It’s officially wedding season!!!! Cue the confetti!! I could NOT be more excited to be back in the swing of my favorite thing for 2018: photographing joyful brides and grooms and capturing their most important memories. This year, I had the absolute PRIVILEGE of kicking off my wedding season with Kristen and Anthony at THE Biltmore in North Carolina. Kristen and Anthony are from Florida, so they hosted a destination wedding after falling in love with the Biltmore on a trip they took as a couple to NC a few years ago. They are SO loved and their family and friends didn’t hesitate to travel all the way to NC from all over the COUNTRY just to celebrate alongside them. It was such a special day!!!

But, we were getting closer and closer to the big day…an impending rain storm and cold front were in the forecast. Kristen texted me a few days beforehand letting me know that she was worried…but she had faith it would all work out just fine despite a FULL day of rain on the forecast. But on the big day…it didn’t start raining until the RECEPTION!! After 7:30pm!! What a BLESSING. We had the gorgeous ceremony outdoors, had TONS of portrait time and it worked out perfectly!

Kristen and Anthony have such a special love and it was so evident while photographing them. They have been together for over 11 YEARS, and they fist started dating when they met in high school math class (thanks to a re-arranged seating chart). It’s so clear that they are each other’s safe space and they’ve found a HOME in each other’s love…they are both so comforted and joyful when they’re together. The love and kindness they so clearly have for each other is something that inspires other couples to love each other the same way that they do. I cried and cried and cried throughout the ceremony and the getting ready portion of the day…so many beautiful moments that I felt so lucky to witness.

I still can’t quite believe that I was able to check The Biltmore off of my wedding bucket list so early in my career…but I am so thankful. Kristen and Anthony: thank you both so much for the opportunity and absolute privilege of capturing your big day. I hope you enjoy my favorites and have an incredible time in HAWAII for your honeymoon!!!

I LOVE getting creative with capturing ring shots and details!! It’s my “warm up” for every wedding day!

Chicken fingers and french fries to kick off the day….a bride after my own heart!!

Kristen and Anthony opted NOT to do a bridal party for their destination wedding…so they got ready with their loved ones and immediate family. It was so special!!

Such a sweet and emotional moment between Kristen and her mom when she surprised her with a special gift to carry with her throughout the day.

One of my new favorite bridal portraits!!!

First look time!!!

Guys…it was COLD. Like, REAL cold. And these two are from FLORIDA!! They rocked these portraits even though our teeth were LITERALLY chattering!!

Favorite!!

There is a crazy story behind these…I still can’t believe we had the Biltmore House to OURSELVES!!!

FAVORITE!! I have no words.

The most BEAUTIFUL, intimate reception!!

A HUGE thank you to the incredible creative team who made this day happen: