CAPTURING LOVE STORIES WITH TIMELESS ARTISTRY

Some photographers take beautiful images—and then there are storytellers like Terah Hoobler, who capture entire love stories in a single frame. With over two decades of experience, Terah has become a trusted name in Coastal North Carolina’s wedding scene, celebrated for her ability to find raw, authentic emotion in even the smallest, in-between moments.

Terah Hoobler, Cape Fear Living Wedding Photographer of the Year

Her journey began as a child, sitting on the edge of her grandmother’s bed, mesmerized by old family photo albums and the stories they told. That early fascination with memory and legacy became a lifelong calling—one that allows her to turn fleeting glances, quiet tears, and joyful celebrations into timeless works of art. Named Cape Fear Living’s Wedding Photographer of the Year, Terah is known not only for her striking artistry but for the deep trust she builds with every couple. She approaches each wedding with a storyteller’s heart and a meticulous eye, believing that photographs aren’t just pictures—they’re legacy.

What drew you to wedding photography in the first place, and what keeps you inspired with each new celebration?

Some of my earliest memories are sitting with my grandma, flipping through old photo albums as she told me who each person was, where they came from, what they loved. Her voice always softened when she spoke of those she missed. I realized even then—photographs aren’t just images, they’re history.

At 18, I picked up my first real camera and started photographing anyone who’d let me. What began as curiosity turned into an obsession—and ultimately, a career that feels like purpose. Weddings inspire me because they’re the beginning of a couple’s love story. I’m drawn to the raw emotion—the kind that still moves you decades later. Every wedding is a chance to create something timeless, and it’s an honor I never take lightly.

The winning image is filled with emotion and atmosphere. Can you walk us through the moment it was taken?

It had been sprinkling off and on all day. The skies finally opened once the reception started. I pulled my couple aside and said, “This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime chances.” Without hesitation, they gave me full creative freedom. Five minutes before, my assistant and I had gone out in the rain to set up—adjusting lighting, testing angles, making sure everything was perfect. Once they stepped into place, I directed them quickly—pose after pose, movement after movement—no time to think, just trust and instinct. Sixty-six seconds later, I knew we had magic.

Weddings can be beautifully unpredictable. How do you prepare for the unexpected?

Experience. After 23 years, I’ve learned to anticipate just about anything—especially at weddings. Weather, lighting, timing—I stay ahead of it all. My gear is always ready to pivot. But preparedness is more than logistics. I’m constantly scanning the room—not just through my lens, but beyond it—watching guests, reactions, laughter. Those spontaneous, human moments often end up being the most powerful images of the day.

What do you think sets a truly memorable wedding photo apart from the rest?

Emotion. Authenticity. A memorable image tugs at something deep inside you. It makes you feel—not just see. Perfect lighting and composition are important, but if the emotion isn’t there, it’s just a pretty picture. The best photos stir something—nostalgia, joy, longing—and that’s what gives them staying power.

How do you balance storytelling and aesthetics—raw emotion versus perfect composition?

My heart always prioritizes emotion, but I believe in harmony between the two. Every image should tell a story andstand on its own as a piece of art. I’m constantly chasing the best light, the perfect angle, and those in-between moments most people miss. That’s where the magic lives—the unrehearsed gestures, the way someone reaches for a hand or laughs through tears. Those moments are pure truth.

Has there been a particular couple or wedding that’s left a lasting impression on you?

Many, honestly. I’ve been photographing weddings for 23 years—15 of those here in Coastal North Carolina—and my clients often become family. Some I’ve followed from engagement to the birth of their first child. That kind of trust is incredibly meaningful. The couples who leave the biggest impression are the ones who truly let me in—who value what I do and give me the creative freedom to tell their story my way. This isn’t just a job for me. It’s my art, my voice. I pour my heart into every frame.