Cramer and Marc's Wedding at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

Oh my goodness, when these two babes were greeted in the parking lot by their parents and grandmother with whoops and claps, hugs and kisses, I knew we were going to have a blast. We didn’t have a specific plan, we just knew to meet at the gardens and we’d figure out the rest. (my favorite plan)

After looking at the various gorgeous options Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens had to offer, we decided the Orchid Conservatory was the best spot for the ceremony. We were surrounded by gorgeous flowers, butterflies and tiny frogs. And considering Cramer already had a tiny frog on his Mindy Lam Boutonnière, it was the perfect choice.

After the sweetest vows, we all erupted in cheers for the happy babes, signed the marriage certificate and strolled around the gardens for the rest of the photos. These two were playful, stylish and and super excited to celebrate with their family afterwards.

They shared a quick first dance in front of the conservatory then made their way to dinner where the rest of the family was waiting to celebrate with them. Highly recommend renting the gardens on a Monday for your sweet ceremony. Daniel Stowe reserves the gardens just for this purpose every week.

Thank you guys for trusting me with your memories!! Cheers!

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

Alex and Daniel's Wedding at the Oaks at Salem

“Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction”

— Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Where to begin with these two? I need to start with Toni and Kim as I met Alex’s parents first, and I must say, I absolutely fell in love with them and wanted to adopt them immediately. We got to hang out at the Oaks a couple times during the planning process including an adorable video chat with Alex (on the West Coast) and I knew we would all be friends for life. The way they cared for each other and cared about every detail along the way was incredibly sweet. It was no surprise when I met Daniel and his parents on the wedding day, I loved them instantly as well. Everyone was so invested in this sweet couple. From running errands, to making sure they had drinks and getting hyped over chants and cheers for photos!

Thennnn came the first looks. I could barely see to keep shooting. Mom made sure she had each borrowed and blue item while Dad wiped her tears. Daniel left her speechless and then they were ready to party.

This crew did not disappoint. If I didn’t know any better I’d say every single one of them was a paid professional hype man. They brought all the excitement to the day and made sure these babes were overwhelmed with love. (not to mention SIX heartfelt speeches during dinner!)

What an incredible weekend Alex and Daniel!! Thank you so much for including me!! It was an honor to witness your love and vast friendships. You have an amazing group surrounding you.

The Wedding Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator: Christina Perkins

Venue : The Oaks at Salem

Dress: Martina Liana at Coastal Knot

Rings: Derco Diamonds

Hair: Mena Garcia Beauty

Make Up: Mena Garcia Beauty

Florist: Meristem Floral

Officiant: Kevin Grant

Live Music: Udeshi Hargett Violinist

DJ: All Events DJs

Video: Thomas Blake Films

Catering: Catering By Design

Rentals: Curated Events

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