Arianna and Mark's Wedding at the Historic Wakefield Barn

With so many of my recent weddings having to relocate or postpone due to the damage from Hurricane Helene, it was lovely showing up to Historic Wakefield Barn, as planned, with no last minute changes. I’ve been looking forward to capturing these babes for years now as I captured Arianna’s sister Halee’s wedding several years ago, followed by Arianna and her brother Dylan’s senior photos. As it turns out, she and Mark had already met and would become high school and college sweethearts!

They chose to have a first look with each other before the day began and also Arianna with her father, and Mark with his parents. It was a very sweet and heartfelt way to begin the day, then their crews joined them for some fun shenanigans to hype them up and we got the party started.

Earlier that morning they both wrote love letters to each other and during the ceremony placed the letters inside a box with wine to be opened on their anniversary. Such a beautiful forethought for their continued relationship together in the future. After the ceremony, they took a quick photo with Lola the mini horse then shared some private vows in the bridal suite. Their nearly 10 years together was evident in every word.

A night filled with joy, laughter, a few tears and a sparkler exit to send them on their way! Wouldn’t have missed it for anything! Love you guys!

The Instagram Handles for the Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola

Venue: @historicwakefieldbarn

Planner: @daniel.harmonyweddings

Dress: @vowdweddings

Suit: @josabank

Rings: @diademjewelers

Hair: Stephanie Woodworth

Florals: @brandisbotanicals 

Officiant: @hardisonperry

DJ: @dj_mass_appeal

Catering: @rocky_top_caters

Cake: @publix & @acheesecakelover

Rentals: @curatedeventsraleigh

Transportation: @lwtwhitehorse

Caitlin and Brett's Wedding at Legacy Stables and Events

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”

— Vivian Greene

When Hurricane Helene swept devastation across our beautiful mountains two weeks before Caitlin and Brett’s wedding, it made their original venue inaccessible, however, they didn’t skip a beat. These two joy bombs reached out to their family and friends who all got to work to help them find another off the mountain. They had already planned the entire wedding themselves without a coordinator, and they had to do it all over again, but much faster. Luckily Legacy Stables in Winston Salem had an opening for their date and welcomed them with open arms and we were all so glad they did, just look at this gorgeous venue!

They had to find new hotels for all their guests and make sure their original vendors could make the drive off mountain, but they did so with such grace and kindness, first making sure everyone was ok and understanding entirely if the drive was not possible. They were a joy to work with every step of the way.

After their first look, they brought in their sweet babe Ollie for a few portraits, then their wedding party joined to get them hyped up to walk down the aisle. Everyone had a blast and showered them with love.

In nearly 20 years of capturing weddings, I’m not sure how it’s possible I’ve never seen this before, but they surprised everyone, including me, when Ethan, their ring bearer, walked down they aisle in full bear costume! Once it dawned on everyone why (ring bear), the whole room erupted in laughter and pure joy. After their beautiful, heartfelt vows and a few tears, they encouraged every guest to join them for a group photo before heading to cocktail hour. Everyone was so happy to oblige.

We whisked them away for a few sunset portraits right as the sun dipped behind the trees and then they were off to the dance floor ready to celebrate the happiest of days. We paused for a quick happy birthday to her father (she had asked all the guests to sign the card… so thoughtful) and then back to dancing. It was a perfect day.

Thank you so much for including us in your special day!

The instagram handles for the vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola

Venue: @legacystablesandevents (originally @beechmtnclub)

Florals: @sggarden 

DJ: @the_rusty_chad

Dress: @allurebridals, @stillwhite

Alterations: @becomingbridalnc

Cake: @lilycakesnc

Suit: @alexander_eton 

Rings: @mandlybands, @julietandoliver, @hollandsjewelers

HMU: @mirrorbomb & @deevamonroe

Shoes: @joyfolie

Earrings: @darethcolburndesigns

Lisa and Mike's Wedding at The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

I met Lisa at Deanna and William’s wedding in 2022 and we hit it off right away. The cheeriest little babe ever, and so happy to help with anything and everything. When she messaged about the wedding I said yes right away! Then seeing her with Mike at their engagement session, I knew they were meant to be, the perfect balance to each other. She encouraged him to be silly with her and live in the moment while he was steadfast and grounding. We pulled into Moses Cone Memorial Park, right as the black clouds were rolling but we knew we could beat them! So we jumped around the various spots as quick as we could, having an absolute blast and finished just in time! It definitely helped prepare us for the hurricane baring down this weekend!

Our babes stayed positive and excited all week, while making the necessary precautions just in case the storm hit hard, but to our delight the clouds just rolled passed. The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden luckily has several incredibly beautiful indoor locations to work with so we weren’t concerned about the pending storm, just a little bummed. Saturday morning, however, Lisa was just as bright and bubbly as she was when I first met her. And Mike is so chill, I don’t think anything could upset him. Fortunately we were able to follow the plan exactly and the sun came out making an already perfect day simply magical.

After a sweet first look with her father we made our way to the Conservatory so our babes could share a first look and private vow reading. All nerves were washed away as they shared their hearts with each other, laughed about inside jokes, lipstick and the giant machines trimming trees right where they planned to meet.

Next up the wedding party and family joined for photos, hyped them up, laughed, joked and touched up their final details preparing them for the ceremony and party to follow.

His dad officiated a beautiful ceremony speaking of their growth together through the years, conflict resolution beyond their years and fun competition along the way. Their siblings shared moving readings while every guest grew to love them even more.

After some fun toasts and formal dances the party really started! Chad with Split Second Sound read the room perfectly and the dance floor stayed full for FOUR fun filled hours! (in case you’ve not been to 400 weddings like I have, dance floors tend to wane after 2-3 hours, 4 is super impressive!)

As the night came to a close, we snuck away for a few private photos, they shared a sweet final dance and made it to the sparklers right as they blew out! Lol! But that only made everyone laugh harder and celebrate louder. These babes have an incredible crew around them and it was an honor to be a part of such a special day!

Instagram handles for all Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola

Venue: @danielstowebotanicalgarden 

Planning: @honeyidoweddings

HMU: @amycastro_wedding_hmua

Florals: @birch.nwillow

Rentals: @partyreflections

Video: @shutterandsound

DJ: @splitsecondsound

Catering: @bestimpressionscaterers

Sarah and Matt's Wedding at Weaver House

“Tale as old as time. True as it can be. Barely even friends, then somebody bends unexpectedly”

— Beauty and the Beast

I loved listening to Matt and Sarah’s friends reminisce about this love story built on friendship. How they were hanging out again, but were only “friends.” How they were meeting each others’ families, but were only “friends.” How everyone should come to this fun party at Weaver House this weekend because somehow friends became more than friends and they’re ready to celebrate!

And there isn’t a crew out there who was more excited than these guys! Armed with all the best college, family and work stories, white claws and good vibes, everyone showed up and helped Sarah and Matt celebrate in style!

Sarah is a huge Disney Fan (peep her Cinderella Shoes!) and Matthew is a Star Wars fanatic, so naturally they appreciate each others’ excitement. They spent a mini-moon in Asheville prior to venturing down to Orlando for a few days to enjoy their 'happy place' at the most magical place on earth and I cannot wait to hear all about it!

I could tell right away both their families already loved each other. From all the hugs at the rehearsal to the moms choosing to walk each other in the ceremony to the newly formed secret hand shake from both their dads at the reception, they were already family and just there to celebrate!

My goodness, I could not have chosen a better wedding to end out the season! I haven’t known Sarah long, but we only needed five minutes to become instant besties. Then I got to stay with her night before the wedding and we rocked an absolute total girls night shenanigan fest with Wedding Crashers, white claws and life stories followed by calming yoga before the big day began. We had so much fun! I would not have missed this day for anything! Thank you so much for inviting me into your incredible family you guys! Love you so much!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue and Catering : Weaver House

Coordinator: Alexandria from Weaver House

Dress: Vow'd Weddings

Suit: Men’s Warehouse

Rings: A. Jaffe

Hair and Make Up: Brushes and Braids

Florist: All the Pretty Flowers

Officiant: Megan Roberts

Ceremony Music: Appalachian String Duo

Reception Band: Blaze the City

Shelby and Brandon's Wedding at ZincHouse Winery

It is so surreal when the teens I worked with over a decade ago who became senior photo sessions in my early years as a photographer eventually come full circle to inviting me to celebrate with them on their best day ever! I have known and loved Brandon’s family for ages it seems, and my heart leaped for joy when he called to tell me he had found the one! We jumped straight to proposal planning, engagement session and potentially backyard wedding prep as he and Shelby tried to determine if they’d like to own a wedding venue themselves. After walking the land together it became clear it’d be a little too stressful to get everything prepped for their big day, but I’m so excited to see how it comes to fruition for them in the future!

They were a dream to work with on their engagement session on the parkway, getting up before sunrise to hike Rough Ridge for the golden hour glow. We had so much fun catching up and I knew the big day was going to be a blast!

Shelby and Brandon discovered a new venue in Raleigh still setting everything up to host weddings and they were excited to help them figure things out for their big day since owning a venue is a dream of theirs for the future. They were not disappointed, ZincHouse had everything ready just in time and made sure every aspect of their day was flawless.

They chose to do a private first look so they could share their personal vows to each other. We were all a mushy mess after that but it was totally worth it. These two love each other with all their hearts and it was so precious to watch them share this moment.

Of course the rest of their day with all their closest friends and family was super fun and life giving to all involved. They are dearly loved by their families and their collective bond runs deep.

It was such an honor to be a part of your day Brandon and Shelby! Thank you so much for including me! Love you both!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator: Cinda Williams

Venue : ZincHouse Winery

Dress: Essense of Australia from Carolina Bridal World Triangle

Suit: ECE Mensware

Rings: Verragio from Diamonds Direct

Hair and Make Up: Tease + Blush

Florist: Dave Duty

Officiants: Ron Klabunde & Matt Jones

DJ: Elite DJ Solutions

Video: Lucas Studios NC

Catering: Catering by Design

Lara and Ben's Wedding at Westglow Resort

“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

Nikki and Jake's Wedding at Eagle’s Nest

I had the wonderful and unexpected opportunity to meet two incredible families at a pool party this summer while hanging out with Anthony’s family. In between cocktails, chats about clean eating and photos of bear cubs they discovered I was a wedding photographer, and I discovered they were in need of one…soon…like in 3 months!

Nikki and I started chatting all things details and as soon as she mentioned her date my excitement turned to dismay! With a dozen weddings already booked in September/October, I just knew I would be unavailable for their date…until she mentioned it’d be on a Thursday! Queue the dance party! I knew 4 weddings in an 8 day period would be pushing it, even for me, but I couldn’t let this sweet new friend down. We got right to work!

We weren’t able to squeeze in an engagement session before the big day, but I wasn’t worried, the way Nikki and Jake flirted at the party and spoke about each other told me everything I needed to know. Head over heels for each other and absolutely committed to each others’ families.

And let me tell you, oh my goodness, the way Jake lit up when he saw Nikki at the first look and then RAN to grab her was my favorite part of the day! He nearly tackled her to the floor in his excitement but I guarantee she would not have minded. As the stress builds on every wedding morning with various details falling apart or changing, it is always a delight to watch the weight completely dissolve as the couple hug each other for the first time. They realize instantly every anxious detail is unimportant compared to joy their other half brings.

While I’ve captured dozens of Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, I’ve never had the honor of witnessing a Jewish Wedding Celebration. Complete with Chuppah, Ketubah, the bride’s circling of the groom and the groom’s breaking of the glass! It’s always so fun to learn new traditions.

With the hurricane threatening to wreak havoc on the High Country with heavy winds and rain all weekend, we were all nervous about the various outdoor elements of the day. However, as the forecast announced the storm had pushed back another day or so, the relief was palpable. The day began to embody a sense of astonishment and awe. Not only did the rains hold back, the blue skies were endless and the views at Eagles Nest, breathtaking.

As the evening came to a close, every face exuded an expression joy, gratitude, and above all, love. You guys thank you so much for including us in your special day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Jesse Roberts

Coordinator: Megan at The Elegant Event

Venue : Eagle’s Nest

Dress: Giambattista Valli

Veil: Vera Wang

Hair and Make Up: Caiti at Canvas Beauty Bar

Florist: Fuschia Moss Floral

Officiant: Rabbi Loring J. Frank

Ceremony Musicians: Dean’s Duets

Band: Cassette Rewind

Photobooth: Boone Photobooth

Catering: Reid’s Catering

Cake: Choice Cakes

Rentals: Parties Too and Classic Event Rentals

Dessert: Beth Westfall Chocolates

Shuttles: Air Haven Limo

Delina and Mike's Wedding at Overlook Barn

Oh my goodness, I had so much fun learning how Delina and Mike fell in love on a motorcycle trip across England, France, and Belgium. Their love of adventure made them an absolute dream couple for me! For their engagement session they brought their bike and we cruised around the parkway stopping at favorite hiking spots and making sure to capture their love of both each other and the type of adventure that brought them together in the first place.

For their honeymoon they’re taking an epic road trip across the US then hopping over to Hawaii to hike to waterfalls and get scuba certified. I must say, I’m super jealous and totally tempted to stalk behind them the whole way so I can capture every moment I love it so much!

We had a major threat of rain all day but we were all so happy it held off allowing everyone to see the beautiful mountain backdrop at Overlook Barn.

Delina chose to do a first look with her grandmother as well as Mike…and let’s just say the whole room was in tears. Just look how precious they are together.

Mike and Delina have fostered 8 dogs and over 20 kittens too young, injured or sick to stay in the shelter and that too, helped bond them early in their relationship. They're happy to report that all are living happily in their forever homes now. And they made sure to include their pups at the wedding for 15 min for a super important photo op.

Delina of course wore a gorgeous gown for most of the day, but wanted to be sure to honor her grandmother by also wearing her wedding dress for part of the reception. It was restored by Dorian at Poinsett Bride and fit her perfectly.

Between the dancing, s’mores, late night popcorn, sparklers and perfect weather, the evening was a huge success and our happy couple left feeling loved and adored.

Thank you guys for inviting us to be a part of your day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Jesse Roberts

Coordinator: Johna O'Leary, Maready & Co. Events

Venue : Overlook Barn

Dress: Poinsett Bride

Suit: Hugo Boss

Rings: llyn Strong

Hair and Make Up: Bella Bridal Artistry

Florist: Thistle and Twig

Officiant: Seth Bickley

Ceremony Music: Summit Strings

DJ: Split Second Sound

Video: Honeydew Films

Photobooth: CLT Shutter Booth

Catering: Earthworks

Bartending: Black Moth Bars

Cake: Stick Boy

Rentals: Professional Party Rentals

Ashley and Phil's Wedding at The Maxwell

I’m not sure where to even begin with these gorgeous babes! We met at United Fitness Crossfit a few years ago and as I traveled back and forth to Raleigh from Boone I would always drop in and work out with them and the rest of the crew, and take photos for the gym. It has always been a second home for me. I was ecstatic when Phil told me he was ready to begin scheming his proposal to Ashley. We had discussed something in the mountains first, but it ended up working better to capture that moment in Raleigh, then do the official engagement session in the mountains later… and well, as you can see… excellent choice. :)

Fast forward to the big day. They chose one of Raleigh’s newest wedding venues, The Maxwell, and I must say, I absolutely adore it! Very open and bright, easily transitions both indoor or out with the weather and it’s neutral colors accommodate any wedding design.

They shared a very sweet first look right on the ceremony aisle followed by their own personal vows to each other. They reminisced how it was an unlikely fit in the beginning due to their differences, but found gratitude in how those differences helped them balance one another and promised to continue to growing in ways that would compliment the other.

Ashley had family flying in from Malaysia (as well as several back home watching via live feed). She wanted to have a proper tea ceremony symbolizing the union of two families, while celebrating her Chinese heritage and introducing Phil’s family as well. I was honored to witness it; I love learning how other cultures celebrate the beginning of their new life together.

It begins with the couple honoring their elders on both sides by serving tea, then they exchange blessings and gratitudes as well as special gifts. Next the younger siblings and cousins of the couple then take their turn to honor the couple, as their elders, in the same way.

The love between the two families was palpable in this moment as they each shared gratitude, not only for the couple, but each other. Lots of laughter and tears, hugs and tea :)

Oh my goodness you two!! Thank you so much for inviting me on this journey with you!! I cannot wait to see all that is to follow! (If you ever need me to join you in Malaysia, I could make that happen… just sayin) ;)

Love you both!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator: Mandy with Timeless Love NC

Venue : The Maxwell

Dress: Dentelle Bridal from Malaysia

Suit: Men's Warehouse

Hair and Make Up: Pinup bridal

Florist: Teacup Florals

Officiant: Adam Davenport

DJ: Yes Raleigh

Catering: Cateringworks

Rentals: Party Reflections

Marcus and Inita's Wedding at Amity Creek Farms

These high school sweethearts pulled out all the stops this weekend! I have never met another couple more excited about surprises than I am! Inita and Marcus both pulled me aside during our initial meeting to tell me about their fun plans for the wedding weekend. Then both their moms did the same, then they both added another through email later!! I *may have been the most excited person the whole day because I actually knew about every single surprise in advance (in order to capture it of course). I was bouncing around waiting for the next thing to happen, I had to send them one timeline that everyone could see, and then keep a separate actual timeline to include each element.

There were of course special gifts: a set of pearls during the first look, a set of cufflinks and a necklace honoring his late grandmother, tons of items for the wedding party, a bracelet from his mom to her - welcoming her as a daughter. There was a hysterical fake first look with his twin brother complete with dress and blonde wig, then the same brother whipped out a cartwheel down the aisle as he suddenly shifted from best man to flower boy. The day was filled with happy tears and riotous laughter as they celebrated fully with their loved ones. Everyone had the very best time.

The full moon surprised us all when it made a strong appearance over the hills. We had to step out of the reception for a few to capture it! We had the best time! Congratulations to you both! Looking forward to many more surprises in the future!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with John Bahamon

Venue: Amity Creek Farms

Wedding Coordinator: Ashley Causby-Hicks

All Wedding Attire: Bridal Traditions Wedding Attire

Cake Baker: Nutmeg Bakery

Linen/Chair/Tent Services:

Get Away Car: Volkswagen EOS

Favors: Soap bars from Soapy Chicks

McKenzie and Ian's Wedding at The Meadows

Oh my goodness, where to begin?!? I feel like I’ve known these babes for years now! From the first time we met in the fall of 2019 I knew right away they were perfect for each other. These two simply know how to give each other a knowing look that will either make them laugh or calm them down. Even at the rehearsal this weekend, when stresses were running high, the moment they actually took a moment to look each other in the eyes and remember why they were there, instant relief.

McKenzie has a wonderfully bubbly personality that made everyone smile all weekend, she knew just what to say or do to make us laugh. Then Ian is so down to earth and easy to be around, all of their friends talked about how they were each others’ perfect balance.

When Covid wrecked everyone’s plans last year, they decided to go ahead with a small elopement with their family and push the bigger celebration to this year. Everyone was so grateful for the joy they brought during that challenging year, and so happy to celebrate them in full this weekend.

If that day wasn’t already perfect, this weekend made everything complete. With all of their loved ones in attendance, they were celebrated fully and everyone danced the night away.

Thank you so much for inviting us to celebrate with you guys!!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Melissa Toma

Venue: The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

Wedding Coordinator: Lauren with Carolina Bells

Hair Stylist and Make Up Artist: WINK Hair and Makeup

Florist: Sweet Love Blossoms

DJ: The Deluxe Event Group

Live Music: NC Violinist and Prince Yabani Music

Videographer: Thomas Blake Films

Photobooth: Spark Photo Booths

Catering: Fords Fluent N Food

Cake Baker: Cinda’s Creative Cakes

Alcohol: Brewmasters

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: CE Rentals

Speciality Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Invitations: Minted

Calligraphy: Meriweather Designs

Taylor and Sam's Wedding at Chetola Resort

“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

DJ: Split Second Sound

Videographer: Elliot Wilks

Cake Baker: Hallmark Cakes

Favors: Welcome bags for the guests with party supplies

Kristen and Kate's Wedding at The Oaks at Salem

“After all this time,
Always.”

— Harry Potter

I met Kristen and Kate two years ago when we were planning their Engagement Session and knew right away we would be great friends. Kristen had already proposed to Kate down in St. Augustine and we were making plans for their photoshoot. But Kate wanted to add a twist and propose back to Kristen during the shoot. So after lots of tears of all of us and much celebration our friendship grew and we had so much fun planning for the big day. (Of course covid pushed it back a year like so many others, but it was no less joyful)

Kate wore her great grandmother's pearl bracelet and Kristen wore a Wooden Watch from Ox and Birch that Kate had given her as a gift, their favorite quote inscribed on the back of course, “After all this time, Always.”

The best part of the whole day was simply the incredible relationships both ladies had with their dads. From the first looks and preparations, being walked down the aisles and first dances, the four of them were so tight and supportive of each other, they were full of big belly laughs and a *maybe* few tears. When both dads decided to swap daughters half way through the first dances, the whole room flooded with happy tears and everyone cheered.

Doughnuts, rainbow shoes, smore’s, rainbow masks, sparklers and allllll the dancing made for a wonderfully celebratory night and everyone had so much fun. So grateful for these friends and all the love they bring to the world.

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Wedding Coordinator: Laura with The Oaks

Make Up Artist: Menagerie

The Dress: Lillian West from Maggi Bridal

The Suit: Michael Kors from NY Bride and Groom

Florist: Southern Blooms Co. Wood Flower Bouquets

Officiant: Kevin Holland

DJ: Damien Maass

Videographer: Steve Creel Video

Photobooth: Cynthia Viola Photography

Catering: Cannon

Desserts: Utica Bakery + Duck Donuts

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: CE Rentals

Favors: Kubenik Honey (Kristen's grandparent's bee and honey farm in upstate NY)

Alaria and Drew - The Oaks at Salem Wedding, Apex, NC

“After all this time? ~ Always.”

— Dumbledore to Severus

Oh my goodness, I knew I loved these two before I even met them just by hearing the tiniest snippet of their story which can be summed up pretty well with in their adorable hashtag #agypsyandasoldierwedding 

They met in 5th grade, were friends all through high school, fell in love in college and the rest is history. Most of their bridal party were even friends from all the school years together. They chose to be married at my favorite wedding venue in the Raleigh area, The Oaks at Salem. A gorgeous white house surrounded by 11 acres of land, trees and a beautiful lake. Veni is an amazingly organized coordinator and I adore working with her. Their team is just the best! 

You are going to love these details:

First of all, Alaria's bouquet was wrapped in a piece of her mother's wedding dress, giving it a timeless feel. For the unity portion of the ceremony Alaria held a vase of water while Drew placed a single rose in it: the rose symbolizing love while the water symbolized everything needed to make the love grow. So beautiful. 

They also chose to have a Ring Warming Ceremony. As every guest entered the space they placed the rings in their hands and wished good tidings and blessings on their marriage. Alaria happens to be a lover of words and reading, so they brought a beautiful typewriter for guests to type out their congratulatory notes on, something they'll be able to read throughout their marriage as they need it. 

Damien of course rocked the party with his amazing DJ skills, and he and his team will have an incredible cinema story up soon, I'll be sure to add the link here as soon as it's ready. Beau blew everyone away with his incredible menu and it was a night to be remembered for all. 

You guys, I was truly overwhelmed with all the beauty. Of course you were gorgeous, but your spirits were beautiful and the love brought by your many friends and family just surrounded the whole day with something special. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day, I hope you enjoy reliving it with a few of my favorite images. 

Being huge Harry Potter fans, they had the groomsmen take the personality quiz on Pottermore and had them wear socks representing their house! So cute! (I *might* have also taken the quiz out of curiosity, discovering that I'd be a Gryffindor...in case you were wondering) ;)

Vendors:

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue/Coordinator: Veni at The Oaks at Salem

Videographer: Damien Maass

DJ: Damien Maass

Hair and Make-up: Kristi Martinson at WINK

Dress: Bridal Boutique of NC

Groom/Groomsmen attire: Egara by Men's Warehouse

Rings: designed and custom made by Samantha Laddin at Green Lake Jewelry, Seattle

Bride's Shoes: Ophelia by Vince Camuto

Groom's Shoes: Heritage by Joseph Abboud

Groommen's Socks: Harry Potter Hogwarts houses socks :)

Officiant: Darren Granniss 

Perfume: Armani Code for her

Cologne: John Varvatos Vintage

Catering: Beau Catering

Florist: Teacup Floral

Cake and pies: Laura at Confectionate Cakes

Truffles: Chocolate Smiles

Get away car: Dave's Classic Cars

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

First Dance: Work Song by Hozier