Holly & Chris’s day is a really special one for me. Getting to be a Barn of Chapel Hill photographer is so fun (have you seen how stunning the place is?!), but getting to be Holly & Chris’s wedding photographer left my heart so full at the end of the night. These two really are some of the kindest and most genuine people you’ll meet! Their day was perfectly planned and beautiful, but their love is sweeter than all of that.

Holly & Chris’s wedding was the last one I had the joy of photographing before my own wedding the following weekend! Every wedding I photograph, I get emotional at one point or another, just because of how sweet and significant that day is for my couples. Holly & Chris’s day was no different, but I would venture to say that there were a few extra tears behind my camera for me that day.

Throughout the months leading up to their wedding, I got to hear bits and pieces about their day from Holly as she and I stayed in touch. I knew the day would be amazing, intentional, and beautiful, but I really had no idea just how beautiful. Holly chose stunning pastel colors for her florals and bridesmaid dresses, and it complimented the style of their day perfectly. Every single detail was thought about for their day. Holly did the invitations herself, with amazing pressed florals on vellum envelopes. I had never seen anything like them before! SO stunning.

And we can’t overlook one of the most amazing ceremony sites I’ve ever seen! Holly & Chris got married in front of a huge floral wreath by Wild Flora Farm, and it was breathtaking. My jaw literally dropped when I saw it! This alone makes being a Barn of Chapel Hill photographer so fun. But besides all the prettiness, their love for each other is what makes me love this job. Holly & Chris are sweet and tender with each other, in a way that is so unique and unmistakably genuine. These two wrote their own vows to each other for the ceremony, and I certainly wasn’t the only one getting teary.

Their love for one another is so obvious, but what is also obvious is their love for family and tradition. During the reception, Holly & Chris gathered with their closest family for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where the bride and groom serve tea to their family members as a sign of respect and appreciation. In return, the family gifts the bride and groom with gifts and jewelry. It was such a special experience for me to be able to photograph, and I loved how much Holly & Chris love and respect their families! It was such a unique use of the venue space and an honor for me to capture.

If I could live it all over again with them, I would. AND, we are so happy to say that we do get to relive this day, in a different capacity! Holly & Chris’ wedding is going to be featured in the 2019 Spring/Summer edition of The Knot The Carolinas magazine!!! What a huge honor for me as a wedding photographer. But even more so, what an absolute joy it is for me to know that the heart behind Holly & Chris’ day is going to be showcased for others to experience. These two and their team of amazing vendors created a beautiful day that showcased Holly & Chris’ love so perfectly. These two absolutely deserve this! Holly & Chris, we love you guys and we are over-the-moon happy for you guys!

My heart soars when I think back to this day. What a complete joy it was to be Holly & Chris’ Barn of Chapel Hill photographer.

Venue: Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm
Photographer: Jenna Goetze of A.J. Dunlap Photography
Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Day-of Wedding Coordination
Videographer: Story2Movie
Florist: Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm
DJ: Morse DJ
Caterer: Catering Works
Hair Stylist: Douglas Carroll Salon
Makeup Artist: Karmilla Kim
Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters and Cottage Luxe
Lighting: Get Lit Event Lighting
Bridal Gown Shop: Gilded Bridal Shop
Bridal Shoes: David’s Bridal
Jewelry: Brilliant Earth
Bridesmaids Gown Shop: Tulle & Chantilly
Groom’s Suit: Brooks Brothers