It’s been SO FUN reading all your entries over the last week and getting a small glimpse into the wonderful weddings that are being planned throughout the state.  Your comments were candid, heartfelt and so real.  I have to say, I’m more than a little jealous that I’m not attending some of these fabulous affairs! 

If was, of course, very difficult to choose a winner but choose we must.  So without further ado, the lucky White Thread reader receiving a full wedding photography package from DeShelia Spann is Emily Larson!!

Emily wrote:

The asterisk qualifier made me giggle!  Congratulations Emily on both your upcoming wedding AND checking photography off your to-do list!  We can’t wait to see the whole affair here on White Thread later in the year. 

Thanks again to everyone who entered!

And now for the REALLY big announcement!  In celebration of DeShelia’s official launch into the world of weddings, she is graciously offering one lucky White Thread reader a chance to win complete wedding day photography coverage.

Yes you read correctly!  A full day of coverage (dawn to dusk), unlimited pictures and unlimited locations.  The big winner will also get:

• Online viewing gallery with print ordering (available for 3 months post event)
• 6 web-sized images
• 300 edited hi-res images on DVD with a proof book
• 12X12 custom designed storybook album
• 2, 7X7 custom designed parents albums
• choice of any 2 of the following:  engagement, bridal or boudoir sessions, second & third photographer

So now I have your attention right?!  DeShelia shared with me how she would describe her ideal bride & groom:

My ideal couple loves a good story and they appreciate photography’s ability to capture it for years to comes. I’m an extrovert by nature. I love to have fun and enjoy life. My favorite client experiences are those with couples who aren’t afraid to try something different, just be themselves and enjoy their special day.

So if this sounds like a photography experience you would enjoy on your big day, ENTER TO WIN!

How: All you have to do is leave a comment below telling White Thread about your Southern wedding. What makes it unique and special? Why do you and your groom deserve to win a free wedding photography package?

By When: One lucky winner will be randomly selected from all entrants on Friday, April 2nd and announced here on the blog on Monday, April 5th.

Fine Print: This contest is open to any couples getting married throughout North Carolina.  While DeShelia will be expanding her business this summer into the DC/Maryland/Virginia area, please note folks outside of NC are not eligible for this contest (sorry!)

It was my pleasure to collaborate with Ms. Firecracker DeShelia Spann on this photo shoot.  If you know DeShelia, you know she’s a laugh a minute, ball of energy – exactly the kind of stamina you need as a wedding photographer!  Though she’s been shooting portraits for over 5 years and loves the intimacy that can come through in a portrait, she’s recently decided to concentrate her efforts in the wedding arena.  So why weddings and why now?

From DeShelia:
Who doesn’t love a happy ending. I’m a Southern girl so you know we love anything that says fun, family and celebration. I started my career in the portrait world dabbling in a wedding or two here that there. But the more weddings I photographed, the more I enjoyed being able to help a couple relive that happy moment again and again through images I created. Nothing feeds the heart more than a bride who tells you she cried tears of joy and admiration after viewing images you’ve photographed at her wedding. It’s hard to equate that sense of gratitude.

We shared a fun Sunday afternoon at the new Renaissance Hotel in Raleigh’s North Hills with our lovely model, a gorgeous Manuel Mota dress (style Valedmar for those of you in love!) from TreBella Bridal and a lush, springy bouquet from TreBella Florals…quite the talented group of ladies over there!  Nekita Land did the flawless, natural makeup (email me for her contact info, she’s AWESOME) and a stunning birdcage veil and feather flower fascinator by TessaKim finished off the ensemble.

Seriously, if you haven’t checked out Tessa’s etsy shop yet, you are in for a real treat.  Every time I’m on there, I find 5 new things I want (did I mention I’m not getting married and have no reason to want these other than they’re pretty?  That’s enough right?).  Note to self:  need to do a whole other post on Tessa’s awesomeness.

Stay tuned for a VERY exciting giveaway announcement! HINT: If you are still on the hunt for a photographer for your big day, you’ll want to pay attention.