This wedding closed out my 2012 wedding season on the highest note possible. The Grand Hotel on the coast of Alabama absolutely lives up to its name. From the giant live oaks covered in spanish moss, to the little white ducks swimming in the pond & one of the most amazing sunsets I’ve ever seen..everything about this place is majestic. Even more impressive than the beautiful venue, was my experience with this incredible couple. I have no idea how the universe chooses the most perfect couples for me, but I am overwhelmingly grateful for the chance to work with Sarah & Dave. There were a few moments throughout their day that I found myself completely caught up in the sweetness, the connection, the tender way they treat each other. They are the epitome of true love, and it shows in every one of their images. Dave is a gentleman, while still maintaining a cool edge. He opens doors, holds out his hand to help Sarah navigate stairs in her wedding dress (and some treacherous rocks their crazy photographer asked them to climb on..see below) and he has impeccable taste all the way down to his purple striped socks. Sarah..well, I adore Sarah. Pretty sure we were friends in a past life. She’s the perfect southern gal and incredibly fun to be around. And, really..just LOOK at her. Totally gorgeous inside & out. Not even a week after their wedding, I added the image of her on the rocks to my website homepage, and it has already popped up on pinterest :)

Lucky me for getting to end the season with these two. Sarah & Dave, thanks for setting the bar high for 2013. I will fly to Alabama to photograph you guys any day of the week. xo

Venue- The Grand Hotel
Dress- Olia Zavozina
Shoes- Kate Spade
Flowers- The Cleveland Florist
Groom’s suit- Canali
Coordination- Melissa Wilt with MK Events
Cake- The Grand Hotel
Cake Topper- Etsy
Band- Pioneer Chick’n Stand

It always amazes me how some connections, no matter how short-lived, seem to be written in the stars. When Kate’s mom called me about their wedding, I had promised myself I would cap 2012 bookings at 15, and had turned down every wedding that came my way after I hit 15, no matter how wonderful it sounded. But when I spoke to Kate’s mom, something told me this one was just meant to be. A year later, when I pulled up to Fearrington for their wedding, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.

Kate & Hunter stole my heart from the minute we met. The connection was instant & they welcomed me into their celebration like family. These two are the very best of friends.. they are rarely serious ( every sweet moment that started with tears ended in roars of laughter), and I love that Kate calls Hunter by his last name, like she’s part of the frat-boy fold. Truth is, Kate is one of those girls who can hang with the guys & fit right in. She’s absolutely stunning without even a stitch of makeup, and radiates beauty from the inside out. Any girl that would have a birthday cake brought out for her little sister ( complete with song ) on her wedding day, is tops in my book. From start to finish, this couple.. this wedding.. this day was an absolute joy.

Kate & Hunter, what a gift it was to document your day..thanks for having us. xo

Venue- Fearrington Barn
Dress- custom version of Monique Lhuillier’s Scarlet
Shoes- Badgley Mischka
Makeup- Pam Hung with OnLoktion Makeup
Hair- Colleen Dorr with Forever Young Salon
Coordination- Gilda McDaniel with Fearrington
Groom/Groomsmen Suits- Brooks Brothers
Groom/Groomsmen Ties- Julian’s of Chapel Hill
Flowers- Mary Stevens with Fearrington
Cake- Jill Leckey with Fearrington
Band- the Herringbones
Photobooth- Carolina Photobooths
Second shooter extraordinaire- Shane Snider

To see 90 more images of Kate & Hunter’s wedding day, including their ceremony, first dance & my favorite moments from their first look..click play below. And crank up the volume.. you’ll love this tune by Cider Sky.

There are some weddings throughout my career that stand out for their genuine simplicity. Weddings that focus more on the people than the things and etch themselves into your heart with their romance and charm. This is one of those weddings. The ceremony was held at home, on a beautiful patch of land across from a cow field. It was like something out of a dream. Watching Maggie walk out to meet Campbell for their first look, her cute cowboy boots peeking out from the crinoline of her dress, cows grazing around us & Campbell waiting to sweep her up in his arms..it was a scene straight out of a watercolor painting. These two are as close to the fairytale as I’ve ever seen. They savor each moment & treat each other with such care. Its a 40’s style romance all the way down to the dip kiss Campbell surprised Maggie with after they were announced husband & wife. My favorite moment of the day was directly after the ceremony when they walked over to a clearing by the fence & shared one of the sweetest hugs I’ve ever photographed. That was the moment they became a family & I’m so grateful I was there to document it. The resulting image is one of my favorites of all time…

Thanks to Maggie, Campbell & their families for having us. And to the one & only Shane Snider for his stellar second shooting.

Ceremony venue- Private Residence
Reception venue- Greensboro Country Club
Dress- Victoria Nicole
Shoes- Nina
Flowers- The Farmers Wife
Groomsmen suits- Ralph Lauren
Second shooter extraordinaire- Shane Snider