A Springtime Vintage Wedding in Raleigh, NC
Every once in a while, a wedding comes along that exudes pure love and joy, capturing the hearts of everyone involved. Stefan and Emilie’s wedding day in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the enchanting All Saints Chapel, was a celebration overflowing with happiness. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple shared their vows and embarked on a journey together, leaving behind a trail of beautiful, intentional details that made their day truly unforgettable.
Stefan and Emilie made me feel like an invaluable and cherished part of their wedding planning process. Even before booking, they added me to a group chat, updating me with every exciting detail along the way. When Emilie found her stunning Anthropologie wedding dress, she thoughtfully shared photos with me and even gave me access to her Pinterest board, allowing me to share in her joy! From table settings to the cake, they excitedly kept me in the loop, making me feel like a close friend walking alongside them, fully immersed in their vision and love story. Their genuine friendship and inclusivity allowed me to approach capturing their day with authenticity and overflowing joy! Being part of their journey and documenting their beautiful love story was an incredible privilege that I will forever cherish.
Details
Emilie’s impeccable taste and keen eye for detail shone through every aspect of their wedding. From the perfectly curated bridesmaids’ dresses to the stationary, florals, and accessories, everything was executed with perfection. The bridesmaids looked enchanting in their floral mismatched dresses, adding a charming and vibrant touch to the ceremony. Emilie’s choice of blue shoes added a delightful twist, bringing a subtle yet striking pop of color to her ensemble. The exquisite Christie Nicolaides earrings she wore were a thoughtful gift from her bridesmaids, and her veil was lovingly handmade by one of her dear friends. The whimsical and colorful floral arrangements by Folie A Deux Events further elevated the atmosphere, seamlessly transporting guests into a vintage, garden-party inspired wonderland.
As soon as I saw the black and white checkered pattern on the chapel floor, I couldn’t help but envision how their vintage, classic stationary would perfectly complement the setting for their flat-lay photos. Knowing how much time and effort they had invested in every aspect of their wedding, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to capture all of these intricate details with the same level of care and attention they had poured into crafting them. I wanted to ensure that the photographs would be a heartfelt tribute to their hard work, preserving the essence of their love and dedication in each photo.
Wedding Party
In addition to the beautiful details and heartfelt moments, Stefan and Emilie’s wedding was further enriched by the sheer number of loved ones who stood by their side. With a remarkable entourage of 10 bridesmaids and groomsmen each, it was evident that Stefan and Emilie were the kind of people who effortlessly drew others to them. The size of their bridal party served as a reflection of the immense love and respect that Stefan and Emilie have earned from their cherished circle of friends.
Ceremony
Emilie’s choice of a stunning blusher veil added a touch of tradition and elegance to her wedding attire, and as I watched Stephan’s eyes filled with emotion as he beheld his beautiful bride walking down the aisle, I couldn’t help but feel moved by the deep love and anticipation in the air. The ceremony was graced by beautiful ambient lighting and magnificent stained glass windows, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the presence of so many loved ones gathered to witness Emilie and Stefan’s union. Adding an extra, heartfelt element to the ceremony, Emilie’s sister-in-law beautifully officiated, allowing us to hear intimate words about the couple from someone who dearly loved them.
The ceremony itself was a profound reflection of their unwavering faith and profound commitment to one another. Inspired by Christ’s act at the Last Supper, the couple decided to symbolize their dedication to serving each other throughout their marriage by washing each other’s feet during the ceremony. This act resonated with the love and sacrifice of their Savior, epitomizing the selflessness and devotion they promised to one another. After this beautiful moment, Emilie and Stefan joyfully joined the congregation to worship Jesus together, led by two of Emilie’s talented bridesmaids.
Before sealing their marriage with a kiss, they exchanged deeply personal and meaningful vows they had written themselves, leaving not a dry eye in the house. The words they shared were a testament to the depth of their connection and the promises they made to love and cherish one another for all the days of their lives. It was a moment of profound beauty and significance, one that truly captured the essence of Stefan and Emilie’s love and their journey into a lifetime of joy and service together.
Romantics
Capturing Emilie and Stefan’s romantics was an absolute joy! Their post-ceremony excitement and overflowing love made capturing their portraits easy. Adopting a documentary-style approach, we ran around on the street in front of the charming chapel, and their sweet newlywed giddiness translated beautifully into the photographs. We took a few photos right after their ceremony to capture that “just married” glow, and then snuck out of their reception for just a few minutes during golden hour to capture the most beautiful light!
Reception
Stefan and Emilie’s thoughtfulness and love extended far beyond the ceremony itself. Beyond the breathtaking ceremony, their attention to detail and genuine care for their guests were evident in every element of the reception. The stunning florals, the charming mismatched vintage floral plates, and the overall decor created a warm and inviting ambiance that embraced everyone present. But what truly stood out was the heartwarming touch of handwritten notes from Stefan and Emilie, thoughtfully placed at each person’s setting. It was a beautiful testament to their kind and loving nature, showing that they valued and appreciated each individual who had come to share in their special day.
As guests found these heartfelt messages, smiles lit up their faces, and a sense of connection and gratitude filled the air. It was evident that Stefan and Emilie’s love extended far beyond their own bond; they cared deeply for the people who had come to celebrate with them, making everyone feel valued and cherished.
I would be remiss without mentioning Emilie and Stefan’s 80’s inspired wedding cake that showcased a lovely blue design with buttercream details. Adorned with playful cherries on top, the cake perfectly captured their fun-loving personalities and added a delightful touch of nostalgia to their special day.
One of the most heartwarming moments that I have ever experienced as a wedding photographer was the “family dance” that Emilie shared with her parents, siblings, and new husband. With Emilie being the last child to get married among many siblings, her parents made it a touching and memorable affair by dancing with each of their children and their spouses, passing the love from one couple to the next, until Emilie and Stefan took their turn as the newest couple. Witnessing this display of family love left guests teary-eyed, and I was left wiping tears off of my camera too!
As the dance floor opened, the reception transformed into a lively celebration like no other. The floor was packed with joyous guests, and the old church floor couldn’t contain the excitement, bouncing up and down as everyone danced with sheer enthusiasm. I was even worried at one point that we would all fall though the floor into the basement! Laughter and cheers filled the air as friends and family came together to honor and celebrate the couple they held so dear.
Stefan and Emilie’s wedding day was a joyous celebration of love, faith, and togetherness. From the carefully chosen details to the heartfelt acts of service + worship, their day was a testament to their kind, loving, and Christ-centered characters. As a photographer, I felt privileged to capture the radiance of their love and the genuine joy that emanated from everyone present. Stefan and Emilie’s wedding will forever be etched in the memories of all who attended, leaving an indelible impression of what it means to create a wedding that is truly extraordinary. It was an incredible privilege to be entrusted with documenting their wedding, and I will forever cherish the memories that I was able to be a part of and capture on this sweet day.
The Vendor Team:
Venue: All Saints Chapel – Raleigh, NC @allsaints1875
Coordination: Forget Me Knot NC @forgetmeknotnc
Florals: Folie A Deux Events @folie.a.deux.events
Photo: Anna Fletcher Photography @annafletcherphoto
Catering: Rocky Top Caterers @rocky_top_caters
Rentals: Southern Vintage Table, CE Rentals @southernvintagetable2 & @curatedeventsraleigh
DJ: On Target DJ @ontargetdj
Dress: BHLDN @anthropologieweddings
Planning your special day? I would LOVE the opportunity to document a piece of your love story! Let’s chat!
