A bride and groom share a romantic moment in a dimly lit, elegant hotel hallway. The groom leans down to kiss the bride as she holds onto him, both in formal wedding attire. Photographs line the walls, and light fixtures hang from the ceiling.

Chapel Hill Weddings

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November 4, 2016

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carolina inn wedding photography – kristen & matthew (x2)

In England, we say that rain on your wedding day is good luck, so, that being the case, this couple is truly blessed!

Kristen & Matthew’s gorgeous wedding took place at The Carolina Inn on October 8th, 2016. This turned out to be a pretty significant date as it is also the day that another Matthew visited us for a pretty intense few hours. Yes, Hurricane Matthew pretty much pulled asunder all the plans we had for the day. Everything from the first look, to the family photos to the couple’s photos to the ceremony itself had originally been planned to take place outside, so quite a bit of thinking on feet had to be done by everyone involved. The fact it was also a game day at UNC meant that the Inn was teeming with people who were reluctant to venture outside, so finding any kind of space without hordes of sky blue clad football fans was an additional fun challenge! Luckily, Gina from A Southern Soirée and the good people at The Carolina Inn were on hand to make sure things ran as smoothly as possible.

Aside from that, Kristen and Matt were simply amazing. Other couples might get stressed out by the situation, but they were totally relaxed and zen about the whole thing. All the plans that had been put in place had changed on a dime, but the character of the day, beautiful as it was, turned out amazing in its own unique way.

I was lucky enough to be there with a camera to document it, so here are a few of my faves from the day. Make sure to scroll down to see some images from Kristen’s bridal session, which, given the lack of a hurricane have a totally different look and feel to them.

A white strapless wedding gown with layered, ruffled fabric is elegantly hung on a hanger under a lit chandelier in a dimly lit room. The soft light highlights the dresss texture and design.
A pair of elegant high-heeled shoes is placed under a vintage brass lamp with a pleated lampshade, casting a warm, soft glow in a dimly lit setting.
A black and white photo of a dimly lit room with an illuminated chandelier reflecting on the wall. Two people, one in a white outfit, are sitting near a window, engaged in conversation. The ambiance is intimate and cozy.
A woman with curled hair sits in a chair wearing a striped robe, while another woman stands beside her styling her hair. The setting is a softly lit room with a mirror in the background. The atmosphere is calm and focused.
A woman takes a selfie with two young girls in matching dresses. The room is elegantly furnished, with people in the background preparing and interacting. Natural light streams through large windows, creating a warm, lively atmosphere.
A man stands in profile, adjusting his tie, silhouetted against a bright window with draped curtains. The room is dimly lit, creating a strong contrast with the light streaming in.
A man with a beard is adjusting his tie while looking to the side. He is wearing a suit and a white shirt. The lighting highlights one side of his face, creating a dramatic shadow effect.
A bride in a white gown is surrounded by three bridesmaids in dark dresses, assisting with her dress. They are in a elegantly decorated room with a fireplace and a mirror.
Bride in a flowing gown joyfully walking down a hotel hallway. The corridor features patterned carpets and framed pictures on the walls, with numbered doors on either side. The image is in black and white.
A bride and groom share a romantic moment in a dimly lit, elegant hotel hallway. The groom leans down to kiss the bride as she holds onto him, both in formal wedding attire. Photographs line the walls, and light fixtures hang from the ceiling.
A bride in a white gown stands confidently next to a seated groom in a suit. They pose stylishly in a dimly lit room with floral wallpaper and a reflective floor, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
A young girl peeks around a door, watching a couple dance in a softly lit room. The scene has an intimate and joyful atmosphere, with a chandelier overhead and light streaming in through a window.
A bride in a white gown walks down the aisle with a man in a suit in a decorated indoor venue. Guests on both sides stand and smile, surrounded by elegant chandeliers and floral arrangements on the floor.
A bride and groom hold hands during a wedding ceremony. The officiant, wearing glasses and holding a book, stands in the background. The black and white image captures a solemn moment between the couple.
A bride and groom stand facing each other during their wedding ceremony. A minister, holding a book, stands beside them. Bridesmaids and flower girls in matching dresses watch from the side.
A couple stands at the altar in an elegant room with a large chandelier above. Guests are seated on both sides, witnessing the ceremony. The room is softly lit, with light purple and cream walls and ornate ceiling details.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black suit walk arm-in-arm down the aisle in a wedding ceremony. Guests seated on either side applaud. A priest stands in the background. The room is elegantly decorated with chandeliers.
A couple stands in a bright hallway with black and white checkered floors. The woman in a white gown holds the mans face, who is in a black suit. They are surrounded by potted plants and soft lighting from overhead lanterns.
A large, elegant chandelier is illuminated with many small lights, casting a soft glow over a tiered white wedding cake below. The scene is dark, accentuating the brilliance of the chandelier and the cake.
A bride and groom stand together, holding hands at an elegant indoor venue. The foreground is blurred with ambient lights, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. The bride wears a gown, and the groom is in a suit.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing on a checkered floor in an elegant venue. A chandelier hangs above, and guests sit at round tables watching the couple. Flowers and candles decorate the room, and a person stands in the background.
A bride and groom dance in a grand ballroom with checkered floors. Guests are seated around them at tables. Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling, and soft lighting adds to the romantic atmosphere.
A close-up of three rings on a reflective surface with a blurred, sparkling background. Two rings are simple bands, and the third features a central, square-set gem surrounded by smaller stones.
A woman in a sleeveless dress holds a microphone and speaks at a formal event. A seated woman in a white gown smiles while listening. Guests are seated at tables decorated with candles and glasses in a warmly lit room.
A woman in an elegant off-shoulder dress is speaking joyfully at an event. The scene is warmly lit with blurred lights and guests in the background, creating a festive ambiance.
A warm, elegant ballroom scene with guests seated at round tables under ornate chandeliers. A person stands giving a speech, while others listen attentively. The room features high ceilings, large mirrors, and soft lighting.
A man stands and speaks into a microphone, smiling, while three seated guests at a formal event laugh and listen. The room is warmly lit, with elegant table settings and candles.
A dimly lit ballroom with a large chandelier. A couple stands at a table, cutting a cake. Guests are seated at round tables with white tablecloths and golden chairs, engaged in conversation. Black and white checkered floor completes the elegant setting.
A wedding reception with two couples dancing on a checkered floor. The bride and groom are in the foreground, while a man and an older woman dance nearby. Guests sit and stand around, watching and capturing the moment with their phones.
A bride wipes tears from her eyes as she smiles during a dance with an older man in a suit and glasses at a wedding reception. Both appear emotional and joyful. The background is softly blurred.
A bride and groom share an intimate dance on a checkered floor. The groom is in a black suit holding the bride, who wears a white dress, as she rests her head against his chest with a content expression. The setting is softly lit and elegant.
A couple dances closely at a formal event. The woman in a white dress looks up at the man in a suit. The background is softly blurred with warm lighting and other guests mingling.
A bride and groom share a dance at their wedding reception. The room is dimly lit with streaks of light captured in motion. The groom wears a suit and the bride a white gown as they dance surrounded by guests.
A group of people dance and laugh in a dimly lit room. The woman in the center, wearing a blue dress, smiles joyfully. Others around her are dressed formally. The ambiance is festive with soft warm lighting.
A young girl and an older woman joyfully dance together in a dimly lit room. The girl is wearing a black dress with a white sash, while the woman is in a blue dress. Other people are dancing in the background, and colorful lights illuminate the floor.
Two women joyfully dance together at a party. One wears a patterned dress, the other a black outfit. They smile broadly, surrounded by blurred lights and a lively atmosphere, conveying a sense of fun and celebration.
A young boy and a man in a white shirt high-five each other enthusiastically on a dance floor. The background is colorful with blurred lights and people. The atmosphere is lively and joyful.
A bride in a white gown dances with a man in a gray suit on a checkered floor. The blurred motion and warm lighting create a lively atmosphere. Other guests are visible in the background holding drinks.
A bride and groom share a kiss in a warmly lit ballroom. The bride holds a glass of wine, and both are dressed elegantly. A chandelier hangs above them, and guests are visible in the background.

Ceremony & Reception: The Carolina Inn, Chapel Hill, NC

Event Planner: A Southern Soirée, Raleigh, NC

Florist: Tre Bella, Durham, NC

DJ: Island Sound & Video, Raleigh, NC

Hair & Make-Up: Tiffany Mentrak, Raleigh, NC

Cake: Dewey’s Bakery, Winston-Salem, NC

Dress: Divas Boutique & Bridal, Greensboro, NC

Assistant Photographer: Brian Calabrese, Apex, NC

And, as promised, here’s a bonus round featuring some of my faves from Kristen’s downtown Raleigh bridal photography session from a few weeks before the wedding. Kristen had wanted to go with a totally different vibe to the classic ambience of The Carolina Inn and asked to shoot around downtown Raleigh for a modern, urban feel. As you can see it was a little bit sunnier and a little less rainier than on her wedding day!

A bride in a white gown stands confidently in the middle of a city street, surrounded by tall buildings. The sun casts dramatic shadows, highlighting her dress.
A bride in a white dress stands outdoors, smiling and looking to the side. She has long dark hair and wears pearl jewelry. The background is blurred greenery.
A woman in a flowing gown stands confidently in a sunlit alley with modern, textured walls. Long shadows stretch across the ground.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands confidently on a bridge, with a city skyline and clear blue sky in the background. She is looking to the side, creating an elegant and serene scene.
A woman in a flowing, strapless gown stands in front of a large, ornate door. The scene is in black and white, with dramatic lighting casting shadows across the setting. The image has a serene and contemplative mood.
A woman in a white strapless dress smiles broadly. She has long, dark hair and wears pearl earrings and a pearl necklace. The background is blurred, giving the image a soft focus.
A person in a formal dress stands in the middle of a city street, surrounded by tall buildings under a clear blue sky. The sun casts long shadows, highlighting the architectural details of the urban scene.
A grayscale portrait of a woman in a strapless wedding dress, adorned with a pearl necklace and belt. She gazes thoughtfully to the side, standing in soft, dappled sunlight.
A woman in a strapless white wedding dress stands on a bridge, with a city skyline in the background. She has long dark hair and wears a necklace, earrings, and a belt with a jeweled embellishment. The setting sun casts a warm glow.
Black and white photo of a bride standing in a sunlit park, wearing a voluminous wedding dress. A bench and a tall monument are visible in the background, with sunlight creating a glowing effect through the trees.
A woman in a strapless white dress with pearl jewelry stands outdoors. She has long, dark hair styled over one shoulder, and her makeup is softly done. The background is blurred, highlighting her as the main focus.
A woman in a flowing dress stands under a large, sprawling tree. The image is black and white, with a blurred, swirling effect surrounding the tree. Buildings are faintly visible in the background.
A bride in a strapless wedding dress smiles while standing outdoors. She has long, wavy hair and is wearing pearl jewelry. The background is softly blurred with bright sunlight shining through.
Silhouetted bride in a flowing gown stands against a sunlit, textured wall. The golden light casts long shadows, creating a dramatic and romantic atmosphere.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands confidently in the middle of a city street. The sun is setting, creating a dramatic contrast between the dress and the surrounding skyscrapers. She poses with one hand on her hip, gazing to the side.
A woman with long dark hair smiles warmly, wearing a strapless white dress and a pearl necklace. The background is blurred, bringing focus to her radiant expression.
A bride in a flowing white gown poses confidently on a bridge, with a city skyline in the background. The scene is captured in black and white, highlighting the contrast between the brides dress and the urban setting.
Silhouette of a person against a sunset backdrop, with the sun low in the sky and the horizon blending into dark trees.

Congratulations again to Kristen & Matthew. You are such lovely people and I wish you both a long and happy life together! Thanks again for having me along to be a part of your day.

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