One of the greatest and best reasons to be a wedding photographer is this: being around two people who are completely in love, and then witnessing them join their lives is simply good for the soul! As soon as I met Judith and Julian, I knew that the time I was going to spend with them would be special. And I was proved right during their rehearsal dinner! These two have an adorable sense of humor, are warm and fun loving and to top it off, their family welcomed me with open arms and complete kindness! Now, as for how the bride and groom met…
Three years ago Judith was spending time with friends on Lake Norman and just happened to meet Julian…at his mother’s house! Judith said that as soon Julian walked into the room, she knew there was something special about him! And as for the groom, well… 🙂 At the rehearsal dinner, his brother told us all the story of how Julian reported that he had ‘met the woman he was going to marry’…after their very first date! A shared love of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory had clinched the deal! And so, on Labor Day weekend of 2015 he took Judith back to Lake Norman, along with all of their family and friends. As the happy bunch piled onto a boat to “take a picture”, Judith turned to find her parents holding a sign. Her eyes moved over the words: “Judith, Will You Marry Me?” and then flitted to find Julian…who was down on one knee! For this twosome who love their family so much, I know this was the perfect proposal!
And as wonderful as the rehearsal dinner was, the wedding took the cake! The ceremony at Myers Park United Methodist was the epitome of elegance. Judith was stunning and graceful, absolutely glowing! For the reception, the party moved to the Myers Park Country Club and I believe that all 220 guests got up and rocked the dance floor! It’s days like the ones I spent with Judith and Julian that make my job the best ever!

Sam with Hazel George Events & Design did a wonderful job with the coordination! What a joy to work with you!

Wedding at Myers Park Country Club Charlotte

Vendors:

Coordination: Hazel George Events & Design Ceremony venue: Myers Park Methodist Church | Reception venue: Myers Park Country Club | Florist: August Lily Florist | Stationary: Swoozies | Cake Artist, catering: Myers Park Country Club | Reception music: Sol Fusion | Make-up and hair: Beauty Asylum | Wedding Dress and veil: Ladies of Lineage | Bridesmaids dress: Dessy | Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Paul Simon

Tuckahoe Plantation Wedding Richmond

I’m so excited to have this beautiful editorial featuring black and white wedding ideas for the modern bride on Green Wedding Shoes! Amazing team behind this shoot!

Creative Direction: Amanda Day Rose and me! | Venue: Tuckahoe Plantation | Florals, stationary and styling: Amanda Day Rose | Hair and Makeup: Emily Hudspeth | Cake: Sweet Fix | Model:Helen Kreutzer helenkreutzer@gmail.com | Dresses: Rent the Runway | Tuckahoe Plantation Wedding

Where do I begin with such a wonderful experience? I started looking forward to Kelly and Drew’s wedding back when I worked with them on their engagement session. From the moment I arrived to photograph their rehearsal dinner this weekend, I could tell the event was going to be even more of a treat than I’d imagined! Right away, Kelly greeted me with a hug and a big smile, and both of the families made me feel so welcome. Kelly’s mom took the time to introduce me to some of their South American guests, so sweet! Also, some of their guests made a point of telling me how much they loved the couple’s engagement photos!
Given how kind these two and their families are, it wasn’t a surprise that the ceremony itself was incredibly touching. The wedding took place at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC…a sweet location that the couple made even more beautiful with their unique decor. Everything was done with vibrant greenery, from the ceremony to the reception. The dance floor was very special, with suspended bistro lights and a gorgeous chandelier type arrangement for guests to dance under…so perfect for an early summer wedding! I’m not at all surprised that everything looked so beautiful though, because the couple has great taste and A Southern Soiree was behind it! Such a pleasure to work with them again, and with Kelley Ann specifically this time. She has amazing energy, so talented and organized!
This celebration held so many beautiful moments…the kind that make me grateful to be a wedding photographer. Kelly looked absolutely stunning in her Paloma Blanca elegant wedding dress! And I loved learning new things about the bride and groom during the heartfelt toasts. Apparently, both of their families are huge dog lovers (Drew’s parents have a golden retriever too!). There was warm laughter at the story of how before Drew met Kelly, he mentioned to a friend that his future wife would have to love dogs! Truly my kind of people!! And so well-loved by their entire circle of friends and family. I wish them all the best, and hope you enjoy these photos from their day!

Stunning rings! Drew designed Kelly’s engagement ring himself!

The Umstead Weddings

Thanks Jamie Vinson for being a wonderful second photographer. You are the best!

Design and coordination: A Southern Soiree / Venue The Umstead Hotel and Spa / Band: The After Party Experience / Cake: Cinda’s Creative Cakes / Florist: Embellished Blooms / Lighting: GetLit SpecialEvent Lighting / Rentals: ThemeWorks, Cottage Luxe and CE Rental / Stationary: PaperBuzz / Hair and makeup: The Makeup Culture / Island Sound & Video / Dress: Paloma Blanca from Traditions by Anna / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids dresses: Lula Kate / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: The Black Tux

San Antonio Bridal Portraits

Styling and dress Blush Bridal in NC
Dress designer Pronovias
Hair: Sunshine Beauty and Bliss
Makeup: Peculiarly Made
Model: Jessi Boseman

Your family decides to take a trip to Ireland. In short order, you’re dreaming of the verdant countryside, the quaint cottages, the rich history. It’s sure to be an amazing experience! The only problem? Your honey can’t come along…he has to work. But you board the plane anyway, and soon you’re strolling over a bridge in Dublin. It’s picturesque. It’s incredible. The one thing missing is your main squeeze…until he shows up by surprise and asks you the question of a lifetime!
That’s how I picture Jessie and Alston’s engagement (based on what I heard from the bride herself…oh how I love that story!). Jessie herself is just the best mix of fun and elegance. When she married Alston at the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, she wore a stunning Monique Lhuillier dress and veil…and Manolos! Yes! She was absolutely magnetic when she walked down the aisle! This wedding saw me working with Lily Greenthumb’s for the first time. Their florals are always exquisite, and the pieces they provided for Jessie and Alston’s celebration were no exception. The couple enjoyed their guests to the fullest at the Myers Park Country Club, and the dance floor was packed. Such a joy to be a part of this day!
Jessie also mentioned to me that she and Alston are dog lovers (they grew up with golden retrievers and blue heelers, respectively) and plan to welcome a furry friend into their family soon. It always warms my heart to work with people who love pups as much as I do! I wish this beautiful couple all the best as they take on the new adventures life has to offer! Below is a sneak peak of their amazing wedding!

Jessie, you are so stunning and elegant!!!

It is the second time they make an appearance on my blog and every time I look at their photos, they put a smile on my face! Aren’t they adorable? 🙂

And that moment when she sees someone very special to her! To all the couples out there…look around, the day goes by in a blur and it is so important to enjoy your guests!

Lily Greenthumb’s did amazing with the florals!

Ohmygosh! What an amazing band! The Shakedown!!!

Thank Allisson Kuhn for second shooting this wedding with me!

Florist: Lily Greenthumb’s / Stationary: Reaves Engraving / Cake Artist: Ella Celestial Cakes / Catering: Myers Park Country Club / Ceremony music: Covenant Presbyterian Church’s Organist: Timothy Belk / Reception music: The Shakedown / Make-up: Jeffre Scott / Wedding Dress and Veil: Monique Lhullier / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids dresses: Joanna August. Myers Park Country Club Wedding