My initial wedding consult was with neither Shemra or Nick, but with Nick’s mom, Fiona. We chatted over coffee one morning, where she told me the story of her family, and of her’s son’s love for Shemra, and how deeply they loved one another. There are few things more touching than to hear about a couple’s love from their family, and Fiona painted such a vivid picture of the two of them, and how her son Nick comes alive when they’re together, that I was wonderfully excited to finally meet them on their wedding day this past June.
Shemra and Nick… do not disappoint. They simply glowed in each other’s arms as we started with portraits before the ceremony in the Sarah Duke Gardens Pergola. We had some wonderful late afternoon light, and I made sure to take them to my favorite two spots for portraits, the waterlily pond and the bridge tucked behind the new White Gardens into the woods a bit. While shooting the photos by the bridge, I just about wiped out by missing a step. This, is why you carry advil in your camera bag, folks. So you can power through it and capture the day!
So, while the portraits went well, the weather took a turn on us, and just as Shemra started her vows to Nick… it started gusting and pouring rain as a thunderstorm rolled over the gardens. The wonderful Rev. Barbara Lodge was cool and calm, and recommended everyone step into the Pergola to wait out the storm, and continue the ceremony. To be honest, I don’t think it could have gone any better, and having everyone under the same structure added an intimacy that would not have been had otherwise. We were all together, huddling under the Pergola while Nick and Shemra exchanged their vows to one another… and when they were done, the storm had passed, and they walked to their reception at the Doris Duke Center.
Congratulations Nick and Shemra- I am blessed to have experienced your wonderful wedding ceremony with your family and friends, and am a better person for knowing you both. Below are some of my favorites from the wedding and reception.
