Barclay Villa Wedding | Jessica and Tyler

“Love has nothing to do with what you’re expecting to get – only what you’re expecting to give – which is everything”

— Katharine Hepburn

There’s something moving about capturing a family’s memories from the time their kids are in high school until they start walking down the aisle. I feel like I’ve been a part of Jessica’s family forever. It’s been nearly ten years since her aunt Colleen’s wedding, then with senior portraits for all three sisters, holiday parties and working with them on Help Portrait events, I’ve watched them all grow up and go off on their adventures and come back with tons of stories.

This story, will be their best yet though. Tyler and Jessica have been inseparable for years and already traveled the world together, this fairy tale wedding was the perfect portrait of their journey together. Barclay Villa set the castle backdrop and in addition to her gorgeous wedding rings, Jessica wore a custom ring with her mom's first engagement diamond and blue topaz that her parents bought for her when they were on vacation 20 years ago. The 3 stones represent the three sisters and all of them plan to wear it on their wedding days. Between that, her mother’s veil lace wrapped around her bouquet and Tyler’s confirmation candles being used for the unity candle, the whole day was wrapped in history and the love of their families.

I couldn’t wait to finally show some of Jessica’s bridal portraits from a few weeks ago! She is so stunning.

Between grandpa’s in tuxedos and grandmas who can seriously boogie on the dance floor, I’m pretty sure they win the award for most adorable grandparents.

This weekend was pure magic you guys! Thank you so much for including us in your fairy tale! 

The Big Day was made possible by these Vendors:

Photographers - Cynthia Viola with Brittany Sloan

Coordinator -Jaclyn @ Party Designs By Jax

Venue - Barclay Villa

Wedding Dress - Classic Bride - Cornelius, NC

Bridesmaid's Dresses - Azazie

Rings - Malak Jewelers - Charlotte, NC

Custom Ring - Custom Jewelry Lab - Charlotte, NC

Hair and Make-Up - Wedded Kiss - Raleigh, NC

Florist - Dragonfly Florist

Officiant - Kevin Holland

Violinist - Udeshi Hargett

Live Painter - Tesh Parekh

Band - Lucky Pocket

Videographer - Milestone Media Group

Catering - Jeff @ Rocky Top Catering

Cake Baker - Publix

Bus Rentals - White Glove Transportation

Invitations - Minted

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy viewing, this Barclay Villa Wedding or this Raleigh Wedding.

Highgrove Estate Wedding | Jessica and Jeff

“Just in case you ever foolishly forget; I’m never not thinking of you”

— Virginia Woolf

Every part of Jeff and Jessica's wedding weekend felt like a family reunion to me. Not just the fact that there were several other couples and families there I've had the privilege of shooting in the past, or the fact that I've shot at Highgrove before and worked with several of other other vendors before, but more for the fact that everyone was just so welcoming and friendly. From the bartenders and servers at their rehearsal dinner to their super helpful wedding party to everyone who pitched in to make sure the chairs got wiped down after the sudden downpour just before the ceremony started. 

These two have surrounded themselves with people who adore them and wish nothing more than to see them succeed in life and in their relationship. They even invited Jessica's family to participate in their engagement session which was so much fun! I love that they feel comfortable doing all their fun stuff together. You can view those images here, but it was great seeing everyone again and trying to recreate a few of the images throughout the day. 

Jessica has the honor of having two fathers in her life so she was able to share a first look with each of them separately. There were plenty of tears to go around, I assure you :)

I absolutely love working with Highgrove Estate! They truly go all out when it comes to client experience and making sure you have everything you need every step of the way. As I mentioned, the sky opened up just 30 minutes before the ceremony was to start but Jessica had her heart set on having the ceremony outside so Britnie worked her magic and held the guests inside just long enough to let the rain finish then they rushed in to wipe the chairs and saw to it that the show would go on as planned. 

We seriously had so much fun capturing portraits for these two. Jessica and I were doing everything we could to get her groom to blush as we spoke of the upcoming honeymoon. So cute. 

Near the end of the evening a T-Rex and a Hippo showed up, I'm still not sure where they came from but there were definitely the life of the party, dancing with the bride and grandma and tons of other guests! So much fun!

You guys I cannot thank you enough for letting us be a part of your day! We had an absolute blast! 

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia Viola with Brittany Sloan

Coordinator: Britnie Jaynes

Venue & Catering: Highgrove Estate

Bride's Gown: Curvaceous Couture

Bridesmaid's Gowns: Azazie

Bride's Perfume: Tease - Victoria's Secret

Groom and Groomsmen's Attire: Executive's Cutting Edge

Rings: Diamonds Direct

Hair and Makeup: Taylor Downs

Etsy Earrings or whatever: Mkedesignwedding

Officiant: Rob Perry

Florist: Ruth Payne/ Norma Talley

Videographer: John Defino

Bakery: Donna @ Sweet Memories Bakery

DJ: Eddie Leonard Productions

Linen Services: CE Rental

Invitations: Etsy- ArtePapery

Rehearsal Dinner: Nina's Ristorante

If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy viewing, this Highgrove Estate Wedding, or this Raleigh Wedding

Highgrove Estate Wedding - Jacqueline and Jon

“So I’m thanking you today, because of you I am now me.”

— John Butler Trio

Oh my goodness, we love Jacqueline and Jon so much!

For starters A.J. connected with Jon about a year ago discussing business and boxing. Jon has such a passion for serving people well both in business and in life, it just happens to play out at the moment in his 9 Round gym. He and A.J. were fast friends. 

Then, when Jacqueline and I met just a few weeks ago to discuss the wedding, we instantly realized we are basically the same person. Both ENFPs, similar back stories, the same love of adventure and stubborn unwillingness to be put into a box. She decided they'd be a great fit for our pre-marital counseling sessions and A.J. and I fell in love with them all over again as we got to hear their story and watch them pick on each other and read each other's minds as we discussed a few marriage expectations. 

These two were meant for each other. She talked about how he makes her laugh and fills in the gaps where she lacks, making her better. He talked about how she keeps him fun and how she is THE person he wants to marry...not believing in two marriages, he knows they will make the sacrifices to ensure they stay together for life. 

As the big day commenced and they bustled about Highgrove, the stresses of the day began to weigh in, but all of it disappeared as Jacqueline practically bounced (in her Jordan's) down the stairs to meet Jon for the first look. The moment they hugged each other you could just see the stress melt away. They talked and laughed, teased each other by choosing not to kiss til the ceremony and even practiced their first dance. Perfection. 

The other aspect of the day that was perfection was Highgrove Estate. You guys. This place is unbelievable. Everything you could possibly need on site and a photographer's dream. It was made with the best light in mind and the whole day photographed so beautifully. I cannot wait to come back! 

Jacqueline and Jon we love you both so much, we hope this week is full of rest and perfect bliss! Thank you for letting us be a part of you day! Hope you enjoy these favorites from the day!

This gold bracelet is a gift from Jon's mother to Jacqueline, it's a Persian tradition for the mother of the groom to give the bride a gift. And below, Jacqueline's Jordans. A lifetime favorite of hers could not be neglected on her big day. Love it!

The vendors who made the day possible:

Photographers: Cynthia & A.J. Viola

Venue and Catering: Highgrove Estate

Coordinator: Amanda Shepherd

Bride's Dress: BHLDN

Groom's Attire: Ticknors Mens Clothiers

Bride's Ring: Joint Venture Jewelry

Groom's Ring: LA Laser Engraving

Make Up Artist: Anna Dill

Florist: Sarah Brock

Officiant: Jeremy Robertson

DJ: Bob Perry

Cake Baker: Sweet Memories Bakery

Linens: CE Rentals

Invitations: Basic Invite

Favors: Carolina Popcorn Shoppe