30 minutes outside Durham and less than an hour away from Raleigh is a cutest town! Graham, NC is right outside Burlington and hosts the cutest downtown! Right in the heart of the is the newest and coolest North Carolina wedding venue, The Graham Mill. Historic, modern, industrial, spacious, full of natural light, exposed brick, metal beams, and complete with an outdoor space! The Graham Mill is owned by Harmony Weddings & Events, a North Carolina based wedding planning company established in 2015 so you know the space is so well thought out and perfect in every big and small way! 

This modern cotton candy themed wedding was so much fun to photograph! I loved the fully pink clouds of baby's breath and cotton candy. The black was the perfect compliment to make it edgier and more modern. The gold in her hair and the gold decorations were the most beautiful accent! It was a dream to be apart of this fantastic team and document Imari and Demetrius at The Graham Mill!

Scroll down to see the cotton candy, the glitter, and love and read more about the town of Graham, our couple, and the team! 

When planning your Graham Mill Wedding you can stay in so many cute hotels and Airbnbs! You have options all over the Triangle! I picked a few cute places right in and around Graham! Check out this romantic Graham AirBnb right on a lake! 

​The Graham Mill is a photographers dream! This incredible North Carolina Wedding Venue is totally worth the short 30 minute drive for us Durham wedding photographers and the fast hour drive for Raleigh wedding photographers! The light from the massive windows and the glass garage door is so dreamy! I love the white sliding barn doors as the perfect ceremony backdrop with a touch of history and character. The Graham Mill is perfect for big weddings, micro weddings, elopements, or anything. It's a blank canvas and the most beautiful medium for our cotton candy dreams! 

I HAVE to brag on our couple Imari and Demetrius! They met at an engineering conference (the same one her parents met at!) and 5 years later he proposed at her favorite place, Disney World! This power couple is truly inspirational y'all. Imari has her own YouTube Channel that everyone needs to check out, like, and subscribe to her videos! Analytical Chemist. Environmental Engineer. Oceanographer. Badass. Visit her website and give her some love! 

​We had a really amazing crew come together to pull off this Cotton Candy Wedding Editorial! Everyone is so collaborative, creative, and committed to making it the best day ever for our couple! 

• Florals: @bea.morad
• Beauty & Planning: @weddedkiss.com
• Venue The Graham Mill: @TheGrahammillwww.thegrahammill.com/
• Cotton candy: @wonderpuff
• Cake: @sugareuphoriasugareuphoria.com/
• Models: Imari and Demetrius @calimari93 and her Youtube Channel 
• Tux Bernard’s tux: @bernardstux
• Gown Gilded Bridal: @gildedbridal 
• Rentals Greenhouse: @greenhousepickersisters
• Place cards CK creations: @ck.creations
• Sequin cake tablecloth: @ce_rental_raleigh

There are so many great hidden gems restaurants in Graham! Here are a few of the best restaurants in Graham! 

• Press Coffee & Crepes
• The Graham Soda Shop & Grill
• The Verdict On The Square 
• Reverence Farms Kitchen 
• Daily Donuts 
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Miami Design District is a super cool neighborhood in Miami, Florida minutes from Wynwood, Downtown, and Miami Beach! Miami Design District is full of creativity, shopping, fashion, design, art, architecture, and restaurants. It was built in the early 2000s by developer Craig Robins, president and CEO of Dacra and is home to over 130 art galleries, showrooms, creative services, architecture firms, luxury fashion stores, antiques dealers, restaurants, and bars. Miami Design District is listed at the #12 thing to do in Miami on Trip Adviser. Here is a huge list and directory of Miami Design District stores to check out too!

Miami Design District is the perfect location for wedding, elopement, or engagement pictures because of all the incredibly unique back drops but also super close and amazing restaurants and hotels! This first picture, for instance, is a giant bubble surrounded by water that is actually the entrance to a parking garage! SO COOL! You can only find stuff like that in the Miami Design District! I loved how this elopement was a little more high fashion and editorial. So of course I thought of Miami's Design District as the perfect backdrop! 

I teamed up on this Miami Design District Elopement with the following awesome Miami wedding vendors:

• Couple: Cindy & Tim
• Dresses: Merlili Bridal & Boutique in Coral Gables 
• Florals: Posh Petals Miami 
• Assistant: Marla Manes Photography

There are SO many great Miami Design District Hotels! But I prefer AirBnbs! If you want something beyond Miami Design District hotels, check out this list of AirBnbs in and near Miami Design District and Wynwood!* I put this together picking the highest rated AirBnbs with either awesome views or something special to offer like a pool or mural! When looking for Miami Design District hotels or Airbnbs, consider the following:

1. Rating - If you plan far enough ahead, stay at only 4.5 stars and above!
2. Reviews - Does it have 5 stars but only 1 review? Is it loud? Host welcoming? Comfy bed? Coffee provided? Pets allowed?
3. Parking availability? - Miami is a big city and sometimes parking isn't aways easy to find!
4. Safety - Wynwood and Downtown Miami, like any big city, have parts that might not be the safeest, so be sure to look up crime maps!
5. Walkability - Can you walk out your door and go grab an amazing meal or do you have to Uber/Lyft?

Let's talk Miami Design District Restaurants! Miami Design District has awesome eateries, food halls, and bars! Drew and I LOVE taking our out of town guests here! Our top 3 favorite Miami Design District restaurants are:

1. Politan Row Miami Food Hall - This awesome Miami Design District Food Hall has SO many delicious choices! We brought my parents here because every food stall is changing and revoloving and everyone can find something. I am gluten free and vegetarian and my mom is gluten free and soy free, and my dad eats bland. So food halls are a great choice for group meals! 
2. Michael's Genuine Food & Drink - This Miami Design District restaurant is a CLASSIC. We always love going for happy hour! We love the oysters and cocktails! They have a great outdoor area which is perfect for Covid safety too! 
   
3. Mandolin Aegean Bistro - This Miami Design District restaurant is a little outside of the neighborhood but I promise it is worth it! This Mediterranean restaurants literally feels like you're stepping onto a Greek Island. So much out door seating, surrounded by the iconic blue and white stucco and tropical plants. I recommend the Halloumi and Turkish sampler! 
   

Living in Miami, weather is super unpredictable. It's a tropical climate so rainstorms can come out of no where. It can pour for 5 minutes then be sunny. So checking a weather radar is the most helpful. Miami's Design District is on the mainland and next to the city, so it's often prone to more rain than the beach because the heat gets trapped in the tall buildings and concrete. So I definitely recommend checking weather before visiting Miami's Design District and always bringing an umbrella. Here are the best times to visit Miami and Miami's Design District:

• Summer - It rarely gets above 90! If it does, it rains. Living in NC I think our NC summer months are hotter and more humid than Miami. Miami at least has a breeze. But be warned, it rains EVERYDAY in the summer. It might be for a few minutes. It might be on and off. Rarely, it's all day. 
• Sunrise - I recommend sunrise in the summer months for elopements for less chance of rain! 
• Winter - January through March is magical! You might catch some sub 80 days and those are magical! 
• Be aware of hurricane season! August, September, and October are all prone to hurricanes. If you book during this time check refund policies incase a storm does hit, grow, or turn! 

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This gorgeous Wilmington elopement was a dream! I drove into Wilmington's historic district and on the cobblestone road hides Wilmington wedding venue, The Atrium! I am so excited to move back to North Carolina! Raleigh/Durham is only 2 hours from Wilmington! I can't wait for Wilmington Weddings, Wilmington Elopements, and Wilmington Engagements! I SO loved photographing at The Atrium! Now that I know all the best shooting locations, I am so ready to photograph another wedding or elopement in the gorgeous hidden gardens!

The Atrium by Ligon Flynn is tucked among the buildings in the heart of historic downtown Wilmington. At one time the building housed livery stables for the downtown community, but by the 1970’s the structure had fallen into complete ruin. Architect Ligon Flynn purchased the building in the 1980’s and redesigned it into a contemporary urban garden and office space. Ligon Flynn centered his design on the intersection of people and nature, and the philosophy remains apparent in the Atrium today. The area is filled with natural elements, local foliage, climbing vines, brick masonry, and water combined with the clean lines of modern architecture. The space has a magical quality and has been called “an open-air cathedral,” a hidden treasure,” “Wilmington’s secret garden.” 

Maintaining Ligon’s philosophy that humans should be touched by breeze, light, air, and earth, it only seems appropriate that his space be used for one of the most significant moments in a lifetime. 

Thank you Adorn Collective for hosting this amazing day! 
Host: @adorncollectiveworkshops
Stylist: @lionhouse.weddings
Venue: @atriumwilmington
Floral + Floral Arch: @fiorefineflowers
Invitation: @prettywrittenthings
Lounge, Table + Chair rentals: @marthamydearrentals
Tabletop Rentals: @partysuppliersandrentals
Runner, Napkins + Ribbon: @mosshound_designs
Neon Sign: @customneon
Beauty: @makeupbymadieee
Gown: @beautifulbridesofwilmington
Jumpsuits: @asos
Cake: @swankysweetsbakeshop
Bridal Earrings: @_poppy_co_
Shoes: @badgleymischkabride
Model Agency: @lockemodels
Models: @alexandriashekian / @minyonezekiel

Another strong, persevering, flexible, joyful, family first couple who's dream wedding had to be postponed. I'm so happy they finally were able to say their vows on their original wedding date. Drew and I were in Raleigh closing on our Durham house! So it was perfect I could be at Nick's house for a few hours capturing their day! Nick's dad got certified and officiated the wedding, how special! They also brought their 4 month old Ausiedoodle, Adler! He was my favorite and I had to actively not photograph him every moment haha. Viewing the situation through Drew's optimistic eyes, I love how my couples have been having small legal ceremonies before their bigger celebration. This way, once the big day comes around, there's literally no pressure because they're already married! Trial run of wedding day complete :D I love that their wedding was live streamed to those who couldn't make it and I love the live comments too! Excited to celebrate their wedding again with them in Raleigh next year! 

Jenn and Glenn's wedding had to be moved due to the pandemic. But that didn't stop them from having the most gorgeous day! Drew and I first met these two high school sweet hearts at Miami's Perez Art Museum and walked the art park and got coffee at Books & Books. Jenn is special education and has a heart of gold! So she and Drew talked all about psychology, learning, and funny stories with their kids. We were so happy we could still join their Miami wedding even after date and venue change. The guest list had to unfortunately be cut down, but thankfully, we found a wedding venue with wifi and family and friends Zoomed in! Redland Koi Gardens was SO pretty and thankfully didn't need many decorations! They looked dashing and radiant! My heart just overflows with how they look at each other! My favorite was throwing colorful pompoms as they walked down the aisle! I love how even a short and small wedding is still full of love and meaning. Their first look was so beautiful and her bridesmaid's crying made it all even more emotional! Their family and friends gave beautiful toasts and everyone was so supportive and joyful on their wedding day. Thank you for letting us be a part of your intimate celebration!!! 

Venue: @redlandkoigardens
Florals: @poncefloraldesign
Cake: @sweet_designs
Dress: @davidsbridal
H&MUA: @miamiglamteam

Michelle + Paul's wedding at the Confidante Hotel on South Beach was a beautiful celebration full of tropical vibes and lots of love! I loved everything from the bright colors of the tile and art work to the beautiful details like custom cuff links and new, blue, borrowed, blue jewelry. I had so much for taking their engagement photos at Mattheson Hammock Park that showing up on their wedding day was a breeze and like showing up to celebrate with friends! They are just the most loving and caring people, and hearing stories from their friends and family only confirms what a gift they are as individuals and as a couple! Thank you for letting me be a part of your gorgeous day! 

Cristi and Nick met in paramedic school and both went on to become firefighter paramedics! These two brave, selfless, full of joy and energy warriors are just so inspiring! They're beyond chill and care deeply for others. Wedding day was so easy and so much fun! Cristi made custom everything for their wedding including awesome jackets, glasses, shirts, and favors. Their first look was intimate and emotional and I loved that we had so much time for photos which let me take a few pics with the drone! Their ceremony was personal and reflective while still holding true to their light and easy going souls. My favorite was that Cristi's grandmother was her matron of honor (check out the viral TikTok post here!) SO sweet! Abuela smiled and was radiant the whole night! Drew and I loved dancing the night away with their awesome friends and family. Always so special when we feel the love too! Drew and I admire our brave first responder life saving friends and are so happy we could be a part of their well deserved celebration! 

On their 10th anniversary together, Lance and Jess tied the knot! They met at a bar and Jessica knew immediately he was the one. They flew to Miami with their two best friends and made their wedding week a honeymoon vacation with friends! I love that they made it such a celebration! They chose to have a simple and stress free elopement in the gorgeous Japanese Redland Koi Gardens surrounded by Buddah statues, foo dogs, paper lanterns, and gorgeous trees, flowers, and ponds. No decoration needed! I loved her flower crown and ombre wedding bouquet by Rose Coloured Florals and gorgeous cake set up! I love elopements because each one is so different and so personal to the couple. You can do whatever you want! They were able to soak in all the goodness and we had so much time for photos, which makes my heart so happy! Thank you for letting me be a part of your beautiful day! 

Rita + Ezequiel are the best! I first met Rita for drinks at my favorite food hall on South Beach, Time Out. We had such a great time talking about how they met, what they like to do, and planned for a super fun and personal engagement. Engagement day comes rolling around and we take pictures in their home playing board game with coffee and cookies while cuddling with their dog, and then walk to beach! (Blog post of their engagement here!) I loved being able to do something unique and special to them. Then, they modeled for me yet again as a mentored a photographer. I wanted them to be in front of the camera because their love is so natural, tangible, and of course they both super photogenic :D Wedding day arrives and even though it's raining, R+E are radiating because they get to marry each other! The barn served as a cozy back up for ceremony and reception. The rain held up just in time for some out door photos too! We loved seeing old friends from other weddings, we love that their dog was involved and running around all day, and we loved seeing two deserving souls get their happily ever after!! 

Beautiful, vibrant, easy going. This wedding was just perfect! From the chillest portrait session ever to getting family photos done before the ceremony to an awesome dance fiesta to close the night. Drew and I met Taylor and Steven at our favorite park in Miami, Mattheson Hammock. We set up Steven with his back turned and Taylor walk up behind him for the sweetest first look! We love first looks because it's really the only time of the day you two get to be alone together. You can take each other in, take in the day, and be present. Drew and I had to keep watching out clocks because we could have kept photographing these two beautiful souls all day! I love that they didn't have a wedding party. It kept things simple and streamlined. The focus was on them! We rolled right into family photos then we captured their ceremony surrounded by waterfalls and lush greenery. Their vows were joyful, personal, and full of forevers. I love that they got to enjoy their own cocktail hour too! I talked with a few of their friends who came from all over the country and they talked about how these two were glue people. They're loyal friends, they're anchors when things get tough, their unconditionally loving. And now, they're even better together! We love you T&S!