Julie & Ryan | Governors Club Wedding

I first heard from Julie when she was looking for a wedding photographer in the Raleigh area, while living in California. Her wedding was to be at The Governors Club in Chapel Hill, NC. With this wedding there were a couple of new things for me (Christobal), a bridal party jump photo and lantern launch.

You could not have asked for a better day for a wedding with 65 degree weather and sunny skies. It was like they brought that California weather to North Carolina (which Julie later claimed at the reception).

Julie was in the chair getting her hair completed when I arrived at the club. The bridesmaids were all smiles while getting ready for the wedding. I found Ryan coming out of the bar with a beer in his hand and full of nervous energy. “I am just having a drink to calm the nerves,” he said to me while preparing for his first look with Julie.

On the big bridge, Ryan waited for his bride patiently. The bright sun beamed down on the couple as they hugged and kissed on the bridge. Photos of the couple followed, along with portraits of the bridal party prior to the wedding. We shot a lot of portraits, including the jump photo requested by the bridal party.

Shortly after the portraits, a beautiful Julie walked down the aisle to marry her future husband, Ryan. The ceremony was perfect, with personalized vows, which made everyone tear up. They exchanged rings, held hands and waited for “you may kiss the bride.” A long kiss was followed by cheers from the congregation.

At this time, the light was just right for more portraits prior to the reception. We took some quick shots and headed to the reception for an amazing dinner and cake from Cinda’s Creative Cakes. DJ Mark with Joe Bunn DJ Company got the night started with introductions and the first dance.

Everything was perfect, from the flowers (Tre Bella) to the photo booth (Shutter Booth). The night’s highlight was a lighting of lanterns and a 20-minute speech by the FOTB with his notes on 3×5 note cards .  All I can say is what an amazing wedding and I can’t wait to see what 21 Films creates for you. Congrats Julie & Ryan!