Following the ceremony guests headed to the Lioncrest venue to party all night long at the reception. And let me tell you, these folks knew how to get down and dance! K2 out of Greensboro took care of the DJ’ing and the dance floor was full during every song. Tunes ranging from the Twist to the Macarena (yes, people still know it) to Outkast got the guests on their feet to celebrate this joyous occasion with Heather and Ben. Several of our teaser photos from this Biltmore Estate wedding feature the work of Link Johnsten from Eau Gallie Florist. He is a long time friend of the bride’s family and traveled from Florida with all his arrangements to decorate the venues. Quite lovely! We want to give a huge thank you to Nicole and the entire Biltmore catering staff for all their help. Things ran so smoothly and that is just what a happy couple-in-love deserves on their big day! The chemistry between Heather and Ben causes sparks and we are blessed to be their photographers.

Enjoy the photography from their wedding, and as always feel free to leave a comment.

]]> http://tworingstudios.com/biltmore-estate-wedding-photography-heather-ben/feed 7 http://tworingstudios.com/5-questions-to-ask-your-wedding-photographer http://tworingstudios.com/5-questions-to-ask-your-wedding-photographer#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:45:49 +0000 Two Ring Studios http://tworingstudios.com/blog/?p=1187

1. How would you describe your photography style? Wedding photography is no longer formulaic, and traditional posed portraits no longer rule the day. Different photographers have adopted different photographic styles both in shooting and in post-production work. It is important that you move beyond squishy words like “photo-journalism,” “traditional” “candid” and “editorial.” Instead ask your potential photographer to describe his or her style with three adjectives.
2. How long have you been shooting weddings? This is somewhat tricky because we are all beginners at some point. And being a new photographer does not mean that they cannot do a wonderful job. But you want to make sure that they are competent and can capture your day in a way that not only satisfies, but also inspires good memories for years to come. You can gauge experience a number of ways. Ask how many weddings they have shot. Whether they have done other professional photography work as well. What kind of equipment they use and how long they have been using it. What were some of their brightest moments and biggest challenges. By asking precise questions, you can get a good feel for the photographer’s experience.
3. Are you familiar with my venue? Different venues have different idiosyncrasies and no venue is perfect. Photographers must deal with a variety of lighting conditions, decor elements, and spacial considerations. Make sure your photographer knows how to get the best shot in your venue.
4. Are you familiar with my ceremony? Wedding ceremonies have become increasingly customized in the past 10 years, especially with multicultural unions. Make sure your photographer is familiar with the customs and traditions of your ceremony, whether it’s a traditional Indian ceremony, a hand fasting, or a modified Christian ceremony.
5. Do you work with a second photographer or an assistant? We are big fans of two-camera shoots. It allows us to more fully cover an event and to get multiple perspectives on the same shot. If your potential photographer is planning on using an assistant, you can ask to see some of their work as well. That way you can ensure the same quality throughout your wedding.

Because we are always anxious to share photos from weddings we photograph, here are a few teaser images from their big day! We hope you like ‘em, and be sure to check back shortly for a full write-up and info on all the vendors involved with this gorgeous Black Mountain wedding! Thanks to Flora for the cute mustache props and fantastic floral designs you see throughout the pictures. Also cheers to Shay Brown Events and many thanks to Abby and Jacob!

There is a promo on our feature for a complimentary engagement or bridal shoot if you book us before September 1, 2010. We also posted this promo on our blog recently.

Stop by Wedding Festivals and check out our feature:

Wedding Festivals Spotlight: Two Ring Studios

So why Grove Park Inn for a video and photo portrait session? Scott proposed to Andrea there! We actually went to the restaurant at Grove Park Inn and had them sit at the same exact table where it happened. It was very romantic and emotional for them to be back there on their actual wedding day.

It was a pleasure working at the Basilica, Grove Park Inn, and Homewood all in one day. The bridal party got ready at the Hotel Indigo, which is a newly built hotel here in Asheville, NC. It’s worth checking out if you are having an Asheville wedding and need a place for your guests to stay. Staying downtown is convenient because you can walk to almost anything in 5-10 minutes.

We hope you enjoy the highlight video!

We posted their Asheville wedding photography on our blog already, but figured we’d post one more picture to compliment the highlight video. This portrait was taken in front of Homewood before the wedding reception.

Andrea and Scott in front of a Rolls Royce outside of Homewood in Montford

One of the coolest aspects of this North Carolina wedding was the floral arrangements. Aria Floral, who specializes in sustainable floral design, used beautiful wooden boxes made from reclaimed vintage barn wood for the centerpieces, which included divine succulents mixed with local wildflowers and decadent calla lilys. At the end of the night, the centerpieces were re-potted and given to guests to take home and plant.

By mixing bold colors like hot pink with dusty blues and silvers, and adding design elements such as vintage lanterns and mossy table scapes, the bride really captured a modern, mountain vibe. It was truly beautiful!

A huge thanks and kudos to Asheville Event Co. for planning this one and keeping us in the loop the day of. They did an exceptional job and things ran so smoothly! The exuberant Tim Lolley officiated the ceremony and made the marriage official, and musicians Current Invention played an array of music that sounded amazing. And for dessert? A delicious cake prepared by Short Street Cakes.

Be sure to check out all the western North Carolina wedding vendors involved, and enjoy the photography from this perfect wedding day in Asheville!

The road sign was not part of the wedding, but coincidentally is on the road to The Farm!

Both parents walked Devin down the aisle. Gotta love the joy on their faces!

The couple gave a rose to each of their mothers during the ceremony

Local brew - Highland Brewing Company of Asheville, North Carolina

We are proud to be North Carolina wedding photographers and are based in Asheville. Are you planning on having a North Carolina wedding? Get in touch with us! We’d love to hear what details you have planned and also chat about how we can capture the best wedding photos for you.

In addition to it being really cool that a blogger in Cape Town, South Africa wanted to use our photography, we thought this was pertinent information for our readers and just had to pass it along!

Check out the post: Plan for a flawless face in your wedding photos

]]> http://tworingstudios.com/beauty-tips-for-being-photographed-on-your-wedding-day/feed 1 http://tworingstudios.com/asheville-nc-engagement-photography http://tworingstudios.com/asheville-nc-engagement-photography#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 21:32:44 +0000 Two Ring Studios http://tworingstudios.com/?p=1816 We want to give something away! How about a complimentary engagement shoot?

Today we were discussing how much we enjoy doing engagement photography with our couples. The photography part is a thrill for us, but it’s also a chance to spend time getting to know our clients. We’re not talking 20 minutes and then it’s over. Our e-sessions last up to 2 hours and it’s not all shoot, shoot, shoot. We converse with you and talk about your hobbies, how you met, what inspires you, what your favorite foreign movie is. These subtle things can be important for wedding photographers to know, as we prepare to capture a truly meaningful day in your life.

Promo info: we are offering a complimentary engagement shoot if you book us for a wedding photography collection. This offer applies to new couples who book us between now and September 1, 2010. Your wedding can be this year or in 2011. If you are local to the Asheville, NC area, no additional fees apply and we can do the shoot any time before your wedding day. If you live outside of Asheville, travel fees may be applicable. Please send us an e-mail if you have questions.

We look forward to working with you!

They tied the knot at the Basilica of St. Lawrence and then the newlyweds were whisked to the Grove Park Inn in a Rolls Royce for portraits (now that’s style!). We posted this portrait session on their teaser post. The reception was at the enchanting Homewood in Asheville, where we also did a few portraits with the classy car and beautiful stone castle as a backdrop. Homewood is an elegant and intimate venue for weddings and has an amazing history. Did you know Nina Simone was taught piano lessons there in the 1940s? How cool is that?!

Weddings are always a fresh experience for us – each one is always different, and each couple we work with is always unique. This beautiful occasion was no exception and we were so happy to be connected with Andrea and Scott and wish them all the best in their new life together!

The girls got their hair done at Lola's Salon

Exterior of Homewood in Asheville

Bride and groom in front of the lovely Homewood castle

Such a sweet picture of Andrea and her grandfather!

Thanks to the talented Mike Belleme for second shooting with us.

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