I first met Katie and Jack in 2017, as I was getting ready to work on their engagement session. Their love story is so sweet, they met in high school, set up by a friend for their senior prom, and they’ve been together ever since. I had a lot of fun with them during that session! We strolled around the campus of their alma mater, NC State University, and I left feeling so excited for their wedding! Well, it finally arrived!
Katie and Jack tied the knot at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. All of their guests were so excited, especially the family and bridal party! When they first saw Katie in her gorgeous Romona Keveza gown and veil, the looks on the bridesmaids’ faces said it all. These two are so well loved and supported by their friends and family! The ceremony was very emotional, and it was wonderful to see how happy Katie and Jack’s parents were. I’ve mentioned before on this blog how much it means to me to witness the joining of two families, and all the shared loved that comes with that. Katie and Jack’s wedding was full to the brim with this love! I felt lucky to be a part of it every second I was there.
The reception moved to the Ballantyne Hotel, where the décor was simply gorgeous. My dear friend Ashley of The Graceful Host really hit the mark with this one (actually, she always hits the mark!). It was a special treat to get to work alongside her. As the day wound down and Jack leaned into his wife for a graceful kiss amidst sparklers and cheering friends, I knew their wedding would always have a special place in my heart. Congratulations to Katie and Jack! Thank you for trusting me.

Ballantyne Hotel Wedding Charlotte

Thanks Jamie Lucido for shooting this wonderful wedding with me!

Planning and Design: The Graceful Host / Ceremony Venue: St Gabriel Catholic Church / Reception Venue: Ballantyne Hotel / Florist: New Creations Flower Company / Stationary: Pink Toast Ink / Draping: Carolinas Luxury Event Rentals / Cake Artist: Wow Factor Cakes / Ceremony music: Queen City Ensemble / Reception music: Split Second Sound / Bar Rentals: AFR / Uplighting: Wink Lighting / Hair and Make-up: Jenny Le / Wedding Dress: Ramona Keveza from Ladies of Lineage / Veil: Ladies of Lineage / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids dress: Alfred Sung Dessy Collection / Groom and Groomsmen’s attire: Calvin Klein from Men’s Warehouse

Sometimes a couple leaves a big impression on you. The way they are with one another, and the way they treat people around them…you can just tell that they are soulmates, and it’s a joy to be near them! Emily and Adam are like this. I first had the pleasure of working with them back in February, during their engagement session. These two have known each other since they were kids, and were even high school sweethearts! Life took them in different directions for a decade when Adam joined the military and Emily began her studies to become a vet. Their story resonated a lot with me (my husband is in the military), and I knew immediately that their big day would be extra special. I was so delighted that they asked me to be their wedding photographer!
The ceremony and reception took place at the Weymouth Center in Southern Pines. I love this venue’s beautifully-tended historic gardens. So perfect for an elegant spring wedding! The azaleas were in bloom, and coordinated perfectly with the delicate pink hues in Emily’s bouquets and flower arrangements. Her gown felt modern, but with a big dose of Old Hollywood glamour. Stunning! I have to mention specifically what a pleasure it was to collaborate with this bride. She checked in with me several times during the planning process, just to get my opinion on what would look best for her photos. She was so organized and responsive! I’ve noticed that when a bride is on top of things during the planning, she’s much more likely to be able to ‘let go’, relax and enjoy everything on her day…which is exactly what Emily did!
Watching these two behind my lens, as they joined their lives in front of loving family and friends, is something I’ll never forget. I left the reception with a full heart and a big smile on my face. Congratulations, Emily and Adam!

I hope you enjoy this selection of their spring garden wedding photos!

The adorable Lily (the yellow lab mix) and Nibbler (the sweet love-bug Rottweiler) made an appearance for a few photos! Emily told me that her pets are her babies. I get it! My Golden Retriever Ronon is my baby!

Thanks Amy Campbell for shooting their wedding with me. You were wonderful!

Coordinator and catering: Morgan Hawk with Elliotts on Linden / Design, styling and Florist: Amanda Day Rose / Stationary: April Lynn Designs / Desserts: Elliotts on Linden and The Cupcake Shoppe Raleigh / Ceremony music:Save the Date Music Reception music: – DJ Gino
Make-up: Sunshine Artistry / Hair: Joshua Gray-Heim of J.Co Salon / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang from Alexia’s Bridal / Bridesmaids dress: Sorella Vita from Blush Bridal

Sometimes things in life come full circle in a very special way. A few years ago, a beautiful young woman named Theresa was a guest at a wedding I photographed. Fast forward in time, and I find myself photographing Theresa herself…at her own wedding! Theresa and Winn are such a wonderful couple. But they’re also incredible individuals, both doctors in residency at Duke. In my post about their engagement session last May, I tell the story of how Winn proposed to Theresa at the hospital on Christmas. I love that story so much because it shows that two people can follow their passions and still find one another in a magical way. Needless to say, it’s been an absolute joy and privilege to work with Theresa and Winn!
Their ceremony took place at Duke Chapel in Durham. If you know the city, then you’re probably familiar with this amazing Gothic structure, a stunning backdrop! And standing before it with the fall breeze blowing, Theresa and Winn looked pretty stunning themselves! Theresa’s dress had this incredible, long train, and her veil originally belonged to Winn’s mom. The tulle of the veil was wonderfully soft, very hard to find nowadays, and such a beautiful heirloom. Theresa also wore family jewelry, and Winn’s cufflinks were heirlooms too. I love it when a bride and groom find ways to incorporate their family and history into the details of their wedding. It’s a wonderful way to acknowledge that a wedding unites a family and community even beyond the bride and groom. And Theresa and Winn’s guests were so excited for them! It was crystal clear how much these two are loved by their family and friends.
For the reception, the party moved to The Cookery. During dinner, Winn gave a toast. He thanked the guests, saying that he and Theresa were so happy that they were worthy of everyone’s attendance. A very touching moment in the midst of a beautiful celebration! Finally, I must mention how much I appreciate working with clients who fully trust me. Theresa consulted with me several times during the planning process to make sure that she was making the best decisions in terms of photos. Having that level of trust and communication is a gift, and I definitely think it worked to everyone’s advantage! Thank you Theresa and Winn, I loved being part of your day! I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks!

Duke Chapel Wedding

Thanks Sarah Coffin for shooting this wedding with me! You are amazing!

Coordinator: Sweet Sarabell Weddings / Florist and wedding dress: Tre Bella/ Cake Artist: Ashley Cakes / Catering: SnapPea Catering / Reception music: Emerald Empire Band / Hair and Make-up: The Makeup Couture / Shoes: Stuart Weitzman / Bridesmaids dress: Jenny Yoo / Groom’s attire: Liles Clothing Studio / Groomsmen attire: The Black Tux