Posts tagged destination wedding photographer
Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue
 

Stunning Styled Shoot at Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue

Jo Dee Messina said it best in her 90s country anthem “Heads Carolina, Tails California”. Beautiful weather and backdrops in both states attract engaged couples from across the nation year round. Messina’s tune may be catchy, but the last thing you want to flip a coin on is your wedding photographer. Fancy This Photography’s reputation for high-end, fine art wedding photography can’t be contained by North Carolina. From the City of Oaks to Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue in Calabasas California, this team is prepared to travel and photograph your love story in bold color and authentic emotion - anyplace, anywhere, anytime.

Book the best vendor team for your destination wedding

Nikki Whitt Belch, owner of Fancy This Photography, packed her Nikon D850, a Parrot Anafi drone, and set her sights on the Malibu Coastal Range in April of 2023. California photographer Alicia Parks and Luxembourg planner Lynn Weistroffer, two of Nikki’s wedding aficionado friends, invited her to Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue in Calabasas, California for this styled shoot. Nikki was accompanied by Amanda Law, a fabulous Fancy This Photography second shooter. Simply put, they could not miss an opportunity to collaborate with fellow event extraordinaires at one of the best wedding venues in Northern LA.

Keep scrolling to view more eye candy from this styled shoot at Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue and find out why Fancy This Photography is the best choice for your destination wedding.

Say “I do” at Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue.

Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Photographed with Southern Charm

Fancy This Photography is prepared for the journey, whether your wedding is in South Carolina or Southern California. Destination wedding photography is not for the faint of heart. You’ll want to select a vendor team that has national and international experience if you are planning a wedding away from home. Nikki and her team are pros. They understand exactly what needs to be checked on flights and how to calmly maneuver the stress of travel.

“Honestly, at this point, getting through security is a breeze,” Nikki says. “But, we like to be prepared for anything. For traveling, we always suggest that our team arrives at least one day early, just in case travel plans go awry.”

Once Fancy This Photography’s team arrives at the wedding destination, they scout locations and make itineraries for a flawless wedding day. Their carefully practiced approach comes with years of experience photographing weddings local and abroad. Outside of the United States, Fancy This Photography has traveled to Spain, Canada, Germany, and The Bahamas to capture nuptials.

When forced to pick her favorite wedding destination, Nikki selected Spain. “I think it's because it's my excuse to eat jamón!”

Jamón is a delicious dry-cured ham served in delicate thin slices. You can take the girl out of the South, but you can’t take the South out of the girl!

Below we’ll dive deeper into the details of this styled shoot at Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue and further confirm why you should book Fancy This Photography for your destination wedding.

Bride and Groom Ceremony Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue offers couples 40 private acres of Tuscan-inspired landscape.

Enjoy 360-degree views at Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue.

Discover One of the Best Wedding Venues in Calabasas California

Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue is located near the Malibu Coastal Range summit. This destination offers couples 40 private acres of Tuscan-inspired landscape. A 60-foot helipad, gardens, and marble pool create a perfect blank canvas for any style wedding or event. As if the 360-degree views weren’t enough, Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue also features romantic fireplaces, koi ponds, and cypress trees. This Santa Monica Mountain wedding venue has a capacity for 120 guests and on-site parking for up to 40 cars.

“It boasts beautiful views, and the helicopter pad where the ceremony took place is honestly bad ass,” Nikki says. “It's away from everything, and the views make it such a vibe.”

One glance at these gorgeous photos and you would have no idea that the weather for this April styled shoot was cold, wet, and foggy. Yes ma’am. You need to have a top-notch wedding photography team when shooting in these conditions. Nikki pre-planned poses and coloring in order to capture the ethereal-style images shown here. If the weather was like this for a real client's bridal or engagement session, Nikki says Fancy This Photography would schedule strategic breaks to allow for warming up between shots.

The best time of year to get married in Southern California is summer (unlike North Carolina). Long days, mild nights, and clear blue skies make this season a winner for couples planning to get married in and around Los Angeles.

Black and White Bride and Groom Ceremony Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography
Beautiful Pool Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography
Poolside Kiss Bride and Groom Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Take one-of-a-kind portraits beside the pool at Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue.

Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue - Styled Shoot Details

Styled shoots are organized by and for wedding vendors who wish to showcase their talents to potential clients. Humor us. Pretend that this is your real wedding at Stone Mountain Estates. Imagine that you, your betrothed, and all of your closest friends and family traveled to the Malibu Coastal Range for an unforgetable celebration.

The wedding ceremony took place on Stone Mountain Estates’ sophisticated 60-foot helipad. Peach, white, and cream blossoms along with greenery and branches were perfectly poised at the top of the aisle and altar. Chairs with laced cane backs and candles added a royal touch to this lush scene.

This reception table floated softly above the ground in warm shades of taupe, champagne, and yellowish pink, like clouds in the California sky. Ceramic centerpiece vessels and textured linens added to the tablescape’s splendor. Even the stationery, menus, and place cards carried the elevated flower theme.

Bride and Groom Reception Table Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue has a capacity for 120 guests.

Bride and Groom Head Table Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

The best time of year to get married in Southern California is summer (June to August).

Meet the Models

Angel Garet and Mary Cameron Rogers played the roles of bride and groom in this styled shoot at Stone Mountain Estates wedding venue perfectly. Not only are they real newlyweds, but they are also Hollywood actors! Angel and Mary Cameron’s natural chemistry and comfortability in front of the camera made Fancy This Photography’s heart sing.

The groom looked dapper in a classic black and white tuxedo with a handsome bow tie and watch to boot. Our bride rocked two unique wedding gowns, one strapless and one with delicately embroidered drop sleeves.

One of Nikki’s favorite images from the day was a close up of Angel holding Mary Cameron’s face in both hands. “Oh, it gives me chills when I look at it,” Nikki says. “I loved that we could do this shot!”

Mountain Bride Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography
Bride and Groom Love Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography
Romantic Kiss Bride and Groom Stone Mountain Estates Wedding Venue Fancy This Photography

Interested in booking Fancy This Photography for your destination wedding? Click here to schedule a free consultation. 

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Couple // @maryc.rogers @theangelgaret
Venue // Stone Mountain Estates
Host Photographer and Co-Planner // Alicia Parks Photography
Planning and Design // LuxWedding
Hair and Makeup // Kohnur Luxurious Bridal Beauty
Florist // Primrose and Petals
Gown // Cocoe Voci Design
Stationery // Elephant Limbo
Tableware Rentals // borrowed BLU
Chair and Table Rentals // Bright Event Rentals
Linens // BBJ La Tavola
Jewelry // Skatell's Jewelers Charlotte

 
Chelsea and Cameron | Fairytale Backyard Wedding | Franklinville, NC
 


Magical Moments

From the very beginning, the day felt extra magical. The property, the rustic fairytale elements and the sun beams playing through the trees, made it magic. Chelsea seemed so at ease as she did her makeup and her hair, chatted with her bridesmaids and slipped into her dress. The day was filled with charm and nostalgia, and I can’t wait for you to see..

the coolest groom around

It’s always the hope that your groom and groomsmen are comfortable, but this isn’t always the case. At Fancy This Photography, we will always put our very best foot forward in making our bride and grooms feel comfortable. Cameron and his men were full of fun and at ease through all the photos we captured. I couldn’t have asked for a cooler group to work with.

“Chelsea and I went to photography school together at Randolph Community College. We were both in the portrait studio concentration. She has been a dear friend of mine, for now several years. I felt honored to be her photographer. Her family built that sweet chapel behind their home, and Chelsea and cameron were the first to marry there.”
— Nikki, Owner of Fancy This Photography

the first look

I’m not convinced I didn’t see fairies dancing in the forest on Chelsea and Cameron’s wedding day. The way the rays of sunlight filtered through the leaves and branches, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. The scene looks like a fairytale forest, with the light creating a sense of movement and motion all around them.

the ceremony

A wedding on a family farm outside of Ashboro, NC. This wedding offered a relaxed and rustic atmosphere, with the beauty of nature as the backdrop.

The chapel located on the property, nestled among the trees, added to the charm of the setting and served as a beautiful and intimate location for this wedding ceremony. The guests were surrounded by the natural beauty of the property.

The setting of a family farm was truly magical for these two. With a setting such as this, there is plenty of room for guests to roam, and the views were breathtaking.

There are also practical benefits to holding your wedding on a family farm, such as having the ability to choose your own vendors, flexibility in scheduling, and the opportunity to create a truly personalized and unique wedding experience. Plus, hosting your wedding on a family farm can be a meaningful way to incorporate family traditions and values into your celebration.

Overall, a wedding on the land of a family farm outside of Ashboro, NC with a chapel set among the trees offers a one-of-a-kind wedding experience that is both intimate and romantic, while also being relaxed and down-to-earth.

As you approach the chapel, you are struck by its beauty and charm. The wooden structure blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, as if it has always been a part of the forest. The doors of the chapel open, revealing a dramatic tall ceiling and arched leaded glass. Again, the sun shone through the windows creating the perfect glow on the whole ceremony.

Just Married

A fairytale day to remember…

With Chelsea’s family farm, there were so many picturesque backdrops for their couples portraits. We chose near a beautiful shaded tree, that was on Chelsea’s late grandmothers lot. The entire scene gave us that gorgeous sunkissed light that made it extra fairytale like!

wait, there were horses

Can’t forget these magical moments with the littlest fairy, the golden sun and horses to end the day.

 
Katelyn & Chad’s Lake Gaston Wedding
 

Katelyn & Chad’s Lake Gaston Wedding by NC Wedding Photographer Fancy This Photography

If tubing is an olympic sport or you have a “Lake Life” car decal, this blog is for you. All jokes aside, Katelyn Messier and Chad Whitaker’s Lake Gaston wedding was epic. Like, jaw-dropping gorgeous - from the processional to the sparkler exit. The best part? They hired me, NC wedding photographer Fancy This Photography AKA Nikki Whitt Belch, to capture the entire event on camera.

Groom Chad and Bride Katelyn stroll with friends at their Lake Gaston wedding  by NC Wedding Photographer Fancy This Photography.

Bride Katelyn and Groom Chad stroll with their wedding party along the water’s edge at Lake Gaston.

How Katelyn & Chad’s Love Led to a Lake Gaston Wedding

Katelyn and Chad first met before the start of senior year at Panther Creek High School in Cary, North Carolina. Even though Katelyn attended Appalachian State University and Chad attended N.C. State University, the pair remained romantically attached throughout college. They dated a whopping 11 years (just teasing Chad) before saying “I do” at their Lake Gaston wedding. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

For their 10-year anniversary in July 2020, Chad booked a cabin outside of Asheville. Katelyn says she didn’t expect anything of it. “We love the mountains and had been cooped up in the house, so I looked at it as a getaway for a change of scenery.” On the very first morning of the trip, Chad got down on one knee. Katelyn gave a tearful, albeit shocked “yes” and then the newly-engaged North Carolinians celebrated by taking a hike with their sweet pup Lady.

Aside from booking me (obvi), one of the first vendors that Katelyn and Chad booked was Anthem House wedding and event planning team. This luxury wedding planning team is based out of Raleigh, but can travel anywhere to serve couples on their special day. Real talk - I cannot recommend hiring a professional event planner enough, especially during an ongoing pandemic.

Keep scrolling to read more about Katelyn and Chad’s experience and to witness their Lake Gaston wedding day.

Romantic Rosemont Winery Rehearsal Dinner in Southern Virginia

On Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, Katelyn and Chad kicked-off the weekend of wedding festivities with a rehearsal dinner at Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards & Winery. Located on 450 acres of sprawling farmland in Southern Virginia, Rosemont Winery was the perfect place to welcome friends and family. Don’t be fooled by the winery’s homestate. Even though Rosemont Winery is located in Virginia, it’s less than a 20-minute drive away from Littleton, North Carolina.

Whether you’re looking to hire a NC wedding photographer or a Bracey, Virginia wedding photographer - I’m your girl! Click here to learn more about my services.

The bride and her bridesmaids get ready for a Lake Gaston wedding ceremony.

Bride-to-be Katelyn, bridesmaids and Lady the dog get ready for a Lake Gaston wedding ceremony.

The bride and bridesmaids pose for a photo beside Lake Gaston's edge.

Bridesmaids lean in for a beautiful group portrait with the bride at Lake Gaston.

Lovely Lake Gaston Wedding Ceremony in Littleton, North Carolina 

The next morning, Katelyn and Chad got ready (separately) for their Lake Gaston wedding in Littleton, North Carolina. Their venue, The Whitaker Family Home, is located in Littleton and is planted at the water’s edge. Which is exactly where Chad and Katelyn shared their vows on Oct. 2, 2021. Not only does the lakeside residence have a special place in Chad’s childhood memories, but it was also a place where the Whitaker’s got to know Katelyn and welcomed her into their family. I love to photograph at-home weddings because they are usually filled with priceless family moments and meaningful details.  

Katelyn and Chad’s Littleton, North Carolina wedding was no exception. Their Lake Gaston wedding ceremony was intimate and witnessed by approximately 40 guests. Katelyn’s parents, Terri Messier and Gary Messier, presented their daughter to Anne Whitaker and Trampas Whitaker’s son. One of Katelyn and Chad’s closest family friends officiated the waterfront wedding ceremony. Katelyn looked stunning in a Lillian West wedding dress from Maggi Bridal and Chad didn’t look too bad himself, in a gray suit and stormy blue tie from The Black Tux

The bride and groom shared a romantic first look moment beside Lake Gaston.

The bride and groom share vows in a beautiful Lake Gaston wedding ceremony.

An intimate and meaningful Lake Gaston wedding ceremony.

Post-Wedding Ceremony Sunset Boat Ride on Lake Gaston

In case you thought riding off into the sunset was an activity reserved solely for romance novels, I’m here to tell you that you’re mistaken. After Katelyn and Chad said “I do,” kissed and exited their Lake Gaston wedding ceremony, we climbed onto the Whitaker Family steed. AKA their Sylvan pontoon boat. If you know, you know.

One of bride Katelyn’s favorite wedding-day memories included this sunset boat ride on Lake Gaston. As they cruised around and I took golden-hour wedding photos, both Katelyn and Chad took a deep breath, looked around and soaked up the glory of the moment.

“Take in each moment, no matter how small, and do not let anything or anyone take away from the day you married the love of your life!” - Katelyn

If you’re wondering how they stopped fellow lake lovers from honking or blasting music during their Lake Gaston wedding ceremony, peep the sign below.

The bride and groom took golden hour wedding portraits in their boat on Lake Gaston.

Golden-hour wedding portraits on Lake Gaston.

Wedding in progress please be quiet sign at Lake Gaston wedding.

Wondering how to keep people on the lake quiet during your waterfront wedding ceremony? Make a sign!

How to Get the Best Golden-Hour Wedding Photos

I give a lot of thought to timing when planning for a couple’s wedding portraits. If you’re getting married outside, I recommend that your wedding ceremony starts right before golden hour, which is the last hour and a half before sunset. For example, since in October, the sun sets between 7 and 7:30 p.m., I suggest a 5 p.m. ceremony start time, so that I can photograph everyone during the pivotal time when the sun is at its prettiest. However, it is perfectly okay if your ceremony is not in the evening. When you’re working with a professional NC or Virginia wedding photographer, they can make any lighting conditions work.

The bride and groom take a post-wedding ceremony boat ride with their dog Lady on Lake Gaston.

If you ask me, pets make wedding portraits more fun.

Lake Gaston Wedding Reception

After our boat ride and golden-hour wedding photo session, Katelyn and Chad re-joined loved ones at the reception. Y’all, this Lake Gaston wedding reception was one for the books.

Someone please tell me - Is there anything more magical than a clear-top outdoor reception tent filled to the brim with twinkle lights and flowers? This whimsical wedding tent was provided by CE Rental party rental supply store. You could even see the starry night sky from your seat, or if you’re like me, from your position on the dance floor. Just kidding! You will not find me on the dance floor while working a wedding, unless I’m taking live-action dance photos or I’m there as a guest.

An outdoor tented wedding reception on Lake Gaston.

This whimsical wedding tent was provided by CE Rental party rental supply store.

Fancy This Photography framed the first dance between this flower arch.

You know you’re a fine art wedding photographer when you beautifully frame moments within flower arches.

Love Is in the Details - Lake Gaston Wedding Reception

Katelyn and Chad’s wedding ceremony flower arch by Meristem Floral was repurposed in two ways at their Lake Gaston wedding reception. First, it served as a fun doorway for the newlyweds to make their reception entrance. Second, it functioned as a beautiful backdrop for the cake display table. I love how creative and resourceful my couples are!

In addition to the fab flower arch, Meristem Floral designed a showstopping floral chandelier that hung directly above the dance floor from the center of the tent. A neutral palette with greenery and pops of dusty and stormy blue made up the wedding colors.

After a delicious meal prepared by Rocky Top Catering, guests danced the night away with Bunn DJ Company. Ashley Triggiano’s live painting of the Lake Gaston wedding ceremony provided another unique form of live wedding entertainment. Not to mention, the couple now has a beautiful keepsake to decorate their home. While Katelyn and Chad cut their sweetheart wedding cake, guests dug into pints of their favorite ice cream from Two Roosters.

Love & Lake Gaston Weddings Photographed by Fancy This Photography

It was an honor to photograph Katelyn and Chad’s Lake Gaston wedding ceremony and reception. “Nikki is outstanding and so talented,” says Katelyn. “We have loved every minute of working with her and she knows exactly how to make us feel comfortable in order to capture the moment.”

Today, the newlyweds are living out their happily ever after in Raleigh. Chad works in finance and business operations within the biotech industry and Katelyn is in project management for pharmaceutical companies.

Interested in booking Fancy This Photography for your wedding? Click here to learn more.

Chad and Katelyn were all smiles as they exited their Lake Gaston wedding reception through a tunnel of sparklers.

Photographer // Fancy This Photography
Planner // Anthem House
Caterer & Cake // Rocky Top Catering
Rentals // CE Rental
Florals // Meristem Floral
Live Painting // Ashley Triggiano
Videographer // Wayward North Films
DJ // Bunn DJ Company
Venue // Private Home at Lake Gaston
Rentals // Cottage Luxe
Makeup // Marie Bullock Makeup Artist
Hair // Modern Alchemy NC
Formalwear // The Black Tux
Wedding Dress // Lillian West from Maggi's Bridal
Jewelry // Kendra Scott
Bridesmaid Dresses // Azazie
Paper // Em Paper Co.
Ice Cream // Two Roosters
Rehearsal Dinner // Rosemont Winery