What a beautiful day! In part, what made Elizabeth and Ricky’s wedding so memorable was the incredible sense of intimacy I felt from everyone in attendance. What I was fortunate enough to witness on their wedding day wasn’t just a party—it was a beautiful celebration of two people who meant everything to those who had gathered together to send them into the next chapter of their lives. The night before, I’d shot the rehearsal dinner, and in toast after toast, the attendees praised Elizabeth and Ricky’s character, and their respect for one another.
Having been together since their freshman year of college, Elizabeth and Ricky had given their friends and families a good long time to get to know one another, and I have no doubt that was what accounted for the extraordinary feeling of support and love that surrounded the couple as they said “I do” to one another. Watching Ricky and Elizabeth’s families interact was so touching. One of my favorite memories of the night was watching the siblings pair up in every conceivable combination on the dance floor as the night moved along. And then there was Elizabeth’s dad, who pretty much owned the dance floor from moment one. You know that old adage about dancing like no one is watching? This was that. He killed me.
It was a huge blessing that Elizabeth, Ricky and their respective parties all got prepped and primped at Charlotte Country Club. Having everyone in one location is a ridiculous luxury, and the extra time gave Nathan and I the ability to shoot pre-ceremony portraits around the lovely grounds of the club. Once we got what we needed there, it was on to the wedding venue, Christ Church, in Charlotte.
Because everyone was running absurdly on-time, my assistant Nathan and I had the rare opportunity to capture a few portraits of the bride and groom in the sanctuary before the ceremony began. The results were some of my favorite day-of-wedding portraits ever. I particularly loved the way Elizabeth’s cathedral-length veil looked against the black and white checkered flooring that runs up the aisle of the sanctuary.
The reception was a blast. At one point, the lead guitarist for the band, The Michel Jons Band, played a portion of a song with his mouth. I think that’s when you know you’re in good hands musically. Needless to say, the dance floor was packed all night long.
Happy 1st anniversary you two! I hope you enjoy this look back at your wedding celebration. XO, P
Ceremony Location: Christ Episcopal Church
Reception Location: Charlotte Country Club
Reception Coordinator: Alicia Wagner
Hair and Make up: Who’s the Fairest?
Floral Design: Place for Flowers
Cake: Charlotte Country Club
Band: Michel Jons Band
Thank you to my second photographer, Nathan, for helping me craft this beautiful collection of images for Elizabeth & Ricky.
You can see images from Elizabeth and Ricky’s engagement session on the campus of Wake Forest University HERE