Laura Memory Photography & Videography

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Chapel Hill, NC
Laura Memory Photography & Videography

Natural Light Photographer
Videographer
Photo Editor

Weddings/Events/Engagement/Promo/Family/Senio
(20)

Wedding Photographer based in North Carolina serving the Carolinas, Florida, Utah, and beyond!

11/05/2024

Beach wedding tips ⬇️

✨save these for later ✨

1. Pick an off season for less crowds and less heat!
2. Be prepared for weather to turn quickly and be mindful of hurricane season
3. Have a wind plan for decor, arches, and hair
4. Embrace the wind in photos!
5. Know when sunset is and ask your photographer what time golden hour photos can take place!

This amazing couple rented a giant beach house in the OBX and had their closest friends and family stay all week together! They had a beautiful beach ceremony followed by dinner and music at the house. It was the perfect intimate wedding full of intentional moments, kids running around, stories being told over dinner, dogs being adorable, and just an overall comfort that happens at home surrounded by those you love the most.

I love how both the digital and the film turned out!!

11/01/2024

It’s Film Friday!

Courthouse elopements just look so good on black and white film!

✨So timeless and nostalgic ✨

Drop your courthouse elopement questions below in the comments and I’d love to help!

Have an awesome weekend film fam!

🖤

10/28/2024

Predicting 3 Wedding Trends for 2025:

✨SAVE these for later ✨

1. Mixed Media Coverage - digital, film, disposablesC Instax, super 8, drone, content creators, videography, love all the different ways to cover your wedding day!!

2. Lean into nontraditional - whether it’s unique wedding outfits your change into, bold colors, a maximalist floral or art installation, an out of this world theme, fruit as center pieces, food trucks, or a totally not done before wedding timeline. I encourage and empower you to do what’s personal and the best fit for you two!

3. Sustainability - let’s reuse or donate those flowers, buy and sell decor on Facebook marketplace, locally sourced food, and think about how we can minimize plastic waste, fast fashion, and our carbon footprint!

What are you excited to see in 2025 and 2026?

Planner/Host/Event Designer :
Florist :
Venue :
Hair and MUA :
Day Of Assistant :
Content Creator :
Mocktail Team :
Vintage Car Rental :
Specialty Flat Ware items : .co
Signage :
Napkins :
Stationery and Menu :
Cake Designer :
Model Couple Ceremony :
Dress
Tuxes : Stitch and Tie
Styling Flat Lay Mats :
Headpieces & Jewelry :

10/17/2024

They’re engaged!!!!

Toby worked SO hard to making this happen perfectly!

He set up a scholarship group reunion and even had the program director email the date, time, and location! So they came back to Chapel Hill and dressed up for “the event” and met me, “the event photographer” to take them to the spot Toby had location scouted the day before.

Everything was perfect!

Brooke also always said she wanted red roses when she got engaged and to keep them a surprise, Toby sent flowers to my house and I brought them out at the end!

I also took iPhone footage, meta glass video, and Polaroids! We had the whole day covered!

Brooke is the most deserving entrepreneur and CEO of and I can’t wait to see what they continue to do as a power couple!

I love that we all have in common being Tar Heels, former D1 athletes, and being business owners!

Truly grateful for my amazing couples who go above and beyond!!

Sending all the love!

10/15/2024

A moment for the details!

You spend so much time picking out the small things which all come together to create the overall unique and personalized mood and vibe of your celebration.

So on wedding day I like to make sure I capture everything - big and small.

How cute is this lucky ladybug landing on my couple too?!
fully27

10/11/2024

🎞️ Why You Should Add On Film 🎞️

Happy Film Friday!!

⬇️⬇️

Every single frame here was photographed on film!! I’ve been waiting photographing on film for over a decade and love how each camera, each film stock, and each location brings out a different look and feel.

⬇️⬇️

📸 Film is timeless and will still look amazing in 50 years!

📸 Film is raw and real and perfect for those candid moments

📸 Film is hard to replicate so you’re getting real and true art

📸 It’s imperfectly perfect and gives a nostalgic vibe that you will be able to cherish forever!

Drop your film questions below in the comments ⬇️

✨ And share this with a friend who should add on film for their wedding day ✨

p

09/30/2024

My number 1 tip for fall and winter weddings ⬇️

✨Make sure you know when sunset is✨

I love helping create your photo timeline! Whether you prefer a first look or not, we can make it work as long as we know how much light we have.

Daylight Savings Time (November 3!) sneaks up on us to please be aware if the sun sets at 5pm on your wedding day. If it does, that’s ok! We can work around it and talk about priorities and how we can fit it all in for the perfect light!

I personally LOVE winter light so let’s make your amazing wedding day schedule happen together!

Reach out and I’d love to get to know y’all and hear all about your wedding!

Thank you to this amazing team for this styled shoot! Love living in Hillsborough and being so close to such a perfect venue!
Planner/Host/Event Designer :
Florist :
Venue :
Hair and MUA :
Day Of Assistant :
Content Creator :
Mocktail Team :
Vintage Car Rental :
Specialty Flat Ware items : .co
Signage :
Napkins :
Stationery and Menu :
Cake Designer :
Models Couple Tablescape :
Model Couple Ceremony :
Sidney’s Dress
Haley’s Dress
Tuxes : Stitch and Tie
Haley’s Jewelry and Veil
Styling Flat Lay Mats : Liv Style Mats |
Headpieces & Jewelry : Eden Luxe Bridal |

09/23/2024

Moody Monday at this beautiful North Carolina mountain venue that looks like Europe!

I loved how even though it rained most of the morning we still ran out in the rain and mud and it created the most romantic moments!!

Just a reminder to embrace every moment with fearless joy!!
n.bum

09/19/2024

We’re published!!!

Super excited to share that featured our stunning Spring Editorial at !

“The team brought a Bridgerton-esque flair to this outdoor space, with velour sofas, whimsical flowers, and nostalgic decor in their arsenal. The bride’s look was perfectly complemented with lace gloves, bow details and charming parasols which helped stay cool beneath the summer sun.

Step into the whimsical world of this styled wedding photo shoot, capturing the essence of a springtime fairytale with a nod to vintage glamour and Palm Springs chic.”

The gorgeous details were photographed in both film and digital in Raleigh, NC!

See my story to click on the link to see the blog post!

Thank you to this incredible North Carolina wedding vendor team!

.nicole.events

09/12/2024

Why I love 35mm film ⬇️

🎞️ YES, these are ALL film! 🎞️

✨save this for inspiration later ✨

1. Timelessness and nostalgia that can’t be replicated
2. Perfect imperfection showing a true candid and raw moment in time
3. Film loves light so it looks so Vogue in direct sun and on flash!
4. It’s a fun addition to digital - I shoot 2-3 rolls of film per wedding and add those digital scans right to your gallery!
5. I take a film picture from every part of the day so it tells the complete story!

Let me know if you have any questions about film photography!

08/22/2024

5 tips to elevate your wedding day:

(Save this and read later!)

1️⃣ Create a memorable moment or area of impact for your guests like a champagne wall, hand written notes, or epic floral arch that you can use as a ceremony backdrop and later photoshoot or sweet heart table backdrop!

2️⃣ Florals & greenery through our the day really go a long way in making your celebration feel special and luxury. That could be classic green and white or memorable colorful or boho whimsy! Trust your floral designer with their suggestions!

3️⃣ Unexpected materials add the perfect romantic touch like candles, pearls, stone vase centerpieces, fruit table scape wil create a unique and elevated design.

4️⃣ Hire an incredible designer and planner to help create a dynamic color story so that the entire day feels cohesive and and makes a statement! AND they’ll make sure your day runs smoothly!

5️⃣ Sentimental touches that reflect you and your love, your background, your ethnicity, your travels really will set your day apart while celebrating your unique love story!

Follow along for more wedding tips, documentary wedding photography, and film wedding photography!

07/12/2024

Bridal portrait tips ⬇️

✨ Bring a bouquet to add color and texture!
✨ Have touch up make up handy
✨ Add something trendy and fun like sunglasses or a parasol umbrella
✨ We’ll make sure to pick locations where your dress won’t get dirty I got you!
✨ Have fun with timeless and classic poses and also movement like spins, twirls, and dress swooshes
✨ Bridals are the perfect practice to make sure you love your hair, make up, jewelry, and break in your wedding shoes!!
✨ If you’re not sure on a veil, grab a cheap cathedral one on Amazon to play with and see how it feels.
✨ Feel free to bring a friend or family member to hype you up and help carry your train.
✨Finally, if you don’t want a separate day of bridals that’s totally ok!! I’ll make sure to get individuals of you and your love on wedding day!

Grateful for this editorial team & friends!
Planning
Flowers
Bridal dresses
Suit
Hair & Makeup
Cake
Venue
Rentals
Signage & Stationary

Follow along for more wedding tips, documentary wedding photography, and film wedding photography!

07/08/2024

✨ The little moments ✨

As a documentary wedding photographer, I look for the special and unique candids that add a genuine richness to a couple’s story.

Sorry if that sounds cheesy but that’s for real how my brain works!! I think in pictures and can see a picture as it’s happening!

⬇️ My tips for capturing these special journalistic frames ⬇️

📸 Get to know your couple and find out what’s important to them. Everyone is different so every couple’s priorities are totally unique.

📸 Instill trust from the very first email - when your couple trusts you they will be more comfortable to be themselves and allow authentic moments to happen

📸 Know when to step back or step in

📸 Find natural frames to emphasize an emotion, action, or item

📸 Play with blur, tilts, or focus to see which variation gets your point across

📸 Come with an open mind, flexible schedule, and happy heart! Your vibe sets the tone!

Almost done editing this stunning wedding and had to share a few favorites!

(Check out a few posts back to see a reel of all FILM from this wedding!)

Follow along for more documentary wedding photography, film wedding photography, and wedding inspiration!

06/17/2024

Do I need a shot list for your wedding?

Nope!

The only photo list I need from you, my amazing couple, are family/group photos with names and any must haves like a special locket around your bouquet or grandfather’s watch or your one dream photo. (I send out a form with a place to list these about 1 month before your wedding!)

If you want to send a moodboard, go for it! I love hearing more about your vision and vibe. But, truly, I got you!

But as a documentary wedding photogrpaher with 8 years wedding experience + 5 more working in the sports journalism industry, I go with the flow, ready to get that once in a lifetime shot, and capture the day as it comes!!

I always photograph the basic foundational photos from each chapter of the day + I do help with poses, promoting, dress fluffing, making sure hair looks good and ring is on straight. Those little touches elevate the photo without interfering or interrupting!!

But what I love is the trust you put in me to tell your story as it happens. I step back or step in when needed and that intuition helps create emotional and timeless photos that you will cherish forever.

These are some of my favorite candid photos from Ellie and Jason’s day!!

Venue & Bar:
Event Planner:
Day-Of Lead Coordinator: .harmonyweddings
Photographer:
Florist:
DJ:
Rentals:
Hair/Makeup:
Dress Shop:
Dress Designer:
Bride’s Alterations:
Groom’s Tux:
Bride’s Wedding Ring:

06/03/2024

How to make your photos feel cinematic ⬇️

As a wedding photographer for the past 8 years and a videographer for ESPN and UNC for 5 years before that, I truly love telling stories in an authentic and documentary way.

Here are a few things I do at event engagement session to get a cinematic feeling moment!

💃🏽 Movement
🎞️ Film cameras for a nostalgic and timeless vibe
☀️ Using both light and shadows
📸 All the angles, wide and upclose
📚An activity like a picnic or riding bikes
👔 Timeles outfits that fit the mood and theme
⏰ Time and patience, you can’t force a moment
❤️ Making my couples feel comfortable so their photos feel true to them!

Follow along for more documentary wedding photography, film wedding photography, and photography tips!

05/20/2024

Happy Anniversary .bigs !!!!

This stunning Art Museum wedding was a dream!!!

Surrounded by art, ponds, friends, and family, the black and white color scheme was the perfect timeless pallet!

Not to mention an all time favorite because I’ve known Leah for over 15 years!!

It was a true honor that they trusted the process and I could capture their love, the emotion, and really perfect candid moments!

If I don’t already know you, I love hopping on Zoom, meeting for coffee, and taking engagement photos as ways to make sure you feel comfortable with me and my process. So on wedding day I just show up as a friend with a camera! I’m a people person, so let’s hang!!

PS
More museum weddings please!!

—-
bigs
harmonyweddings

05/15/2024

Thank you for the feature!!!

On Junebug’s website you can find a beautiful article about .liz and ’s wedding that features 3 dress changes, the best first look, classic and timeless details, and all the love!

From Junebug:

“Nyomi and Devontae’s Wrightsville Manor wedding had all the elements of a timeless celebration. From the picturesque venue and lush blooms to the classic color palette and chic attire, it’s got everything we love about dreamy weddings and then some.

The ceremony took place in the property’s stunning gardens, with a beautiful arbor serving as a focal point. After exchanging heartfelt vows, guests enjoyed the cocktail hour taking in the beautiful surroundings and soaking up the joyful atmosphere. And finally, everyone retreated to the reception area, where the space was transformed into a magical wonderland of soft lighting, elegant table setting, and gorgeous florals.

If you’ve been dreaming of a classically romantic affair featuring timeless details and personal touches that you and your partner have envisioned, then this is the perfect inspo for you. Thankfully this breathtaking day was captured by Laura Memory. So keep scrolling for ideas that will never go out of style.”

Couple: .liz
Venue:
Planning:
Florals:
Dress:
H&MUA:
Tux:

05/14/2024

Durham Elopement Tips ⬇️

We are so lucky to have several great options for civil ceremonies: Wake County (in downtown Raleigh), Durham County (in downtown Durham) and Orange County (In cute downtown Hillsborough)!

Each location has its own unique feel and other locations that we can go to for photos!

⬇️ Here are a few tips for getting married in the downtown Durham courthouse ⬇️

1. Make sure you have your wedding license (I recommend doing this online before you come)
2. Parking is literally right next door!
3. Make sure you and both your witness have your IDs
4. Have your cashiers check (which you can pay in the same building)
5. If you get married in on a Friday afternoon, we might have have 1 or 2 couples in front of us so build in about 20 minutes of buffer time. But we can take a few photos in the hallway while we wait!
6. For photos afterwards, we can go to American To***co campus, downtown, a rooftop, a cute bar, or even a nearby park like Duke Gardens!
7. Feel free to bring a few people, they can sit in the pews and watch your ceremony.
8. If you have guests, we can take group pics outside then have eveyone leave so we can take photos and we’ll meet them after!
9. Dress up! Wear something fun, cute, trendy, classic or that shows your personality!
10. Feel free to bring champagne, flowers, cake, we can exchange vows somewhere else and have a first dance if you love all those things as well!

Follow along for more elopement tips, elopement photography, wedding photography, wedding tips, documentary wedding photography, and film wedding photography!

05/09/2024

2 Hour Engagement Timeline ⬇️

Engagement pictures are an amazing opportunity to get to know your photographer, practice your hair and make up, and to practice for wedding day!

Engagement pictures are usually one to two hours, but on wedding day we realistically have about 20 minutes. So knowing me and trusting my guidance because you’ve already seen and loved your engagement photo gallery is priceless practice for wedding day.

⬇️ So here is an idea of a two hour engagement session ⬇️

6:00pm - Meet at your favorite park in outfit 1. Feel free to to bring a cute picnic, blanket, bikes, or just yourselves!
6:30pm - Head to a sunset view like a bridge or rooftop
7:00pm - change into outfit 2 and head to your third location
7:20pm - arrive at your favorite neighborhood bar or rent a vintage car for night time flash parking garage rooftop vibes where you pop champagne!
8:00pm - final toast!

✅ Follow along for more engagement photos, film photography, and wedding tips! ✅

I’m an open book and here to help!

05/07/2024

Tips for including your pup for engagement photos ⬇️

I love dogs! And of course, you would want your furry friend to join for engagement pictures! Here are a few tips and ideas that will help make the experience, easy, stress-free, fun for everyone!

🐕 Limit time: I promise you will only want 10 to 15 minutes of photos with your dog. And I also promise within that time we will get everything you want with them! Then that gives us plenty of time to focus on just y’all without you having to worry about your dog.

🐾 Bring a friend, family member or hire to help with your dog while we’re there and take them back to their house!

🐕‍🦺 Bring treats, potty bags, any accessories like acute leash or collar or bowtie or flower collar!

🐶 Arrive early early to throw the ball with your dog, let them get their wiggles out, and let them sniff around.

🦴 If your dog needs a little more space or quiet, then let’s go to their favorite park at sunrise and have the whole place to ourselves!

Follow along for more engagement photos, wedding photography, and wedding tips!

Address

Chapel Hill, NC

Website

http://www.lauramemory.com/

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