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Carolina Inn Wedding | Valerie & Matt

05.01.14

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What do you get when you a bride from a really large Italian family marries a groom from a really large Italian family? One reeeeeeaaaally large Italian celebration…..filled with a lot of family, a lot of happy tears, a lot of belly laughs and a lot of hugs. In other words, you get Valerie & Matt’s Carolina Inn wedding!

I don’t think Valerie and Matt’s day could have been any more perfect. Or inspiring. From the way they look at each other to those smiles they smile at each other. From the amazing relationship they share with their families to the most touching homily I may have ever witnessed at a wedding. The tears flowed freely from the family and friends gathered to witness them promise to love each other, to always remember what matters most in marriage and to always put the other first.

Valerie and Matt…Thank you for having me as a part of your day. Thank you for allowing me to witness the love you share – with each other and with all those around you. The way you love is inspiring. Thank you for trusting me with the memories of your day. I am honored to have documented it for you. Much love… OXOX ~ R

THE CREATIVE TEAM:  Venue: THE CAROLINA INN // Floral Designs: THE ENGLISH GARDEN // Cake: ASHLEY CAKES // DJ: Randy Bennett – DJ JOE BUNN COMPANY // Bride’s Attire: SAVVI FORMALWEAR // Groom’s Attire: VIP FORMALWEAR // Hair: TIFFANY MENTRAK // Makeup: Jessica Davis – SAKS 5TH AVENUE // Invitations: WEDDING PAPER DIVAS // Assistant Photographer: STEPHEN THRIFT

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Think that’s a happy man?

I absolutely adored these very sweet parent dances. Valerie danced with her dad and then they invited all the fathers and daughters to join them…and then Matt and his mom did the same with the mothers and sons.

I think it’s safe to say these folks had a good time on the dance floor. From the YMCA to the Conga line…and everything in between….Randy kept the party hopping!

Grand Marquise Ballroom Wedding | Sarah & Mack

04.29.14

If ever there was a couple that I know will be celebrating their anniversary 60 years from now, it’s Sarah and Mack. Theirs is the kind of love that is magical. Almost fairytale-like. Like they’ve been sprinkled with glittery dust by the Love Fairy. In fact, if I didn’t know better, I would swear that novels have been written and movies made about their love. They each light up when they’re in the other’s presence. They’re happy. And everyone around them feels it. And they light up too. Because they know they’re in the presence of a deep, life-long love.

Every moment of their Grand Marquise Ballroom wedding was pure perfection. And just as magical as their love. From the time Sarah stepped into her gorgeous gown designed for a princess to the first step she took down the aisle toward her handsome prince; from the moment they kissed for the first time as husband and wife to the grand exit they made under twinkling stars and the golden glow of sparklers. Yes, pure, magical perfection.

Sarah and Mack….Thank you. Thank you for being you. And for loving like you do. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives – and into your hearts. And for allowing me to document the beginning of this new chapter of your love story. You’re nothing short of amazing and I am honored to call you not just clients, but now friends. May all of your days be filled with the kind of magical love that filled your wedding day! Much love…. OXOX ~ R

THE CREATIVE TEAM:  Ceremony: WHITE PLAINS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH // Reception: THE GRAND MARQUISE BALLROOM // Planner: JULIE HINSHAW // Floral Designs: FRESH AFFAIRS // Cake: ASHLEY CAKES // Caterer: ROCKY TOP CATERING // Invitations and Paper Suite: CUTE BUTTONS GIFT AND PAPER BOUTIQUE // DJ: JOE BUNN DJ COMPANY // Bride’s Attire: BRIDAL BOUTIQUE // Groom’s Attire: MEN’S WEAR HOUSE // Makeup: PAMELA HUNG WITH ONLOKTION MAKEUP // Videographer: TWENTY-ONE FILMS // Photography Assistant : COURTNEY HATHAWAY

Sarah’s maid and matron of honor were the only attendants to help her get dressed. I just love this reaction of her bridesmaids and helpers as they see her for the first time.

Oh Sarah. Could you be any more beautiful?? You truly look like a princess.

Sarah want to see Mack before the ceremony, but she did want a special moment alone with her Daddy before walking down the aisle.

Sarah and Mack – the royals have nothing on you two! S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!!!

The crowd roared when during his speech, Mack’s dad asked him to place his hand on top of Sarah’s and then advised him to enjoy it – warning that he is married now and it would be the last time he would have the upper hand. A Meredith girl cannot have a wedding without the ring shot!

Spring wedding flowers | Flowers by Kyle

04.14.14

I‘m as pleased as punch to finally share these images today. What better way to leave Old Man Winter far behind and head into Easter than with photos of these AH-MAZINGly gorgeous spring wedding flowers that Kyle Overby with Flowers by Kyle put together a couple of weeks ago.

Kyle, on his inspiration for the shoot: “Spring itself inspired me for sure! When I saw the buds start popping out on the plants, it was a sure sign that Spring was just around the corner. What better way to chase away the last remaining remnants of winter than with bright, fun colors? I knew using the secret garden of an old home in Historic Oakwood as the backdrop would allow the flowers to pop. That also inspired me to pull in touches of vintage charm in a formal yet playful manner.”

Talk about swoon-worthy – this would be the perfect sweetheart table for a wedding or a romantic anniversary dinner for two (and guess who’s FIVE-YEAR anniversary is coming up in May?!?!)! Enjoy!

This just took my breath away! Pure perfection.

To learn more about Kyle, check out this post.

NC State Engagement | Ashley + Marcus

04.11.14

Theirs is a story as old as time. Marcus was the quarterback of the college football team. Ashley was the captain of the dance squad. So their paths crossed often. In the student union. At social events. Certainly at games where she cheered him on. But it took one of her friends encouraging an “official meeting” and phone number exchange to get them together. That was in 2006.

They became fast friends, mainly because they had so much in common. They were leaders. School was important to them. They were focused on their futures. And like all best friends, they leaned on each other for encouragement and support when things became challenging. They make each other laugh. They keep each other motivated. They’re strong, driven individuals, and in all things, they really just make the other better.

They were a team back in 2006. And they’re a team now. And tomorrow, they will officially become TEAM STONE – as they say their vows and commit their lives to one another. Stay tuned for photos from their gorgeous wedding at The Sutherland which will soon follow.

In the meantime, enjoy these photos from their beautiful fall NC State engagement session. They’re some of my favorites!

NC State played such a large role in their lives, how could I photograph them anywhere else? And that ring shot is one of my all time favorites! LoveloveLOVE! Love this family photo… Of course, Marcus and Ashley had to toss the football at least a little. Albert and Maisey wanted in on some of that action as well! You can tell Marcus was up to no good….
Then, we meandered down to the Free Expression Tunnel…

Today feels almost like Christmas Eve. I can’t wait too see you both tomorrow and am honored to be part of your big day!

Carolina Inn Wedding | Kaley & Chris

04.04.14

On the day of Kaley and Chris’ wedding, there was wind. And there was rain. There was even some ice. Ice that caused roads to become slick…that threatened their guests’ travel…that even caused trees to come down on Chris’ grandfather’s house that morning. (He was the minister presiding over the ceremony, by the way!) Even though Old Man Winter was rearing his ugly head outside, inside there was a warmth like no other. The warmth that comes from the genuine love of family and friends close enough to be family. Despite the weather, Kaley and Chris’ Carolina Inn wedding was nothing short of perfection. On the most simple level, it was beautiful. On a deeper level, it was raw. And it was filled with real emotion. Tears of joy. Laughter from true happiness. And an honest vow to each other…to family. And to love.

So on this cold, wintry-like day, Kaley and Chris married, pledging their love for all eternity and promising to weather all of life’s storms together.

Kaley and Chris, I couldn’t possibly be happier for you two. There’s no wonder why your family and friends love you like they do. You’re some kind of wonderful. Thank you for allowing me to document this first day of your new life together. I am both honored and humbled. And I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you both! Much love… OXOX ~ Renee

THE CREATIVE TEAM:  Venue: THE CAROLINA INN // Floral Designs: FILO CREATIONS // Cake: ONE BELLE BAKERY // DJ: MIKE MORSE ENTERTAINMENT // Bride’s Attire: TRADITIONS BY ANNA // Groom’s Attire: MEN’S WEARHOUSE // Hair: JAY ANDREWS SALON // Assistant Photographer: STEPHEN THRIFT // Planner: SALLY OAKLEY

Ice anyone? The beautiful bride…

and the dashing groom… Dad seeing his “grown up little girl” in her wedding gown for the first time.
Special kisses from the cutest ring bearer ever…

It’s time! Final moments before taking the big walk… Seeing Kaley for the first time…

An AWESOME wedding party – I had so much fun with these guys and gals!

Pretty details…simple and elegant.
Meet the new Mr. & Mrs! A couple of happy parents… The toasts brought everyone to tears….then laughter…then tears…and laughter… and sometimes they laughed so hard they cried… This bouquet toss was priceless….
Mike Morse kept the dance floor hopping all night long…

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Carolina Inn Wedding | Valerie & Matt

Grand Marquise Ballroom Wedding | Sarah & Mack

Spring wedding flowers | Flowers by Kyle

NC State Engagement | Ashley + Marcus

Carolina Inn Wedding | Kaley & Chris