Welcome to my photography blog! Here's where I post up-to-date news about what's happening at martha manning photography as well as new images from the most current weddings and photo shoots. Please contact me anytime by sending an inquiry to martha@marthamanning.com or call the studio at 919-928-3511. I'd love to hear from you!
So that you know a bit about me...I began my photography career back in the mid-90's while earning my undergraduate degree in Technical Photography from ASU. I went on to receive a graduate degree in Photography in Vancouver, BC while continuing to capture weddings in a photojournalistic style. With the unique experience of photographing weddings across North America, from Vancouver to Florida, I am available worldwide to cover weddings, events, and portraits. Please bookmark my blog and stay in touch! You can visit my web site and online portfolio by clicking "website" on the tab located beside my logo. Thank you for stopping by!I just returned from a weekend in Asheville, NC photographing Diana and TJ’s beautiful wedding at the Biltmore Estate. Here are a few quick previews of this elegant event for two people who have completely taken a little piece of my heart. Much love to you two in this new adventure together, Diana and TJ! You are incredible people!
This wedding was beautiful with so many fabulous people, so I have no choice but to show you the slideshow of highlights…Click the link below and enjoy!
Laura and Mark, two of the smartest and nicest people I’ve ever met, fell in love while in school at Davidson College. So, even though they live far from NC now, they wanted to bring all of their friends and family back to the place where they first fell in love.
Laura was all smiles as she headed across campus to the church with her bridesmaids.
I love the way Mark looked at Laura, especially after they said their vows…
Before the reception, we enjoyed capturing some shots around campus…
It was important to the guys to head over to the football field, where many of them began a lifelong friendship playing football together at Davidson College.
I have to stop here because I want to post every photograph from their reception to show you how much fun it was, but this is already a long post! Laura and Mark, keep loving each other and looking at each other the way you have been and you’ll have an incredible life together! You are wonderful!!
This was a BEAUTIFUL wedding in Charlotte (my hometown!) at the gorgeous Myers Park Presbyterian Church and then on to Queens College for an elegant reception. Simmons and Matt live in NYC but met at UNC, so it was only natural to have their wedding back here in NC with family and friends!
I love how excited Simmons’ bridesmaids are just before she goes down the aisle…
Just after the ceremony outside of the church…
All the best to you two in your new life together back in NYC! I loved capturing your amazing celebration 
Okay, seriously, I love all the couples I have the privilege to work with. How in the world I end up with the nicest people on the face of the planet, I have no idea. But, I am convinced that this is the case!
Lesley and Landon are another example of AMAZING. We had the best time doing this engagement session starting at their gorgeous home and ending up in downtown Apex playing on the train tracks. Thankfully, we got some great shots of their doggies, too!
Check out this fire truck in the background thanks to the Apex Fire Department!
I hope more people out there will do sessions in this cute downtown area. There is so much variety and fun to be had!
I love the way they interact with each other…
Besides the facts that I absolutely love all my brides and grooms AND I am also in love with my job, I get to travel to beautiful locations to photograph weddings. Lesley and Landon are planning a classy celebration for a fall wedding on the NC coast. I am so excited!
Kristin and Sidney’s fabulous wedding was this past weekend and I cannot wait to post some photos from the big event. Here are some of Kristin’s portrait photographs we took back in the spring. These sessions are always so much fun! Waiting to share them on my blog until after the wedding is very difficult, but of course I could never give away the surprise of how beautiful the bride will look!
We went on location to Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill where the ceremony would be held. Kristin is obviously a natural beauty and has a contagious smile. I love her cathedral length veil!
We had fun walking around UNC’s campus and finding fun spots for portraits. We even ended up at her sorority house for a few!
Thanks for stopping by today! I know that most of you out there know that I photograph weddings in a candid way so that I do not interfere with the real story of your wedding day. From the photographs you see on my web site and blog, you know that what I capture are real moments in time…I’m not telling anyone to “look here” or “smile big for me”!
There is one moment in your day in which you’ll want me to give direction, and that is formals. I spend 20 minutes max on formals, usually after the ceremony when everyone is already gathered together. It is important as a photographer to capture that historical moment when all of the families are together in one place…and to make sure everyone looks good, too! And, it is also important that these are done in a timely manner so that you can all get moving on to the next fun thing: the party!
Here are some examples of some fun, beautiful people gathered for formals.
What a week! I’ve had the pleasure of photographing some wonderful sessions and weddings over the past week and can’t wait to post about them. We have been busy at home, too!
We had quite a scare this week when our little guy, Noah, broke out in a rash from head to toe and had a high fever…I was reminded of the tick I found on him a few weeks ago and took him to the doctor right away. Noah is now on his last dose of the antibiotic to treat Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but do not fear! He is still himself and even out selling popsicles with big bro Caleb today to earn money toward his Star Wars action figure obsession!
Needless to say, we are so thankful that Noah is okay and that we have such an incredible doctor. Thank you all for your sweet thoughts and prayers for our family this week. May the force be with you
I was so excited to get the call from Brooke many months ago about her wedding. Not only was I excited because she has a sweet personality and incredible taste, but it was fun to find out that I had photographed one of her friend’s weddings.
Brooke and Brian have an amazing group of people that surround them. Their friends and family were so involved, not because they had to be, but because they love these two. What a treasure to have each other AND to have all these people who support them!
First, the perfect dress and then, my favorite, her Dad’s reaction to seeing his daughter before they walk down the aisle.
Their elegant reception was held at the Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. This space is incredible -lots of natural window light, room for a huge dance floor and space for guests to mingle, and this great staircase where Brooke and Brian were introduced as Mr. & Mrs. :)
Here is an example of what photojournalistic wedding photography is all about…catching the candid moments that would be completely ruined if I became involved!
This was a perfect location for a sparkler exit!
How fun is this?!!! Great idea for those of you planning your weddings…
Brooke and Brian, you are incredible people and I know you will enjoy your new life together! Thank you for letting me capture this remarkable event!
