The Sutherland Wedding Photography

Kathleen and Ryan tied the knot at the beautiful Sutherland in Wake Forest, North Carolina. It’s hard to believe I lived 5 minutes from this venue for 5.5 years while Stephen was in seminary and never got to shoot there! I was SO excited when Kathleen and I started working on their wedding last year. As we’ve all learned over the last year and a half though, we can’t control everything. Benjamin, Clara, and I all got really sick with RSV right before we were supposed to travel to NC. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if your wedding photographer got too sick to work, here’s how it goes! On the Thursday before the wedding it was clear that I wouldn’t be able to travel or shoot the wedding, so I started looking for a photographer who could shoot in my place. I came across Jennifer Bailey of Jennifer Lynne Photography who lived just 15 minutes down the road from the venue. Chelsey of Chelsey Loren Photography was already slated to be my second shooter, and after chatting with Jennifer on the phone, I knew that they would be a great team! When the wedding was over, I had them both send me all their images. I still chose the best images and edited them consistent with my style. It went so smoothly!! This is why we always have backup plans! And the photos are BEAUTIFUL! Jennifer and Chelsey rocked it, as you’re about to see for yourself. And Kathleen took it all in stride. The last thing I want to do is add stress for a bride right before her wedding, so I made all the arrangements before I called Kathleen. Y’all, she was so calm and collected!!! I was already impressed. I wish I could have met her in person, but after all we’ve been through together I feel like we’re friends =)

Here’s a little of Ryan and Kathleen’s story from their wedding website: their journey started in January of 2017 over a shared passion for Wendy’s spicy chicken nuggets. The two have since bonded over many other foods and adventures. In April of 2020, Ryan decided to make it official and proposed to Kathleen at Freedom Park in Charlotte. Wake Forest is Kathleen’s hometown, so that’s where they decided to tie the knot!

I love it when couples have unique elements to their day, and Kathleen and Ryan had some awesome ideas. Kathleen and her dad love newspapers, so Kathleen designed a newspaper program for their big day. I love the portrait of her and Ryan reading it together!! I also love that they hired a live painter. How cool is that? They now have an amazing painting that was created on-site, on their wedding day. What a wonderful keepsake!

I also love the emotion that comes across in the photos. Kathleen got emotional a few times during the day, and even without being there in person, I can feel that emotion in the photos. That’s so special, and they will always have those beautiful moments frozen in time to look back on. Congratulations, Kathleen and Ryan!! I am still so sad I wasn’t able to be there in person, but I loved working with y’all, and I’m so glad you were in such great hands with Jennifer and Chelsey.

If you loved any of the details from Kathleen and Ryan’s big day, check out the other awesome vendors involved!

Dress: Savvy Bride Boutique, Charlotte, NC

Shoes: DSW

Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Attire: Ralph Lauren

Flowers: Brandi’s Botanicals

Catering: Cook Shack

Bakery: Deweys Bakery

DJ: Island Sound

Live Painter: Jillian Darville