It happened on 5.20.09 – a first date. It happened on 5.20.10 – an engagement. Then, on 5.20.11 – a wedding. May 20th will be an easy day to remember for Valentina & Toby and I hope that every 5.20 from now on is just as amazing as the last three. An outdoor wedding at Independence Park in Charlotte, a reception at Roof with a View, and loads of great food, good times, and lots of love from family and friends.
You’ll remember Valentina & Toby from their NoDa Engagement Session back in April – just one word to describe these two – love. Two people in love make my job super easy.
Their wedding day was amazing. While Valentina & Toby were just giddy with excitement and ready to spend the rest of their lives together, everyone there was just glowing with love for them. That’s one of the perks of being a wedding photographer – being surrounded by that much love and excitement is addictive.
Let’s start with the details…. everyone got ready at ALoft hotel at the Epicentre, uptown. Great views, great hotel, and it really set the vibe for an awesome wedding day.
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Something borrowed…BEAUTIFUL Tiffany earrings from the Matron of Honor..jpg "undefined")
A few more jewelry details – the necklace on the right was a gift from Toby. .jpg "undefined")
LOVE these rings – simple, elegant, and unique. (And still very shiny)
Hair and makeup was provided by the awesome Lindsey Regan Thorne. I love watching hair and makeup artists work – something that would take me days seems so effortless to them. Lindsey was amazing – she was in and out in no time and left a trail of beautiful people behind her.Quick detail shot of the dress – I love simple little added touches to wedding dresses. Buttons down the back, a simple ribbon at the waist. Classic beauty. (Dress from David’s Bridal).As usual, it takes the guys about 5 minutes to get ready. A quick tie adjustment and we were off to toast at the bar downstairs!The bouquet was actually assembled by the Man of Honor and the Matron of Honor as the bride was getting ready. They did an AMAZING job, and these flowers were just stunning.At the stone gazebo in Independence Park, the ceremony began with the flower girl and her colorful flower petals. Her “date” for the wedding was a bit confused since actual flowers weren’t used in rehearsal. Gosh they made a cute little couple.You can’t really tell in this picture, but Brayden is actually stepping over the flowers as Emily throws them on the ground. Precious. Don’t want to damage those petals before the bride gets to see them.Valentina & Toby met at the bottom of the stairs and walked down the aisle together. The smiles on their faces tell the whole story.I’d like to take a moment to beg all future brides – have an outdoor wedding, please!!!! We have lots of great outdoor locations in the Carolinas and the sunlight is gorgeous!Valentina & Toby wrote their own vows for the ceremony and they did a great job. As an interesting take on the sand ceremony, they rolled up their vows on parchment and put them in a beautiful container then poured the sand over the top. Great idea, and a fabulous decoration for their home.I love everyone’s expression in this shot.
The Wedding Officiant was Rev. Rebecca Nagy and she brought such a relaxed and calming spirit to the day.Everyone loves Grandma. Have you ever seen a happier grandma in between a bride and groom?After a few quick family shots, we took some time to get a few post-ceremony shots – I’ve already mentioned that I love people in love, right? Right. Thought so. These two make my job so awesome!A few more shots to capture the love between these two – I think they could’ve stayed out at the gazebo all day just loving on each other. And a few more flower detail shots – beautiful. Flowers provided by Flowers Plus, bouquet assembled by Man & Matron of honor.A gentle touch with some new jewelry….A quick toast with some Miller High Life and these two lovebirds are off to the reception. Part 2 of their wedding day will be on the blog later this week!