Please enjoy!

Jeff and Katie at the strike of midnight ringing in 2012.

“What you do at New Year’s, you will do all year.” If that’s true, then I’ll be awash in love, laughing a ridiculous amount, witnessing serious silliness, and flatfoot dancing – not a bad way to spend a year.

This New Year’s Eve truly was a night of new beginnings. Jeff and Katie began their married life in Katie’s childhood church in Spencer, VA, followed by their rockin’ reception at Martinsville’s Chatmoss Country Club. At every turn, I was struck with the ease and simple joy that this couple, their family and friends just oozed. Many thanks to my second photographer, {Jamie Lynn}, for capturing so many beautiful images and keeping me company on the drive. And a big thanks to all my fellow vendors for putting together such a beautiful party.

• Hair and Makeup: {Creative Hair Designs}
• Wedding Dress: {Vera Wang White}
• Ceremony: {Old Well Christian Church}, Pastor: {Ron Hennis}
• Reception: {Chatmoss Country Club}
• DJ: {ME Entertainment}
• Table Scapes Designer: {Sue Smith}

Enjoy! (We certainly did!) Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Spaugh!

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Don

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

I

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Super sexy and very beautiful.

It took four tries for the guys to actually go for the garter but when they finally committed, Jamie Lynn got this great shot!

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Shot by Jamie Lynn

Love this guy.

Shot by Jamie Lynn

{Wanna see the rest of this yummy wedding??? Check it out here.}

The Millennium Center was so beautifully decorated and lit. Shot by Traci

Putting off the wedding party formals until the reception worked out remarkably well! Shot by Traci

I love these pumpkin centerpieces - so creative and beautiful. Shot by Traci

Crystals decorated all of the pumpkin centerpieces. Shot by Marissa.

Loving the inviting warmth of these tabletops with pumpkins, tea lights, and chalk boards. Shot by Traci

Can we just talk about this cake for a minute?  As a wedding photographer, I see A LOT of cakes.  I have a fascination with them actually because the cake, more than almost anything else, tells so much about the couple.  But THIS cake took that to a new level.  From top to bottom, this cake has the story of Jeff and Jenny literally written all over it.  It was elegant, beautiful, funny, and charming all rolled up in fondant and icing.  Dear {Ketchie Creek Bakery}, you guys did an phenomenal job!!!

This is one of the best cakes I've ever seen. Period. Shot by Traci

A detail shot of this charming storybook cake. Shot by Traci

The wedding party's entrances were hilarious! Shot by Traci and Marissa

A lovely shot by Marissa of Jeff and Jenny's grand entrance.

Love, love, love everything about this - the colors, the light, the weighting, and especially the expression on Jenny's face. Shot by Traci

Jen's dad just about broke my heart... Shot by Traci

Momma looking on. Shot by Traci

Jeff and his sweet mom. Shot by Traci

Jen's mom and dad holding hands. A very sweet moment that, to me, clearly demonstrates the actions of long-lasting love. Shot by Traci

Jeff and Jen brought in Chapel Hill’s a cappella group, {The Clef Hangers}, for the cocktail hour and entertainment during dinner.   Marissa and I wanted to tie these guys to the roof of our car and have them sing us home.  They opened with {Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep”}.  They. Were. AMAZING.  And now I must go and buy their CD…

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Like everything that night, there was nothing standard about the cake cutting…

There's a first for everything and this one just made me smile. Licking the knife, indeed. Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Yet another example of how loving and playful this couple really is. Shot by Marissa

Dramatic lighting for a dramatic moment. Shot by Traci

After the cake, Jenny made a mad dash for a costume change. Shot by Traci

Jeff and Jen had a surprise for their wedding party – an icing.  Now this was a new experience for me.  You present someone (or in this case everyone you know and love) a bottle of Smirnoff Ice, they have to take a knee and down the whole thing.  The loved ones took it pretty well!

Shot by Traci

I did say "pretty well". Shot by Marissa

No standard first dance here - it was a Salsa. Halfway through, the handkerchiefs rained down. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

The dance floor had a rocking club atmosphere with incredible lighting. Friendly Neighborhood DJ provided all the music and kept everyone on their feet. Shot by Marissa

Jen enjoying her night club dance floor. Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Jolly may have headed home after the ceremony but he was there in spirit. Shot by Traci

Late in the planning, Jeff and Jenny decided to add on the Limelight and I am so pleased they did.  Their friends knew exactly how to play it up for the camera and the results are hilarious!

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Note to self - ALWAYS bring silly string for Limelight from now on... ALWAYS! Shot by Traci

CrazySexyFun. Shot by Traci

Jeff and Jen got into the act. The magnifying glass is always one of my favorite props! Shot by Traci

To Jeff and Jenny, may your marriage be as blissful and filled with laughter as it was on the first night. XOXOXO, Traci

I want to send my kudos once again to my fellow vendors.  Seriously, if you are planning your wedding, there wasn’t a single one of these guys I wouldn’t use myself.  They were outstanding!  And a special thanks to my dear friend and über-talented second shooter, {Marissa Kaplan}.

• Ceremony Venue: {Old Salem Museum and Gardens}
• Reception Venue: {The Millenium Center}
• Photographer: {Traci Arney Photography}
• 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}

There is far too much to post here so if you want to see everything, sign up to see their {Online Gallery}.  And please like us on {Facebook} so you can keep up with all the updates!

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!

Now this is where I would normally list a long line of vendors to thank.  In this case, though, it might sound somewhat repetitive!

• Venue:  Hodgin Valley Farm, Climax, NC
• Photographer:  Traci Arney Photography
• Assistant Photographer:  Marissa Kaplan
• Hair:  Brynn Corbett
• Make-up:  Xavier Velasquez
• Catering:  Philip Flores
• Wedding Planner: Lindsey Flores
• Wedding Cake:  Lindsey Flores
• Florist:  Lindsey Flores

Shot by Traci

Image on the left by Traci. Image on the right by Marissa.

Lindsey chose Hodgin Valley Farm as the setting for their darling ceremony and since I grew up on a small farm in Rockwell, NC  I felt right at home.  I love all the beautiful little details that add such depth to story of their wedding.

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Honestly, I would be a little more than staggered to try to cook for a wedding but to cook for YOUR OWN wedding???  Phil handled this Herculean task with the calm, cool and collect of a military man.  I also got an excellent lesson in the right way to chop an onion. For the record, I’ve been doing it wrong.

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Hodgin Valley Farm’s main house provides a beautiful backdrop for the girls getting ready.  Old farmhouses like this one are rife with wonderful angles and beautiful transitions of light that are everything I love about being a photographer.

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Lindsey’s sister Brynn handled all the make-up and her beau, Xavier did everyone’s hair.

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

I love these beautiful detail shots of the dress by Marissa.

Shot by Traci

Love, love love this shot of Lindsey's second dress! Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Lindsey and her mom put together all the bouquets and centerpieces. Shot on the left by Traci, on the right by Marissa.

Shot by Marissa

A fantastic shot of Brynn getting ready by Marissa.

Shot by Traci

Another lovely shot by Marissa.

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

I love the frenetic energy of this shot. That moment when the dress goes on is hardly ever peaceful. Shot by Traci

Butterflies. Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

This is one of my favorites from the whole day... Shot by Traci

While the guests were being seated out by the lake, Phil and Lindsey they got their first look at each other on the beautiful front porch of the main house.  Such happiness.

Shot by Traci

Top shot by Traci, bottom two shots by Marissa.

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Hodgin Valley has several cars that you can use and this beauty is the one they chose as their get away car. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Fab shot by Marissa - she got the moon!

Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

Phil marshaling the troops before dinner is served. Shot by Traci

Shot by Traci

And here’s the food that Phil worked so hard to prepare for his big day.

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Now we must give credit where credit is due.  Phil may have made all the fantastic food at dinner but the desserts were all Lindsey.

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Traci

Shot by Marissa

Shot by Marissa

To see the entire album of images, please go to their online gallery and sign in!  My heartiest congratulations to the happy couple!

Many thanks to all the vendors who made this beautiful event possible:

• Photographer:  Traci Arney Photography
• Event Planner:  Ashley Glover of Something You Weddings and Events
• Flowers:  Clines Florist
• Ceremony Location:  Tavern Green, Old Salem, NC
• Horse and Carriage:  Heritage Carriage Company
• Reception Location:  Millennium Center
• A Capella Group:  The Clef Hangers
• Catering:  The Painted Plate
• DJ: John Haskins of Friendly Neighborhood DJ
• Cake:  Ketchie Creek Bakery and Café

Ansel and Revell are getting married this weekend in Tennessee.  Congrats to you both and may your marriage be as blissfully happy as my own.

The Greensboro Train Station has been beautifully restored and they kept these wonderful phone booths.

I love this shot of Ansel and Revell in the marble walls of the train station.

Revell asked Ansel to marry him on a train, so what better place to photograph their engagement portrait than in a train station?

Ansel and Revell under the train trestle

Ansel brought along these awesome horse head masks from last Halloween. I adore clients who love to play!

This is my favorite shot of Ansel.

I shot this image of Stacy and David just after their Friday ceremony. Thanks to Abigail Seymour for letting me post it.

Do love, joy and celebration really belong to a specific day of the week?  Does a bride photograph better on the weekend?  Why, oh why does the wedding industry push so hard for Saturday weddings?  Of course there is the consideration of family travels.  But wait, aren’t flights cheaper during the week? And then there’s tradition, but why not make a tradition of your own?  Are venues and vendors even available during the week?  You betcha and we actually LOVE having weekday weddings!

Last Friday Abigail Seymour, Marissa Kaplan and I spent a lovely day photographing Stacy and David’s beautiful wedding at Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem.  I mentioned to David that I am starting to get more inquiries for weekday weddings and I asked him what tipped the scales for them.  His response?  ”50% off!!!”  With that kind of savings on a venue as beautiful as Graylyn, they were able to have all the special details that might have been out of reach otherwise.  And as an added bonus, better honeymoons!  Their wedding was just as beautiful, just as elaborate, and just as joyful of a celebration as it would have been had they opted for a traditional Saturday affair.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not anti-Saturday but I do believe that there is a place for weekday weddings.  Getting married can be expensive and, especially in this economy, finding ways to reduce is often a must.  By simply shifting the event to a different day, suddenly you can get so much more for your money.  (And I can go see The Boy’s soccer game!)

If you are interested in reading a bit more, The Knot has a wonderful article.  I’d love to hear from readers about this subject!  Are you getting married during the week?  What tipped the scales for you?  And vendors?  Let’s hear from you, too!  Do you offer discounts for weekday weddings?  I would love to start booking more events during the week, so if you are interested, let’s chat!