It is with great pleasure to share with you this wedding. I have had the privilege of getting to know not only both Stacy and Alex, but their families, as well. Being able to collaborate and dream with them has been one of the best perks about this wedding, and it was just an all around good time. Stacy and Alex tied the knot on New Years Eve and threw a massive party for all of their guests to enjoy. Guests flew and drove from all over the country for this, and that just tells me that these two were extremely loved from the beginning.

Stacy and Alex met while working in DC. From what I heard via the reception speeches, this came out of the blue and there were sparks of instant attraction. Stacy and Alex moved back to this area shortly before their wedding— Alex is originally from the triangle, and Stacy is from Florida. I quite enjoyed getting to know them a bit more and where they were from. Surprisingly, Alex grew up literally right down the street from my husband in Carrboro. I found out Stacy had an adorning love for all things agriculture, which you all know is my sweet spot. She stole my heart, too.

Stacy and her bridesmaids got dressed and ready at the quirky hotel 21c in downtown Durham. They started the day out here drinking mimosas and having hair and makeup done by Bella Trio. Right across the square, Alex and his groomsmen were getting ready at the Marriott Hotel. This was perfect because later for their first look all they had to do was walk outside and meet in the middle of the square.

We ended up doing their first look photos right in front of Pour which was great because of the fun twinkle lights that surrounded the small trees in front. Take a look at some of those images because they may be some of my all time favorites. I love the ones that Samantha took of the full group (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Seriously, they make me smile some kinda big when I look at them.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church and they were married by Pastor Wes Neal. I enjoyed the ceremony and the ambiance of the church, but the best part was being able to see Alex’s face when Stacy and her dad walked down the aisle to him. It’s the little things that get me, and this is just the best part of the whole day. This one part. Yall, the little moments matter. It was a site to see, especially with all of the couples bridal party standing right next to them in this packed full of guests church. All of their friends and family in one place to witness.

The reception took place at one of my favorite Durham venues (not even kidding!)— The Rickhouse! This night could not get any better, but it did. The spirit of all of the guests made this night one to remember. The food, the dancing, the laughter—it was just the place to be for New Years. I loved the small details meant for guests, like flip flops for dancing on the dance floor, or even beaded necklaces and fun glasses to indulge in for the big NYE ball drop. I don’t know what was the best thing about the reception—all of these little things or the fact that they had late night snacks come out when the party needed it.

Obviously, this was our last wedding of the year—and we went out with a bang! I so enjoyed getting to know these two and being a part of their celebration. I do meet some incredible couples, but mine have to be some of the best people around. Stacy and Alex, congratulations on your marriage! I wish you so many years of love and happiness—you two deserve it!

Special thanks to all of these vendors!
Hotel and Accommodations 21c Museum Hotel & Marriott
Hair and Makeup Bella Trio Salon
Bridal Gown Coastal Knot
Florals Fallon’s Flowers
Ceremony Asbury United Methodist Church
Transportation Carolina Livery Transportation
Rentals American Party Rentals
Catering Southern Harvest
Reception Venue The Rickhouse
DJ Vox DJ
Photography Fancy This Photography

Out of all of the weddings, I have the softest heart for elopements. There is something so special about marrying the one you love, with or without a handful of your closest of friends. When Leia reached out and told me of her and Jeremy's plan, my heart swole emotion. This was totally them, to go away and just get married. 

Leia and Jeremy are bee enthusiasts, keepers, and just a good all around activist for bees. Earlier this year Leia and Jeremy were out with their bees when Jeremy plopped down on one knee and proposed. From what I hear, it was a beautiful site to see. With their history in mind, they wanted to keep their elopement simple, but with key ingredients of details--like their love for bees. One of my favorite details is Leia's bouquet made up of solely lavender--a bee friendly plant which also happens to grow in their backyard.

Leia and Jeremy headed down to Carolina Beach and met up with 3 of their closest friends. Their Officiant, who is also a part time rockstar, came to the rescue to give the quickest little ceremony on the beach at sunrise. If you are thinking "wait, did you mean sunset?"--just know that I stand correct. This couple was not going to go the easy route--they wanted the best light, view, and peacefulness the day could bring, and let me tell you; it was gorgeous, serene,  and one of a kind. 

Once the ceremony was over, all of us headed to the cutest little carnival place right down the road. We basically had our pick of the litter for any rides, and there was something so nice about actually being the only ones inside the park. My favorite image from this pit stop? The one of Leia on the merry-go-round. If you look closely, you will see that she chose the chicken to ride on. How ironic--she also farms chickens. Full circle. 

Kure Beach was right down the road and this place is the only place on the east that hosts those awesome little "squiggly" trees. One of the locals told me the actual name of these things, but for some reason "squiggly trees" just stuck. Go figure. We all had a grand time overlooking the ocean here, and the trees gave a nice shaded spot for some intimate portraits. I love how every single one of these turned out on film. To me, when I look at these images it just takes me to an emotion of intimacy. This was what the bride and groom wanted, and it is just an overwhelming feeling to know that you were chosen to bask in it. 

For more images, please visit Love and Lavender as this wedding was featured on their blog this week!

Vendors

Photo Scans Richard Photo Labs
Ceremony Site Carolina Beach, NC
Boutonniere Cosmic Firefly
Earrings from J Design
Bee Hair Clip Days long Gone
Groom Attire Ticknors Mens Clothiers
Bridal Salon Camille's of Wilmington
Bridal Suite at The Hampton Inn of Carolina Beach Hotel

Let's get down to the knitty gritty of, like, the best wedding party ever. For one, I have never laughed so hard in my entire career when editing a wedding; Jayme and Elliott are hilarious and had a blast at their wedding! Seriously, this is how weddings should be; an undeniably fun, out of this world, super happy, super funny, totally in love couples who have the coolest friends and family to match their awesome love story. Their wedding was so up their alley and I am over the moon smitten that I was there to document this tremendous, gorgeous, emotionally filled day.

I. LOVE. MY. COUPLES.

Jayme and Elliott share a love for football, tailgating, and all things NC State. I mean, what better couple could I have had?! With growing so close over the last year with this couple, I have to admit I am a tad bit sad to have finished their wedding. These two were the sweetest things I have ever come across and just had me at hello from the very beginning. How sweet it is to give them these images from day 1 as Mr. and Mrs.!

The day started out with champagne and bubbly for the ladies, which may I add this was the sweetest bridal party I have ever come across! All of the girls were so happy for Jayme and were over the top excited for what the day had in store! They were the absolute nicest to my second shooter and I, and I actively learned each and every one of her girl squad members names! There were 8 total plus a flower girl so needless to say I was very proud of myself. Those girls deserved that plus so much more!

Once Jayme was dressed and ready her dad come up and saw his daughter for the first time. This is sometimes one of my favorite parts come wedding day just because it can be so sweet to witness such true emotion. Bless the daddy's daughters of the world, I know its an emotional time. Shortly after meeting her dad, which was the sweetest interaction, Jayme and Elliott had their first look. I am in love with the image of Jayme being walked down the staircase (black and white) in anticipation of meeting Elliott. This was the best part of the day, from my perspective, just because after all of the planning and designing--the day finally came and their he was. I just love it! And Elliott was the happiest groom on the face of this earth. How sweet it is to witness that kind of love!

Without further adieu, please enjoy Jayme and Elliott's wedding images!

Vendors

Venue The Matthews House in Cary
Florals Teacup Floral
Hair Blown Away Raleigh
Gown Lana Addison Bridal
Gown Designer Martina Liana
Mens Attire Mens Warehouse
Rentals CE Rental
Bridesmaids Dresses Savvi Formalwear
Catering Rocky Top Catering
Cupcakes Publix
Earrings Kate Spade
Shoes Betsey Johnson
Second Shooter Samantha Rae Photography
Music Your Personal DJ