the chef and the farmer kinston wedding | kasey + andrew

The truth to the old saying “the eyes are the window to the soul” couldn’t be more evident than when you see Andrew and Kasey together. Just the way he looks at her says more about his feelings for her than words ever could. The way he lights up when she walks into a room. The way his eyes dance when her eyes open really wide because she’s talking about something that excites her. The way his smile widens every time she laughs. No, words really aren’t necessary to tell that this is a couple deeply in love! You see it. And you feel it. And you’re filled by it. All the way down to your very own soul.

THANK YOU Kasey and Andrew! Thank you for being you and for letting me get to know you. It has truly been a delight. You’re both so warm, so giving and so incredibly fun. Thank you for allowing me to be your wedding photographer. It was an honor documenting your love and the start of your new life together. This is truly the start of something amazingly wonderful. I wish you all the love and happiness you can possibly stand – and that every day will be filled with the same love and laughter you shared on your wedding day! Love you both! OXOX ~Renee

Kasey and Andrew were married at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Kinston – such a gorgeous venue.

The architecture on this old church was just beautiful — and Kasey’s choice of flowers (LOVE hydrangeas!) complimented it perfectly. These wreaths (and all the flowers provided by Evelyn Rider of Rider’s Florist) were GORGEOUS! Kasey’s beautiful bouquet! There was a framed photo of her late father pinned to the bouquet so, according to Kasey “he was close to my heart throughout the whole ceremony!”
Being the fashionista that I am, I always love to see the gowns and am always interested to see if the gown matches the personality of the girl….and Kasey’s definitely did. Very elegant and traditional, yet hot and sexy at the same time.
The handkerchief Kasey had embroidered for her mom to use during the wedding. I’m pretty sure this came in handy and caught quite a few happy tears!
I saw this window outside Kasey’s dressing room and it was just a perfect backdrop for her shoes. Love the colors as the sun hits them!
Getting ready….not that Kasey needed much makeup help to look stunning on her wedding day… Mom and best friend helping her into the gown.. Mom helping out with the final touches of the veil… And a sweet kiss….Kasey’s mother has a photo like this with her mom on her wedding day – and wanted one with her daughter to match. So sweet! I took Kasey out for a few minutes of bridal portraits… can you say STUNNING BRIDE???

Another favorite! You’re just beautiful! Another favorite — love these arches… Kasey giving the Gossip Girls a run for their money….work it sassy girl!

Meanwhile, over at the groom’s parents house…

A letter from the bride on their wedding day… Andrew’s dad served as his best man and made sure he was properly fashioned for the big event! Andrew was excited as he waited for Kasey to get to him so they could have some private time before the ceremony…. They were both all smiles as they saw each other for the first time that day…

Wow! You guys are H.O.T.!!!! Love these images of you together!

After they had some private time, we went out for a quick portrait session…

The traditional portrait that every couple needs…

followed by some less traditional images…

Behind the church there was a fabulous old road surrounded by trees — so we just had to do a little exploring…

LoveloveLOVE this — hot tamales, for sure!

Hello gorgeous light….and even more gorgeous couple!

Maybe my favorite! LOVE this!

Time to head back and get a little thing like the ceremony started….

Wow! Is this church gorgeous or what?

Kasey was escorted down the aisle by her uncle David to the strains Pachelbel’s Canon in D.

Andrew was beaming as he watched Kasey walk the long aisle towards him. I asked them both what they were thinking at that moment. He said: “She is more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.” She said: “THAT is the man I want to spend the rest of my life with!”  Promising to love, honor and cherish each other for a lifetime!

Signed, sealed and delivered…with a kiss! Mr. and Mrs….at last! Kasey and Megan, her best friend and matron of honor. Simply beautiful! The reception was held at The Chef and The Farmer in downtown Kinston.

More gorgeous flowers – and they were everywhere. On the cake table, on the food table…everywhere!  Kasey and Andrew didn’t go the traditional cake route — this was the cake they cut and fed to each other, but the guests were served cake balls from Yummy Goodness Bakery in Greensboro. There were numerous flavors from strawberry to red velvet to peanut butter and were all dipped in either white or dark chocolate. They truly were YUMMY GOODNESS!  The cake balls made for the perfect “prop” for ring shots! (and then i got to eat them since they were “tainted”) The food was served at stations and butler-passed – and it was all fantastic! Big shout out to the folks at the Chef and the Farmer!
Time for the toasts… Heartfelt toasts were given by  Andrew’s dad… and by Kasey’s Uncle David.  Kasey and her UNC sorority sisters… and Andrew with his guys! Do you know how hard it is to get that many guys to be quiet and still in the same place at the same time?? THANKS GUYS – you ROCK! Kasey with her new family — Andrew’s sister on the left and his mom on the right…lovin’ all this love! The sign of a great party is the volume of the laughter….and this party was off the decibel charts! Everyone was having such a great time that none of their friends wanted to leave at the end of the night! One last kiss to end the evening!

Some post-wedding comments from the bride and groom:

ME: What was the most memorable moment of your day?

Andrew: Seeing my beautiful bride smiling as she walked down the aisle.

Kasey: Turning around to see all the smiling faces of our friends and family – and being officially announced as Mr. and Mrs.!

ME: Do you have any advice for future brides/grooms?

Andrew: It’s your day. Do what you want and don’t succumb to the pressure to do it like everyone else before you. Go your own way. It will be a lot more fun.

Kasey: Have fun with all the planning and don’t get stressed. You only get to do it once and it’s not worth being stressed. It will be over before you know it! And, if you’re looking for one-of-a-kind details and ideas for your wedding, make sure you check out Etsy.com!

Many thanks to my friend Jessica Horton for second shooting this wedding with me and to Lisa Simorelli for assisting me!