These two adventurous babes love hiking and all things outdoors. (My favorite kind of course) When I first met Dan it was to hike to the very specific proposal spot he had in mind at Table Rock. It was off the main trail and I honestly never would have found it without the pre-hike but boy does he know how to choose them! Vast views of the gorge and an incredible rock outcropping. When the day arrived, however, the fog so so thick you could barely see 10 feet in front of you. No matter, we stayed the course and had an incredible, unique experience anyway. They chose to spread the ashes of their beloved dog Rilla that day as well, making the memory extra special.
As recounted during the reception dinner, Dan’s first big gift to Meghanne when they were dating was to replace the faux pearl earrings she always wore with real ones. They became a special symbol of their relationship after that so she covered the getting ready robe, the dress and bouquet in pearls. And wore the special earrings of course. (Which she *may or may not have forgotten in Colorado and had to have a friend go on a search and rescue mission before the wedding.) ;)
The whole family participated in making the big day happen. (Including the groom!) From cooking the lasagna meal for the rehearsal dinner to the short ribs and mashed potatoes for the reception as well as dozens of cookies. Their dear friend Kyle officiated and her dog trainer friend Ale managed her sweet service dog Shiloh the whole day.
After the father-daughter first look, we drove to the maritime forest nearby for the couple’s first look and all the portraits, and while the rain continued to drizzle on us, everyone kept high spirits and celebrated with them without complaint.
Meg and Dan had their first date at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher and thought it would be perfect for the ceremony. The guests had so much fun wandering around the exhibits before and after the ceremony.
After the main wedding festivities were complete, we drove back to the beach for some fun trash the dress photos, but it was already pitch dark outside so we elicited the help of the wedding party to shine lights for us as we climbed the rock barrier. With high tide in full force we couldn’t reach the beach, but it didn’t matter, the smashing waves made for some epic photos on the rocks. It was a perfect day filled with an incredible group of family and friends.
You guys, thank you for trusting me with your memories!
Instagram handles for all Vendors who made the day possible:
Photographer: @cynthiajviola
Venue: @ncaquariymff
Dress: @vowdweddings
Suit: @menswarehouse
Ring: @jewelsmithnc
Make up: @beauty.by.emilywade
Hair: @kengmakeupman
Pup’s Flower Collar: @bluedingostudios
Florals: @verzaalsflorist
Officiant: Kyle Wilkinson
Rentals: @lltentandpartyrentals