Sarah Der Photography | Chapel Hill Wedding + Portrait Photographer bio picture
  • Hi, I’m Sarah.

    I'm a graduate of the University of Richmond, where I studied Studio Art and English. I am married to a scientist, have a pesky and clever French kitten named Toulouse, and just made my big move from snowy Ohio to a quaint, warm and peaceful apartment in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

    I quite enjoy taking lovely pictures, but my favorite part of being a photographer is telling stories--of love, of laughter, of commitment, joy and honesty. When I'm not behind the lens, you can always find me reading a very good book, trying my best to cook Indian food, trucking my way through a season of LOST, or traveling to visit friends and family (who can't seem to stay in one place). I think it would be wonderful to meet you for some good coffee. We can get to know one another. So when you're ready, send me a message to say hi, and we'll start from there.

michelle + brandon | durham wedding

You remember Michelle + Brandon?

They met playing kickball. The moment he asked her to be his girlfriend is documented in pictures (due to excited friends acting as paparazzi). They spent a year and a half long distance before he proposed using funfetti cupcakes and words written in frosting. Needless to say, these two are a joy to be around. M put so, so much thought into making their wedding their own, making it a true celebration and reflection of her relationship with B. I had such a wonderful time seeing them married, spending the day getting to know their family and friends, and I think the excitement and happiness of the day can be seen in every picture, so I’ll let you have a look. M+B, you two are married! Here’s a tiny peek at the pictures from your day–enjoy!

doubletree hotel bridal suitedurham wedding venuesmichelle and brandon wedding octoberwavelengths durhamdurham wedding photographygroom opens his gift of superman underpantssuperman underpants for wedding giftgroom wears lighting bolt socks to weddingguys getting ready in doubletree hotel roomsarah der photographychapel hill wedding photographermichelle and her maid of honorcupcakes raleightent reception durham north carolinaDIY wedding detailsmichelle and brandon are married!doubletree hotel wedding ceremony and receptionchapel hill wedding photography bride and groom kissribbon wands at ceremonyribbon wand exit bride and groomsarah der photographyetsy hair clips for bridesweetheart neckline bridal gownsarah der photographydurham wedding venuebridal party in aviator sungalssesmichelle and brandon are married!michelle kenney and brandon alexander weddingdavid's bridal cotton bridemaids dresseschapel hill wedding photographertoastsbride and groom laughing at toastsreception gusts toast to michelle and brandondancing!dancing!more and more dancing!michelle and brandon cut the cakebride and groom smash cake

A giant thanks to my second shooter Hilary Mercer for being such a big help on Saturday! Can’t wait to see your perspective on the day! :)

Doubletree Hotel in Durham | Wavelengths | Makeup by Christy Ponte | Fleuressence | Simply Cakes (so yummy!) | And lots and lots of things off of Etsy. :)

22 comments

mary - October 19, 2011 - 1:26 pm

what a beautiful couple/wedding! i love the cake shot especially!!

Meredith Perdue - October 19, 2011 - 1:28 pm

This looks like such a sweet wedding, Sarah! Beautifully done!

Tall - October 19, 2011 - 2:38 pm

Sarah, this is great! Lovely couple and such a cute wedding (with cool socks). Lovely texturey feel to your pics, too.

Natalie - October 19, 2011 - 3:36 pm

Lovely work, Sarah! I especially like their portraits with those tall, tall trees.

Dave - October 20, 2011 - 5:02 am

Wonderful work. I really liked the rings on the cupcakes, and the groomsmen photo with their sunglasses just oozes “cool”…but the last shot takes the cake! (ha, ha)
Sorry, had to do it. Couldn’t resist. :)

michele bowman - October 20, 2011 - 6:06 am

i love all the intimate details and emotions that you documented at this wedding. you can see the joy and love these two have for each other. love the last photo!!

Joseph - October 20, 2011 - 12:26 pm

Amazing coverage. All lovely pictures. Well done and congratulations to Michelle and Brandon.

razvan - October 20, 2011 - 1:37 pm

Beautiful wedding! You captured so many beautiful moments but that last frame, with their faces is so awesome!

Kat Braman - October 20, 2011 - 4:56 pm

love this entire post! especially love that first groomsman shot. the last shot is pretty darn awesome too.

benj haisch - October 20, 2011 - 5:34 pm

so good!

Daniel - October 20, 2011 - 9:00 pm

There are so many good photos here, but the green flash socks are awesome and sticks in my mind. Love em!

Tyler Branch - October 20, 2011 - 9:01 pm

really dig that last frame. overall rad stuff.

Alyssa Schroeder - October 20, 2011 - 9:13 pm

Those are some stinkin’ adorable couples portraits! You nailed this wedding Sarah!

Carol and Larry Walker - October 20, 2011 - 11:44 pm

You made such a beautiful bride and the outdoor wedding was lovely. Really liked the “cupcakes” wedding cake. Wishing you many many many years of happiness!

Erica’s mom and dad

ALMA - October 21, 2011 - 7:57 am

Love your muted tones!!

Graeme Crawford - October 21, 2011 - 8:31 am

What great fun these pics are, must have been a joy to photograph this wedding. Especially love the rings on the cupcakes and the shot of the green/pinks socks/shoes. :)

Sinereh - October 21, 2011 - 7:09 pm

Beautiful images! Looks like it was a fun wedding =)

Kristen Rhaney - October 22, 2011 - 11:36 am

Sarita, just beautiful. My favorite is the black and white shot of them processing after the wedding. Brandon’s face is pure joy. You’ve done it again.

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diana - October 22, 2011 - 11:23 pm

I am in love with this wedding sarah!! this is so gorgeous and the couple… totally adorable!

becci ames - October 27, 2011 - 9:59 am

I love every one of these!

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alexbee - November 8, 2011 - 4:18 pm

LOVE this whole set, Sarah! Such happiness the whole way through! :D

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Alex - November 16, 2011 - 1:23 pm

Love the details! :-)

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