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!

How crazy that we've know Erin for over 10 years! Erin, Drew and I all went to high school together and Erin and Drew went to college together! They played on several indoor soccer teams throughout their successful intramural careers and Erin was always the most bad ass player on the field. So we were beyond stoked when she asked us to document her wedding! We flew up from Miami to spend Christmas and my birthday in Raleigh with family and friends so we were thrilled to start off our winter holiday break with this stunning celebration. Ryan is just the coolest. Down to earth, goofy, former Marine, and knows how to make Erin throw her head back in laughter! 

We adore intimate weddings. With no formal wedding party, just a few guests, + a first look, the day was SO stress free and easy for everyone. The chilly winter air didn't stop us from exploring Dorthea Dix Park starting with a beautiful first look by the gazebo and sun setting in the background. Erin was classically elegant in her grandmothers fur shaw and Ryan looked like a rock star. We laughed and loved the whole day. From portraits together in downtown Raleigh to their candle lit ceremony with meaningful vows to one of the best dinners we've had. Thank you both for letting us document your day!! Excited for board games and soccer days in the near future!