Posts in Weddings
A Dreamy Honeymoon Session in Iceland with Jesse and Dan
 

Iceland Elopement and Honeymoon Photography

I’m sharing Jesse and Dan’s amazing honeymoon session at Iceland’s Viking Village by Vestrahorn Mountain. Between the mirror-like lake, moody mountain views, and a touch of adventure, these photos capture the magic of Iceland for couples who want something unforgettable.

Every so often, I’m blessed to photograph couples who feel like they’re part of a story written by nature itself. Such was the case with Jesse and Dan, whose honeymoon session in Iceland was truly a testament to their adventurous spirits and deep connection. Iceland’s sweeping landscapes, rugged mountains, and ethereal reflections were the perfect backdrop to capture their love, and I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful location to celebrate the beginning of their married life together.

Jesse and Dan chose the stunning Viking Village at the base of Vestrahorn Mountain, one of Iceland’s most iconic landscapes. Vestrahorn is renowned for its dramatic peaks, often shrouded in mist and surrounded by endless stretches of black sand and sea. Just a short walk from the village, we encountered a magical, mirror-like lake, a shallow pond that was barely a few centimeters deep. The stillness of the water created perfect reflections, a unique element that gave an almost surreal quality to the photos. Jesse and Dan stood on the water’s surface, seemingly walking on a mirror that captured the towering mountain range behind them, a scene that felt almost too beautiful to be real.

The Viking Village itself provided a rustic, enchanting backdrop. Built to resemble an ancient Icelandic settlement, the village feels like it belongs to another era, which complemented the timelessness of Jesse and Dan’s love. The session had a moody, dramatic tone—something that Jesse and Dan embraced fully, as both travelers who feel at home in places where nature speaks loudest. They moved effortlessly through the session, sharing quiet laughs, gentle touches, and moments of awe as they took in the majestic landscape. As we explored, I found myself inspired by how Iceland’s beauty mirrors the strength and depth of their connection.

Iceland has a way of making you feel as though you’ve stepped into a dream. The mist would roll in one moment, giving everything a soft, almost enchanted glow, then drift away to reveal the striking sharpness of Vestrahorn’s peaks. This ever-shifting light felt like it was dancing around Jesse and Dan, adding a mystical quality to every shot. We played with reflections, framing them against the looming mountain and the dark, moody skies that are so characteristic of Icelandic weather. They were completely at home in this environment, as though their love story had been waiting for this moment all along.

Jesse and Dan’s session wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about capturing the essence of who they are together. These two are not only partners in love but also partners in life, always exploring, learning, and seeking out the world’s hidden treasures. They’ve traversed many places and collected countless memories, yet something about Iceland seemed to strike a special chord. And while each image speaks of love, there’s also a deeper sense of adventure and mystery woven through, an energy that only Iceland can provide.

For couples looking to capture their wedding, elopement, or honeymoon photos in Iceland, the possibilities are endless. Imagine exchanging vows on a black sand beach, standing in awe of a glacier lagoon, or embracing beneath a waterfall—the country is a canvas that feels both intimate and grand. It’s no wonder Iceland has become a sought-after destination for adventurous couples from around the world, and as an Iceland wedding photographer, I’m constantly inspired by the beauty that this incredible place brings to each love story.

If you’re dreaming of capturing your own love story in the epic landscapes of Iceland, I’d be honored to bring that vision to life. Jesse and Dan’s session was a powerful reminder of the beauty that unfolds when two people embrace both each other and the wonders of the world around them. So, if you’re planning an Iceland wedding or are interested in a honeymoon or elopement session, reach out. Let’s create something unforgettable in one of the world’s most captivating places.

 
Rachel Ann & Nick | Raleigh Wedding
 

Indoor-Outdoor Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann Stephens and Nick Niedzwiadek’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was stunning. This family-owned venue showcases the natural beauty of North Carolina. Photographed by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography, the day blended garden party vibes with the whimsical charm of a late-summer evening. From the lush green pastures to the rolling hills of the private estate, Walnut Hill provided the perfect setting for both indoor and outdoor events.

Walnut Hill is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Raleigh, known for its modern barn and expansive 20-acre property. The estate offers two houses where each side of the wedding party can comfortably prepare for the big day. Courtney captured both sides of the wedding party as they got ready, ensuring no special moment was missed. Couples who choose Walnut Hill enjoy a full 14 hours of rental time, allowing them to host every part of their celebration—from getting ready to the ceremony and reception all in one place.

The couple’s late-summer garden party theme came to life with a color palette of sage green, dark green, ivory, and copper. Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding style and colors complemented Walnut Hill’s natural beauty. They loved the authenticity and artistry that Fancy This Photography brought to their day. Courtney’s attention to detail made documenting candid and posed moments effortless.

Whether you're planning a wedding at Walnut Hill or searching for an NC wedding photographer, the Fancy This Photography team delivers incredible results. Keep scrolling to see more heartfelt images by Courtney from Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh.

Rachel Ann and Nick's Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh 

Getting Ready - Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann and her wedding party began their day at Walnut Hill in Raleigh, enjoying the cozy amenities of the Estate House and Hill House. These spacious accommodations, included in Walnut Hill’s wedding packages, provided the perfect place for the couple and their loved ones to relax and prepare. With tons of room for hair and makeup, plus cool spots in the bedrooms and on the porch, there were plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos.

Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography was on-site at sunrise to capture every unique and intimate moment. From the excitement of getting ready to the quiet reflection before the ceremony, Courtney’s images were both honest and beautiful. The Raleigh-based team at Pinup Bridal gave Rachel Ann and her bridal party elegant, natural hair and makeup looks, perfectly complementing the day’s timeless late-summer garden party theme.

Rachel Ann’s off-the-shoulder bridal gown, from White Bridal Boutiques, was a one-of-a-kind beauty, and she wore it like a queen. Courtney’s photography highlighted each detail—the gown, the joyful energy in the room, and the moments shared between Rachel Ann and her bridal party—showcasing the authentic emotions of the day.

The grounds at Walnut Hill offer couples a variety of indoor and outdoor settings for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Each wedding at Walnut Hill can be as unique as the couple. Whether exchanging vows in a garden, by sparkling water, or beneath the venue’s open-air chapel, as Rachel Ann and Nick did, every event space is breathtaking. Courtney’s expert photography captured the beauty of these surroundings, making each moment feel timeless and natural.

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

The Love Story - Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh

Rachel Ann and Nick’s love story began at a Halloween party in 2017, when a mutual friend introduced them. It was a meeting of contrasts—Halloween is Rachel Ann’s favorite holiday, while it happens to be Nick’s least favorite. Despite their differing opinions on spooky season, a connection was made that would lead them to their wedding day.

Fast forward to July 9, 2022, and Nick was ready to get down on one knee. The couple was on a surprise anniversary trip to Virginia wine country, planned by Rachel Ann. Despite the rain and an unexpected stroll down the side of a highway, Nick carried the engagement ring all day, waiting for the right moment. He proposed on the balcony of their bed and breakfast, catching Rachel Ann completely off guard. “I knew you wouldn’t expect me to propose on a trip you planned,” Nick joked afterward.

For their wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh, Rachel Ann and Nick wanted a venue that reflected their love of nature. The estate’s rolling hills and peaceful countryside atmosphere offered the best backdrop for the couple’s celebration. Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography captured the essence of their wedding with authenticity and attention to detail, documenting each moment in a way that felt natural and true to who they are.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh.

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh Photographed by Courtney Collins, Fancy This Photography Partner

Whimsical Wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh 

Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was a reflection of their love for each other and North Carolina. Their late summer garden party theme embraced Walnut Hill’s natural beauty. The couple chose a playful yet elegant color palette of sage green, dark green, ivory, and pops of copper and pink to complement the green surroundings of the 20-acre estate.

Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography was there to capture every meaningful detail, from the ceremony to the reception. The couple's wedding vision came to life in the photos. At the entrance to the barn reception, guests were greeted by a vintage piano table, beautifully decorated with flowers. Walnut Hill’s warm wooden bars, tables, cocktail tables, and ceremony chairs helped set the stage for the day’s festivities.

Dogwood Gatherings, the professional planning team behind this stunning barn wedding, ensured every aspect of the day ran smoothly. Rocky Top Catering treated guests to a delicious reception feast and desserts, while Petal & Oak designed exquisite floral arrangements that brought the garden theme to life. Unique signage created by Let’s Revel and rentals from Party Reflections added the final touches to this unforgettable day.

One of the most touching moments of the day was Rachel Ann’s decision to honor both of her parents. While many weddings feature a special father-daughter moment, Rachel Ann wanted to celebrate her mother’s impact on her life as well. Both of her parents walked her down the aisle, and she shared a first dance with each of them to the tune of “Hallelujah I Love Her So” by Ray Charles. Another personal touch was Rachel Ann’s “something blue,” an embroidered handkerchief she made with her and Nick’s initials.

Despite some weather challenges leading up to the big day, every loved one made it to Walnut Hill. Courtney’s photography captured not only the beautiful details of the wedding but also the joy of having all their friends and family together to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

More Wedding Inspiration From Walnut Hill

Rachel Ann and Nick’s wedding at Walnut Hill in Raleigh was a beautiful celebration of love, nature, and family. From the garden party theme to the heartfelt moments captured by Courtney Collins of Fancy This Photography, every detail came together to create an unforgettable day.

To see more wedding magic at Walnut Hill, click here to view Alexa and Eric’s wedding, and click here to view Cassandra and Jessica’s wedding.

Photography // Fancy This Photography 

Planning // Dogwood Gatherings

Catering // Rocky Top Catering

Florals // Petal & Oak

Rentals // Party Reflections

Hair and makeup // Pinup Bridal

Signage // Let’s Revel

Bridal Gown // White Bridal Boutiques

Cake // Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

 
Austin & Elizabeth's Cozy Cary Wedding
 

Intimate Cary Wedding Ceremony by Fancy This Photography

Elizabeth LaPerna and Austin Garrigus had originally planned to exchange vows in the picturesque backyard of Elizabeth’s parents' home in Cary, NC. However, the previous rain left the ground too wet for their Cary wedding ceremony, so they made the decision to move it to the front of the house. This change turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the front yard provided a beautiful and intimate setting for their special day.

At Fancy This Photography, we have a deep love for capturing small weddings and elopements. These types of celebrations allow us to focus on the personal, heartfelt moments that make each wedding unique. Keep scrolling to witness more love from Elizabeth and Austin’s Cary wedding ceremony captured by Amanda Law, Fancy This Photography partner.

Intimate Cary Wedding Ceremony by Fancy This Photography 

Cary Wedding Ceremony Dress & Details

Elizabeth was the picture of elegance in her stunning Cary wedding dress, which flowed gracefully as she moved. Her bouquet, filled with flowers in shades of ivory, dusty blue, lilac, and soft pink, added a touch of romance to the day’s aesthetic. These colors beautifully complemented the natural surroundings, making every detail feel like a work of art. Keep scrolling to see more beauty from this Cary wedding ceremony.

Cary Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Austin and Elizabeth’s Cary wedding ceremony took place in the front yard of the house, on a solid concrete surface. With their closest friends and family gathered around, they shared vows. The shift from the backyard to the front of the house didn’t detract from the beauty of the moment; in fact, it added a unique charm to the day. The love between Elizabeth and Austin was evident in every glance and smile. It was a joy for Amanda Law, Fancy This Photography partner, to capture every moment of this Cary wedding ceremony as they unfolded.

Cary Wedding Photography

Amanda Law, the talented photographer behind the lens for this wedding, did an incredible job of capturing the essence of the day. Her keen eye for detail and ability to seize those candid moments resulted in a gallery that truly tells the story of Elizabeth and Austin’s love. Looking for a Cary wedding photographer? Fancy This Photography would be honored to capture your day.

Intimate Cary Wedding Ceremony by Fancy This Photography 

Capturing the Essence of Small Weddings & Elopements

At Fancy This Photography, we specialize in capturing the intimate details and genuine emotions that make small weddings and elopements so special. Elizabeth and Austin’s Cary wedding ceremony is a perfect example of how even a change in plans can lead to unforgettable memories.

If you’re planning an intimate wedding in Cary or a Cary elopement, we would be honored to be a part of your day. We believe that every wedding, big or small, deserves to be documented with care and creativity.

Elizabeth and Austin’s Cary wedding ceremony was a beautiful reminder that the most important part of any wedding is the love between the couple. Despite the change in location, their day was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments that we were so grateful to capture.

If you’re looking for a Cary wedding photographer who understands the beauty of small weddings and elopements, reach out to us at Fancy This Photography. We’d love to help you create lasting memories of your special day.

Intimate Cary Wedding Ceremony by Fancy This Photography 

Intimate Cary Wedding Ceremony by Fancy This Photography