Samantha & Dee’s Wedding

at Comeback Farms in Warsaw, NC

This wedding hits me in my feels so much. Not only was it beautiful in and of itself, but its also my best friends wedding. Now, before you read further I want you to know that I thought about not photographing it— “should I enjoy this wedding as a guest?” A valid question, but the more I thought about it the more I said “oh no, Nikki—if you dont photograph this wedding you are going to be so upset!” And yes, that would have been the truth. I wanted to have a front row seat to Sam & Dee’s wedding. By photographing it, I could actually be with my best friend throughout the entire process. I was honored to be able to do this, and more so honored that I could give my friend and her husband beautiful heirlooms for years to come. That, to me, is what makes this wedding extra special.

Sam and Dee met online, but surprisingly they went to school together many years ago. Sam had been good friends with Dee’s sister, and ironically good acquaintances with Dee’s brother while in college. Both attended NC State (go Wolfpack!), but didnt meet each other until many years later when they matched online.

I remember the first time I met Dee. Sam was so excited to introduce him into our trifecta of friendship (myself, a firecracker of a lady named Jessie, and Sam). If you can imagine it, we are very picky of who each other dates. Who knew?! Ha! Jessie and I met Dee for the first time in a bar/restaurant in downtown Wilmington. We were enthralled with how Dee looked at Sam. Sam had never looked so happy until then. We knew on that night that they would be together for a lifetime. Thinking back on it, it was something really special to witness.

They married one another in front of their closest family and friends on the sweetest little farm located in Warsaw, NC — The Powell Home and Barn at Comeback Farms. The day could not have been more gorgeous. It was the perfect fall weather filled with golden hour ceremony light, pumpkins galore, and the best southern food. The best part about the day was how Dee looked at Sam. Again, truly something special.

Enjoy!

Emily and Ryan's wedding day could not have brought prettier weather. Their wedding was held on the last day of March, and the weather reminded us of why we love North Carolina so much. It was a warm day with the best of breezes, no sign of drizzle, and the freshest of air coming off of the salty waters of Wilmington. This is Emily & Ryan's home, atleast until May; I don't think they could have found a better place to marry.

Emily and Ryan started off their day with their best of family and friends. Emily had a great group of gals that she spent the weekend with right there by her side before the wedding. The girls got ready right down the street from the wedding Venue, The Atrium by Ligon Flynn, which I thought was perfect as it was only a block away. Emily chose a long sleeved chiffon BHLDN gown that seemed to fit her just right, and the look her father had when he saw her for the first time was just one of the sweetest moments I think I may have ever seen. It's moments like these that mean the most, not about the smallest of details, but about family and love. Emily and Ryan knew that, and that's why their wedding had the best of touches.

When guests started to arrive they were greeted by these beautiful long and flowing white drapes that gated the entrance to The Atrium. Once inside they were adorned with the best of details that meshed perfectly with the couple, like a map of the United States that Emily and Ryan were planning on traveling through in May (they have a big move to Portland coming up soon), the most romantic florals hand picked for each vase, and a huge floral centerpiece doctrined in the middle. It was a site to see. During Emily and Ryan's planning period, I had the privilege of getting to know these two so well. One of their main loves are flowers, and Blossom Bay Design knocked it our of the park with this one. Emily and Ryan are flower lovers by heart, so this seemed extra special around their wedding venue.

Once the ceremony started I found myself holding back my tears. The bride and groom kept things so simple and romantic. It was just the two at the altar, no bridal party; just their closest friends and family there to witness them and their vows. My favorite part had to have been after their first kiss when they turned around and met eyes with their tribe who traveled far and wide to be their with them on their day. That was a special moment to witness. I know it meant the world to them, everyone could feel it.

The night continued with fabulous first dances, toasts, and even ice cream sandwiches! I love that this couple did not go with the traditional cake idea, they topped that by providing ice cream! It was the best! The dance floor was unstoppable this night, and the best part was the view. The fun part about the Atrium is that there is no ceiling above the dance floor, instead you see the beautiful sky right above. It was just an adorable venue all around and all of these small details meant the world to the couple.

The night capped off with the cutest of exits--a ribbon stick exit! All of the colors made for the best of images, the energy was fantastic. A sweet kiss goodbye, and the bride and groom started their life together.

Having known the bride Emily prior to her wedding made for an emotional day. I don't think Emily could have paired with anyone better. Ryan and Emily fit so well together, and I am just over the moon that I was there to witness it. It's the little things.

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this day extra special!

Venue The Atrium in Wilmington
Florals Blossom Bay Design
Custom Rings Melissa Tyson Designs
Specialty Rentals Martha My Dear Rentals
Ice Cream Nye's Cream
DJ Active DJ
Hair & Makeup NSalo Salon
Gown Designer BHLDN
Groom's Suit Men's Warehouse
Invitation Suite Minted
Coozies Chick Design Boutique
Catering Pine Valley Market
Signs Salt and Sea Creative