Jamie and Stephen were married at a beautiful location in downtown Holly Springs. It was on the warm side that day, but that didn’t distract from the love that was apparent all around them.  I was so incredibly honored to be a part of their big day. Aside from the amazing ceremony and a very fun wedding party, I have to say that one of my favorite parts was everyone, including the beautiful bride, making trips over to the giant fan just to cool off for a bit. Watching everyone stand there, some still dancing to the music, some fluffing up their dresses and some singing into the wind. But there was a smile on every single one of their faces. Not one person looked unhappy. There were endless amounts of joy and laughter all around! Jamie and Stephen had such wonderful people with them to celebrate a fantastic day! 

I met Stephen and Jamie what feels like just a few months back but has been longer than that. Since distance was a bit of a dilemma, we actually met via FaceTime. I could tell right off that they were going to have a great wedding. They were so laid back and easy to talk to. If either of them had the jitters the day of, they did a very good job at not letting on. Though I think these two were just too happy and excited to be nervous. 

Congratulations Stephen and Jamie! I wish you nothing but the best in your new journey together!

xo,

Samantha

Also, a special shout out to the very talented team that helped put this day together and make it run smoothly.

Venue // Mims House 
Planning // Socialite Events
Florals // Tre Bella
Gown // Maggi Bridal
Rentals // Homemade Bride
Hair and Makeup // Rachel DeLain
Catering // Under the Oak Catering
Video // Silver Paris
DJ // Matt Stutts
Photography // Samantha with Fancy This Photography

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

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

Let me just start this out by saying that I think I may be the one that fell in love with Jayme. Not even kidding, I think the world of Jayme and am completely smitten that we are working together in anticipation of her and Elliott's wedding! Gah, I have the best clients in the world!

Earlier this year Elliott took Jayme to the one place that she'd always wanted to go and relax for the weekend; The Omni Grove Park Inn. It is this magical hotel that has huge firepits, an amazing sunset view, and the best view of downtown Asheville anyone could ever dream of! He proposed on one of their terraces, and the rest is history. So romantic, right?! It was only fitting that we go back and revisit the one place that they cherish so deeply.

We started off the day with a walk around their golf course, then scurried inside just in time for some much needed coffee (if you know me, you know I like to start sessions early!). We sat outside and took in the view, and I could only imagine how these two felt during that time. What a treat to go back, it was a beautiful day and I had gorgeous subjects in front of my lens.

After adventuring the hotel, we hopped on the Blue Ridge Parkway and found the prettiest little outlook with gorgeous mountains to boot. Below, please find some of my favorite images from our time there!