Kristen and Kate's Wedding at The Oaks at Salem

“After all this time,
Always.”

— Harry Potter

I met Kristen and Kate two years ago when we were planning their Engagement Session and knew right away we would be great friends. Kristen had already proposed to Kate down in St. Augustine and we were making plans for their photoshoot. But Kate wanted to add a twist and propose back to Kristen during the shoot. So after lots of tears of all of us and much celebration our friendship grew and we had so much fun planning for the big day. (Of course covid pushed it back a year like so many others, but it was no less joyful)

Kate wore her great grandmother's pearl bracelet and Kristen wore a Wooden Watch from Ox and Birch that Kate had given her as a gift, their favorite quote inscribed on the back of course, “After all this time, Always.”

The best part of the whole day was simply the incredible relationships both ladies had with their dads. From the first looks and preparations, being walked down the aisles and first dances, the four of them were so tight and supportive of each other, they were full of big belly laughs and a *maybe* few tears. When both dads decided to swap daughters half way through the first dances, the whole room flooded with happy tears and everyone cheered.

Doughnuts, rainbow shoes, smore’s, rainbow masks, sparklers and allllll the dancing made for a wonderfully celebratory night and everyone had so much fun. So grateful for these friends and all the love they bring to the world.

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Wedding Coordinator: Laura with The Oaks

Make Up Artist: Menagerie

The Dress: Lillian West from Maggi Bridal

The Suit: Michael Kors from NY Bride and Groom

Florist: Southern Blooms Co. Wood Flower Bouquets

Officiant: Kevin Holland

DJ: Damien Maass

Videographer: Steve Creel Video

Photobooth: Cynthia Viola Photography

Catering: Cannon

Desserts: Utica Bakery + Duck Donuts

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: CE Rentals

Favors: Kubenik Honey (Kristen's grandparent's bee and honey farm in upstate NY)

Chris and Kat's Wedding at the Oaks at Salem

“Love her but leave her wild.”

— Atticus

1394.

These cuties joked all weekend that they have all be waiting 1394 days to celebrate and everyone needed to “party accordingly.” Which everyone was more than happy to oblige. Everywhere they went their hype team (wedding party) would start a chant, “Murphy….Murphy….Murphy.” They would start quietly then get loud and jump around and throw their hands up in the air, it was SO much fun to be a part of! I think after all was said and done, if Kat and Chris could have chosen to have their “normal” wedding last year verses their covid reschedule now, they would have still chosen this. The anticipation was well worth the wait.

You can’t have a covid reschedule without the quintessential drink of choice, Corona. We were joking that they nearly went out of business when the virus first hit, now it’s the favorite drink at every rescheduled event. The weather even gave them a nod of approval as it was the most gorgeous sunny day, complete with a slight drop in temp to welcome fall.

Chris and Kat wrote letters to each other and read them during their first look. I think this might be my new favorite way to greet each other. So heartfelt, and allowed them to say everything they wanted to say to each other in the moment and also started the portraits off on a genuinely love-filled note.

This day was 100% worth the wait and I am so grateful these guys stuck it out and grew stronger together as they rescheduled all their plans. Thank you so much for including me you guys! So happy you are officially #finallythemurphys :)

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Guillermo Delgado

Venue and Coordinator: Aubriana with The Oaks at Salem

Her Dress: Stella York from Michele-A Bridal Boutique

His Attire: Kenneth Cole Reaction from Men's Warehouse

Bridesmaids: Kennedy Blue

Groomsmen: Egara from Men's Warehouse

Her Ring: Belloring Etsy Shop

His Ring: Gentlemen's Junction Etsy Shop

Her Perfume: Coco Chanel (Chris chose this for her just before the wedding) :)

His Cologne: Dior Sauvage

Hair Stylist: Taylor Burgos (Chris's sister)

Make Up Artist: Julie Robbins

Florist: MEWS Floral Design

Officiant: Lynne Weeks

DJ: All Events DJs

Catering: Funky Fresh

Linen/Chair/Tent Services: CE Rentals

The Oaks at Salem Wedding | Alex and Shae

“Everyone deserves someone who makes them look forward to tomorrow ”

As Alex approached the altar to a teary-eyed Shae, she took the mic and opened the ceremony with a moment of remembrance for those who couldn’t be there. The wedding party then stepped through the ceremony doors to retrieve a canvas photo of each of those lost loved ones. Shae was speechless and the tears started flowing, from everyone. You could feel the presence of those lost sitting right there among them.

Charlene next invited them to read their vows. Laced with laughter and light heartedness, Shae and Alex both shared of the challenges they had overcome thus far in their relationship and how they’d be there for each other through each of the challenges to come.

I had so much fun working with these two in the weeks leading up to the big day. Alex is all about surprises and really wanted to make the day special and unique. We discussed everything from her unique attire to smoke bombs and nerf gun fights, finally settling on lanterns for the final send off. Surrounded by their closest friends they watched them float off into the distance and held each other, knowing the hard part was over and now they got to spend the rest of their lives together.

You guys! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your day! It was absolutely perfect!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Coordinator: Becky Chapman

Wedding Attire: Men's Warehouse & David's Bridal

Rings: Jared

Florist: Asali Events

Officiant: Charlene Barbour

DJ: Bowtie Mobile DJ - Tracy Telenko

Catering: Cannon Catering

Cake Baker: Mad Hatter's Durham

GF Cupcakes and Cookies: Landmark Gluten Free Bakery

Rentals: CE Rental

Invitations: Shutterfly

The Oaks at Salem Wedding | Ann and Stephen

“When you’re a kid, you assume your parents are soulmates. My kids are gonna be right about that.”

— Pam - The Office

When I met Ann and Stephen I knew I’d found a couple that was meant to be together. Just the way they glance at each other and laugh at each other jokes and flirt is truly endearing. Then I really got to see their love shine as we explored the UNC campus for their Engagement session in February.

You know you’re loved when people will come from all over the country to celebrate with you. Almost everyone there, including the bride and groom were from somewhere else: DC, New York, Michigan, Denver, Seattle, and it’s easy to see why, these two are very lovable from the moment you meet them, both individually and as a couple. Everyone just wants to see them succeed and I loved being a part of it.

So lovable in fact, they rival Jim and Pam from “The Office.” You see, just before Ann put her dress on she noticed a tear in the fabric right on the very front of the dress, it wasn’t super noticeable, but still pretty devastating. She immediately sent Stephen a message telling him the news and, sensing how upset she was, said, “It’s just like Pam, you want me to cut my tie like Jim?” Cue ALLLLLL the tears from all of us! Oh my goodness he could not have said a more perfect thing. In their vows later she mentioned how he always knew how to say exactly the right thing at the right time to make her laugh. They are truly perfect for each other.

Thank you so much for letting us participate in your most perfect day you guys!!

The Vendors who Made the Day Possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Brittany Sloan

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Coordinator: Becky Chapman with Lily Rose Events

Bride's Dress: Global Bridal Gallery

Bridesmaids' Dresses: The Dessy Group

Groom and Groomsmens' Attire: Men's Warehouse

The Rings: Custom designed with family heirlooms at Ascot Diamonds

Hair and Make Up: Tiffany Mentrak

Florist: Petals on the Go

Officiant: Libby Mayock

DJ: Damien Maass

Caterer: Rocky Top Catering

Cake Baker: Cinda's Creative Cakes

Linen Services: CE Rental

Shuttle Bus: Ecostyle

Invitations: Minted

Rehearsal Dinner: Lake Johnson Waterfront Center

If you liked these, you might also like this Oaks at Salem Wedding, or this one.

Oaks at Salem Wedding | Lindsay and Matt

“What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life – to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories”

— George Eliot

Lindsay and Matt know how to go big on a party. From the classic cocktails, to the incredible DJs to knife fighting among the groom's party before the ceremony and Spice Girls jam sessions in the Bride's suite; they and their wedding party are there to have a good time. We had so much fun capturing the big day.

The Oaks at Salem was, of course, the perfect backdrop, and no one could have ordered a better weather forecast. It was like a fairy tale. 

When Lindsay's mom and dad shared advice for her during the first look, we all got a little teary eyed and everyone in the bride's party spoke from the heart as they recalled fun stories and shared what they admired about their friend. 

Lindsay and Matt wrote a special note to little Eva to carry with her in the flower basket, and to one day use for her "something blue" if she wishes. She promptly dropped it on the ground which made everyone laugh, but we all knew how very special it was, and she will too some day. :)

The Oaks really does have an incredible backdrop for portraits, any time of the day. Such a beautiful venue.

I'm pretty sure I ate three entire bowls of m&ms by myself during the reception, it's now officially my favorite wedding favor. :)

The choreographed dances had everyone smiling, nothing beats a solid dip...except maybe dad throwing money at the bride :)

Thank you guys for letting us be a part of your day!! We had an incredible time!!

Hope you enjoy Saint Lucia!! 

The Vendors who made the day Possible

Photography: Cynthia & A.J. Viola

Venue: The Oaks at Salem

Coordinators: Becky and Ashley at the Oaks

Bridal Gown: Lillian West from Maggi Bridal in Raleigh

Bridesmaids Dresses: Revelry

Groom's Tux and Groomsmen's Suits: The Black Tux

Bride and Groom's Rings: Bailey's

Hair and Make Up: Cori Lee Style

Florist: MEWS Designs

Officiant: Tim Tharrington, "With This Ring"

DJ: All Events DJs

Videographer: The Bride's Brother, Ryan

Photobooth: All Events DJs

Catering: Cook Shack Catering

Cake and Donuts: Edible Art & Rise Biscuits and Donuts

Linen Services: Party Reflections

Invitations: Minted

If you enjoyed these images you might also enjoy this Oaks at Salem Wedding  

Sisters - Apex, NC

“Childhood means simplicity. Look at the world with the child’s eye - it is very beautiful.”

— Kailash Satyarthi

When William told me he wanted to surprise Ashley with a photo session of their girls for Valentine's Day I was so excited! I love getting to be sneaky for the purposes of bringing someone joy. William snuck the girls out of school, bought new clothes for them and changed their outfits before we went on an adventure into the woods behind their neighborhood answering all of sweet Rylan's questions along the way. 

Rylan and I became instant BFFs. She introduced me to Hank the hippo, showed me all the books in her room, her favorite shoes (flip flops), showed me how she rides her bicycle, and even gave me the little flower on her bicycle at the end of the shoot! (I gave it back to William in secret later). She asked me to move in next door so we could have sleep overs. So adorable.  

Emery on the other hand...while equally adorable... preferred to show us just how quickly she could run in the other direction and do exactly the opposite of what we wanted every time. Lol. Gotta love the independence of an 18 month old. 

Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon, hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Alaria and Drew - The Oaks at Salem Wedding, Apex, NC

“After all this time? ~ Always.”

— Dumbledore to Severus

Oh my goodness, I knew I loved these two before I even met them just by hearing the tiniest snippet of their story which can be summed up pretty well with in their adorable hashtag #agypsyandasoldierwedding 

They met in 5th grade, were friends all through high school, fell in love in college and the rest is history. Most of their bridal party were even friends from all the school years together. They chose to be married at my favorite wedding venue in the Raleigh area, The Oaks at Salem. A gorgeous white house surrounded by 11 acres of land, trees and a beautiful lake. Veni is an amazingly organized coordinator and I adore working with her. Their team is just the best! 

You are going to love these details:

First of all, Alaria's bouquet was wrapped in a piece of her mother's wedding dress, giving it a timeless feel. For the unity portion of the ceremony Alaria held a vase of water while Drew placed a single rose in it: the rose symbolizing love while the water symbolized everything needed to make the love grow. So beautiful. 

They also chose to have a Ring Warming Ceremony. As every guest entered the space they placed the rings in their hands and wished good tidings and blessings on their marriage. Alaria happens to be a lover of words and reading, so they brought a beautiful typewriter for guests to type out their congratulatory notes on, something they'll be able to read throughout their marriage as they need it. 

Damien of course rocked the party with his amazing DJ skills, and he and his team will have an incredible cinema story up soon, I'll be sure to add the link here as soon as it's ready. Beau blew everyone away with his incredible menu and it was a night to be remembered for all. 

You guys, I was truly overwhelmed with all the beauty. Of course you were gorgeous, but your spirits were beautiful and the love brought by your many friends and family just surrounded the whole day with something special. Thank you for letting me be a part of your day, I hope you enjoy reliving it with a few of my favorite images. 

Being huge Harry Potter fans, they had the groomsmen take the personality quiz on Pottermore and had them wear socks representing their house! So cute! (I *might* have also taken the quiz out of curiosity, discovering that I'd be a Gryffindor...in case you were wondering) ;)

Vendors:

Photography: Cynthia Viola

Venue/Coordinator: Veni at The Oaks at Salem

Videographer: Damien Maass

DJ: Damien Maass

Hair and Make-up: Kristi Martinson at WINK

Dress: Bridal Boutique of NC

Groom/Groomsmen attire: Egara by Men's Warehouse

Rings: designed and custom made by Samantha Laddin at Green Lake Jewelry, Seattle

Bride's Shoes: Ophelia by Vince Camuto

Groom's Shoes: Heritage by Joseph Abboud

Groommen's Socks: Harry Potter Hogwarts houses socks :)

Officiant: Darren Granniss 

Perfume: Armani Code for her

Cologne: John Varvatos Vintage

Catering: Beau Catering

Florist: Teacup Floral

Cake and pies: Laura at Confectionate Cakes

Truffles: Chocolate Smiles

Get away car: Dave's Classic Cars

Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas

First Dance: Work Song by Hozier