kate + frank - castle mcculloch wedding

Although Kate & Frank live in Florida, they chose to have a destination wedding in North Carolina.  They decided on a unique one-of-a-kind venue called Castle McCulloch as its very close to where Frank's mother & stepfather live.  I met with Kate and Frank for the first time in the fall of 2013 when they made another trip up this way. We got together at the Bog Garden in Greensboro for their engagement session. We had such an enjoyable time together - I just knew we would again on their wedding day 6 months later. Frank has such a whacky, but fun sense of humor & is entertaining to be around! Kate is quiet and more reserved, with a sweet personality. Which I think makes them perfect together!

The day of their June wedding, it was relatively cool for summer in the south, however somewhat humid. The couple chose to have their ceremony inside the Great Hall, which always makes a big impact at this particular venue. With Kate walking around the second level wrap-around balcony and down the long flight of stairs, she truly made her grand entrance! To see how Frank looked at her for the first time was quite touching - you can tell he is truly in love with her. After the beautiful candlelit ceremony, cocktails were served outside on the patio for the guests to enjoy, while Jenny & I photographed the wedding party & families. The reception was immediately following in the Great Hall with dinner, dancing, cake, and a super fun time by all! 

ceremony + reception - Castle McCulloch

caterer - Let Me Cater to You

floral - Keepsake Bouquets

DJ- Anything Music

cake - bride's sister

thanks to Jenny for co-shooting

all images © elizabeth larson photography 2014

Tina + Mike's Spring Wedding - Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden

 tina & mike chose the paul j ciener botanical garden for their wedding.  it was the perfect location for a beautiful spring time wedding in the gardens. the ceremony was held outside in the tropical garden area, surrounded by friends and family.  mike's two adorable daughters ella & sara were the flower girls, also taking part in the actual ceremony. each of the girls received heart shaped engraved lockets from tina, making the four of them come together as a family.

wedding party & family photos naturally took place in the gardens. at the same time i was capturing these, jenny photographed the cocktail hour out on the patio terrace. the grand ballroom was beautifully decorated with shades of yellows & browns with lace, burlap, and of course flowers. the wedding party made their entrance, followed by the newlyweds who went into their first dance.

everything came together so well thanks in part to emily adams who helped coordinate & to the ladies at the venue, toni and kristen. paul j. ciener botanical garden is one of my most favorite places to photograph a wedding, bridal, or event and its a great place to visit too.  jenny & i were personally impressed with the caterers too - it was the first time i've worked with plain & fancy catering. the food was amazing and presented nicely on the buffet table. the cakes at artist's way creations are always perfect, so you know we had to try a slice. a good time was had by all - it was a magical evening filled with so much love and happiness!

jenny & i truly enjoyed working with tina, mike, the girls, and their families. tina's parents are wonderful people as were mike's parents. tina's uncle, a retired professional photographer from the goldsboro area, was such a character! he told me he was enjoying his retirement & the evening "off" at the wedding - love it! thanks so much tina & mike for including us in your big day!  we wish you years and years of happiness.

tina's bridal session was featured on my blog last spring. please be sure to take a look - she is stunning!

venue - paul j ciener botanical garden
celebrant - rev. jason brinkley
catering - plain & fancy catering
wedding cake - artist's way creations
flowers - keepsake bouquets
DJ - complete music 
day of coordinator - emily adams
wedding gown - bridal mart
veil - family heirloom {bride's mother}
getaway car -  1940 packard {bride's father}
thanks to jenny for co-shooting!

all images © elizabeth larson photography 2014