Laura and David's Wedding at Mount Airy Farm

I met Laura and David originally at Landon and Alexa’s wedding a couple years ago, and got to hang out with them again at at Kristin and Matt’s wedding earlier this year. It was only natural by the time their wedding rolled around that we’d be staying in the same house, drinking bourbon at 1am and relaxing in the jacuzzi after a long, beautiful and successful wedding day.

They chose the most amazing little farm house in Asheville to host not only their wedding but several of their friends and family during the week leading up to the big day. With so many people coming together to celebrate them, it was only right to spend several days together rather than just a few hours. This was a weekend that will live on for years to come.

Her engagement ring is David’s great grandmothers ring and her wedding ring has diamonds from her grandmother’s engagement ring. His wedding ring is Laura’s grandmother’s engagement and wedding bands welded together and the original engravings are still in tact. How incredible is that bit of legacy?!? I love it when couples are about to entwine their histories together like that.

It poured rain the whole night before the wedding and morning of. We had already moved the ceremony out of the field in front of the house and were worried we would have to move it indoors entirely, but just an hour before the ceremony started, the clouds broke and we were able to enjoy the rest of the evening dry and carefree! It was amazing!

Several of the weekends details were DIY from the many hands who came together to make it happen for them. Buckets and buckets of loose flowers were brought in and we spent hours setting them up in every different possible crevice of the house. Matt and Justin brewed a craft beer just for the wedding, Laura made her own veil, Kristin brought tons of details from their wedding to add to the mix, several friends pitched in to make all the meals in between set up and tear down and of course Alexa pulled it all together into a seamless piece of art. It was such an incredible weekend.

So this happened! Leave it to Landon! I kept clicking just long enough to see him submerged then had to dive out of the way to save my camera from the wave! Totally worth it for the surprise on Laura’s face!

You guys thank you so much for inviting me to spend the weekend with you! I had a blast and wouldn’t have missed it for the world! Love you!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Mount Airy Farm, Leicester, NC

Coordinator + HMU: Alexa Coyne

The Dress: Moonlight Bridal

The Rings: Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, NC

Florist: Vicki Landolf

Officiant: Bill Slotterback

Catering: Moe’s BBQ and JD’s BBQ

Cake Baker: Karen Donatelli

Rentals: Classic Event Rental

Jessica and Zak's Wedding at Beacon

“Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness”

— Oliver Wendell Holmes

I could not be more excited for two people on their wedding day! I have had the pleasure of watching Jess and Zak grow more and more in love from the day they met until today. From long chats while horse back riding with Jess, to scheming the surprise proposal with Zak, capturing their engagements on Roan Mountain and finally as they said I do, I have listened as they both spoke so fondly of each other and jumped with excitement as they celebrated.

They celebrated at Beacon Butcher Bar in Boone as it’s one of their favorite restaurants and it suited them just perfectly from the incredible spread Beacon provided down to every detail Molly created to help remember the day.

We were worried the cold weather was going to make all the photos a challenge, but the sun came out just in time and bathed them in the most perfect sunset glow as they explored the waterfall on the premises. Little Colt might have had more fun than anyone throughout the day though, naming his favorite succulents, dancing with mom and drinking Shirley Temples. It was a perfect day indeed.

Thank you so much for including me in your big day you guys! I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

Love you!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Beacon Butcher Bar

Coordinators: Tina and Susan from the Beacon

Florist: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Hair: Sarah Simpson from Essential Beauty Salon Studio

Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott

Cake: The Cakery at Lowes

Tatiana and Blin's Wedding at Sunnyside Farm

“I have found the one whom my soul loves”

— Song of Solomon 3:4

It’s always fun when a couple chooses a date that is unique or matters to them in some way, I love that these two chose Pi day for theirs! 3.14 They even had tiny (quarter-sized) pies provided for each of their guests to celebrate!

Tatiana and Blin invited their families to join them at a beautiful vacation home here in the mountains and celebrated their ceremony together in the living room. Every single person was so incredibly gracious and kind to each other and the other vendors as we set up and prepared to shower these two in love. It’s always so wonderful to watch everyone come together as a team to make something beautiful happen. Of course Magan with The Elegant Event led the charge and everything flowed flawlessly.

Both Blin and Tatiana are so very generous and sweet, they had surprise gifts and letters for each other and their crew and couldn’t wait to see their reaction! Watches, jewelry, headphones…they knew exactly what to give.

All day Tatiana had the BIGGEST smile on her face. Whether it was beaming at her groom, saying thank you to her family or simply taking in the wonder of the day she was filled with kind words and grand smiles.

Their first look was so sweet. They wanted to wait until the ceremony to share their first kiss so we had a lot of fun with eskimo kisses instead!

It’s rare I come across something at a wedding I haven’t seen before, but these two decided to have a tree planting ceremony! Instead of pouring sand into a jar or lighting candles, they poured soil and water into their first little tree which they are so excited to care for. Blin’s childhood pastor, Simon, flew in from California to perform the ceremony for them, he also guided them through their premarital counseling. You could tell he was very special to them.

Since it was a rather gray and overcast day we knew we weren’t going to get that beautiful golden glow the sunset typically offers so we played around a bit with some Christmas lights and off camera flash to get the look instead :)

You guys thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your big day!

The Vendors who made the day Possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator: Megan Drake with The Elegant Event

Venue: Sunnyside Farm

The Dress: Brille by Justin Alexander

The Suit: Bernard's Formalwear

Wedding Party Attire: Poffie Girls and Bernard's Formalwear

The Rings: Raleigh Diamond Fine Jewelry

Hair and Make Up: TM Bridal Beauty

Florist: April Flowers

Officiant: Simon Liversidge

Videographer: Timm Young Films

Catering: Moondance Catering

Cake Baker: Stick Boy Bread

Rentals: Parties Too

Invitations: TaDa Cards

Erin and Matt's Wedding at Home

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass...It’s about learning to dance in the rain”

— Vivian Greene

Like so many weddings planned during Covid Matt and Erin’s big day was shrouded in uncertainty. They had hoped they pushed out far enough to have the big wedding downtown with all their friends, but Covid just had other plans. Just a couple weeks before the big day they made the tough decision to cancel the plans with their beautiful venue, Vidrio, and have a small ceremony at home. They still hope to throw a big party there in the future, the date is just a little uncertain.

That didn’t stop them from committing their lives to each other through thick and thin. No matter what they go through in the future they’ll know they’ve already come through this and be stronger for it.

With grandparents unable to attend, they found other ways to include them in the ceremony and Erin also had a handkerchief made out of her Maternal grandmother's bridal gown and wrapped it around her bouquet. The penny in her shoe is the same penny her mother and grandmother used before her. Lots of beautiful traditions made this day extra special.

Her brother John, wasn’t going to be able to make it to the wedding due to covid traveling issues and she was extremely sad because they’re quite close. However, at the final moment he was able to pull it together and surprise her the morning of the wedding. Everyone was a bundle of tears and filled with joy. We decided to include him on the first look with dad and that made it even more memorable.

As with all weddings that have had to move forward during Covid, they were unable to have the majority of friends and family in attendance. They set up a zoom call though and were able to include them via video, as well as several face time calls after ward.

The sparklers *may have all been duds but that didn’t stop them OR the rest of the family from partying! They ran through spirit fingers to everyone’s delight concluding the happiest of days.

I had so much fun with you guys! Thank you for including me on your special day!

The vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Coordinator: Kyle Riggan

Dress: Mon Cheri Bridal from Channy Bride & Beyond

Suit: Jos A. Bank

Party attire: Azazie and Jos A. Bank

Rings: Raleigh Diamond

Hair and Make Up: The Makeup Addict

Officiant: Kayelily Middleton

Catering: Ashley Christensen Catering

Cake Baker: Once in a Blue Moon Bakery

Florist: Expressions of Love

Invitations: Minted

Ashley and Micah's Wedding at Bridge Street Gallery and Loft

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

— Lao Tzu

I must say the first wedding of 2021 set the bar pretty high. The gorgeous rooftop at The Historic Redmont Hotel for portraits, an EPIC sunset at Bridge Street Gallery and Loft just before the ceremony started, one of the most genuine couples you’ll ever meet and a live band, Mikey Clams, to keep the party going strong!

I’ve probably been asked a dozen times already how I managed to book a wedding in Birmingham, having never been there before, but Micah was my coach at Iron Tribe in Raleigh several years ago and is one of the most significant influencers in my life to date. He just happens to be from Birmingham.

Speaking of Iron Tribe, Ashley and Micah are quite possibly the strongest couple I’ve ever photographed. (In case you couldn’t tell) ;) They are both coaches and met while at a competition.

While this was a super joyous occasion and past 2020, it wasn’t unaffected by Covid. Micah’s grandparents were unable to attend and instead sent their well wishes via hearfelt letter read by his sister Marina at the rehearsal dinner. Ashley included her grandmother by wrapping her handkerchief around her bouquet.

They had the cutest little favors to give to their guests: Honey jars from Ashley’s family’s hives. Such a fun and personal touch. “Meant to Bee”

Micah’s uncle Mike helped him find the band because he plays in one himself, and everyone insisted he join them for a few songs. The guests were thrilled and a few others joined by singing! Finally someone informed Mikey that the groom plays….and well, you know everyone was on the floor for that! It’s been years and everyone was so excited to see him play!

They went out with sparklers and cheers, hearts full and everyone with a smile on their face. It was such a fun way to start of the new year for everyone. Thank you guys for letting me be a part of your day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Bridge Street Gallery and Loft

Her Dress: Carrie’s Bridal

Her Ring: Diamond’s Direct

His Ring: David Yurman

Florist: All Good Things Floristry

Hair Stylist: Alex Smith

Officiant: Preston Stack

Band: Mikey Clams

Catering: Chuys Mexican and Maki Fresh

Cake Baker: Sally Thompson

Bartending: B & B Bartending

Rehearsal Dinner: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Accomodations and photo location: The Redmont Hotel

Gabby and Brett's Engagement in Banner Elk

“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”

— Erol Ozan

I was absolutely ecstatic when Brett proposed to Gabby this summer! They are dear friends of ours and we’ve been working out together at Crossfit Postal for what seems like forever. The only catch was that for their photos they wanted a snow adventure! Which I was all about…. except for the patience part lol. But finally after several months of waiting and a few small teaser snow falls, we found the one we were waiting for! We were afraid it was only going to be in the single digits because it had been a few days prior, but we lucked out with sunshine and 40s, I’ll take it!

They were willing to venture with me into an area I have recently discovered but also to push further than I had previously. It absolutely required four wheel drive so they scooped me and off we went, they even brought some champagne to celebrate!

After we were finished on top of the mountain we decided to snag one last look at the Mill Pond because the waterfall is just amazing and while we were down there Brett jumped right in to help a Florida family who had gotten their car stuck in the ditch, it was amazing!

You guys I cannot wait til the big day this fall!! We’re going to dance the night away!

Sebastian and Karina's Proposal at Beech Mountain Ski Resort

“You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold and daring”

— Lumière, Beauty and the Beast

I schemed with Sebastian and his mother Cristy as well as the staff and ski instructors at Beech for weeks to help make this moment perfect for he and Karina. He wanted a secluded spot on the mountain, but he also chose one of the busiest weekends of the entire season to come. We were thinking the cool area behind Skybar at the top of the lift would be awesome, but the catch was that neither of them had skied before so there was no guarantee they would feel comfortable enough by the end of the day to take the lift to the top.

We decided catching the view from the ice skating rink would be better but too crowded in the afternoon so we switched the proposal to sunrise before the park was even open. I set up my gear at dawn and waited for them to arrive. He told me he would be wearing a bright orange beanie and she would have on a camo one… to my surprise not one, not two but THREE couples matched that description at 7:30am and I nearly flagged down the wrong one.

He played it cool though as he approached me; he had told her he bought a private tour and they would be seeing some local animals and other sites before skiing and I would be photographing the experience. Once they were in place he popped the question and the rest was magic.

I didn’t realize when I asked him to remove his gloves and pick up a handful of snow that he had never actually seen snow before this trip! It was certainly a crash coarse but they both managed beautifully and couldn’t wait to call their family right after!

Congratulations you guys! I couldn’t be more excited for you!

Kristin and Matt's Wedding at Emerald Lake

“Love isn’t losing yourself. Love is finding who you are in the arms of another person.”

— Marisa Donnelly

I met Kristin and Matt at Landon and Alexa’s wedding a couple years ago and knew right away we’d make it to this moment in no time. The way they looked at each other as they giggled in the corner said it all. Covid, of course, kept pushing it back further and further, but we did in fact make it eventually, and everything was absolutely perfect from the glowing candles to the guests in attendance to the way Matt nearly fell over when he saw her for the first time. You can read more about their sweet engagement story here, and their epic Hawaii trip will have to wait a few more months, but they were just so happy to finally say “I do” that all the details fell by the wayside.

When Matt turned 21 he decided to safe a bottle of Crown Royal for a super special occasion in the future. He’s been waiting all these years for that moment and when he met Kristin, he knew this would be the day. His crew was, of course, more than happy to celebrate with him, and he said it was totally worth the wait. He wouldn’t have used it for any other moment.

Just before their first look, they decided to exchange letters to each other and while they were both nervous as they opened them, they knew each other so well they were laughing right away and immediately put at ease. It was the perfect way to enter their first look.

Their friends Laura and David were supposed to attend and be part of the wedding party but Covid made that impossible. Matt and Kristin were super surprised however, when they showed up anyway and waved to everyone from the car, shared the famous crown shot from the car, and pulled up to the front spot so they could witness the entire ceremony from the parking lot. It was so sweet!

Kristin had her heart set on dancing in the rain at the end of the night, she saw something beautiful in the twinkling lights and I’m so glad she did! We had the very best time! You guys thank you so much for including me on your big day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue and Catering: The View at Emerald Lake

Her Dress: Savvy Bridal Boutique

His Attire: The Tuxedo Shop

The Rings: Diamonds Direct

Officiant: Don Morphis

DJ: Raise the Roof Charlotte

Anna and Jim's Engagement at the American Tobacco Campus

“Because of your smile, you make life more beautiful”

— Thich Nhat Hanh

These two cuties drove down from Kentucky for their engagement shoot this weekend and will again for the big day in May. We were so excited to find the weather would be perfect, because when you travel that far, you’re not as able to do a rain back up.

They have the sweetest Golden pup, Kit, who just had to be a part of the shoot as well. He’s basically the star of the show, but they prefer it that way, and Kit certainly doesn’t mind.

While we were waiting for Anna’s dad to drop off kit for his debut, we took a pause to celebrate the day at a local pub, I highly recommend this (or bringing a bottle of wine if we’re in a park to share) for your shoot. It’s such a fun way to celebrate and also get rid of any nerves. ;)

When I asked what they would be doing in 30 years she said he will have invented something by then and they would be living off that plus Kit would still be alive for sure since he’s a super golden and their cat too of course…. Perhaps that’s what he invents…everlasting life for the fur babies!

I had so much fun getting you know you guys this weekend! Looking forward to spring!

Anna and Steve's Elopement at Rough Ridge

“Actually, the best gift you could have given her was a lifetime full of adventures”

— Lewis Carroll -Alice in Wonderland

I became friends with Anna when I started shooting her bother’s family photos a few years ago. We’ve since hung out several times and I must say I have never seen her as happy as I did this weekend. Steve just gets her in a way that makes her feel free and adored and it brought me so much joy to capture these moments for them.

We had to change around the plans a little since the mountain weather was being a little finicky, but we did the first look and ceremony at their cabin and followed up a couple days later with a hike a Rough Ridge Hiking Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway at sunrise.

I am obsessed with their Wooden Flowers from Forever Floral! They were so easy to tote around everywhere we went and never lost one petal. The wood is actually really soft and nearly feels like actual flower petals somehow.

They *might have kissed a half a dozen times throughout the ceremony, but we didn’t mind ;)

It was 42 degrees at sunrise but they weren’t afraid. She threw on some leggings and hiking boots under her Rustic Grace dress and blazed down the trail. Definitely my kind of people. ;)

Anna I cannot tell you how much joy it brought me to see you so happy this weekend! Thank you for including me on such a special day! SO happy for you both!

Gülşah and Vanessa's Engagement on the Blue Ridge Parkway

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.”

— Ann Landers

I could not have been more excited when Gülşah and Vanessa asked me to photograph their engagement and big day, just through our initial video chat I knew we would be great friends!

These two beautiful souls met in their Counseling/Psychology profession at Old Dominion University. So naturally we hit it off right away as my major was also Psychology focused on counseling. When you meet them, you’ll know right away they have to be in a field like that because they are both simply so easy to be around. They ask great questions and listen intently, they are truly the type of friends you want to have in your corner.

When the weekend finally arrived them them to travel here from Norfolk, VA the weather looked like it wasn’t going to cooperate for our scheduled day and I already had shoots booked every other day surrounding it, so we decided to have them meet me a day early just a little bit before my other shoot that evening so we could at least guarantee a few glowy sunset photos if we weren’t able to get them the next day.

So the duck pond in Banner Elk served as our first backdrop and worked out perfectly. I had them climbing all over rocks and dancing in tight spaces but we made it work and it was totally worth it!

The rain held off just long enough for us to also capture a few memories at Rough Ridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway as well! We brought a couple umbrellas just in case and were so glad we did, we walked right through the center of a cloud on the way up and brought the rain back down with us on our way. The rain splattered hair simply added to the romance though and those final photos were some of my favorite from the whole weekend.

Cara and Justin's Engagement in Raleigh

“So I’m thanking you today, because of you I am now me...”

— John Butler Trio

I met these two cuties at a wedding expo back in the spring and we hit it off right away. They were telling me all about their plans for their big day at The Sutherland and I just knew we’d be a great fit.

He’s a vet tech and she does clinical research in optometry…so obviously they’re way smarter than me lol, but we had a great time walking and driving all over Raleigh as we discussed their plans.

Falls of Neuse was an important place to start because they walked their first baby Tucker there every week…not so much now with little Molly, but it still holds great value to them. They also wanted to show off all the green that is representative of NC to her Ohio fam, so we chose Pullen Park for that.

They said it’s been different planning the wedding with covid, but no less fun. They’re just excited they get to make the plans at all and each vendor is going out of their way to make it possible, for example for cake tastings, they sent them a to-go box of separate cupcakes to try. So it can all be done

And of course the Beauty Tribe did a phenomenal job on her hair and make up, so I can’t wait to see them in action on the big day!

Please note little Molly’s tongue above. It just made me so happy! How cute is she?!? And of course Tucker is very best good boy. :)

You guys thank you so much for trusting me with your memories! I’m so excited for you both!

Justin and Bryan's Engagement at Linville Falls Winery

“To dare - is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare - is to lose oneself”

— Soren Kierkegaard

Love sometimes has a funny way of presenting itself in our lives. Sometimes it hits us like like a freight train and we cannot help succumbing to its force. Sometimes it enters our lives subtly and without notice at first. It enters with small gestures and inside jokes, commonality and late night discussions. It can come when we’re desperate to find it and also when we’re not looking for it all. However it comes, when it does, it is good. Everyone deserves it and everyone is capable of giving it. Regardless of what it looks like.

I simply could not be more honored to be a part of this announcement.

Justin and Bryan decided to announce both their engagement AND their coming out at the same time and of course wanted a fun photoshoot to go with it! I *may have held a small dance party by my laptop when they told me.

They met at work several years ago and hit it off pretty quickly, but their common love of To-Shin Do ninjutsu really seemed to seal the bond. Throw in their best Shiba Inu pup, Ketsu and you’ve got the sweetest little family.

They’ve been waiting for just the right time to take this big step and feel that they cannot wait any longer. They both wanted to propose to each other to show they were both choosing and both saying, “Yes.” They have such a fun journey ahead and I cannot wait to watch their story unfold.

They said it best themselves in their announcement, “There is no perfect time or way to open yourselves up to the whole world, but we have decided that right now is the time because we have great news to share. We just got engaged! Our relationship is one that has evolved over time. Together we have been around the world, we have helped each other through tragedy, celebrated each other’s victories, and we have made each other laugh so hard that we have cried. Together we can endure anything that life throws at us and we are ready to learn and grow even more together in this next stage of our lives.”

I’ve had so much fun getting to know them over the past few days as we made all the plans and ensured it would be the perfect photoshoot! Their rings are inscribed with their martial art warrior names and it’s such a big part of their lives so we had to include a special photo with their swords as well.

Ketsu was definitely one of the best puppers I’ve ever worked with. He was so very regal and calm. I can definitely see him being the very best little ring-bearer in the future!

You guys thank you so much for including me in this special time! I am truly honored and I’m excited for all that’s in store for you!

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue: Linville Falls Winery

Rings: Lashbrook Designs

Best Pupper: Ketsu

Jessica and Zak's Engagement at Carver's Gap

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own”

— Robert A. Heinlein

I have had a front row seat to these two cuties from the moment they started dating. Zak is good friends with my guy, and we both started dating at roughly the same time so we’ve been hanging out together ever since!

Just before Covid hit Zak wanted to do this epic proposal with a horse and carriage at the Biltmore House and we were so excited for him…so when that became impossible we started scheming how to make it happen closer to home. They have an awesome boat and RV out at Watauga Lake, so we considered that, we thought about hikes and picnics and in the end it simply and beautifully worked out to have dinner together at our favorite spot, Louisiana Purchase, and surprise her with the ring at dessert.

Needless to say, she said, “Yes!” and their engagement shoot followed last night. Roan Mountain is just so incredibly beautiful this time of year, it was the perfect backdrop. They brought the kiddos along and we made an evening of it.

I am grateful for such incredible friends and cannot wait to capture the big day sometime next year! It’s going to be an amazing journey!

Katherine and Michal's Engagement on the Blue Ridge Parkway

“When you trust someone, you don’t need to know everything.”

— Bob Goff

Kate and Michal had quite a journey traveling up to the mountains for their Engagement shoot, but that didn’t overshadow their excitement in the slightest. While we walked she would whisper “I love you’s” and he would tell her how beautiful her green eyes were in the evening light as if they’d just met.

It’s so beautiful to watch a love story unfold right in front of your eyes. They talked about how they’d met in undergrad, experienced a mud run together and how they knew from the very beginning something was different about “this one.” As they talked about their common career paths in Physical Therapy, they also dreamed about their future and potential matching Jeeps. They couldn’t be more natural together.

We began at Grandfather Meadows where they host the Highland Games every year, and finished nearby at Flat Rock Overlook just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We couldn’t have asked for better weather!

I cannot wait for your big day in Roaring River this spring you guys! It’s going to be perfect!

Leann and Jeremy's Wedding at Sacred Heart

“And after all this time
I’m still into you”

— Paramore

These two have been together for like a decade and are just as adorable and happy now as they were when they met. Everyone who knows them was so excited to celebrate their happy day and then of course Covid had other plans. (insert eye roll and dramatic sigh)

They are actually one of the few Covid weddings I've had this year that decided to go ahead with the wedding after changing the date and having to face changing it again. 25 people can be JUST as fun as 200 though when they're your closest friends. The bridal suite was a dance party all morning and each person showed up fully present and ready to make 25 feel like 200. Everyone pitched in to make sure things showed up on time and in the right location, carried boxes, sanitized surfaces, pinned boutonnieres, curled hair, drove caravans and kept the music going.

Starting with the First Look, including the ceremony and the reception speeches Jeremy was all emotions all day and the way Leann wiped each tear was so precious and gentle. They both care deeply for each other and were simply grateful to have the freedom to say “I do” in the middle of 2020’s madness (not to mention the job and city changes they also had this year!)

They wanted to do a bubble exit as they left the church, but like so many other changes from covid they had to go with sparklers, and like every other change it turned out better than we’d hoped. Daylight sparkler exits have their own kind of magic!

During the final toasts Kat talked about how it’s not “them against the world,” but them as ambassadors for each other TO the world, and that rang so true. They’ve been there for each other over and over in each of life’s challenges, and they will continue to do so moving forward.

You guys thank you so much for including me in your big day! I wouldn’t have changed a thing, your crew was one of a kind!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Ceremony Venue: Sacred Heart

Reception Venue and Catering: Crabtree Marriott

Her Dress: Moonlight from Unveiled Couture in Greenville NC

His Attire: Men's Warehouse

Hair: Bekah Ellen

The Rings: Custom made from repurposed family heirlooms by Quercus Raleigh

Florist: The English Garden

Officiant: Father Ian VanHeusen

Cake Baker: Cinda's Creative Cakes 

McKenzie and Ian's Engagement at American Tobacco Campus

“Keep your face always toward the sun and shadows will fall behind you ”

— Walt Whitman

These two have been such troopers as they’ve navigated what it means to reschedule a wedding due to Covid. We were supposed to have these engagement photos back in the spring with the wedding this fall, but of course all has been pushed back a little. It was far from spring in the 95 degree Durham Summer heat but they pulled it off like professionals.

They both kept apologizing for being awkward and unphotogenic, and well…as you can see… I kept telling them they’d lost their minds because not only are they beautiful but so very natural together.

The humidity finally got the best of all of us so we decided a quick pit stop for a couple drinks would cool us off and it worked like a charm. (not to mention gave us extra photos in a fun location!)

Refreshed and ready, they changed into their favorite team jerseys and showed off all their personality. They are die hard fans and were so excited to show off their colors. :)

Thank you so much for enduring the heat with me you guys! All the reschedules will be worth it in the end! Can’t wait til next fall!

Jennifer and Justin's Wedding in Ocean Isle Beach

“The greatest adventure is to have no fear for the blaze that lies ahead”

— Robert M. Drake

Well Covid certainly has put a damper on all things weddings this year, but it wasn’t going to stop Jenn and Justin from tying the knot. After much deliberation over when and whether to postpone again they decided instead to move it off to the coast with just their immediate family and make it happen.

They had planned to have only their immediate family there to celebrate with them, but at the last minute Jenn surprised Justin and had his best man Tripp show up! There was so much love from everyone all day. It was a wonderful experience.

It felt like everything that could go wrong already had and then a monster storm rolled in 5 min before the ceremony was supposed to start. At this point all anyone could do was laugh and so we just danced around it in the carport by going ahead and making some of the photos happen, we did a first look on the balcony and moved in and out of cars for family photos until the rain stopped and the sky graced us with an incredible sunset instead.

All good things are worth waiting for and all love stories deserve their moment to shine. We only had about 10 minutes for photos after the ceremony before it was too dark to shoot so we opted instead to get up at sunrise and continue the party. It was 100% worth it.

They couldn’t end the weekend without including their best fur pup. Sterling was a perfect angel and showered them in kisses.

You guys thank you so much for including me on your big day! I know it wasn’t your first plan or even your second but you made it work and your marriage will only be stronger for it! Love you both!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Ceremony: Ocean Isle Beach

Reception and Catering: Jinks Creek Waterfront Grille

Her Dress: Allure Bridal by NY Bride and Groom

His Attire: Lauren by Ralph Lauren

The Rings: Diamonds Direct

Bridesmaids Dresses: Chianti by David’s Bridal

Groomsmen’s Attire: Ralph Lauren

Hair and Make Up: Elise Bonenberger

Perfume: Lancome Idole

Cologne: Calvin Klein Euphoria

Florist: The English Garden

Officiant: Lisa Mosca

Cake Baker: Publix

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: Beachway Rentals and Services

Invitations: Shutterfly

Davis and Sarah's Wedding at The Arbors

“Surrendering is the free-falling backwards into the unknown and trusting that The Universe will catch you.”

— Jen Sincero

Engaged at Shenandoah National Park, Eloped on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Covid-Wed after six other plans fell through with a small group of their closest family and friends at home in Charlotte. To say that these two are up for any adventure that comes their way is an understatement. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health has kept them grounded as they navigated this craziest of all years.

With all the mess of Covid postponing their first wedding date, and continuing to threaten their second date, they decided to go ahead and share their vows with each other on the side of a mountain last month. Being married in the Catholic church they knew they wouldn’t be able to write their own vows so they thought this would be the perfect time to say everything they really wanted to say.

After hiking with headlamps before the sun rose they spoke with sincerity and tenderness:

Sarah: “Throughout our entire relationship in all of its forms, you’ve consistently showed me that expectations can be exceeded. You believed in me…and made sure I wouldn’t be adventuring alone.

As your wife…I vow to push you to be the best version of yourself…and to keep life exciting and to make sure you never have to face this world alone.”

Davis: “I wouldn’t have it any other way, it fits. It’s us. It’s our story. I vow we will take on this world together. This is and always will be an equal partnership. In the end we are infinitly stronger together than we are apart.

I have no idea what the next chapter of our story holds, but as long as you are by my side, then that’s enough for me.”

I was so incredibly honored to be a part of their vow exchange. It gave me hope for the future amid the craziest of years. Their shared day with family was no different. With masks at the ready, they walked with grace and affection for each and every person there to celebrate them.

Sarah and Jess have been friends since they were kids and were sure to recreate one of their favorite photos.

Sarah wore a diamond necklace and earrings that her dad gave to her mom for their wedding. He gave it to her during their heartfelt first look just before the ceremony.

You guys thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of your journey! It’s only just begun!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Ceremony Venue: St. Therese Catholic Church, Mooresville, NC

Ceremony music: Queen City Ensemble

Reception Venue: The Arbors, Cleveland, NC

Wedding Coordinator: Tonya at The Arbors

Her Dress: Maggie Sottero from New York Bride and Groom

His Attire: Bruce Julian Clothier

Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie

Groomsmen’s suits: Bruce Julian Clothier

The Rings: Diamonds Direct

Hair Stylist & Make Up Artist: Jen's Styling Booth,

Florist: Charlotte Flower Market

Officiant: Rev. Mark Lawlor

DJ: Graham Blossom from Dow Oaks Events

Videographer: Elyse Serrano (A video of the elopement *might be under the most recent work…hint…it is…go watch it and cry immediately)

Catering: Smoke Pit

Cake Baker: Sweet Cakes Bakery

Get Away Car: Blue BMW convertible

Invitations: Minted

Favors: Chocolate Dipped Oreos from Chocolatier Barrucand

Rehearsal Dinner: North Harbor Club

Cindy and Logan's Engagement on Watauga Lake

“The ship is safest in the port. But that’s not what ships were made for”

— Paulo Coelho

Sometimes you come across people who you know will be lifetime friends the moment you meet them. Cindy and I chatted back and forth for months before this shoot happened and talked about all sorts of adventure options. She and Logan can be found on some sort of adventure just about every week.

The fact that they met snowboarding on Appalachian Ski Mountain was a great indicator to where their relationship was heading. (He did propose while snowboarding in Brekenridge after all) And with their first date canoeing on Watauga Lake, we just had to reenact it for their engagement photos. Little Marcie certainly approved.

Sunrise was not the easiest of course, the lake was almost an hour away and we needed to be there by 6 to make sure we caught the light, but it was totally worth it, as it always is. I met them at their house bright and early and they offered me some Chai…which I happened to already have in my thermos, so I knew we’d be besties before the day was over. ;)

We had a cute little duck follow us around for a good part of the morning which we all loved. But when we got to the island where we planned to shoot, we found about a dozen tents with tenants sound asleep! We tried to sneak around and whisper to get some of the photos, but one of their hounds alerted them of the intruders and we dove back into the boats to give them some peace. Oops!

It was such a perfect day and I’m SO excited to see what adventure awaits their wedding guests next year!