Oh my goodness, Cara and Justin’s Sutherland Wedding this weekend was straight out of my Etsy and Pinterest dreams! At their engagement session they were so excited to highlight all the beautiful North Carolina Greens in our area parks to their Ohio family, and they loved getting to actually introduce them in person at their gorgeous venue, The Sutherland. This location paired with every beautiful detail imaginable made it a dream to photograph.

Before I can get to the wedding though, I MUST share a few of Cara’s Bridal Portraits! The hardest part of photographing them was having to wait to share! I always love the opportunity to capture a bride in the dress rehearsal. Not being especially Southern herself, Cara was a little uncertain about doing bridal portraits, but I am so glad she did, just look at this beauty! It also gave us a good feel for the venue as well as how the dress moves and whether or not she wanted to adjust her flowers or hair. I highly recommend them.

Bridal Portraits at The Sutherland Wake Forest NC

When I was chatting with the bridesmaids early in the weekend they were sharing their connection to Cara and mentioned how she has the best sense of humor and most genuine laugh and smile of anyone they know. Courtney said you feel like a rockstar when you’re able to make her laugh because she just makes you feel so good about yourself. I couldn’t agree more, she is so very kind and wonderful to be around.

At the rehearsal Cara’s grandmother Gay made everyone laugh when she boasted that she’s responsible for making all this happen. And while we all laughed, we all also realized it was such a beautiful legacy to claim. It was apparent to me right away that both of their families have already spent a lot of time together and love each other deeply. Throughout the night at any given moment they were sitting at tables together, dancing together and laughing deep belly laughs.

Justin too was praised for his kind and welcoming demeanor throughout the day. His best man, Jay told stories of how each guy in his party met him due to how he welcomed them into one activity or another and before they knew it they were friends for life. Cara and Justin have a way about them that draws everyone to them and it made the atmosphere of the whole day so very wonderful.