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Weddings

About

My name is Stephen and I am a Raleigh based photographer, originally from the Greensboro / High Point area. I consider myself blessed that I can wake up and do something I love. I spent a small portion of my life in the corporate world and realized I would rather photograph it than work there permanently. With the world as my backdrop and all of the people as my cast members, I enjoy hearing each person’s story, whether it’s a bride planning her wedding or a new business owner launching their business for the first time.

I have had the pleasure of photographing over 100 weddings in many different scenarios from rain to shine. I have travelled to New York City for an incredible destination wedding and will travel anywhere worldwide. I attend many continuing education workshops many times a year and constantly believe in re-educating myself. My work has been featured in many publications including Triad Weddings Magazine, O. Henry Magazine, and US Airways Magazine.

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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the starting price?

2nd Shooter
High-Res Images
Multi. Locations
Digital Files
Proofs

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

2nd Shooter
Add'l Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Albums
Canvas
Digital Files

What primary photographic style do you identify with?

Contemporary
Photojournalism
Traditional

What photography services do you offer?

Additional Hours
Engagement Shoot
High-Res Images
Second Shooter

What photography items do you offer?

Albums
Canvas
Digital Files
Matted Prints
Negatives
Prints
Proofs
Save the Date
Thank You Cards

Reviews of Stephen Thrift Photography

Blair
Blair Sent on 08/25/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Captured memories that will last forever!

Stephen captured our engagement session and wedding day. Working with him was a dream, he is truly an experienced professional. Calm cool and collected! Every step of the way we were so impressed and not to mention he made us feel and look our absolute best. We can’t wait to receive all of the pictures. Thank you for making our day so special!
E
8593E525E79E3E3A3685928135C3C9Fc1Ee2Cdcf Sent on 06/24/2018
5 out of 5 rating
I knew from the first time that I met Stephen that I wanted him for our wedding photographer. His beautiful work speaks for itself and I could not have been happier with our wedding pictures. While I am someone who hates to have their picture taken, Stephen made the entire process fun and enjoyable. He is also great at giving advice on how to best position yourself for pictures, a wonderful attention to detail, has a great eye for creative and unique photos. We also received our pictures very quickly after the wedding, which I really appreciated.
H
Heather Sent on 12/29/2016
5 out of 5 rating
I'm not quite sure how to begin this review, as I really just want to gush about how incredible Stephen is! He was one of the first decisions we made during planning - we knew that photography was one of our top priorities, so we met with a lot of folks. After meeting with Stephen however, we knew he was right for us - not only did he share an amazing range of work, his personality is what really sold us. It was like we had known him for years. With us living in New York City & planning a wedding in North Carolina, he was so accommodating with scheduling sessions and always available to chat as needed, which was so important.

Stephen captured all our major events leading up to our big day (even so graciously offering to do a second engagement session as our first was rained out...but not before we were able to get some incredible shots!) Before the wedding, we spoke a lot about what was most important for us, what we wanted covered, timing, etc. so when the day arrived, this was one less thing to stress/worry over. Stephen and his two assistants did such a magnificent job at capturing all the details of our ceremony and reception. Many of these same details were those we had invested so much time & energy into, but seemed to get lost in the shuffle of the day's events - which makes the photos we have even more special!

Stephen couldn't be more professional, accommodating and fun if he tried. During the entire planning process, working with Stephen brings back some of our favorite memories. Looking ahead to the future, we'll definitely work with Stephen again for any and all family photography needs. He's absolutely the best and Tyson & I can't begin to thank him for all the incredible photo memories we now have to share with our family and friends.
B
Beverly Sent on 11/06/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Breathtaking . . . this is the word my family and friends use to describe the photographs by Stephen Thrift. When my mother and I first met Stephen we were blown away by the quality of his work and his professionalism. We contracted with Stephen that day for my Engagement, Bridal and Wedding photographs. Each session with Stephen was fun, relaxing and creative; including our wedding day! Even our wedding party and guest were comfortable with Stephen and enjoyed being photographed! Our pictures exceeded my expectations and captured the moments! I could not be happier!
J
Jessica Sent on 09/16/2014
5 out of 5 rating
Stephen and his assistants are extremely professional and easy to work with! He is so talented and captures every little detail perfectly! If you want the best for your day this is the guy!!
J
Judy Sent on 12/09/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Stephen Thrift was the best photographer I have seen in a long time , so professional, so full of energy , polite and friendly, he created some of the most Beautiful pictures for my daughters wedding . He is definitly one of the best photographers on the East coast ! So glad we were able to have the best for our daughters wedding !
S
Sara Sent on 12/06/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Stephen Thrift is incredible to work with. From the first time I met Stephen I knew I wanted him as our photographer. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer for our Wedding day. Stephen captures every special moment and doesn't miss out on a thing. We enjoyed working with Stephen so much. He caters to you and your needs and makes sure everything is perfect. No one can compare to Stephen . He truly is the best of the best. Stephen is amazing and so much fun to work with. Stephen's pictures are breathtaking and remarkable. I would recommend Stephen for any event or occasion. We will always have beautiful pictures to look back on of our special day thanks to Stephen Thrift.
S
Skip Sent on 09/18/2013
5 out of 5 rating
outstanding service. Stephen knew exactly the shots to get and he was great to work with. I hope to have him take my retirement pictures. 37 years in the fire service I would like to capture some memories and Stephen is the one to do just that.
C
Carolyn Sent on 09/15/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Stephen did an outstanding job taking pictures of Susie & Alan Nix's Wedding. He was very professional and creative with his work! I would highly recommend Stephen to capture any event for your family. Thank you for all your hard work and priceless pictures! You were Awesome!
S
Susan Sent on 09/13/2013
5 out of 5 rating
Stephen Thrift is amazing! He made my daughter (and me) feel like she was the most beautiful bride in the world. Very sweet, genuine, humble young man. Gets very excited and involved! Takes MANY shots and listened to what we wanted. His work is beautiful and unique. I have 5 daughters and they all want him to do their weddings. As a matter of fact, he is doing my 4th daughter's senior portraits. She can't wait! - we can't either!!!
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Awards

25
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

7 Endorsements
Songbirds Bridal, Formal & Consignments Songbirds Bridal, Formal & Consignments Wedding Dresses

I have done several photo shoots with Stephen over the last few years. Not only are his photos amazing but he is extremely reliable & flexible and has gone above & beyond to help my store out. I have used several of his photos of our gowns on Facebook & in ads and zi highly recommend him!

Poppy Belle Event & Floral Design Poppy Belle Event & Floral Design Wedding Florists

I can't say enough good things about Stephen. His work is awe-inspiring. I could literally gaze at it all day! He's also a pleasure to work with, which is so important for a couple on wedding day!

Rocky Top Catering Rocky Top Catering Wedding Caterers

Working with Stephen has been a wonderful experience. His work speaks for itself, as Stephen has been able to bring a refreshing photography experience to the Triangle area. We have used him for in many capacities, and he is nothing less that exceptional. Any happy couple should be happy to have Stephen at their side for their wedding day!

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Map

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Stephen Thrift Photography frequently asked questions

Stephen Thrift Photography includes the following photography services in the starting price:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • High-Res Images
  • Multi. Locations
  • Digital Files
  • Proofs
Stephen Thrift Photography includes the following photography services in their most popular wedding package:
  • 2nd Shooter
  • Add'l Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
Stephen Thrift Photography offers the following photography styles:
  • Contemporary
  • Photojournalism
  • Traditional
Stephen Thrift Photography offers the following photography services for weddings:
  • Additional Hours
  • Engagement Shoot
  • High-Res Images
  • Second Shooter
Stephen Thrift Photography offers the following photography materials for weddings:
  • Albums
  • Canvas
  • Digital Files
  • Matted Prints
  • Negatives
  • Prints
  • Proofs
  • Save the Date
  • Thank You Cards
Stephen Thrift Photography is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.

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