married | aksana+chris | kernersville wedding photographer

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When I first met Chris and Aksana via Skype, I knew they were going to be such a great couple to photograph. They know how to laugh and have a good time, and they're the kind of people who have the ability to make anyone feel welcome and included in the fun.

Their wedding had a travel theme and included so many wonderful cultural traditions, as Aksana hails from Belarus and Chris's heritage is Chinese-Malaysian and Italian. Guests traveled from around the globe to attend their beautiful celebration at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville, NC, planned by the fabulous Shaunda Eggleston of E'MAGINE Weddings and Events.

Wedding | Aksana and Chris | ©2014 Glessner Photography_0023.jpg

These two are just so photogenic! I could photograph them all. day. long.

The reception began with a traditional eastern European bread and salt ceremony...

The groom's family led them in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony...

Aksana being a dancer herself, it only made sense that she would have lots of dancing at her wedding. Two different dance troupes filled with friends of the bride from Winston-Salem and her current city of Memphis, TN, performed...

Aksana+Chris :: It was such an honor to be part of your wedding, and we're so grateful to have documented such a special day! Wishing you decades of love, happiness, and adventures together!

Venue :: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens
Event Planner :: E'MAGINE
Catering :: Sweet Basil's Catering
Cake Artist :: Glorious Gourmet Creations
Florist :: New Creations Flower Company
DJ :: A & A Disc Jockey Service
Ceremony Musicians :: UNC School of the Arts
Hair and Makeup :: Teased Hair and Beauty
Bridal Gown :: Stella York from Low's Bridal
Bridesmaid's Dress :: Dessy
Men's Attire :: Vera Wang from Men's Wearhouse
Stationer :: printATsydesign via Etsy
Linens :: Happy Rentz
Rentals :: Event Rentals of NC
Officiant :: Rev. Gerald Donnelly

Watch the sneak peek of Chris and Aksana's wedding day here.

Check out Aksana's bridal portraits here.

Like Glessner Photography on Facebook to see more!

Engaged? Contact us today to reserve your wedding date.

All content ©2014 Glessner Photography. Please do not save, copy, edit, or use in any way without Glessner Photography's express written permission. Violators may be prosecuted.

bridal portraits | aksana | winston-salem wedding photographer

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Aksana's bridal portrait session proved to be quite the adventure. It began pouring rain just before the session was scheduled to start, but determined to "make it work" (said in the voice of Tim Gunn, of course), we found refuge from the rain under this beautiful awning at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville, NC.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Green and white flower bouquet. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Isn't she absolutely stunning?! Aksana is a true, classic beauty and just as kind as she is gorgeous.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in downtown Kernersville, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Since the rain put a damper on our original plans to have the entire session outdoors, the owner and chef at Spring House Restaurant in Winston-Salem were so kind to let us use their beautiful space. I first photographed here when this sweet couple had the idea to do their engagement session in the lovely bar area, and I've been in love ever since.

Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.
Aksana Vasilyeva's bridal portrait session at Spring House Restaurant in downtown Winston-Salem, NC. Photo by NC wedding photographers Glessner Photography.

Venues :: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens and Spring House Restaurant
Dress :: Stella York from Low's Bridal
Hair and Makeup :: Teased Hair and Beauty

Watch the sneak peek of Chris and Aksana's wedding day here. Complete wedding preview coming later this week. Like Glessner Photography on Facebook to get the announcement!

Engaged? Contact us today to reserve your wedding date.

All content ©2014 Glessner Photography. Please do not save, copy, edit, or use in any way without Glessner Photography's express written permission. Violators may be prosecuted.