**As seen on the blog of Southern Bride and Groom! **

Okay—honesty time. I fall in love with my couples. I know. Super weird, but, I do. I first met Brooke and Teddy last year for their engagement session in downtown Durham. You may remember their session as it featured some really fun images of those two at Ponysaurus (their first date spot). So, of course, these two made my favorites list because they were great from the beginning.

Their wedding, though? Oh, it was just as beautiful as these two. The ceremony and reception took place at one of my all time favorite venues — The Rickhouse. Get Lit Special Event Lighting completely transformed the place by placing these beautiful white drapes at the altar site; it, honestly, felt a bit magical. Just wait until you see the ceremony site! It even dubbed as a beautiful backdrop of the head table at the reception!

The day started out dreary. The weather stated it was supposed to rain ALL DAY. Which, in the beginning, it did. However, right before Brooke and Teddy’s first look the sky opened and it was sunny until night. It was really a pretty site to see.

Brooke and Teddy did their first look on the patio of the Rickhouse overlooking the old Durham Ball Park. This may have been my most favorite part of the day only because I could see the sheer excitement in these two seeing eachother for the first time. They exchanged cards that they had written to eachother over the past couple of years they had been together, and—it was just the sweetest. They were completely smitten with one another.

After all of the jitters had passed, guests started to arrive and sit for the ceremony. Not only did Brooke’s parents walk her down the aisle—but, her father was the actual Minister who married the two of them at the altar. The colors of blush and grey looked almost mesmerizing, but how Teddy looked at Brooke had to have been the best part.

To be honest, I have had a hard time picking out favorites for this blog post as I am loving their entire gallery. Brooke and Teddy—Congratulations! Thank you for your kindness!

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this possible!
Venue // The Rickhouse
Hair and Makeup // Makeup by Ashley Mooney
Catering // Picnic
Wedding Flowers // Tre Bella
Gown // Tre Bella
Coordination // Blissful Celebrations
Music // Spin
Draping and LIghting // Get Lit Special Event Lighting
Videography // Three Thirty Six Films
Chalkboard // Hint of Mint Designs
Cake Pops // Raleigh Cake Pops

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