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Michael Freas, a Wedding and Engagement Photographer
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Carol Spags Photography, Asheville, NC
3800+ (USD)

Michael Freas

Michael Freas Wedding Photography in NC

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Wedding Photographer Captures Genuine and Candid Moments

Michael Freas is a wedding photographer renowned for capturing the true essence of couples' love stories. With a distinctive photojournalistic style, he transforms heartfelt moments into timeless images that resonate with raw emotion and genuine connection. His work has garnered widespread acclaim, with features in prominent publications such as Rolling Stone, Popsugar, Apartment Therapy, The Huffington Post, and I Do.

Michael's commitment to excellence is evidenced by his consistent recognition in the industry. He has been honored as one of the Wedding Photojournalist Association’s (WPJA) Top 50 Wedding Photographers in the World for multiple years, a testament to his ability to meet the rigorous standards set by seasoned photojournalists and editors.

Beyond technical expertise, Michael brings passion and enthusiasm to every wedding, creating an atmosphere of fun and trust. His ability to connect with couples on a personal level ensures that their unique story is beautifully and authentically documented.

25 Awards for Documentary Wedding Photography

Amidst sentimental toasts, a groom lovingly silences his mother's embarrassing story at the beautiful Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway, NC.
2024 v03 Photography Competition
Bride and groom joyfully celebrate their wedding at Felicity Church in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans, leading a second line parade
2023 v06 Photography Competition
Jump Off Rock, Laurel Park, NC: A heartwarming moment as the mother of the groom and the father of the bride participate in a ring warming ritual at a Western NC wedding
2023 v06 Photography Competition
At the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, a man wearing a fanny pack gracefully tosses flowers into the air, marking the beginning of an outdoor wedding ceremony
2023 v05 Photography Competition
A documentary wedding photograph capturing the vibrant energy as the bride and her beaming bridesmaids make final preparations inside the bride's childhood home in Key West, Florida. In the background, a nostalgic touch is added by the presence of cherish
2023 v03 Photography Competition
The parents of the groom are hoisted in the air as part of Jewish tradition during the wedding reception in Key West, Florida
2022 v04 Photography Competition
The sun shone brightly behind the cross as the bride and groom exchanged their vows in a breathtaking sunrise ceremony at Pretty Place - Camp Greenville
2022 v04 Photography Competition
Venue staff react to trying to light the ends of sparkler for wedding guests prior to the wedding couples exit at The Ridge, Asheville, North Carolina
2022 v04 Photography Competition
Key West based wedding and event photography in Florida capturing the brides nephew wanted to be like mom and fix the brides dress during first dance
2022 v01 Photography Competition
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30 Diamond Awards for Engagement Portraits

The engaged couple's reflection can be seen in a puddle, enhanced by the inverted view of the grand Biltmore Estate. Capturing their unique perspective is the expertise of a WPJA professional.
Diamond Awards 2024 v78
Captured by a seasoned WPJA photographer at the iconic Biltmore Estate, this shot showcases an engaged couple gleefully rolling down Diana Hill, exuding joy and playfulness.
Diamond Awards 2024 v78
WPJA professional photographer captures a tender embrace between an engaged couple against the breathtaking backdrop of a setting sun and majestic mountain landscape in Asheville, NC.
Diamond Awards 2024 v78
A skillfully captured image by a WPJA photographer at Biltmore Estate, featuring an engaged couple standing beneath a pergola surrounded by the warm glow of a sunset using a galen filter.
Diamond Awards 2024 v78
The newly engaged couple posed in a grassy park in Asheville, NC, celebrating their recent engagement in the backlit sunshine
Diamond Awards 2023 v61
The engaged couple posed for a romantic save-the-date portrait on a rooftop in downtown Asheville, NC, with a dark blue sky and tall buildings in the background
Diamond Awards 2023 v61
The engaged couple posed for their save-the-date engagement announcement portrait while sharing a beer and cider at Asheville NC's Hi-Wire Brewing
Diamond Awards 2023 v61
A pre-wedding session in Brevard, NC highlighting the couple posing at a rock outcropping with fall color
Diamond Awards 2021 v44
Pisgah National Forest couple pre-wed portrait of a couple that was enjoying themselves in a hemlock thicket during twilight
Diamond Awards 2021 v44
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41 Awards from the Artistic Guild of Wedding Photojournalists

Witness the raw passion and connection between this bride and groom in this intimate, artistic wedding portrait captured at the iconic Greystone Inn by a WPJA photographer.
2024 v02 Artistic Guild
At Asheville, NC, a creative black and white photoshoot of a wedding couple was taken to mimic the look of a classic film, creating a pleasing depth of field
2023 v01 Artistic Guild
The wedding couple in Key Largo, Florida at Playa Largo Resort & Spa enjoyed the peaceful tranquility of the bar gazebo, taking a break from the excitement during the cocktail hour
2023 v01 Artistic Guild
The open doors of St Marys Basilica in Key West FL provided a beautiful scene setter for the couple's wedding day
2022 v04 Artistic Guild
The Key West FL bride is illuminated in the warm sunlight from the window and an overhead spotlight, creating a unique layered storytelling effect as she puts on her shoes with mother behind
2022 v04 Artistic Guild
At Parker Mill in Whittier NC, a picture to capture the stormy weather that gives the Smokey Mountains its name, as a backdrop to the wedding ceremony
2022 v04 Artistic Guild
The couple danced on a painted red arch bridge in Duke Gardens, with the groom singing to his bride in a portrait of them as they are, as it is a place they visit often
2022 v04 Artistic Guild
North Carolina couple embraced rain and showed their true personalities at The Farm of Asheville
2022 v02 Artistic Guild
Flash and leading lines to create an epic portrait to match the epic sunset that was taking place at Key West, Florida
2022 v02 Artistic Guild
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7 TOP Wedding Photographer Titles

The WPJA proudly recognizes Michael Freas as a TOP International Wedding Photographer. Members holding the most contest points at the end of each year are ranked as TOP Wedding Photographers or, in some cases POY - Photographer of the Year.

3 'At Work' Photos

The following photos are of Michael Freas at work.

An Asheville North Carolina wedding photographer moves into place during a first dance dip kiss by the bride and groom
Photo by: Filip Konec
NC wedding photographer Michael Freas at work at an Asheville reception dance floor
Photo by: Filip Konec
Asheville wedding photographer Michael Freas at work at a North Carolina beach ceremony
Photo by: Filip Konec

WPJA contest judges have been recognized by their industry peers, winning top awards as staff picture editors, staff photojournalists, and newsroom mentors while working for these and other leading publications and journalism organizations.