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 & 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

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!

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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

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.

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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

DJ: Split Second Sound