Every time I look back at Jessina and Austin's wedding photos from last November I'm transported to a refreshing place. There's just something about their wedding that never stops feeling like a breath of cool Fall air. I met Jessina years and years ago when she attended my best friend's photography workshop in Maryland. She was still just a kid in high school. Since then, she's traveled the world, studied photography and printmaking, met a boy on a train, fell in love, got engaged on a mountain, and married in the prettiest church by a pond. Austin grew up in New Orleans and Jessina says she first fell in love with his voice hearing him sing in a cramped basement concert in college. The two compliment each other perfectly. Together they embody curiosity, creativity, and an eagerness to understand and engage with the world in all it's expansive beauty. It was a true honor to photograph their union.

VENDORS:

Venue: The Church of the Advocate
Reception Venue: The Barn at Hillsborough
Dress: Grace Loves Lace (Inca)
Veil: Melinda Rose Design
Bride's Earrings: Terrain
Bride’s Shoes: Madewell
Hair Stylist: Samantha McKean
Makeup Artist: Torunn Kim
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bridge and Burn
Groom’s Suit: J.Crew
Groom's Shoes: Nisolo
Invites: Jeff and Rebekah Linton
Florist: Pine State Flowers
Cakes: DIY (Family + Friends)
Pies: Scratch Baking
Caterer: Saxapahaw General Store
Reception Decor: DIY (Family + Friends), Tilnic Box

parisa + steven | photos by lydia jane (www.lydiajane.com)

This August I flew to Durham, North Carolina to photograph Parisa and Steven's wedding. North Carolina will always hold a special place in my heart for the weddings I've photographed there. Back in 2009, I photographed one of my most popular wedding's (Daniel + Mindy's wedding) in Charlotte. Two years later I photographed another personal favorite (Mr. and Mrs. Connor) in the Outer Banks.

Well, North Carolina in 2014 certainly didn't disappoint. Parisa and Steven's wedding was absolutely breathtaking. As my first Persian/American wedding, it was not only new and exciting, but full of beauty, life, and lots of dancing. I wish I could go back and attend this wedding as a guest or maybe just be adopted into Parisa's family. Haha, I loved every second of their dance party reception.

Parisa's gown may be my favorite of the year. I simply can't get enough of it. It was designed by the talented Anarkh Designs. Get this, it was their first bridal gown. I'm amazed!

Parisa + Steven: Thank you for flying me all the way to Durham! I'm so blessed to have been your photographer. I wish you both the best in the world! Give D.C. a hug for me.

Venue: Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club | Dress: Anarkh Designs