Congratulations to my bride, Lydia, whose bridal portrait image from her Fort Macon bridal portrait session just won first place in the Professional Photographers of North Carolina print competition.  Each year, photographers from all over North Carolina submit images to a panel of PPA national judges during the annual convention.  This year, Lydia’s portrait was the highest scoring bridal portrait, earning first place.

The print, titled “Silk Cascade,” featured the back of her amazing gown, which she discovered at Tre Bella Bridal in Durham, NC.  The designer was Manuel Mota.  I must admit, it is one of the most spectacular wedding gowns I have ever photographed.

Before traveling to the coast of NC for her session, Lydia was adamant about having her hair done by Brian Nunes of Blo Salon in Raleigh, NC.  Her efforts paid off with an amazing, tussled up-do which added to the Victorian feel of the image.  Playing on the dress and hairstyle,  I felt that the best artistic treatment for the image would be an aged, vintage look with muted colors.

Thank you, Lydia, for being such an elegant and graceful model.  The session was so fun as she and I played and experimented with some dramatic fashion looks.  It was not a typical bridal portrait session, but Lydia is not the typical bride, and that style fit her perfectly!