“Love her, but leave her wild”

— Atticus

Oh my goodness what a day! I didn’t get to meet Lara and Ben in person until the wedding weekend which always makes me a little nervous. It’s so nice walking into the wedding day knowing exactly how the couple interacts in front of the camera and how our personalities vibe. But with these two, you would have never known! Big hugs right away and I could tell it was going to be one hell of a party!

Their 24 person crew rolled into the rehearsal looking fabulous, cracking jokes, full of smiles and ready to dance! It was completely irrelevant that a hurricane was brewing outside and everyone knew they would be soaked by the end of the day. They were there to support their favorite couple no matter what! I knew I’d fit right in. ;)

Then there’s Westglow Resort! Wow! I haven’t had a chance to shoot here yet and I was not disappointed. The getting ready spaces in the mansion were filled with beautiful natural light and we had plenty of indoor options for portraits while it was rainy and cold.

Lara wore her grandmother’s gorgeous veil which has been passed through the family in 14 different weddings. Such a beautiful heirloom.

These two babes were not interested in too many official portraits, they just wanted to get to the party! We made a quick stop downtown to stop traffic for a photo, snagged a few when they arrived at the venue then let the shenanigans begin!

These guys had soooo much fun and there couldn’t have been one guest in attendance who didn’t end up on the dance floor at some point! The high winds made a sparkler exit impossible, so their crew whipped out their iphone flashlights and not one memory was lost!

We have to hang out again soon you guys! Thank you so much for inviting us to be a part of your day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Jesse Roberts

Coordinator: Megan at The Elegant Event

Ceremony: First Baptist Church of Blowing Rock

Venue : Westglow Resort and Spa

Dress: Essence Designs of Australia

Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Engagement ring from Ben’s Mother, Wedding Bands: Diamond’s Direct

Hair and Make Up: Shear Shakti

Florist: Thistle & Twigs Flowers

Officiant: Mike Mckee

Band: Diamond River Band from East Coast Entertainment

Catering: Earthworks Catering

Cake: Wendy Shanahan

Get Away Car: Air Haven Limo

Rentals: Classic Event Rentals

Rehearsal Dinner: Blowing Rock Country Club

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore”

— Andre Gide

These two babes somehow found each other living on two different continents, a half a world away from each other, but the moment they met, they knew it was meant to be. Taylor and Sam are perfect for each other in every way and it was so fun to watch them celebrate with each other. The wedding itself was a little bittersweet as his half of the family in New Zealand were unable to travel due to Covid, so they joined via zoom, but her half of the family doubled down on making them feel loved. The weather even cheered them on with the most vibrant fall colors and blue sky.

Even though I hadn’t met them in person before this weekend, I knew from our conversations they would be really fun! Then the moment we started a few portraits at the rehearsal they turned into giggly sweethearts who were so adorable and easy to shoot I just knew the wedding was going to be a blast.

If you don’t know their proposal story already, you should read that first, it’s so cute. Taylor describes it like this:

“I love our proposal story. It was Christmas morning 2020. We woke up early to a white Christmas in Blowing Rock at my parents house. We haven't had a White Christmas in YEARS. Sam literally never gets to see snow since it didn't snow where he grew up in New Zealand so I thought he was all excited to get up and go in the snow so early in the morning at like 7:30am. We had our Christmas jammies on (a cute tradition in his family), got our jackets and gloves on, and went outside in the front. I was playing around and sliding on the road out front and kinda hanging on to his jacket, having no idea what was in the pocket. He kinda quickly asked if we could go take pictures outside on the back deck instead with our amazing view of the mountains in the back and I of course said yes. My mom was up and he asked if she could take some pics of us. So we go on the back deck taking pictures and all of the sudden he asks my mom to take a video, he turns and looks at me and starts saying the sweetest things about us and the love he had for me and all of the sudden he gets on one knee and opens a box! I was totallllly shocked and surprised and just couldn't believe it was happening. I had these big gloves on so he just had to hold the ring while I cried and hugged him and of course said yes! It was one of the best moments (if not the very best moment) in my life. The rest of the day was literally perfect, filled with celebration, so much love with family and friends, and so much more. It was the best Christmas ever!

They are just the sweetest together! And right after their first look with each other, Taylor decided last minute to do one with her brother as well, neither of them expected tears, but were both just so happy to be celebrating something so wonderful.

What I didn’t realize before the wedding was that I actually when to high school with both the bride and practically the entire wedding party. We had so much fun catching up, I even joined them at the after party! They were an amazing crew!

Taylor and Sam thank you so much for including me on this special day! I am so grateful for you both and excited to hear about your New Zealand celebration!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue and Catering: Chetola Resort

Wedding Coordinator: Megan Drake with The Elegant Event

Her Dress: Maggi Bridal, Raleigh, NC

Bridesmaids Attire: Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte, NC

Men’s Attire: The Tuxedo Shoppe

Rings: Ballantyne Jewelers

Hair Stylist: Susan Geer-Fickling and Chetola Spa

Make Up Artist: Layne Barter

Florist: Bouquet Florist Boone, NC

Officiant: Jon Murto