If there is one thing I love about being a wedding photographer in North Carolina, it’s the transition into November. The air gets crisp, the light turns golden, and venues like Legacy Stables and Events in Winston-Salem truly show off their best colors.

On November 8th, I had the honor of capturing Breanna and Chase’s beautiful celebration, and it was the perfect example of why fall weddings in the Triad are unmatched.

Located just outside of Winston-Salem, Legacy Stables is a dream for couples looking for that perfect blend of rustic charm and high-end elegance. Set on a 30-acre estate, the property is famous for its American Saddlebred horses and rolling pastures, which make for an incredible backdrop during portrait hour.

For Breanna and Chase, the venue provided the perfect setting. The mix of natural wood textures and elegant lighting meant we didn’t have to fight for good angles—the entire space is designed to be photogenic.

November weddings can sometimes be tricky with weather, but Breanna and Chase lucked out with a stunning day. We started with getting ready shots in the Bridal Suite, which gave us plenty of space and natural light (a photographer’s best friend!).

We stepped out to the gardens for couple portraits right as the sun was dipping. The stone fireplace and the autumn foliage gave us a warm, romantic palette.

As a local wedding photographer, I appreciate venues that offer versatility. Whether you want a grand celebration in the Grace Barn or an intimate gathering at the Creekside Terrace, the team here runs a tight ship, making the day stress-free for the couple (and us vendors!).

Let me guess — you’ve got a million wedding-related tabs open right now, a Pinterest board full of dream inspo, and about 27 different “to-dos” bouncing around your brain.

And somewhere in there, you’ve probably thought:

“We want engagement photos, but we’re waiting until we lose a little weight.”
“We’ll book when things slow down.”
“Once we pick a venue/date/outfit/weather forecast that feels perfect.”

But here’s the truth I’ve learned from being behind the camera for countless couples:

There’s no such thing as the perfect moment. There’s only now — and it’s already beautiful.

Real love doesn’t wait

The best wedding and engagement photos aren’t about having everything “just right.”
They’re about catching that split second where you look at your person and know — this is it.

The messy laughs, the crooked ties, the wind in your hair, the way your hands fit together — those unscripted, unfiltered, real-life moments? That’s the magic. That’s your story.

Waiting until everything is flawless often means missing the raw, beautiful parts of this season you’re in together.

This is part of your love story, too

Engagement photos aren’t just another checkbox on your planning list. They’re a time capsule. They capture who you are — right now — in the glow of “we said yes” and the wild ride of planning a future together.

And your wedding? It won’t be about perfect napkin folds or the exact shade of mauve. It’ll be about love, nerves, inside jokes, happy tears, and the way your world stops spinning when you see each other at the end of the aisle.

Trust me: your future selves will be glad you froze this season in time.

We’ve got your back (and your good side)

At Michael Bean Photography, my wife Danielle and I specialize in making couples feel at ease. We’ll guide you, hype you up, and help you look and feel like your most confident, connected, and joy-filled selves — even if you feel awkward in front of the camera. (Spoiler: most people do. We got you.)

Whether it’s your engagement session or your big day, we’ll help you soak it all in and document the kind of moments that make your heart skip.

Don’t wait for perfect. Book for real.

If you’re reading this and thinking “maybe we’re not quite ready,” I want to lovingly challenge that thought:

You’re in love. You’re building a life together. That’s reason enough to celebrate right now.

Let’s make some magic.

Whether you’re newly engaged, deep into wedding planning, or already dreaming about your anniversary shoot — let’s connect and capture the good stuff.

Hey there, sunshine seekers!

Let me paint you a picture of a perfect day – clear skies, a gentle breeze, and the warmth of love filling the air. That's exactly what we experienced during a recent Couples Session at the picturesque Tanglewood in Clemmons, NC.

As the sun painted golden hues across the sprawling landscape, we had the pleasure of capturing the beautiful bond between a radiant couple. From the moment we met, their love and joy were infectious, setting the tone for an unforgettable session.

Tanglewood provided the ideal backdrop for our adventure, with its lush greenery and tranquil ambiance adding an extra touch of magic to every frame. Amidst the scenic beauty, we witnessed genuine moments of laughter, tender embraces, and pure family bliss.

What made this session truly special was not just the stunning surroundings, but the genuine connection shared by this lovely couple and their little ones. Their love for each other shone through every smile, creating heartwarming memories that will be cherished for years to come.

As the day drew to a close, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to capture such authentic moments of love and togetherness. It's sessions like these that remind us why we do what we do – to freeze-frame moments of happiness and create timeless treasures for our clients to hold dear.

To the wonderful couple and their beautiful family, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. May your love continue to shine as brightly as the sun that graced us on that unforgettable day at Tanglewood.

Until next time, keep smiling, keep loving, and keep making memories that light up your world.

Hey there! I have a session story with you all, but boy, do I have a special one to share today. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of diving back into my photography groove with a stunning maternity session. And let me tell you, it was an adventure from start to finish!

Picture this: a dreary day, gray clouds looming overhead threatening rain. As we prepped for the shoot, there was a sense of excitement mixed with a touch of nervousness. After all, nobody wants to get caught in a downpour during a photoshoot, right?

From the moment we began, it was pure magic. The expecting parents were an absolute dream to work with, their love and anticipation for their little one shining through with every smile and embrace. With heavy clouds, there was an undeniable warmth in the air as we captured the beauty of this precious moment in their lives.

Sure, the weather may have been less than ideal, but we didn't let that dampen our spirits. Instead, we embraced the rain, turning it into an unexpected blessing. With each droplet that fell, there was a sense of spontaneity and joy that infused the session, resulting in some truly breathtaking shots.

And now, without further ado, I present to you a small glimpse into our rainy day adventure. Scroll through these images and let yourself be transported to a world of love, laughter, and pure, unbridled joy.

As I reflect on this maternity session, I'm reminded once again of the magic that happens when we let go of expectations and simply embrace the moment. To the expecting parents who trusted me to capture this special time in their lives, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to all of you reading this, I hope this glimpse into our rainy day adventure brings a smile to your face and reminds you to always find beauty in the unexpected

So, back in 2017, I kinda stumbled into photography. What started as me messing around with a camera quickly turned into a full-blown passion project. I was hooked, diving headfirst into learning everything I could about capturing those perfect moments.

The Hustle

From 2018 to 2020, I was all over the place, covering around 50 weddings, doing family sessions, engagements, mini-sessions, etc. Each one was its own adventure, filled with unique love stories and crazy dance moves. I was living the dream, constantly on the move, and loving every second of it.

Pause Button: Life Happens

Then 2020 rolled around, right on the heels of a personal loss that shook my world—my dad passed away at the very end of 2019. Between navigating grief and the global pause brought on by COVID-19, my photography naturally took a backseat. During this unexpected break, life also threw in a beautiful twist: I had a baby. The whirlwind of emotions and new responsibilities meant my camera collected a bit more dust than I anticipated.

Oops... Restart?

When I finally felt the itch to get back behind the lens, I hit a major snag. My hard drive, which held all my work, decided it was time to retire. Just like that, years of memories and growth were inaccessible. Talk about starting from zero!

The Comeback

But here's the thing: starting over isn't always bad. It's like getting a clean slate but with the bonus of knowing what you're doing this time around. I'm seeing everything with fresh eyes and a bit more wisdom, ready to dive back into capturing those magical moments.

What’s Next?

So, what's on the horizon for me? A whole lot of exploring, learning, and, most importantly, shooting. The adventure of photography is that no two days are the same, and I’m all in for the ride.

To everyone who's been part of my journey and to those just hopping on, let's make some memories. I'm pumped to share this new chapter with you all through my lens. It’s going to be a wild ride, filled with laughs, maybe a few tears, and some unforgettable shots.

Thanks for sticking around. Let’s capture some magic together.

(My daughter, son and wife)