Here’s a couple photos taken from Hillary & Clay’s engagement session! There will be much more to come from this beautiful couple. Enjoy!

Today’s DIY is Strawberry Jam Favors. To make this deliciously sweet recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of strawberries, 1/8 cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 2 cups of sugar and 1 Tb. of Pomona’s pectin. Begin by pouring the strawberries into a bowl and mashing them with a fork. Then pour lemon juice, mashed berries and sugar into a large pot, set on medium and heat to a rolling boil. On a separate burner, boil 3/4 cups of water and add 1 Tb. of pectin and stir until even. Pour pectin-water into the pot with other ingredients and stir. Let jam cool before scooping it into jars of your choice. Time to decorate them!

Laura & Charlie married in a late summer wedding at the historic All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh.  True to Scottish form, Charlie and his groomsmen outfitted themselves in kilts and tartans for the ceremony, which included a very talented bagpiper (you’ll see that in Part II).  Laura was purely radiant and her bridesmaids were gorgeous in green.  I love the shots Lauren captured of Charlie and the guys!  Look for Part II of this wedding coming soon.

From the moment I met Amber, I just knew she was going to be a fun bride to work with. After documenting her bridal session, I asked Amber if I could post & blog about the carefree, natural beauty she brings in front of the lens. Her response was, “of course Hilton, after the wedding though!” I have been waiting two months to show this post. Enjoy!

Here are a few shots of Amber & Gray at Croasdaile Country Club.  Look for much more to come from their wedding day!  

Lauren & Jon’s wedding was featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs. Click HERE to view it.

Today we have the recipe for an “Escort Card Display”.  It may not be edible, but it’s a neat DIY project for you creative brides out there.  To make an escort card display, begin by inserting a few leafy branches into a vase.  Make little flowers by layering cloth blossoms and fastening buttons on top (attaching each piece with craft glue). Cut card stock into 3×5″ pieces and, using letter-stamps, create tags with each guest’s name and table number.  Assemble the pieces by gluing the little flowers onto the tags, then dangle them from the branches with kitchen twine.  Isn’t it pretty? 

About six months ago I woke up to Sarah McLachlan singing “In The Arms of An Angel” on one of those SPCA commercials. I don’t know what it was, but I think that soft side of me began to come out. In the past when one of those commercials came on I would change the channel right away. But for some reason I didn’t change the channel. Instead I actually watched it. No, I didn’t cry or anything, but just felt sad for those animals.  For some reason, I decided to search for the nearest SPCA in the Raleigh area. As soon as I saw this cutie on the SPCA site, I just had to have her. Lauren and I decided to name her Nina. I’m so happy my emotions got the best of me!

Doesn’t Samara look ah-mazing in her bridal portraits?  I loved her all-in-pink bouquet designed by Victorian Seasons.  A few minutes into the shoot (in and around City Market), it began to rain cats and dogs!  Samara and I quickly sought shelter so she and the antique chair could keep safe from the rain.  In the meantime we found some covered places that were perfect for pictures.  Then, the rain-clouds faded away and we got the shots we set out for!  Enjoy…

This is a shot from a recent wedding I documented at All Saints Chapel in Raleigh.  The groom is of Scottish descent, hence the wearing of kilts.  As soon as I pressed the shutter, I knew this moment was classic!  Gotta love the Jerry Lewis character in the middle!  Much more to come…