NORTH CAROLINA DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | JUSTIN COOK – justin@justincookweddings.com bio picture

About me

Your love has a story, and your wedding day is the first sentence of a new chapter in that story.

I bring my newspaper, documentary storytelling background to my wedding photography to creatively capture your love through moments and emotion-- from the smiles to the tears, and especially the humor and anything else in between. I mostly work with my wife Courtney, but also with other really talented photographers with the same background in documentary storytelling.

I am laid-back and want to laugh and celebrate with you, I use the latest technology, study the latest trends, but stick to the classic methods to make beautiful images that you can feel. My relationship with each bride and groom is a collaboration to really bring them the photos they will cherish for a lifetime. I will be there to capture the day as it happens, and your priorities are my priorities.

It is always a privilege to document the biggest day and to share joy with people from all walks of life. I have to tell stories. It is my lifeblood. When I am not shooting weddings I am doing social documentary work with my camera. When I am not behind the camera I probably cooking, hiking, reading, hanging out with my cats, or day-dreaming about photographing Great White Sharks off the coast of South Africa one day. Contact me for more information including packages and prices.

Unobtrusive but present, for you on your big day,

Justin
106,117,115,116,105,110,64,106,117,115,116,105,110,99,111,111,107,119,101,100,100,105,110,103,115,46,99,111,109moc.sgniddewkoocnitsuj@nitsuj

Dec 18 2011

Ashley + Brett married in Raleigh! Raleigh Wedding Photographer

Laid-back. Down to Earth. Silly. Fun.

All are proper descriptions of Ashley and Brett, who were married November 5, 2011. So naturally, Ted Richardson and I had a great time with them, their friends and family.

Ashley works with my dad at a software company in Raleigh, and he was excited when I told him that I had booked her wedding. He told me that she was a blast to work with and that I would be in for a treat. She was all that and organized to boot, which made logistics even easier.

Ted and I scouted out the locations ahead of time and pre-visualized some of our photos. He busted out his light kit to make some more dramatic photos while Ashley and Brett goofed off at the Capitol building in Raleigh, and as they crossed through traffic on the way back to the reception. I only made one lit frame of them crossing the street but it worked out well. Ted’s extra planning really made the day and I can’t wait to work with him again next year.

Brett and Ashley’s love is solid and tender. It was humbling to watch her emotions well as she read a poem he had written just for her on their big day. I included it here in hopes that all you guys out there can learn a thing or two about how to treat your lady.

The day was full of tears, laughs, joy and love and I hope these pictures do it justice ya’ll! Here is the rundown on Ashley’s look and logistics:

Dress: “Escalante” by Watters – purchased at Victorian Rose Bridals
Tux Rental: VIP Formal Wear
Cake: Burgaw Bakery
Flowers: Suzanne Page
Church: Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church
Reception: The Stockroom at 230
Trolley: Olde South Trolley Co.
Hotel: Sheraton Downtown Raleigh (Presidential Suite)
Caterer: Simply Delicious Catering
DJ: Premier DJ Entertainment
Wedding Coordinator: It’s Your Day – Event Design & Coordination (Stephanie McKeown)