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Hey y’all. I haven’t done a Wedding Wednesday post in a while so here a little refresher. Wedding Wednesdays are when RSP talks about all things weddings — in particular, showcasing vendors that we adore and love to work with! These vendors are some of the best in the business and will make sure that your special day goes smoothly.

I can’t think of anything better than The Band Punch to get this series going again. They’re one of my favorite wedding bands — high energy and just loads of fun! They know how to get the party started and keep it rockin’ all night long. If you’re planning on booking a band for your wedding, definitely check them out at East Coast Entertainment.

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Heres some basic information about the band:

Band Name: Punch
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Members: Taylor Craig – Lead Vocalist | Keaton Lusk – Lead Vocalist | Doug Manning – Bass and Vocals | Neil Brown – Guitar | Chad Crowley – Saxophone | Rodney Ogden – Trumpet | Evrick Lee – Drums | Colin Neal – Keys and Vocals

Connect with Punch
Facebook: /thebandpunch
Instagram: @thebandpunch
Twitter: @thebandpunch
Band Website: www.thebandpunch.com

Punch plays mostly private events like weddings. However, they do try to perform at one public event per month. A full list of upcoming dates can be found on their website, and they can be booked through East Coast Entertainment.

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Now time for some fun – twenty questions with The Band Punch:

1. How did the band come into existence?
Punch was created in 2013 by a multigenerational group of family members who wanted to play together. We joined forces with a few talented friends and magic happened! Together, we’ve created a very high-energy show that gets everybody dancing every single time. (Doug)

2. Where is your favorite place you have played? Why?
I really enjoy every event in the Charleston, SC area due to its historical value and proximity to the ocean. (Rodney)

3. What has been your most memorable gig? What made it so memorable?
My most memorable gig was when we played a wedding reception at the top of the BB&T building in Raleigh, NC. The lit up cityscape was a beautiful backdrop to a fun night of celebration! (Taylor)

4. What are you listening to right now?
Bobby Caldwell – Break Away (Neil)

5. If you could meet any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?
Max Martin. (Keaton)

6. What is your favorite song to play?
Uptown Funk! It’s just one of those songs everybody knew was going to be a monster hit the first time we heard it. (Doug)

7. What would be your ultimate gig?
My ultimate gig would be to open for Chicago or Earth Wind & Fire. (Rodney)

8. If you didn’t play music, what would you be doing for a living?
Outside of the band, I am a Phlebotomist. If I weren’t playing music every week, I would be seeing patients and working in the laboratory at a medical clinic. (Taylor)

9. What is your favorite snack on the road?
Sheetz Giant Pretzel and a Boylan Black Cherry Soda (Neil)

10. What is your favorite thing about being a musician?
Music lets my soul express what I can’t in conversation. Being a musician allows me to live my passion; making people happy because I’m truly happy and lost in the music and the performance. People connect to that and I love to connect with people. (Keaton)

11. What is that one song that is guaranteed to get everybody out on the dance floor?
Wow, it’s tough to choose just one because we make sure our set lists are packed full of “no fail” dance songs. If we play a new song once and the dance floor doesn’t erupt, we cut it. Some of our favorite floor winners are Uptown Funk, Brickhouse, Shake It Off, and Lady Soul, but I could go on and on! (Doug)

12. What is special about your band?
Our band is special because we have a perfect balance of energetic youth and seasoned musicians on stage. (Rodney)

13. You are being exiled to a deserted island for the foreseeable future, but can take three things with you. What are they?
I’d take a knife, flint stones, and a lot of rope. Thank you Dad for all those childhood camping trips! Haha! (Taylor)

14. What was the first concert you attended?
Steven Curtis Chapman’s Declaration Tour (Neil)

15. Which song do people request most often?
Right now, people request Silento – Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) most often. I love to get out there and do the dance with everybody! Ha! (Keaton)

16. What is the one thing you want potential clients to know about you?
When clients hire us, our band understands it’s for one reason. That reason is to make their event successful in every way possible. We never treat an event like we’re the stars; it’s always about our client and their guests. We believe it’s this attitude that has made Punch so successful. (Doug)

17. What do you never leave home without?
My charm… LOL and my wallet. (Rodney)

18. What gets you excited about 2016?
I am so excited about all the weddings we are going to play this year! I always feel very honored when a couple chooses us to be a part of the biggest and most important day of their lives together. At every reception we play, there is always an extra feeling of excitement within the band that I love! We make it our goal to blow away every expectation of the bride and groom and we always have the best time! (Taylor)

19. If Hollywood made a movie of your band, which movie stars would play the roles of your band members?
Keaton: Russel Brand
Doug: Kevin Costner
Taylor: Kelly Clarkson
Rodney: Blake Shelton
Colin: James Franco
Neil: Seth Greene
Chad: Jack Black
Evrick: Nick Cannon
John: Ryan Gosling

20. If you had to pick one current hit song to play continuously, non-stop in the background of your everyday life, what would it be?
There are two hit songs that play in my head all the time as some sort of soundtrack. They are “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith and “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. For some reason, whenever I burn a mix CD, I always include “Sweet Emotion” LOL (Keaton)

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It’s Fashionista Friday y’all!! This week we are talking about one of my favorite things — shoes! More specifically, Kate Spade wedding shoes! If anyone has mastered the art of the perfect, swoon-worthy wedding shoe, it is Kate Spade. The shoes are the perfect mix of whimsy and glamour for your wedding day. No matter the pair you pick, they will make sure you put your best foot forward on that walk down the aisle.

The Radiant Wedge combines satin and sparkles for a dressed-up look that’’s still ultra-comfortable as you dance the night away. I think these are also the cutest solution to your heels sinking in the grass.

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The Charm Heels are a basically a disco ball for your feet. I see these on my brides that want to spend all night on the dance floor. You could totally catch me dancing around my living room in these!

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The Sala Heels with their satin bow and sneak peak of glitter are dying to be your something blue (and something new)!

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The Iberis Heels make my heart go pitter- patter. With the big bow on the toe and that dainty ankle strap, you would have to pry these off my feet.

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The Ribbon Heels are perfect for any bride that isn’t afraid of a little height. At four inches these heels are sassy and sweet!

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The Larsa Heels are soooo sophisticated. If the perfect shade of pink satin doesn’t make you feel like a million bucks while wearing these, those gleaming embellishments will do the trick.

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Can’t decide which pair are the ones for you? Play Cinderella and find your perfect fit! Kate Spade shoes are available online, and in stores locally at Belk, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

All photos are from the Kate Spade website.

It’s Friday…and you know what that means. It’s time for another installment of FASHIONISTA FRIDAY! And today, we’re highlighting Naeem Khan Bridal.

Naeem is an Indian-American fashion designer who has been around since 2003. His designs have become more and more popular because of A-List celebrities showing them off on the red carpet.

Like Portia de Rossi, who wore this gorgeous white and nude geometric-patterned stunner to the 2014 Oscars. (photo: Reuters)
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And Lauran Dern, who donned this amazing blush-colored strapless number for the 2014 Oscars. (photo: Reuters)

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And speaking of color, nobody rocks color on the runway quite like Kaeem. This pink (is there another color??) ombre ballgown may be my favorite. Ever. I could totally rock this around Raleigh!  Look-35---Front_2048x2048

While you may not get the chance to wear a Naeem Khan creation down the red carpet, you can wear one for your walk down the aisle. Check out some of my favorite designs from the Spring 2016 wedding gown line…

The Argentina is a simple yet stunning satin jacquard strapless bustier gown with elegantly draped tiered skirt and illusion back.

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The Istanbul is an elegant V-neck gown embroidered with paisley threadwork and delicate beading, accentuated with a floor-sweeping ivory tulle tiered skirt.  Screen Shot 2016-02-11 at 4.47.19 PM

The Montreal showcases exquisite hand-embroidery through its dimensional floral motif. Silk organza flower appliques adorn bodice and tulle overlay skirt.  the Montreal

And how sassy would you feel changing into The Saint Tropez for your reception or going away dress? Adorned with allover sequin beading, this timeless dress features short sleeves, V-neckline, back keyhole and asymmetrical hem. And the fact that it’s paired here with a rockin’ pair of Louboutins really makes my heart swoon! Screen Shot 2016-02-11 at 4.48.49 PM

Which one is your favorite? Can’t decide and want to try on all of them? Naeem’s designs can be found right here in Raleigh at Alexia’s Bridal (one of my favorite bridal salons in the southeast!!).

 All bridal photos from the Naeem Khan website.

So many of my couples are expanding their families and i love that they are calling me once again to photograph their new little ones.

This was the case with Ashley & Marcus, who were married in 2014 in this beautiful wedding at The Sutherland. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Baby Nash. He’s no longer a newborn – in fact, we’re going to be photographing his six month session next week. But, his dad was QB and Tight End at NC State, so in honor of Super Bowl 50, it seemed fitting to post a few of my favorites today.

This is one of my all time favorites of dad and baby.

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And how could we do a newborn session for diehard Wolfpackers and not incorporate at least a little NC State into it?

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Isn’t he just the sweetest thing?

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