Wedding photography at the First Baptist Church in Raleigh and Page-Walker Hotel

My clients M & S were married at the First Baptist Church in the heart of downtown Raleigh NC. This particular venue is breathtaking to behold both inside and out and provides a unique ( and fun) challenge to those charged with taking photographs during a wedding ceremony.

Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography

Here are few of my thoughts about photographing a wedding at the First Baptist Church from my vantage point...

There are rules here, the first concern being that Flash photography is NOT allowed inside. Period. Also, the photographer (me) can only shoot from the upper balcony at the back of the cavernous chapel. In addition, the ceilings are covered with very dark wood planks which basically sucks up any available light given off by the ornate yellow chandelier cans hanging from the ceiling. That being said, it is possible to photograph a gorgeous wedding ceremony if your willing to do the research needed to fully understand the challenging lighting conditions in the dimly lit cavernous main hall.

If you're ever lucky enough to have the opportunity to photograph a wedding here keep in mind these things, know your equipment and it's limitations. Because of the "no flash rule," you should know that your going to be shooting at a relatively high ISO speeds so make sure that you inform your client beforehand of what sort of image quality to expect from their ceremony, honesty is key!!! Some cameras can produce phenomenal images at high ISO speeds, others tend to yield noisy or "grainy" photos. If you have been shooting for a while under low/ no light conditions you will be able to decide which category your camera falls into and decide whether or not you can deliver a clean, sharp and colorful image. 

Also, use your tripod and lay off the coffee or Red Bull before the ceremony so that camera shake will not interfere with the photography. Finally, make sure to shoot in RAW image mode so you will have all the digital information available stored in your photos to rid your images of that funky yellowish light  (cast from the chandeliers overhead)  in your post production workflow.

Raleigh wedding photography at the First Baptist Church by wedding photographer S. Siko of Silvercord Event PhotographyI absolutely loved photographing M and S's wedding ceremony here at the First Baptist Church, that red carpet just glows against the brides white gown. 

Beyond all of that drama, if you plan ahead and get your settings right in camera beforehand you will discover why a wedding here is downright- straight up one of the most beautiful places to get married in all of Raleigh. Just gorgeous! I absolutely loved photographing M & S's ceremony here at the First Baptist Church, the bride's white gown seems to glow against the red carpet. 

Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography

 After the wedding, we headed down to Cary to the historic Page-Walker Hotel. It's like a little slice of the late 1800's flavored with a contemporary seasoning of style right in the heart of Cary.

Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography

I was happy to see that they had an "event tent" set up in the patio garden area because those tents are like one giant light diffuser thus creating an opportunity to bounce my off camera flash which is ideally suited for photographing candid conversations captured from afar outside at night. The food was fantastic and the heartfelt toast given by S's Dad brought tears to my eyes, it was tough to see through the lens but I managed to snag some sweet shots of the father/daughter moment together. 

Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography

The reception party went well into the night and it was great fun for me to photograph the bride and groom dancing and having fun with their families and friends. 

Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography Raleigh wedding photographyby photographer Siko of Silvercord Event Photography

M & S are one amazing couple, such a sweet day!

To check out the full gallery click here Raleigh wedding photography at the First Baptist Church and the Page-Walker Hotel 

If you have any questions about my photography service please contact me anytime!

Investment information regarding Silvercord Event Photography's Raleigh engagement and wedding photography price and service packages may be found here.