bridal portraits | aksana | winston-salem wedding photographer

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Aksana's bridal portrait session proved to be quite the adventure. It began pouring rain just before the session was scheduled to start, but determined to "make it work" (said in the voice of Tim Gunn, of course), we found refuge from the rain under this beautiful awning at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville, NC.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Green and white flower bouquet. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Isn't she absolutely stunning?! Aksana is a true, classic beauty and just as kind as she is gorgeous.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Since the rain put a damper on our original plans to have the entire session outdoors, the owner and chef at Spring House Restaurant in Winston-Salem were so kind to let us use their beautiful space. I first photographed here when this sweet couple had the idea to do their engagement session in the lovely bar area, and I've been in love ever since.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Venues :: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens and Spring House Restaurant
Dress :: Stella York from Low's Bridal
Hair and Makeup :: Teased Hair and Beauty

Watch the sneak peek of Chris and Aksana's wedding day here. Complete wedding preview coming later this week. Like Glessner Photography on Facebook to get the announcement!

Engaged? Contact us today to reserve your wedding date.

All content ©2014 Glessner Photography. Please do not save, copy, edit, or use in any way without Glessner Photography's express written permission. Violators may be prosecuted.

bookmarks festival | james patterson | winston-salem event photographer

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It's not often that my work strays from weddings and portraits, but yesterday, thanks to my friend Jamie of Southern Celebrations (who by day works for the wonderful non-profit organization, Bookmarks), I had the honor of photographing New York Times bestselling author James Patterson's keynote address at R.J. Reynolds Auditorium in Winston-Salem, NC.

Bookmarks connects readers and authors with events promoting reading, community, and discovery. Patterson's appearance marks the beginning of Bookmarks' 10th Annual Festival of Books and Authors being held in downtown Winston-Salem this Saturday, September 6th. There are events for readers and writers of all ages, including presentations by bestselling authors Emily Giffin, Karen Abbott, and many, many more, so be sure to check out the full schedule here.

Mr. Patterson spent his time before his address signing some of his newest books to be sold at the event...

Patterson, who has also authored children's books, including "I Funny," "Treasure Hunters," and many others, spoke on the importance, as parents and as a society, of getting kids to read early in life. If you're interested in some staggering statistics, check out "The Economic and Social Cost of Illiteracy" from the World Literacy foundation here. 

See more photos from this event here.

Like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and photos.

All images ©2014 Glessner Photography. Please do not save, copy, edit, or use in any way without Glessner Photography's express written permission. Violators may be prosecuted.

married | austin+ann marie | winston-salem wedding photographer

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Austin and Ann Marie (or Ammie, as she's called by her friends and family) are one of the most vibrant, kind, and fun-loving couples I've ever had the honor of working with. If you spend any amount of time with them, they'll quickly make you feel welcome and comfortable, and you'll soon realize just how much they love one another.

I've gotten to know the two of them over the past several months from our initial meeting to their engagement session and most recently, Ammie's bridal session, and I knew that their wedding would be one to remember with the help of Faye from Coordinating Dreams. We started off the day with the bridal party getting ready at WinMock at Kinderton...

Without seeing each other, Austin and Ann Marie took a moment to pray together before they headed to the church. There wasn't a dry eye in the room...

Once everyone arrived at St. Leo's Catholic Church, Ammie's father saw her for the first time. His face was priceless!

After a beautiful ceremony, everyone headed back to WinMock for the evening's festivities. The bridal party were such troopers, toughing it out in the heat and humidity to get some great photos...

You gotta love a group of groomsmen with personality... check out their superhero socks!

Aren't these two just precious?!

Austin and Ann Marie had a wonderful, unique idea to use a bench as their guestbook to showcase at their home...

Ammie and her friends treated guests at their reception to a choreographed dance number...

Austin+Ann Marie :: Thank you so much for letting us join you to document your special day! We wish you a lifetime of love, happiness, and adventures together!

Engaged? Contact us today to reserve your wedding date.

Like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest news and photos.

Ceremony Venue :: St. Leo the Great Catholic Church
Reception Venue :: WinMock at Kinderton
Wedding Coordinator :: Coordinating Dreams
Florist :: Sophisticated Florals by Stephanie
Cake Artist :: Edible Artistry
Caterer :: Pepper Moon Catering
Ceremony Musician :: Terry Hicks
Band :: Snack Bar Jones
Hair+Makeup :: Tonya Alderman
Bridal Gown :: Southern Bride
Bridesmaids' Dresses :: Patina Bridal and Formals by Mori Lee
Men's Attire :: Christopher's Formal Wear
Stationer :: Prim and Paper
Officiants :: Father Cook and Father Roger
Photographer :: Glessner Photography

All images ©2014 Glessner Photography. Please do not save, copy, edit, or use in any way without Glessner Photography's express written permission. Violators may be prosecuted.