Love Stories
Javier & Grace| Intimate Wedding at The Merrimon-Wynne House Raleigh, NC
Grace & Javier crafted the perfect day at the beautiful, historic Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh, NC. They struck the perfect balance between intimate, elegant, fun, and definitely kept the main thing…the main thing.
The couple opted out of the traditional wedding party and opted for a single best man and maid of honor. However, the couple still had all their best friends hang with them throughout the morning while getting ready. You could say, they had their cake and ate it too. They didn’t want the stress of a large wedding party (hair/makeup/logistics), but they still wanted to hang with all their besties. Bam! Problem solved!
They also decided to be literally surrounded by their friends and family during the ceremony with 180 degree, circular style ceremony seating. It was MAGICAL. Because of the setup and the smaller guest list, there were literally no bad seats in the lawn with family and honored attendants having special, reserved seating.
Grace & Javier’s day was truly the prime example of doing it well, while also doing it their way.
The Amazing Vendors:
Venue: The Merrimon-Wynne House Raleigh, NC
Planning/Design/Coordination: Olivia Lauren Events
Floral Design: English Garden Weddings
Catering: Rocky Top Catering
Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh
Dress/Boutique: A&BE’ Raleigh
Officiant: Gwen Downs
Photography: Candle & Quill Photography
Julio & Dacy | Film & Vintage Inspired Engagement Session Amongst Vintage Car Collection
For Dacy it was a no-brainer. She works for Hendrick Motorsports and loves the culture, so we were pumped to say the least when she got the green light to shoot her engagement photos in the rarely seen Hendrick Heritage Center Car Museum. The chance to enter this building and walk among the cars is a rare opportunity, much less be given permission to shoot a portrait session.
The particular car that Dacy & Julio chose to shoot with was the white 1955 Chevy Corvette…VIN # 1. It felt like we had stepped back into time and seeing this gem right off the production line. Complete with neon drive-in sign and marquee.
To wrap our time together we moved on to the working drive-in movie screen and Hollywood set-worthy mock up of a vintage Dairy Queen.
The staff we encountered were absolutely phenomenal and so genuinely nice. A huge shoutout to Kyle (you know who you are) for assisting us throughout the shoot and making sure we didn’t overstep around these timeless, priceless cars.
It was the perfect session to kick off our 2024 season, and we are so pumped to shoot this sweet couple’s big day at The Club at Longview in Waxhaw, NC.
Johnny & Brittany | Epic South Coast of Iceland Engagement Adventure
When Brittany & Johnny contacted us about photographing and filming this season of their relationship, we initially thought it was a cruel joke. Multi-day engagement photos across the South Coast of Iceland, and then a destination wedding in Costa Rica. Turns out…they weren’t joking!
We had actually met Brittany a couple years back, as she was a bridesmaid in one of our other client’s weddings. She was really impressed by how we conducted ourselves at the wedding and fell in love with our style of work. We’re so glad she liked what she saw and experienced.
These two were an absolute blast to work with, as well as TROOPERS! We had high winds, rain, and fog for a majority of our time with these guys, but because of their willingness to adventure, we were able to capture some incredibly epic moments and landscapes.
We cannot wait to celebrate and document their wedding day in Costa Rica, but until then…enjoy their Iceland adventure!
Evan & Makana | Fun & Elegant Lakeside Wedding Weekend on Lake Norman NC
Makana & Evan set out to create an elegant, yet super fun destination wedding weekend event for themselves and their SoCal friends and family. So, they all flew into beautiful North Carolina for a weekend full of fun on Lake Norman, NC.
It was the absolute perfect combination and balance of elegant, classic, old Hollywood, and boats, lake activities, fishing, and wake surfing.
The couple had a very specific vision of the style of photos they wanted for their weekend. Heavy film vibes, candid, motion blurred shots, and documentary style. We were so excited about the approach to documenting their weekend, and it allowed us to really explore creatively with low pressure. Alongside of these digital images, we shot video, and 4 rolls of 35mm film! There may be a separate blog of the film photo highlights as well.
After documenting the couple’s beautiful wedding day, we returned the following day to capture the couple enjoying the lake with their sweet friends and families. Fishing, grilling, swimming, and wake surfing were all in order, and we were so there for it!
It’s difficult to look through these images and not feel like you’re there…experiencing the emotions and feeling all the feels. Exactly our goal for every image we deliver for every client.
We’re super proud to present to you, Evan & Mahana’s wedding weekend.
Bridal Boutique: The Bustle Bridal Boutique
Planning/Coordination: Events By Heaven
Hair/Makeup: Megan Oliveri Artistry
Florals: Lord & Lady Studio
DJ/Sound: Split Second Sound
Catering: QC Catering
Rentals: Party Reflections, Pomp Posh Event Rentals, Curated Events Charlotte
Ian & Taylor | Love-Filled Elegant Wedding at The Harvard Club of Boston
There was ZERO questioning the level of excitement that Ian & Taylor had on their big day at the Harvard Club of Boston. There were so many smiles, bursts of laughter, explosions of tears, and we were lucky enough to be there to document it all.
Boston, and Harvard in particular, has a very special place in Ian’s heart as it’s where he attended school and led the track team during his time there. You might say he fell in love with Boston and his alma mater enough to tie the knot there.
Taylor & Ian did exactly what we advise all of our clients to do…”Make sure you take time to stop and soak it all in. Enjoy this day because it’s over in the blink of an eye.” They did just that. You could literally see them stopping to hold one another, tears welling up in their eyes, and soaking in each other’s love. It was beautiful.
Venue/Catering/Coordination: The Harvard Club of Boston
Florals: Copper Penny Flowers
DJ/Sound: South Coast Entertainment MA
Cake: Oak Leaf Cakes
Rentals: Peak Event Services
Ian & Becca | Elegant & Cozy VanLandingham Estate Wedding Charlotte, NC
We hit it off with Ian & Becca from the very first time we met. We knew we were a perfect match, and that we would be in for a ton of fun. Young, bright, giddy, and head over heels in love. The couple decided to tie the knot and exchange their vows at the beautiful VanLandingham Estate, nestled in the beautiful and lush Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. They decided to go for a first-look, and exchanged vows privately in the incredible old greenhouse on the property, surrounded by milky glass, vines, and the most beautiful light dancing in the windows. After their ceremony, the couple and their guests danced the night away to the awesome jams provided by The Pizazz Band. We consider ourselves so lucky and blessed to have been a part of this extra special day with our two special friends and their families.
Not to mention, we had the privilege of working alongside an incredible vendor team that pulled this day off without a hitch.
Venue @vanlandingham_estate Hair & Makeup @kenziehamiltonmua Music @thepizazzband Florals/Decor/Planning @hippevents Rentals @partyreflections Dress Designer @bylillianwest Bridal Boutique @savvybrideboutique @simplystunningbydivas
Zach & Madison | Iceland Engagement Road Trip
Iceland Engagement
“Bucket list”, “trip-of-a-lifetime”, “dream sessions”…all phrases that could describe our recent trip to Iceland. We hopped in a car with our couple Zach and Madison in Reykjavik and headed out on a road trip to explore the entire southern coast of Iceland…from Snaefellsnes Peninsula to Stokksnes. Zach and Madison were a dream to travel with. Car karaoke, Icelandic hot dog pit stops, brewery detours, and stopping to go head to head with an “excited” Icelandic horse…we did it all. There’s just something about this place that grabs you and doesn’t let you go. I’m not sure if its the sheer epicness of the landscape or the memories we made along the way, but I’m sure it’s a combination of both.
The plan was to drive the entire southern coast, sightsee, and sprinkle in some photo sessions along the way. If the location and the light was right, we’d make a mad dash to change in the freezing cold wind and make it happen (and we did). The two locations where the stars aligned for shoots were Vestrahorn, our farthest eastern stop, and “Magic Mountain”, a secret hidden-gem location that was graciously disclosed to me by a local photographer. The reason I call it “Magic Mountain” is because so many times we’ve looked at the images of the location and people have described it as “magical”. It literally looks like something from a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit film. Like, Smaug could come flying over the ridgeline at any time…ha. (Thankfully, he didn’t.) We parked at the base of the mountain and hiked for 45 minutes until we reached the ridge of the canyon overlooking two amazing waterfalls. It was totally worth it…I think you’ll agree. We were literally speechless when we made it to the shoot spot. Courtney even had tears in her eyes…it was just that breathtaking.
Enough talking…let’s get to the good stuff. Enjoy Zach & Madison’s Iceland engagement session.
Ned & Ellie | Sunset Cliffs San Diego
California, and San Diego in particular, is know for its sun, beaches, gorgeous weather, and incredible sunsets. Ellie & Ned’s sunset session at the amazing Sunset Cliffs incorporated all of these things, and when combined with their intense chemistry…magic ensued.
Hair blowing in the wind, ocean spray lifting into the air, warm sand beneath their feet, and towering seaside cliffs surrounding them….I mean, come on.
I’ll just stop now so you can enjoy this amazingly beautiful couple in one of the must breathtaking spots we’ve ever had the privilege of visiting.
Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bride Charlotte
Dress Designer: Love Honor Bridal
Florals: Backbone Floral & Vintage
Coordination/Planning: Wild Lovers Content
Jeremy & Kendall | Sunrise Elopement at Torrey Pines State Reserve
There aren’t many people out there that actually enjoy getting up before the sun. However, every time we’re forced to do so, it’s always so worth it.
It was no exception for Kendall & Jeremy’s sunrise session at Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego, California. Waves lapping up on the shore, seagulls singing, a cool breeze blowing in off the ocean water, and the sun cresting over the tops of the incredible cliffs.
The vibe was flirty, romantic, and full of pure chemistry. Kendall rocked her non-traditional blush-colored, bell-sleeved, lace dress like an absolute goddess. We LOVED the fact that she chose to wear something that was so unique and out-of-the-box. Jeremy was styling too with his earth-toned chinos and buckled loafers. The color palette they chose was incredible. They not only complimented each other, but also the coastal cliff environment.
Please enjoy Jeremy & Kendall’s Torrey Pines elopement session!
Dress: Raw & Golden Rentals
Florals: Backbone Floral & Vintage
Coordination/Planning: Wild Lovers Content
Luke & Dallas | Eclectic, Boho-Inspired Elopement in Rabun Gap, GA
Have you ever met someone before that you felt like you’ve known forever? Well, that’s exactly what we felt like when we finally met Luke & Dallas (and their adorable 1 year old) for the first time at their incredible AirBnb in Rabun Gap, GA.
Courtney and I left out the day before the elopement with our good friends Bryan & Mariah (as well as Mariah’s massive macrame pieces in tow, more later) so that we could meet our couple, see the property, and come up with a game plan for their intimate day.
First off, we were completely blown away at the rental property, as it was designed by architects out of Atlanta, GA and the architecture, decor, and stylings could not have been more perfect! Basically, you have this award winning, modern home surrounded by the beauty of the Georgia mountains…what more could you possibly ask for?!
We immediately hit it off as we scoped out the property for the perfect ceremony spot. The last spot we checked out was…The One. It was the ideal spot to hang Mariah’s massive macrame altar piece, surrounded by a beautiful tree, wildflowers, and a glassy pond. We also picked out the perfect spot for the couple’s post ceremony, boho/eclectic-inspired picnic.
Did I mention that Dallas is a creative herself? She just happens to be Executive Pastry Chef, Kitchen Manager, and Lead Cake Decorator at The Cupcake Shoppe in Raleigh, NC. She made their wedding cake, and what an amazing piece of art!
The elopement day was super relaxed, full of good tunes, laughter, and most definitely some tears (happy ones). Luke & Dallas enjoyed their day, as they set themselves up for success. They relaxed and enjoyed each other and their daughter around their cozy AirBnb on the property.
Ceremony time came around, and it was absolutely the most peaceful, serene, and intimate ceremony we’ve ever witnessed. Just the couple, officiant, and us.
We had a blast toting the couple around the amazing property for their couple’s session (you’ll see what I”m talking about). So many angles, colors, and textures to work with…even when the light was on the harsher side. Some of my favorite shots captured on their day were actually shot in harsh light. The many angles of the home provided the coolest framings and sweet, deep shadows…it was magic.
We wrapped up the day with a totally chic, boho, eclectic picnic styled by Dallas herself. She literally brought everything with her to style the picnic. Between Dallas’ stylistic choices and Courtney and Mariah’s eye for decorating…I think we pulled off something absolutely dream worthy.
Luke & Dallas’ original plan didn’t work out. They were supposed to elope in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. However, I think they created a day that rivals almost any other. Their day was full of love, laughter, happy tears, and family. What more could you really ask for? It was an absolute honor to capture their day, and to be involved so intimately. Just to give you some insight into how these guys operate…they invited us to join them for their picnic at the end of the evening…we happily obliged.
Here’s to our new friends Luke & Dallas. Enjoy the magic!
Venue: The Glass House in Rabun Gap, GA
Hair: Luxy Hair
Florals: Sweet Stems Flower Bar (Franklin, NC)
Cake: Dallas at The Cupcake Shoppe Raleigh
Macrame Items: PaxtonMariahMurr
Hers
Dress: Wilderly Bride by Allure Bridals
Engagement Ring: Michellia Fine Jewelry
Wedding Ring: Ferkos Fine Jewelry
Earrings: Found You Adornments
Hair Pins: BHLDN (Anthropologie)
His
Suit & Shoes: ASOS Men
Ring: Celia O’ Kelley Jewelry
Bolo: YOQUOCOL
Picnic
Pillows/Napkins/Utencils/Champagne Glasses: World Market
Plates/Napkin Holders: Crate & Barrel
Nate & Andrea | Intimate, Snowy Asheville Airbnb Elopement
It was a beautiful snowy day in Asheville, NC. Andrea had contacted us a few weeks prior asking if we had any availability for an intimate, Airbnb elopement in Asheville, and we were all over it. We absolutely love Asheville, but we love intimate weddings and elopements even more. So, combining the two is just a match made in heaven!
When we arrived at the Airbnb we were so pleasantly surprised. The modern/Scandinavian-inspired cabin was quietly perched up on the side of a mountain with incredible views off the huge front porch. It’s interior stylings complimented the vibe with mid-century modern fireplace, lighting, and accents. It was a dream to shoot inside because of all of the large windows and skylights that were built in.
The vibes in the house were so warm, relaxed, and welcoming. Andrea and Nate were on cruise control and ready to tie the knot, as you should be on your wedding day.
Andrea’s son was so much fun to watch as he prepped for the event. He wore a lot of hats for the event (escorted his mom down the “aisle”, ring bearer, Bible-reader, and bouquet holder!) and he rocked them all! He and Andrea have such a sweet relationship, and it was so magical and heart-warming to watch the two help each other get ready for the ceremony.
Nate was as cool as a cucumber. He calmly and quietly wrote his vows before putting on his dapper, yet warm, suit for the ceremony.
We landed on a porch-front ceremony location, as it provided great lighting with all the snow around, and the panoramic views of the neighboring mountain vista.
Happy tears were shed, laughter was aplenty, and the couple’s love was palpable throughout the entire ceremony. Andrea’s son looked on so intently and lovingly as they shared vows, rings, and a sealing kiss.
Let us just say, this day was the personification of enjoying a stress free wedding day while still having “all the things”. A beautiful dress, attire, details, ceremony, drinks, food, and so much fun. Whether our couple’s are packing out the venue or eloping alone on the side of a mountain…we want this for them! To truly enjoy, experience, and savor every facet of their day.
I think I’ve said enough. Seriously. Keep scrolling and enjoy!
Dress: BHLDN
Makeup: Zack Russel, Asheville
Florals: Shady Grove Flowers, Asheville
Cake: Short Street Cakes, Asheville
Her Rings: The Golden Carrot, Charlotte
Jordan & Sara | Fun-Filled Lake Norman Wedding at Family Estate
It’s always nice to be able to ease into the busy Fall wedding season. That’s exactly what Sara & Jordan’s laid-back, lakeside union allowed us.
From the time we walked into the door of Jordan’s parents’ home on Lake Norman, we knew it was going to be a good day. The vibes were chill, family was aplenty, and the estate looked absolutely amazing. Not to mention, Sara and her ladies were finishing up hair and makeup right on time, thanks to Carly at Bel Fiore Beauty.
We walked the property to get a feel for the layout, and we were taken back at how beautifully decorated the grounds were thanks. Jenn of Meraki Blommor totally knocked it out of the park with her florals adorning the reception space, the ceremony arbor, and not to mention the beautiful petals floating on top of the swimming pool. (You’ll have to scroll to see that magic)
The chill vibes permeated the entire house, as we stopped by to tell Jordan hello. He and his guys were right at home, literally, and couldn’t have been more relaxed.
I knew from our early conversations that Jordan and Sara wanted their day to be intimate, relaxed, and filled with their closest friends and family. They definitely achieved it. It may have been a “backyard” wedding, but it couldn’t have been more beautiful, elegant and perfect. They’re the personification of when we say, “Just because you’re going smaller, doesn’t mean it has to be less than.” The day was anything but less than. Along with their vendor team and amazing planner Haley of Hipp Events & Design, the couple crafted a day that was exactly what they had dreamed of and made that dream become a reality.
We’re so excited to share Sara & Jordan’s entire day with you down to the last detail. From bridesmaid dance parties, floating flowers, kisses, and laughter to possibly the best wedding “exit” we’ve ever seen (remember that swimming pool?)…enjoy Sara & Jordan’s intimate, fun-filled day!
Planner/Coordinator: Hipp Events & Design
Floral Design: Meraki Blommor
Hair/MU: Bel Fiore Beauty
Dress: Martina Liana
His Threads: Indochino
Catering: Tin Kitchen
Suds: Carolina Crafts on Tap
Cake: Beth Gromis
Rentals: Cooke Rentals
Jonathan & Lauren | Intimate Myers Park Wedding
Jonathan & Lauren’s wedding was certainly one for the books. Tuesday afternoon ceremony, booked the day before, global pandemic on our doorstep, stay-at-home order announced during the ceremony, and 100% rain in the forecast. .
We spoke to Lauren on the phone the day before to run through all of the details. It wasn’t what she had planned whatsoever, except for the ceremony location. What was supposed to be a packed out church ended up being only the couple’s immediate family. Their date was supposed to be in mid-April with a grand reception planned nearby their church ceremony, but was cancelled due to the current Covid-19 crisis. You could say that a lot seemed to be stacking up against Lauren’s big day.
HOWEVER...Lauren & Jonathan were ready to get married and they just couldn’t wait. Lauren was so amazingly positive about the situation and didn’t let it steal her joy or excitement to marry her soulmate one bit. There was one super apparent theme coursing through the day and that was…family. Both Jonathan & Lauren were surrounded by their immediate families, and they were so extremely supportive and encouraging for the couple. You could just tell they wanted the day to be as perfect as possible for the two.
Not only was Lauren literally surrounded by her family, she was also wearing several family heirlooms…a pearl necklace given to her by her late maternal grandmother, a fur stole that belonged to her paternal grandmother, the beautiful white lace tablecloth we used for her ring and stationery shots belongs to Jonathan’s mother, and her veil was first worn by her sister.
During the ceremony, the pastor gave family a chance to come up and share some words for the couple. Tears were shed, love was expressed, and laughter was aplenty. The grooms dad went on to share about how Lauren’s Olympic gold medal (a HUGE deal) couldn’t even compare with her beauty…inside and out. And he was right. Lauren looked amazingly beautiful, and had such a sweet spirit about her.
It poured rain during the whole ceremony, but when we looked outside afterwards...no rain! We were able to capture all of their family formal portraits outside in front of the beautiful Myers Park Methodist church. Cars were driving by honking and it almost seem to bring a sense of hope that life will go on once this crisis passes. We even set up a faux “exit” with bubble guns. Lauren was determined to use them and why not?! Surrounded by bubbles and her cheering family...it was beautiful and so much fun.
We ended our time with some couples portraits, and let me say, the light was to DIE for. Brides, do not fret about a lil rain or overcast skies on your wedding day. The rain seems to deepen the colors of everything and the clouds diffuse the softest, most beautiful light. The couple and their families were so thankful and gracious throughout the entirety of the day, which made our job of capturing the moments for them so much easier.
We’re proud to share with you…Jonathan & Lauren’s big day at Myers Park United Methodist Church.
Venue: Myers Park United Methodist Church
Hair/Makeup: Cali Stott Artistry
Florals: Lily Greenthumb’s
Videography: Bowser Films
Catering: The Duke Mansion
Stationery: Reaves Engraving
Hers
Dress: Stella York purchased at The Savvy Bride Boutique
Shoes: Nina New York
His
Jacket: J.Crew
Shirt: Ledbury
Shoes: To Boot New York
Theirs
Rings: Diamonds Direct
Bryan & Jessie | Asheville Masonic Temple Wedding
If you were to take a film set from The Great Gatsby and drop it down in the middle of Downtown Asheville NC, then you would basically have Bryan and Jessie’s wedding day at The Asheville Masonic Temple. Built in the early 1900’s, The Asheville Masonic Temple is a four story brick building loaded with masonic memorabilia, scissor gate elevators, a beautiful theater, stone columned balconies, and an amazing grand staircase. Ok, sorry, I’m a history nerd.
The day was a little different for me than normal, as we were inside the masonic temple all day long, however, I was totally fine with that. The details and vibe of the venue are incredible. The bride & groom are avid wine-lovers, and wine related details were sprinkled throughout the day. The couple’s closest friends and family filled the theater for the exchanging of their hand-written vows, followed by a beautiful cocktail hour and meal in the main reception hall. The guests and party ascended the stairs after dinner to dance the night away in the third floor theater. It was a night to remember.
Please enjoy Bryan & Jessie’s elegant Downtown Asheville Wedding!
Venue: The Asheville Masonic Temple
Coordinator: Shay Brown Events
Dress: Anomalie
Hair & Makeup: Flawless Airbrush Makeup and Hair Design
Flowers: Urban Farm Girl Flowers
Caterer: Catering by Corey
DJ: DJ Bluphi
Robert & Holli | Intimate, Fun-Filled Wedding at Historic Ritchie Hill Estate
Everything about Holli & Robert’s big day at Ritchie Hill was calm, cool, collect, and laid-back. Even though rain clouds loomed in the distance, Holli never stressed or let it get to her. She seemed perfectly content surrounded by her best friends, family, and the only goal for the day was to marry her best friend Robert and to have a blast doing it.
The couple shared the sweetest first look on the covered porch outside the bridal suite. Everyone needs somebody to look at them the way Robert looked at Holli when he turned to see his bride for the first time…seriously.
The ceremony was absolutely perfect as rain storms were avoided, and the couple tied the knot amongst their friends in the most beautiful, secluded spot out behind the historic home.
The rest of the day was filled with beautiful couple’s portraits, heart felt toasts, laughter and happy tears. Throughout our time with Robert & Holli, we’ve found a common theme…not only their crazy love for one another, but their love and care for others. It was beyond apparent that their circle of friends is a SUPER tight knit group that would do anything for one another. We like to think that over the past year and a half that we’ve become a part of their circle.
The day was a blast, and one for the books. But, don’t just take my word for it…enjoy Robert & Holli’s perfect fall day at Ritchie Hill.
Planner/Coordinator: Elle M Events
Venue: Ritchie Hill
Florals: Gather Flower Studio
Hair/MU: Mirror Bomb Studio
Her Ring: Michellia Fine Jewelry
His Ring: Tiffany & Co.
Cake/Desserts: Delish Cakery
Catering: Roots Catering