Jessica and Corey's Wedding at Twickenham House and Hall

It’s not often I get to capture a wedding in the middle of the week, but this Wednesday wedding at Twickenham House was an absolute delight. The hurricane that bore down on the area all week cleared literally just a couple hours before the ceremony, all the fog it brought with it lifted and we had the most beautiful day anyone could ask for.

Jessica chose to wear her mother’s wedding dress with a few alterations and it fit like a glove. Her father loved it so much and said she looked just as beautiful as her mother 37 years prior. As an extra special feature, her mom and sister sewed into the dress her “something blue.” They created a lace pocket with the leftover train material to place a photo of her Nana and Zadie wearing blue. Every guest who caught a peek went wild with love for them both.

Corey was a bit more quite and thoughtful during the preparations. As I hadn’t met him before today I wasn’t sure if this would remain his style all day, but I was blown away when the ceremony was over. He and Jessica danced their way through photos, climbed to the highest peak for the perfect shot, ran and skipped their way down to the shuttle and entered cocktail hour wildly in love and ready to party!

Together these two brought the party with them everywhere they went. Dragging friends into the photobooth and onto the dance floor, back to the patio for a quick drink then onto the dance floor again. They were showered with love and celebration by everyone and it was an absolutely unforgettable night.

You guys I cannot thank you enough for trusting me with your special day! Let’s do it again soon!

The Instagram handles for all the vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola

Venue & Catering: @twickenhamhouse

Planning: @kelseystricklandweddings

Hair: Haley 

Florals: Village Florist

Officiant: @revrichardtidyman

DJ: @ontargetdj

Social Media Curator: @furandlacephotography

Cake: @sassy_cat_bakery

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

Emma and Christian's Wedding at The Barn on New River

I met Emma and Christian last year at the Married in the Mountains showcase at The Barn on New River and we hit it off right away. I could tell by they way they teased each other and were relaxed about the wedding details we’d be a great fit. They were excited about how they met through a common love of White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and couldn’t wait to gift honey jars to their guests becase they met on Bumble.

They chose not to have a first look with each other, but Emma did have a sweet first look with her dad and her bridesmaids before the ceremony while Christian poured bourbon for his fellas and helped wrangle the littles.

The Barn has a magnificent flower garden for portraits and we were so excited to utilize it before the reception started. Not to mention the ice cream cookie sandwiches from Blue Deer. ;)

The four by four ride to the top of the mountain for sunset photos is a highlight for every couple .Not just for the beauty of the photos, but for the chance to savor the day together. As much as you love each and every guest, no one compares to the one the day was created for to begin with. It was so sweet watching them play around together and talk about how the day had played out. When the Mustang arrived to pick them up, we had to create a few fun memories! Let’s do it again soon you guys!

The Wedding Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Aja White

Venue : The Barn on New River

Coordinator: Caroline with The Barn on New River

Dress: Justin Alexander Signature

Suit Designer: Kenneth Cole at Men’s Warehouse

Rings: Diamond’s Direct

Hair: Jill at Shine Hair Lounge

Florist: New River Escape

Officiant: Richard Tidyman

Live Music: Mountain Peak Sound

DJ: Mountain Peak Sound

Catering: The Scarlet Hen

Bartending : Vintage Pours

Dessert: Blue Deer

Rentals: A&J Rentals

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

Bryan and Justin's Wedding at Rickhouse Durham

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage”

— Lao Tzu

You guys, I cannot even begin to describe how much I adore these two. From the very beginning I feel like we have been besties and I’m not sure there is anyone more supportive of my work. Every single time I post I’m going to be in there area they tell all their friends and it just means the world to me.

Last year they trusted me with an extra extra special engagement shoot at Linville Falls Winery which you should totally read about here first if you like. And they have been so very fun to work with on all things planning.

For their preparation time on the morning of the wedding, they decided they wanted to just be chill and get ready together along side all their mutual friends and not make a big fuss about waiting until the ceremony to see each other. I must say this made the day so enjoyable for everyone with tons of laughter, cheers and stories.

An equal star of the day was most certainly their best boy Ketsu who did everything exactly as they asked, and even waited until the perfect moment to bring the rings down the aisle. As the anticipation for the ceremony built I hid them in the back room with just Ketsu so they could have a moment, and I swear, as soon as he saw them he jumped for joy and pulled out all the excited wiggles, instantly bringing down any bits of stress that had built up. He really is the very best good boy. :)

The ceremony itself was one of those where we basically had to mop the floor after due to allllll the tears the entire room collectively shed, myself included. For two beautiful humans who felt the need to keep their relationship a secret up until their actual engagement out of uncertainty for how everyone would respond, the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming. Both that first day and this day were a huge testament to how far we have come as a society, and more importantly, how many truly genuine friends they have who adore them for exactly who they are.

May there be no doubt ever again. Justin and Bryan, you are loved, supported, celebrated. Thank you for trusting your community, for being vulnerable and allowing us to come along side you. We are all cheering you and Ketsu on, now and forever.

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue: The Rickhouse, Durham, NC

Wedding Coordinator: Rose at Bright Rose Events

Wedding Attire: Bernard's Formalware and David’s Bridal

The Rings: Lashbrook

Barber: Mike Chops RDU

Florist: Ninth Street Flowers

Officiant: El Fisseha

DJ: DJ Scotty B

Event Lighting: Get Lit

Photobooth: Cynthia Viola Photography

Catering: Donovan's Dish

Cake Baker: Fat Rabbit

Accommodations: Unscripted Durham

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: American Party Rentals

Invitations: Christina Berkowitz

Favors: Cookies by Debbie (Justin's mom); Recipe card and Workout card by Justin & Bryan