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Their fall fairy tale wedding day came true when Annie and Steven married at Duke Chapel in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It was a beautiful October day, with Annie’s vision of a fall color palette that Amanda of A Swanky Affair helped bring to life. I was so happy to have been introduced to this wonderful couple, finishing up medical school and starting a medical residency, from Annie’s best friend, Ali, whose beautiful wedding I photographed two autumn seasons ago (wow, time flies!).
There were so many details to adore from their day, from Steven’s extraordinary bow tie, to Annie’s awesome hair style, to their vibrant jewelry. It was the coming together of many friends and family (Steven is one of four children, which is so nice for Annie to have two brother-in-laws and a sister-in-law now, as an only child!) in a wonderful celebration of their love. 
The ladies prepared for the day at Annie’s parents house, her childhood home where she grew up. Annie gifted her bridesmaids beautiful robes with their initials monogrammed on them in white thread. She also generously gave them many other useful items, like earrings they wore that day and each a clutch purse. Annie also got her father a Brackish bow tie, created with real feathers, to wear for this most special occasion.
I love that they kept it classy for their wedding invitation. The navy blue and gold script perfectly matched their wedding palette and style. Fall colors are Annie’s favorite so seeing how well everything was coordinated made me smile!
She has a wedding band that is so unique it was the first time I’d seen anything like it! On one side was a band of rubies and the other sapphires so she could flip the two rows of diamonds, on top and bottom of the middle band colorful gemstone band, to pink or blue depending on mood or outfit. How cool is that?
We enjoyed capturing their first look in private, with just the two of them at Duke Chapel, ready to enjoy some quiet moments together. The gothic arches of the church and stone facades were an enchanting backdrop for their autumn wedding photos. I love that the magnolia leaves on the property of their ceremony venue were echoed in the arrangements on the table at their reception venue. So very sweet and southern!
Steven wore a boutonniere complete with a white rose, blue thistle and lotus pod that matched Annie’s bouquet. She carried an arrangement in a teardrop shape, consisting of gold painted pods as well with a variety of spray roses, wax flowers and silver dollar eucalyptus. 
It was truly a dream to photograph their wedding party, consisting of eleven bridesmaids and eleven groomsmen. (They liked the symmetry of it all and I can’t blame them!) And I LOVE this photo of the bridal party; they wore show-stopping navy blue sequin gowns with low backs. The sequins added such glamour to the wedding along with special touches, like Annie’s cameo and pearl necklace.
The photo of Steven kissing Annie, below, is also another favorite!
I loved that their flower girl, Pierce, carried a star wand decorated with live flowers instead of throwing petals from a basket. (It’s often difficult to get toddlers to throw petals on their own so this was a genius alternative!)
After I placed Annie within the gothic arcade on the side of Duke Chapel for a portrait, fanning her embroidered wedding gown train just so, I noticed a candid moment with her bridesmaids looking on. It’s serendipitous wedding day moments like this that warm my heart. 
I get the chills every time I look at this photo of the bride. Her tulle veil and long, scallop-train gown are the perfect picture of an elegant bride. Duke Chapel reminds me of a European church; its architectural details and adornments were a great compliment to Annie’s wedding day look. Soon after her father, Chris, would walk her down the aisle to meet her soon-to-be-husband at the altar.
After some evening photos with the dapper groomsmen it was time to head about fifteen minutes away, to Hope Valley Country Club, to PARTY! Their coasters doubled as drink “holders” (or reserves) too. I love when couples do that!
Their guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the outdoor, covered terrace of Hope Valley Country Club. They were able to place their fingerprint in their choice of silver, gold or copper ink as a leaf on a tree on a framed keepsake guest board the bride and groom kept. Everyone moved into the dining area for a seated dinner at round tables with Chivari chairs, topped with white linens and gold chargers. Printed menus that matched guest favor tags and monogrammed napkins were at each place setting. The sweetheart table had a beautiful navy sequin linen that matched the escort card table. The same monogram used on napkins was also placed on their five-tier white wedding cake with delicate lace-pattern piping.
Annie changed into a beautiful white silk gown with a fabulous, sexy open back and tons of beaded rhinestone detailing on it. (I have a feeling she looks great in anything!) It was the perfect dress to enjoy a ton of dancing to the sounds of their live band, and then head out for the rest of the evening with a sparkler exit.
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs.!
Wedding planner: Amanda, A Swanky Affair / Venue: Duke Chapel (ceremony) and Hope Valley Country Club (reception) / Flowers: Victoria Park Florist / Cakes: Edible Art / Band: Soul Psychedelique / Makeup: Tiwa Lawrence / Hair: 140 Salon, Kaylie / Wedding gown: Designer Matthew Christopher / Bridesmaids gowns: Bella Bridesmaids, designer Theia / Lighting: Get Lit Special Event Lighting / Tuxedo: The Black Tux / Invitation: Reaves Engraving / Menus, gift tags and place cards: Wedding Paper Divas / Linens: CE Rental / Bow tie: Brackish
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