Traci Arney Photography

The backdrop for Jenny and Jeff’s beautiful fall wedding was a photographer’s dream!  Think fall leaves, orange hues, pumpkin centerpieces and extravagant, historic locations.  The ceremony took place at {Old Salem}, a beautiful Moravian living history village in {Winston-Salem, NC}.  Communal buildings, shops, churches and houses showcase what the Moravian settlement was like during the 18th and 19th centuries.  I’ve been to Old Salem on several occasions for school trips, afternoon wanderings, and for dinner at the {Old Salem Tavern} (go eat there now – its amazing!) but I have never had the honor of shooting a wedding there.   We had fall leaves, cobbled streets, perfect light, and a crazy-in-love couple to work with.  The results are simply magical.

There was so much about this wedding to love.  Jeff and Jen, along with wedding coordinator, Ashley, we able to create an event that was as much about family and friends as it was about the couple.  It was a thoughtful, heartfelt, passionate celebration that turned into a raucous nightclub style party by the end.  With too many beautiful images from the wedding, I’m doing this post as a two-parter.  Enjoy and come back for Part II!

I also want to extend a huge thanks to all of my fellow vendors. You guys made a beautiful day perfect!

• Ceremony Venue: {Old Salem Museum and Gardens}
• Reception Venue: {The Millenium Center}
• Event Planner: {Something You Weddings and Events}
• String Quartet:  Natalie Parker
• Florist:  {Clines Florist}
• Horse and Carriage:  {Heritage Carriage}
• DJ:  {Friendly Neighborhood DJ}
• Wedding Cake:  {Ketchie Creek Bakery and Cafe}
• Catering:  {The Painted Plate}
• Entertainers: {The Clef Hangers}

I was lucky enough to have {Marissa} as my second and she and the guys began the day at the Tavern Woodshed and Tavern Green.  She got some fantastic shots of the guys that really exemplified the playfulness of this group.

By Old Salem's Tavern Woodshed. Shot by Marissa

A little game of ball on the Tavern Green prior to the ceremony to ease the nerves. Shot by Marissa

Orange socks! Such a great touch. Shot by Marissa

Hahahahahaha! The groomsmen's message flashed to Jeff as they each walked down the aisle. "WE. HOPE. TONIGHT. YOU. GET. SOME. SLEEP." Shot by Marissa

Detail of the guys' suits.

 The girls got ready at The Millennium Center in downtown Winston-Salem.  It is a stunning venue complete with a beauty shop for the girls!  And just wait until you see how its decorated for the reception!!!

Dress Shot by Traci. Bouquet Shot by Marissa.

Marissa got this great shot of Jen's shoes on a shelf in The Millennium Center.

Shot by Traci

The girls in the beauty parlor getting Jen in her dress. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

I adore this very elegant little shot taken while Jen was fixing her hair. Shot by Traci

This is one of those little details that brought tears to my eyes. Jenny stitched “ILYD” on her dad, Mike’s tie. I love my daddy too – wish I had thought of such a charming and thoughtful touch…

Shot by Traci

Here are just a few of the yum details from Old Salem and the ceremony on Tavern Green.

Both shots by Marissa

Old Salem is a living history museum so there were people working in costume. The young girl on the left was checking out Jeff's video camera. Both shots by Traci

Detail on the right shows the beautiful flower arrangements for the ceremony. Both shots by Traci

We found a spot of beautiful fall light for the girl's portrait on the green. Shot by Traci

My favorite portrait of Jen in that beautiful light. Shot by Traci

A few more of Jen in that gorgeous light. Shot by Traci

A yummy shot of the maid of honor, Taylor, looking back towards the bride on the way to the ceremony. Shot by Traci

A quiet moment of prayer. Shot by Traci

There were two very special forms of transport at Jeff and Jenny’s wedding – school bus and horse and carriage.  I love the personal and charming connection between school bus and Jenny’s career as a teacher.

The Limo for the Day! Shot By Traci

Horse and carriage was one of the modes of transport for the day. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

I love the juxtaposition the two forms of transport in this image. Shot by Traci

Jen being delivered to her Beloved. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Jeff's look of joy at his first sight of Jenny. Shot by Marissa

Putting your pet in the ceremony?  Yes, please!  I love the way it looks, how it tells me that the couple is playful and doesn’t take themselves too seriously.  Plus, look, Jolly’s wearing a bow tie!!!!

Jolly on the left, by Traci. Jolly on the right, by Marissa.

Shot by Traci

A personal favorite. Shot by Traci

A very sweet moment between the new husband and wife. Shot by Traci

Instead of doing a unity candle, Jeff and Jen opted for a unity plant.  This type of individual and unique touch really exemplifies this couple.

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Informal Formal. Shot by Traci

We decided to forgo the majority of the formals until the reception and spend some time doing the romance session while we still had the light.  I am so glad we did!  We got loads of sweet images…

Adore everything about this shot! The location, the fall colors, the sweet tilt-shift softness... Shot by Traci

A lovely moment where Jeff is helping his new bride with her gown. Shot by Marissa

Marissa and I shot basically the same shot at the same time with two very different lenses.  I love them both.

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

I wanted to do a portrait of Jeff and Jen in keeping with their ceremony location.  Thus the deep sepia and the heavy grain that was so indicative of many images from the late 1800′s.

Shot by Traci

A fab shot by Marissa after the sun went down. I love how Jeff is carrying Jen's ribbons. They stayed connected like that the whole night. Their love is palpable.

Don’t forget to head back here for part two.  Like us on Facebook so you can keep track of all the goings-on as well as upcoming sneak peaks!