St. Raphael Catholic Church – Hilton ‘Mansion on the Hill’ Wedding | Beth + Matt

I knew I was going to love Beth and Matt the first day I met them. They are NC State alumni and die-hard Wolfpackers, which never hurts. But, what really drew me to them were the stolen glances…the flirty looks that show they’re both “oh-so-smitten”. The way they finish each other’s sentences. And the laughter. Oh how they love to laugh.

After being friends for eight years and dating for over three of those, they are so comfortable with each other and they just know how to make the other person laugh. Beth once said “the great thing about dating your best friend is that you already know how much you love to be around each other!” And knowing someone so well – and enjoying their company that much – definitely leads to laughter.

So it came as no surprised when Beth and Matt’s wedding day was also filled with the joyous sound of laughter. Tears of joy and happiness were shed. Serious vows were shared as lives and love were pledged. But amidst it all, the laughter rang out. Beth and Matt laughed. And their friends and loved ones laughed along with them!

Beth and Matt…I can’t begin to tell you how much I just adore you both! I am honored to have shared the day with you and your families and to have captured the start of your new life for you. Thank you to all of you for the laughter and the friendship! I wish you a long life together that is always filled with joy and happiness. May you both laugh long, laugh hard and laugh often! OXOX ~R

A special thanks to the amazing team of professionals involved:
 Ceremony Site: St. Raphael Catholic Church; Reception Venue: The Hilton Hotel RTP; DJ: All Around Raleigh DJ; Cake Baker: Sweet Memories Bakery; Florist: The English Garden; Hair & Makeup: Von Kekel; Bride’s and Bridal Party Attire: David’s Bridal; Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas; Photo Site: Fred Fletcher Park

Beth couldn’t have chosen a more perfect gown for her summer wedding than this light and airy chiffon one. LOVE it!

The gals at The English Garden outdid themselves with these gorgeous purple flowers…. Beth lost both sets of grandparents during her engagement to Matt. Wanting to find some way to honor their memory, she included photo charms of them on her bouquet.

Yes, I loveloveLOVE these purple flowers!

Beth had pre-weddng notecards created to use as thank you notes, to communicate with special friends, etc.  – AND they made the perfect accessory for a cute ring shot!

Do you think there were some happy families on this day? LoveloveLOVE this photo of Beth and her dad! It seems to sum up their relationship pretty well! An excited – and maybe a wee bit nervous – groom awaits his bride…

LOVE this shot of Matt and his dad — I wasn’t sure either of them would it together at this point!
People often say more with their eyes than they do with their mouths. I love all the little stolen glances and looks of love that are evident on Matt’s face throughout the ceremony! It’s obvious he is totally smitten!

A FAVE!

Oh yes! S-M-I-T-T-E-N, indeed!! This is the look of pure joy and happiness!

A slight miscue by Beth – who decided to go in for a kiss mid-ceremony! I don’t think Matt minded. Not. one. bit!
Another FAVE! And then it was time for the real kiss…..and with that, they’re signed, sealed and delivered!
After a few family formals at the church, the bridal party stopped by Fletcher Park for some fun photos…. I love groom’s who have a little fun with their wedding day attire…Matt’s purple argyle socks seem to fit him so well….as do Beth’s ruffly sandals!
The beautiful bride and the handsome groom….. Fletcher Park is a personal favorite location of mine – and was just perfect for photos of the happy couple! 

After a short session with Beth and Matt, it was time to head over to the Hilton to par-tay!

Could this arrangement on the head table be any more gorgeous! The English Garden knocked it out of the park, for sure!
Beth and Matt decided against a traditional guest book, and instead chose a thumb print balloon print. LOVE. IT!
Beth added her own personal touches, too — like with this seating chart arrangement that she made using various purple fabrics that she found and the little “just married” table signs. 
Sweet Memories in Apex made both cakes — the beautiful wedding cake (that was as dee-lish as it was pretty!) and this totally awesome groom’s cake. Matt is a HUGE Prince fan so Beth had the bakery make him a replica of a turntable…complete with Purple Rain album! WAY COOL!
Beth made grape jelly and jam to give as favors to her guests….JAM PACKED WITH LOVE was a HUGE hit! After making their grand entrance, Beth and Matt enjoy their first dance as husband and wife.  A sweet Daddy-Daughter dance…. Followed by a very touching Mother-Son dance….LOVE these photos of Matt and his Mom! There weren’t many dry eyes in the room… After dinner, Matt’s dad (and Beth’s sister) gave very touching toasts. The tears were flowing as freely as the champagne! And then it was time to B-O-O-G-I-E-D-O-W-N!!

After dancing their hearts out all night,  the happy couple’s friends sent them out in style amidst a bubble shower! 

A big, big THANK YOU to my friend and awesome associate HEATHER LAUFFER for photographing this wedding with me.