Madeline and Sarah's Wedding at The Oaks at Salem

When I saw the total rainout forecasted for this weekend, I wasn’t even remotely worried. I knew my girls would shake it off and have an absolutely perfect day celebrating with their family no matter what! Add to that an absolutely rain-proof Raleigh venue and I’d knew we’d be golden. The Oaks at Salem has a giant tent with walls ready to take on any storm for the ceremony and reception, and their gorgeous interior space and covered deck provides ton of light, perfect for acquiring 100% of the photos if needed. (We did have exactly one 60 second window where it stopped raining, so you KNOW we capitalized on it immediately. ;)

Sarah and Madeline chose to share private vows before the ceremony and had Elisa and I absolutely weeping by the end. Sweet Sarah didn’t even make it out of the door before the waterworks started and Madeline was absolutely in awe of her dress choice, she was at a loss for words. They shared the most heartfelt and considerate vows and then spent a very relaxed and fun couple hours with their family before walking down the aisle.

Both of their fathers got the reception started with more happy tears. Sarah’s dad speaking of how proud he was of them both and Madeline’s dad saying that before today he didn’t see how any other person could possibly love her more than he did, but he caught a glimpse of the way they shared their devotion to each other during their private vows and he knew in that moment that yes, indeed, Sarah does love her more and he could give her away with a full heart knowing she’d be taken care of. We were all a mess after that, but luckily the DJ cued the music and we all danced the night away. :)

You guys I cannot thank you enough for trusting me with your special day! I adore you both and wish you all the happiness in the world!

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

Photographer: @cynthiajviola with Elisa from @incontrastimages

Venue: @oaksatsalem

Planning: @cole_southernskiesevents

Sarah’s Dress: @Vowdweddings

Rings: @baileysfinejewelry

HMU: @weddedkiss

Florals: @mewsdesignsweddings

Minister: @ncweddingminister

Music: @jennysmusicstudio

DJ: @alleventsdjsnc

Catering/Bar: @undertheoakcatering

Desserts: @onceinabluemoonbakery

Rentals: @curatedeventsraleigh

Jen and Justin's Spring Wedding at Overlook Barn

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience”

— E. Roosevelt

I didn’t have a chance to meet Jen and Justin before the big day, but it didn’t matter, from the moment we started chatting, we knew we’d be a perfect fit. They LOVE the mountains just as much as I do but also live in Raleigh, my second love. They love all things outdoors and aren’t afraid to bust a move on the dance floor. As they always vacation in Banner Elk, it was very special for them to get married here and Overlook Barn never disappoints.

Justin proposed on the same day they closed on their first home together and they both reminisced about it during the private vows. Sweet Justin was nearly bursting at the seams before this moment, but after they had time to share their love and a few stories from the morning, everything shifted and only excitement filled the air. Jen kept repeating she was ready to get started. So off we went!

The winds were picking up just as everyone lined up for the ceremony and it took a whole team of friends, family and Elegant Events Staff to hold the Arbor in place. It only served to add to the adventure of it all though. We got them down the aisle and all the guests secured in the barn before the rains came.

The fog was rolling in hard the night before but we weren’t concerned. I’ve managed mountain top fog many times. When it shifted to black clouds right before the Mr. and Mrs. portraits I looked at Jen and said we can see if it passes and risk it never stopping…or make a run for it.

Obviously we ran.

Rain turned to hail and hail turned to a rainbow. We were all soaked from head to toe but filled with great big belly laughs. Her dress must have gained an extra 15 pounds with the water weight but she took it like a champ then skipped off to the dance floor!

Fortunately the rain stopped, and as the fog rolled back in, it brought with it the Northern Lights!! We couldn’t see them in their entirety, but very much appreciated the pop of color! We ran back and forth between Jen’s favorite songs and a new color in the sky!

What an incredible adventure this weekend turned out to be! All four seasons in one day! 10/10 would do it again next weekend!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: @cynthiajviola with Michael Freas

Venue: @overlookbarn

Planner: @eleganteventweddings 

Dress: @essenseofaustralia from @carolinabridalworld

Suits: @black_tie

Rings: @kayjewelers

Florals: @bouquet_florist_boone

HMU: @bella_bridalartistry

Catering: @gadabouts_catering

Cake: @choicecakes1

Video: @HoneyDewFilms

Rentals: @thesummitwoodworks

Rehearsal @stonewallsrestaurantnc

Officiant: Bruce King

DJ: @djdaybreak