Cynthia Viola Photography

Winston Salem Wedding Photographer

Caitlin and Brett's Wedding at Legacy Stables and Events

Wedding PhotographyCynthia Viola
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain
— Vivian Greene
Legacy Stables and Events wedding

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

Ashley and Cam's Wedding at The Little Chapel

Wedding PhotographyCynthia Viola

Where do I even begin? I have been capturing Ashley’s family for at least 10 years. Senior portraits and headshots for all three sisters.,Christmas Parties and family events for her parents, her sister Jessica’s Wedding, her aunt Colleen’s wedding and now her big day. It’s hard not to feel like a part of the family when you’ve experienced so many special milestones together.

For their engagement session in February they chose to use the venue location. And while it was the middle of winter and the greenhouse was still under construction, the space did not disappoint. We exictedly talked about all big plans to come. Fast forward to this weekend…

Cameron and Ashley decided to share private vows before the ceremony so they met in the field in between the the two houses where they were each getting ready. The tension had been rising all morning, as it does at every wedding. But it was instantly released the moment they saw each other, share a hug and reminded each other why they were here.

With the recent passing of Ashley’s sweet father, there were many moments where mom stepped in. She walked her down the aisle and danced the first dance. Her sisters too were there to fill the void and we all felt his presence during speeches and cheers. We all knew he was so proud looking down from his front row seat all day.

Our happy couple now shares a wedding anniversary with her sweet grandparents and they honored them and all the married couples with a special dance during the reception.

Then things got a little rowdy. In the best way possible. Ashley’s brother-in-law Tyler and Cameron battled it out to give her a lap dance. Everyone passed around the bourbon direct from the bottle, cigars came out along with late night french fries and the evening was a complete success.

You guys! Thank you for welcoming me into your family so long ago! I look forward to all the future celebrations! Until next time!!

Instagram handles for all Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola

Venue/Officiant: @thelittlechapel 

Planning/catering/bar/florist: @bluebirdevents_sc

HMUr: @Taylorpressleyartistry and @artistrybybriiii

Get away Car: @triadecoadventures 

Rentals: @cookerentalsdenver

DJ: @martynightengale

Cake: Sweet Shoppe Bakery Inc