an intimate lake norman wedding: cezanne+matt 06.02.12

cezanne and matt married in a small intimate wedding last month at the beautiful lake norman state park. gathered around them were cezanne's three young sons, matt's son, their families, close friends, and an adorable dachshund puppy. it was such a sweet celebration! bill hunt, another family and mutual friend, was the honorary celebrant. he also played his native american flute at the beginning of the ceremony and after the vowels were said. i loved this unique aspect of the ceremony.

afterwards everyone enjoyed a family-style picnic {her folks are amazing cooks!}. we were all in for a treat! the newlyweds cut the cake, which cezanne baked herself, and were on their way for an overnight honeymoon trip. i love weddings like this, it was really all about the couple and their love for one another, their children, families, and friends. such a special day!

i've known cezanne's mom and dad, betty and steve, for about 5 years now and they are such warm, down to earth folks. last spring i photographed their entire family on betty and steve's farm in oregon hill, nc. and this is how i came to know cezanne and her sons.  a year later she was engaged to a wonderful man and asked me to come document their big day. terry and i felt so honored to be included  and send congrats and much love to cezanne and matt!

ceremony+reception location: lake norman state park

celebrant: bill hunt

ceremony music: bill hunt, on native american flute

food, flowers, and cake: DIY

all images © elizabeth larson photography

adaumont farm: new wedding+event venue {NC piedmont triad}

a few weeks ago, the gals at perfect wedding guide asked me to come photograph the triangle/triad guild luncheon.  these networking luncheons for wedding vendors are held monthly at a different venue each time. the october luncheon was held at a fabulous new venue, adaumont farm. its a working horse farm owned by kyle & patty petty and is located in trinity, north carolina. its within close proximity of greensboro, high point, charlotte, and surrounding areas making it convenient to those looking for a private venue in the countyside, yet still very convenient to the city. 

when i drove through the gates the morning of the luncheon and came around to the top of the hill, i was blown away by the gorgeous scenery....views of the rolling countryside, a covered bridge, and a pavilion down by a serene lake, which was built with wedding ceremonies in mind.

the large horse barn was orginally used as a riding arena and has since been completely renovated into a rustic, yet elegant place for an event of any kind.  in fact, the petty's daughter used it for her own wedding. the horse memorabelia, cozy furniture, cow print pillows, and cowboy boot lamps give it that country charm, making you feel as if you were in someone's living room. i was especially fond of the outdoor setting and the wrap-around porch that looks out over the horse pastures and fields as far as the eye can see.

the cuisine for our luncheon was provided by peppermoon catering and we got to taste everything from mini crab cakes, ham biscuits to an absolutely delicious orzo salad. they served lemonade and sweet tea in mason jars. the cheerful red and white centerpieces were provided by botanica flowers, complimenting the cow print tablecloths and red napkins.  and i absolutely adored the desserts made by spring garden bakery, as everyone else did. they disappeared quickly!

these luncheons are a lot of fun and a great networking experience.  i have met so many wonderful vendors by attending them. each month different vendors can participate by donating their time, service, and/or product to these luncheons. the next one in the triad will be this wednesday, november 2nd at the millenium center in downtown winston salem. you may register/rsvp online via here: perfect wedding guide guild luncheons.

venue: adaumont farm
catering: pepper moon catering
dessert/pastries: spring garden bakery
floral design/centerpieces: botanica flowers
linens: party rentals by lisa
stationery {table numbers}: bridal flavors
speaker: linda gunter {owner/innkeeper at the mill house at richland creek}

all images © elizabeth larson photography

to see the complete gallery of images please click here

charlotte portrait photographer: wendy+kenny's engagement {lake norman}

wendy and kenny met at a mutual friend's house party on lake norman, so it was only fitting for them to want to schedule their engagement session at the lake. and it truly was the perfect backdrop with such amazing views.  we got so lucky with the weather too. it just happened to be one of the coolest days we had in july, considering how hot and humid it was last month! 

when i met wendy earlier this winter, i knew she was going to be so much fun to work with.  and hearing all the wonderful things she had to say about kenny, i knew he would be too. when i finally did get to meet him the day of their session, seeing them together as a couple really gave me a sense of how much they really love one another. not to mention, they truly know how to have a good time together!  

this coming weekend my assistant stacia and i will be joining wendy and kenny for their wedding in downtown greensboro. many of wendy's family are traveling all the way from venezuela {i need to brush up on my espanol!} and kenny's family, from west virginia.  hopefully the weather will cooperate....we are all keeping fingers crossed that hurricane irene stays out to sea, though the landscape is in desperate need of the rain. doesn't it mean if it rains on your wedding day, it'll bring the couple good fortune?