barn House Inn was the perfect setting.
Adria – Raleigh Bridal Session
I’ve been back and forth across this state two times over this week! Lots of time to reflect on life and jam out to my radio! I had the pleasure of shooting Adria’s bridal portraits at the Rose Garden last friday. The day started a bit late due to her involvement (not her fault) in a car accident. Luckily, she was unharmed and managed to show for the session. We had a blast! After shooting formals at the garden, we set out for the NC State campus for some fun! Adria- you are just gorgeous! Thanks for such a fun time! Here are a few from last week:
Emily and Bryan – Charlotte, NC Wedding
Emily and Bryan have an amazing relationship! I loved shooting their wedding and wish them the best! I’m sure they are having a blast in Jamaica! I especially love the relationship they have with Bryan’s two little boys, Jackson and Jameson. Such sweethearts!
I am on my way to Wilmington, NC for kid sessions this week, but I wanted to post a few from this past saturday. All the Best!
okay, so Emily has the best legs ever!
just the guys…
I posted these pool shots on facebook, but here they are…. so much fun!
and of course, Jackson and Jameson couldn’t wait to jump in too!
I love this family portrait! Great way to end the post I think?
Wishing you and your family all the best and many happy moments like this one above…. – Katy
I just got a chance to look at the blog and I JUST LOVE the pictures. Of course, you captured the day perfectly. Love it, love it, love it!!! I am so excited to actually sit down and go through everything from last weekend tonight now that I actually have a minute to breathe. These photos are so perfect!!! That’s the only word I have for them….perfect!!! I absolutely can not wait to see the rest. – Emily
Ireland – Part II
IRELAND. Loved every moment!
It’s hard for me to put in to words how thankful I am. How amazing these past couple of years have been for my business! I’ve never been so excited to shoot a wedding… it was well worth it.
The day started early and ended late and every minute was worth documenting. Fiona and Chris are a beautiful couple and I wish them many blessings in their marriage. I’m just going to start with the images before I get all emotional, but I did want to say a special thank you to Chris…. Marc and I were honored that you included us in your toast of thanks. I cried. Thank you.
Getting ready at the salon, Joe looks on Fiona…
getting the dress on…
off to the church.
love this shot of Fiona’s mom that Marc captured.
The “Signing of the Wedding Certificate”
the European paparrazi… loved them!
check out the pink columns… I loved this venue. Too pretty!
fun time with the hats…
This is Bethany. I shot her wedding last year and Fiona was a bridesmaid.
the getaway in Stephen’s awesome Beetle….
and finally, a goofy shot of the two of us at Belfast Castle
A huge thank you to both the Baker and Limpach families! We had a wonderful time!
Ireland – Part 1 (The Engagement)
There are so many things I could say about this wonderful country! I loved my time there and hope to go back soon! My husband came with me and we haven’t been away from the kiddos that long…. ever. We had a great time!
It’s funny, Ireland lived up to all my hopes… you know, you envision the amazing green pastures and quaint villages? It’s all true!
We flew in to Dublin in the south and made our way by bus to Belfast in the north. I can’t say enough about the warmth we received from the locals. Everyone went out of their way to make us feel at home.
I’ve had many ask me how I booked a wedding in Ireland? Well, it was a bit of luck and fate, I think?
Fiona is from Belfast and was living in the states a few years ago when she met Chris. For the two, it was a quick courtship before she had to return to Ireland. However, that was all it took for them to realize they wanted to pursue a long-distance relationship. So, after many trips across “the pond” they were engaged.
Now, how do I fit in to this? Well, I didn’t even know the full story until recently. Fiona and Chris came to a wedding I shot in 2008 at Montreat College. Chris was friends with the bride. Then… ironically, I shot Chris’s sister’s wedding that next year. (insert Fiona) She was one of Bethany’s bridesmaids and we hit it off instantly. I can’t remember our exact conversation, but, it ended with my desire to shoot her upcoming wedding in Ireland and her hope to have me.
And there you have it!
So, now I’m sitting here going through thousands of images. I have a lot of work ahead of me…
Here are a few of our engagement session we shot two days prior to the wedding… I’m also including some funny (non-professional) video my hubby took during our time with Fiona and Chris. It was windy and cold… enough said. More from the wedding day soon! Best!
shot of Belfast Castle… reminded me of a small Biltmore.
this is a shot of the City Capital at night… walking to the taxi from dinner.
more e fun from Katy Cook on Vimeo.
ireland engagement fun from Katy Cook on Vimeo.