Megan + Alan | Fearrington Village Chapel Hill wedding

It was a cold, wet morning at the beautiful Fearrington Village outside of Chapel Hill, but Megan and Alan were not about to let a little rain slow them down. This was the day they had so patiently waited for. Besides, rain on wedding day is supposed to bring good luck for the marriage.

Fearrington was abuzz as the couple prepared to exchange vows later that day. Squeals of delight and nervous laughter rang from the girls’ dressing suite, while slaps on the back and deep belly laughs bellowed from the Red Room where the guys were getting ready.  The day was going just the way Megan and Alan had imagined it — they were surrounded by the family and friends they love most on the most important day of their lives.

Finally, it was time. Alan made his way through the rain and took his place at the top of the aisle. And waited. Alan’s face lit up as bright as fireworks on New Year’s Eve when he saw her. As Megan slowly made her way toward him, they both had to fight back the tears. Tears of excitement and anticipation. Tears of relief. Tears of love and joy and happiness. After pledging themselves to one another, they made their way back down the aisle. And out into the rain. Where they hugged. And laughed. And cried. And kissed. Together.

Megan and Alan, thank you for being so amazing. I am incredibly blessed to know you…am honored to have photographed your wedding day…and am so appreciative that you and your families welcomed me with open arms as part of the family (does that mean I’m the “black sheep” since I’m the lone Wolfpacker among you Tarheels?). I wish you both all the love and happiness in the world! Much Love…OXOX ~ Renee

 

Even in the rain, Fearrington is such a beautiful place for a wedding!

 

There are gorgeous flowers and cool little details all over the grounds — and as luck would have it, purple irises that matched the wedding colors were in full bloom on wedding day.

 

I believe every bride should be pampered on her wedding day. Megan’s makeup was beautifully perfected by the amazing Pam Hung (read more about her here).

 

Megan’s wedding gown was a classic and so perfect for her. I just adore all the organza and the embroidered details. AND a pretty bow? — oh you had me at “hello”!

Helping her daughter into her wedding dress is always such a special time for a mother…

 

Not wanting to leave her best friends out of the fun, Megan had one of her be sties put on the garter while the others looked on in delight.

 

I’m a sucker for cool shoes….and these wedges complete with sparkles AND a bow are way cool. 

 

I love when brides find little ways to incorporate family history, traditions and heirlooms into their day. The pearls Megan wore were the same pearls that her grandfather gave to her grandmother on their wedding day years and years ago.

Meanwhile, the guys were in another area of the grounds….clearly discussing the meaning of life and other deep subjects. I loved how fun and relaxed this group was…

Time to get serious about getting ready…

 

While Alan was getting dressed, his guys were drinking a toast in his honor…

 

Alan specifically requested this photo and being a HUGE (albeit NOT a Carolina) college football fan, I was happy to make sure it happened. You see Alan and several of his groomsmen are more than football fans. They’re actually football players. Alan played on the offensive line at UNC and signed with the Oakland Raiders; Trevor played at UNC as did Garrett, who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons. And it just seemed appropriate to have the Houston Texans’  TJ calling the signals for Alan one last time on this special day – just as he had done so many times at UNC.  What a fun group! Many thanks to my associate Tanya for making sure this photo was captured for Alan!

Not to be outdone, Megan and her girls look stunning! 

 

A few wedding day portraits — both bride and groom look oh-so-fabulous….and incredibly relaxed.

 

Love love LOVE this image of Megan….so beautiful!

A happy bride…on her way to see her husband-to-be for the first time that day…

 

I love it when couples choose to see each other before the wedding ceremony. It’s the moment that is truly their own. It’s private and a great way for them to block out everything else and simply connect as as a couple.

 

Alan anxiously – and maybe a bit nervously – awaits his beautiful bride…

 

They are both so overcome with emotion at the very moment they see each other…

“First looks” also help with the flow of the day and help create beautifully relaxed portraits of the happy couple…

 

Ohmyword! Megan – could you possibly be any more beautiful than in this moment? Stunning!

 

The Fearrington Inn Restaurant was the perfect place for a rainy first look — and provides such a gorgeous backdrop for portraits on wedding day.

 

Beautiful rings — and it just seemed appropriate to take a photo of them out in the rain….

I love the little details that make the wedding day special to each couple….

 

A little rain wasn’t about to stop the happiness on this wedding day…

 

Fighting back tears as Megan walked down the aisle…

 

Do you think this was a happy group after the vows were said and the rings exchanged?

 

I just love the excitement and happiness of these two…

One of my favorite images of Megan and Alan. Could anything be more romantic?

We made our way over to the “barn” where the reception would be held for a few more photos… 

 

Another favorite photo from their day. This image just makes me happy – so full of hope and anticipation…

The entire bridal party joined them for a few fun photos  as well…

One last kiss alone and then it’s party time! 

 

More awesome details from their day….including a custom guest book…

 

and cake pops as favors (y’all KNOW i loved these!!)….

 

The reception featured amazing food….

…beautiful flowers and decor…

 

…a STUNNINGLY gorgeous cake….

 

(well – this one? notsomuch! …. though appropriate under the circumstances, I suppose!)

 

…and lots of emotion… Such a beautiful first dance by Megan and Alan.

 

Megan’s dad got all choked up talking about his little girl and her new husband during his welcoming speech…

Dancing to “Little Miss Magic” – a song he used to sing to her when she was a little girl…

 

And one of my favorite moments …. holding the flames lit in approval….

 

One of my favorite photos of Alan and his sweet mom, Janet! Think she was happy?

 

Toasts by Alan’s friend, Trevor, and Megan’s sister, Kaitlyn, were quite entertaining…

 

And then it was dance time…DJ extraordinaire Joe Bunn didn’t disappoint. He kept the floor hopping the entire time…

 

TJ has moves on and off the football field…

 

Megan’s UNC volleyball coach has a few moves of his own as well…

 

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of gals and guys THIS eager to catch the bouquet and garter before….

 

One final dance for the happy couple…

And then time for a sparkly getaway.