Linzy is a fellow Illini alumn who graduated a few years before I did. Her career took her away from her hometown in Illinois, but it led her over to the east coast, and more importantly to Christiaan. I had only conversed with Christiaan through e-mail/phone prior to the wedding, but from the very beginning it was clear how much he loved Linzy. And these thoughts rang true throughout their wedding day, clearly seen not just between them but also by the closeness and fondness of their friends and family. Not only was there so much love, these guys sure know how to have fun, too!
It’s a special thing for me to shoot weddings, but I love it when I get to participate in this way for my friends. Now…get prepared for an onslaught of images!
I arrived in North Carolina the day before, and was able to stop in to see the BEAUTIFUL Duke Chapel during the reahearsal.
A bit of prep-time in the morning. A big shout-out to Gigi of Hairstyles of Gigi who took care of all the girls early in the morning…
The flower girl…
Linzy and her sisters…
Prior to the wedding, the bride’s side met together with the priest to pray for Linzy…
After the ceremony, we took the bridal party out to Duke Gardens for a few portraits (love it!)…
And then we returned back to the grounds of the Governor’s Club for just a few more on the course. Everyone was traveling in style!
The reception was held on the grounds of the Governor’s Club, and here are a few details…
The first dance…
v2…
This little one was ready to dance from the very beginning…
I always wondered…wouldn’t it just be easier if one of them took the picture and shared it with the rest? :)
Then it was time for toasts…
The groom’s younger brother and best man had the entire place laughing and tearing in the same moment. This time he was talking about a game they played when they were younger, where Christiaan would take a nerf ball on a rope and swing it around his head, while he had to try to tag him without getting hit. I’m sure it sounded like a fun idea at the start of the game :)
Afterwards the dancing began, and everyone had a blast! The floor was packed the whole night!
Now, I’ve been to my share of weddings, but this was a first for me. The song ‘Footloose’ came on, and two of the guys lined up and started swinging an imginary jump rope a la double dutch. And for the whole song, people took turns ‘jumping rope’! IT WAS AWESOME! Here’s Christiaan and his older brother breakin’ it down…
Linzy and Christiaan, thank you so much for giving me the honor to serve you guys in this way. Everything was beautiful from start to finish. I wish you guys all the best as you begin the rest of your lives together. Take care!