Life can't get much better when you have a couple in front of your lens who is just head over heels for each other. Carol Anne and Joe have dated for many years and are high school sweethearts. These two went together so easily and just gave my heart the sweetest of notions come wedding day.

Carol Anne and Joe tied the knot at the gorgeous (and I mean gorgeous) Cody Creek located in Dobson, NC. Carol and her bridesmaids got dressed, prepped and ready at the house on top of the hill that overlooked a serene little pond with rolling hills. It was a beauty to sit back and take it all in. It was the first day of many cold days, but that did not stop Carol and her girls from having fun before the day. All of the laughs were heard, and you could tell Carol Anne was beaming from ear to ear. I love this. Every bit.

The couple wanted to do a first look, a private moment together before the bustle of the day. They did this under a giant awning that overlooked that beautiful and quaint little pond, and it was just one of the sweetest sites to see. The look on Joes face was priceless, but I know that moment meant the world.

They married in an adorable little chapel that is also located on the Cody Creek premises. Every single seat was sat, and Carols uncle was the Officiant. I love that little detail. Her uncle almost made me choke up during the ceremony; he talked about how proud he was of Carol and that she became such a wonderful young woman. It was sweet to hear and I know the rest of the guests felt that emotion, as well.

My favorite part of the reception had to have been the mother/son dance and the father/daughter dance. The reception hall was adorned with rustic details, but my favorite were the antlers that hung as chandeliers. This gave me an opportunity to create such a sweet composition, especially with these dances. have I told you that these dances are some of my favorite?

After a night full of dancing and singing, Carol Anne and Joe capped off the night with a sparkler exit. I love how those images came out!

Venue The Depot at Cody Creek
Film Richard Photo Lab

"Nikki was absolutely darling! We asked her to take photos for our one year anniversary and she was so open and responsive to every idea I had and even loved my Pinterest board! The day we took the photos she met us where I grew up at my grandparents house and she seriously found a darling shot in every part of their yard! We felt comfy with her and were able to be ourselves very easily infront of her lense. And when it came to a vision I had with a sapling that was part of our wedding and a cross with magnolia leaves, Nikki absolutely embraced every idea and knocked it out of the park! Our walls are about to get a makeover with all these new photos and we are SO excited! Can't wait till the next time Nikki! Y'all. I just, I just can't get over how gorgeous these two are! Megan had contacted me in hopes of photographing she and husband Anthony for their first year anniversary session. Seriously, this is the best idea ever! I think Jason and I are going to do this!" -- Megan

When talking with Megan about her vision for the photo session, I thought it would be best to pick out one word to base the session around. After much consideration on Megan's end, she chose the word "faith," which I thought was extremely fitting for the two of them as the longer I have grown to know them, the more I knew their faith was a big part of who they were.

We based their anniversary at Megan's grandparents house located right here in Durham, NC. Megan grew up here and fell in love with Anthony here. A lot of sweet memories were had, and the landscape was just adorable to frolic in. The entire property felt like this little oasis with tons of greenery, little gnomes scattered about, and some cats that decided to take part in their session.

Megan and Anthony wanted to top their session off with a picture of a cross that her grandfather had built. Although most of the session was photographed via film, I thought it was fitting to light the cross to showcase importance which this part was shot digitally. I love how the last photo came out. To me, it definitely portrays their word "faith." What do you think?

Film Scans were developed by Richard Photo Lab

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