Nate was full of surprises for his bride-to-be on their wedding day. Andrea arrived at the venue to see he’d secretly had the twinkle balls installed in the tree even though they’d decided it was too expensive. But he knew how much she loved them, so he did it anyway. We showed up an hour earlier than she was expecting and made her worry she was running late. Only to calm her by telling her Nate had hired us to come early, because he wanted her to have more photo time with her sisters getting ready. Can you say brownie points?! But I think she evened the score when she surprised him with a table-top ping pong board and a new watch. To say these two love each other would be an understatement. It’s so much deeper than that. They were made for each other, and their wedding day reflected everything about their deep connection.

These two are the perfect example of when clients turn into friends. They sat in our living room for our very first meeting, and we started talking. 45 minutes later we still hadn’t gotten to their wedding, and it was then I knew we’d be great friends. We’ve since spent several dinner & coffee dates talking until we’re blue in the face, laughing and just having a good old time with them. Sometimes you just click with people. The more we get to know our couples, the more emotionally involved we are in their day…especially me. I was a hot mess photographing all their sweet moments. I seriously think I’d teared up at least 3 times before the ceremony even began! Even Andrea’s reaction when I told her Nate hired us to come early had me balling. Let’s not even talk about the father-daugther moment before the ceremony!! You’ll see that in a moment, and I promise, it’ll make you cry too : )

Andrea and Nate, we’re beyond happy to call you friends. It was an honor photographing your wedding, and we’re so excited to finally be sharing your wedding photos. We’ve been waiting a long time now for this day to come : )

Andrea spent about 10 minutes writing her heart out to Nate. I didn’t read what she wrote, but I know it was special by how emotional she was writing it.
And then she had to read his note…Go ahead and pull out your box of tissues now, because here comes her dad. He’d never seen her in her dress until this moment!They wanted to have a moment without seeing each other before the wedding. It was so sweet.LOVED their faces!

They had a full Catholic Mass during their ceremony. It was a first for us, but I loved it! 

Kyle always follows the couple out of the ceremony, mainly because he’s taller and can get over people to see their reactions : ) I am in love with this moment he captured of them right after they were married!

After their ceremony, we headed back up to their venue for pictures!In love with these two below!And Kyle’s perspective too!Stunning Andrea!Nate does GQ well : )And Andrea could be a gown model!We ask all of our couples if they’d like any groups photographed that aren’t family. They only sent us one back…us : ) That is the sweetest compliment any couple has ever given us!

The Sutherland is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues in the Raleigh area. It’s stunning and the staff there is amazing!

See the huge twinkle balls that hang from the tree? It was worth it Nate!

I have to say, these were some of the most entertaining reception entrances I’ve ever seen! Especially the flying bridesmaid : )
A first dance, under the twinkle lights…does it get any more perfect?The father-daughter dance was just as sweet as their moment before the wedding! Andrea’s the oldest of 4 girls, so her dad better start getting used to this : )And the mother-son dance was adorable!These two are so loved, and their toasts proved it! Laughter and tears through them all. They were perfect.Andrea’s younger sisters did a combined toast that was pretty much the sweetest thing ever.
And then there was dancing. Tons of it. If you look closely you might find me in one too : )Sent off by a lovely sparkler exit!

Congrats again!!! We love you two and wish you a lifetime of happiness together!

Vendors:
Ceremony: Cathedral of the Sacred Heart 
Reception: The Sutherland 
Videographer: Twenty One Films
Flowers: Fresh Affairs
Band: Empty Pocket
Hair: Makeup For Your Day
Makeup: Primp Salon
Dress: Traditions by Anna
Cake: Ambrosia Cake Creations
Caterer: Rocky Top Catering