This North Carolina private estate wedding may have happened a little over two years ago, but looking back through Grace and Riley’s photos reminded me just how much I LOVE this one. It was one of those wedding days that was incredibly beautiful, but even more importantly, incredibly meaningful.

Grace and Riley are genuinely some of my all-time favorite clients. I’ve been lucky enough to document SO many chapters of their story, from their engagement photos and Grace’s bridal portraits to their wedding day and, most recently, welcoming their precious baby girl, Romy! Take a peek at their full newborn session here. Getting to continue photographing my couples as their families grow will forever be one of my favorite parts of this job!

Their wedding took place on Grace’s family farm in North Carolina, a property that is essentially a second home to their family. Her dad put so much work into getting everything ready for the wedding, and it was absolutely stunning. More than anything, though, it felt personal. This wasn’t just a beautiful venue they chose, it was a place already filled with memories.

A North Carolina Estate Wedding Centered Around Family

Grace and Riley are both incredibly close with their families, and that was woven throughout the entire day.

Grace shared the sweetest first look with her brother Gabe, which felt especially fitting considering he also happens to be responsible for this whole love story! Riley was Gabe’s best friend, and eventually he fell for his best friend’s little sister. And listen, I love a romance book, so a real-life, brother’s-best-friend love story?! We LOVE IT!

Grace and Riley also shared a first look, and Riley’s reaction was the sweetest thing. These two have always been so kind, joyful, and genuinely in love with each other, and you could feel it all day long.

Grace looked absolutely incredible in her Mira Zwillinger gown with the most beautiful floral appliqués. For the ceremony, she added a sheer overlay that made an already gorgeous dress feel even more special.

Another favorite detail was Grace’s dad’s vintage red car. They used it as their getaway car, but one of the images that means even more to them now is a portrait of Grace’s grandparents sitting together in it during cocktail hour. Grace’s grandmother recently passed away, and looking back at that photograph is such a reminder of why documenting these moments matters so much.

Weddings give me the opportunity to photograph not just a couple, but entire generations of a family together. I never take that for granted.

From the Family Farm to the After Party

The celebration itself was SO much fun. Guests gathered under a beautiful tent for the reception, while the barn became part of cocktail hour and later transformed into an after-party space.

Kristin Dills Art created a hand-painted bar for the celebration and also painted the wedding live, which was such a fun personal detail. And when it was time for the after party, the barn had draping, disco balls, and an ice luge. Truly, they knew how to end a wedding!!

Of course their pups, Dixie and Olive, made appearances too! Grace is a veterinarian and comes from a family of vets, so their two dogs are VERY much part of the family. I especially love looking back at these photos now because I recently got to photograph Dixie and Olive again during Baby Romy’s newborn session. So much sweetness!

And somehow, the night kept getting better. Grace and Riley ended the celebration with an incredible fireworks show before digging up the bourbon they had buried for good weather. And sure enough, the rain stayed away!

Grace and Riley, I would relive this day over and over again if I could. Getting to photograph your wedding was amazing, but getting to continue documenting your lives together has made it even more special. I adore you both and feel so lucky to have been there for so many of these memories.

VENDORS

Photography: Demi Mabry || Planning & Design: Katrina Hutchins Events || Floral Design: The Bloom Room || Videography: Cassie Hiatt Films || Beauty: Be Pretty Charlotte || Bridal Shop: Ladies of Lineage || Bridal Gown:  Mira Zwillinger || Bridesmaids Dresses: Michelle Mason || Groom’s Attire: Oxford + Lee || Jewelry: Windsor Jewelers + Champaign Jewelers || Drapery: Party Tables Linens & Drapery || Rentals: The Prettiest Pieces + Curated Events Charlotte || Linens: BBJ La Tavola || Tent: McCoy’s Event Professionals || Live Painter + Bar Art: Kristin Dills Art || Stationery: Olive Paper || Lighting: Technical Event || Catering: Best Impressions Caterers || Cake: Coyote Trail Cakes || Band: Sleeping Booty || After Party DJ: DJ Daniel Jordan || Ice Sculpture: Artisan Ice Sculptures || Transportation: Rose Chauffeured Transportation || Venue: Private Residence