Stephanie and Dan’s River Forest Manor Wedding in Belhaven, NC
“Where do I begin?! Let me start with... I am not photogenic. I hate taking photos. I was not looking forward to any of the photography processes but Fancy This Photography made all our dreams come true! Nikki took our engagement photos, rehearsal dinner, wedding photos, and an additional mini shoot photo. At every shoot, she genuinely listened to our ideas, made us feel comfortable, and creatively came up with unique ways to enhance shots. The photos came out better than we could have ever imagined. I never felt like I was taking photos with Nikki. I felt like we were hanging out with a best friend that kept us laughing the entire time. I was lucky to meet Samantha at our wedding (as the second shooter) and she is wonderful as well! They both are so supportive, make you feel so confident, and are a blast to be around!”— Stephanie, The Bride
It’s not very often that I find blog posts difficult to write. With Stephanie and Dan, I have found it so hard to put my thoughts and experience on paper—as its just overwhelmingly happy. I met Stephanie and Dan at The Carolina Inn bridal show a couple of years ago. I remember Stephanie’s energy, her laugh, and the sweetness she had towards me. At that time, I did not know she would end up being such a great friend.
Leading up to their wedding, we would have dinner and drinks almost every other month. I always enjoyed getting to know she and Dan, and looked forward to hearing all about their wedding. It was because of this that we became close, and that on their wedding day it just seemed like all was well with the world. No nervous jitters on my end (I am typically always nervous right before a wedding), but with theirs I was just so happy to serve my now dear friends.
Their day started out with both sets of their bridal party getting ready in the prettiest of suites. Stephanie and her bridesmaids (and bridesman—looking at you, Alex) got ready in the utterly perfect bridal suite at River Forest Manor. The entire room had windows surrounding it overlooking the water and the pier of the venue. This created such a nice touch and the photos from here are just ah-mazing! Like, thank you River Forest Manor for having a great spot like this! Dan and his groomsmen got ready in the Grooms suite which was separate from the main venue—and right on the water.
Their bridal party was fairly large—it was such a fun site to see when they all lined up to head down the aisle right in front of the venue on the steps. To paint a picture… imagine this gorgeous house of a venue with towering columns right in front with steps leading up to the old wooden and vintage door—all white backdrop, and a gorgeous bride in white walking down the aisle. To say it was magical was an understatement. Stephanie walked down the aisle with her father, and the way Dan looked at Stephanie was so endearing. Their ceremony brought me to tears—from the sheer beauty of it, and the fact that I had a front row seat to it.
Later, at their reception, the newlywed couple did a choreographed dance as their first dance. There was a LIFT, yall! Like, Dan and Stephanie did a LIFT during their first dance song! The first dances with their parents were sweet to witness for everyone there. And, the toasts came from generosity, love, and history. This was such a fun part of their night to photograph (especially the cake cutting and champagne toast!).
The night was filled with so much dancing, laughter, and friends and family from all over the States. At some point during the night, Stephanie and Dan loaded a docked boat at the Marina, and popped champagne for their bridal party. Let me repeat—THEY POPPED CHAMPAGNE OFF OF A BEAUTIFUL YACHT! This was so fun to watch, but also photograph!
They ended their night with a fun farewell exit leading them to the pier with all of their friends and family surrounding them. It was one of the sweetest endings to a wonderful day. The moon was full, and so were hearts. Cheesy, I know—but, it was a downright perfect day!
Stephanie and Dan, it was an honor serving you on your wedding day, and all of the days leading up. Thank you for your kindness, love, and most of all—friendship. Congratulations, and well wishes for a joyful marriage! Love you both!
Special thanks to all of their amazing vendors who made this day possible!
Planning and Coordination by Plume Events (Seriously, Amy was amazing!!)
Wedding Venue at River Forest Manor
Rehearsal Dinner at The Tavern at Jack’s Neck
Catering by Capital City Chefs
Flowers by Plume Events
DJ by Perfect Event Entertainment
Makeup by Bardot Studio
Hair by Bardot Studio
Rentals by CE Rental
Cake by Publix in New Bern
Invitations by The Salted Script
Signage and Calligraphy by Mason Dixon Designs
Victoria Wyche and Chris Hollinger were wed on October 15, 2022. The Mill at Rock Creek wedding in Boone NC was a sight to behold.