[Pinehurst, NC Wedding]

Our second location on the road map to weddings was Pinehurst, NC.

I’m based in Wilmington and that has pretty much meant I am a destination wedding photographer.  We are located in a very small town, and there is a lot of photographers in the area. So, I actually don’t really have work in Wilmington. I’ve been lucky enough to travel out of the area, which is my absolutely favorite thing about my work!

We left Wilmington Friday morning. It was our first time being in this area, and we weren’t disappointed at all! We were very excited about this Pinehurst,NC wedding!

If you haven’t been, Pinehurst is a golf town. I think it’s one of America’s holy grail of golf. It’s a cute quiet, clean area. The town itself holds lots of golf history and its mimicked to look like an old English Village. There is cobble stone on the roads and the streets are lined with Tudor styled homes. It’s gorgeous! Andrew is a golfing guy, and a golfing manager in Virginia beach and I think that was the perfect location for his interest and providing a beautiful landscape for Ashley.

Ashley had opted for me to shoot her details the day before. And let me tell you how awesome is this! Not only do I get to get a sneak peek of her goodies, and I get to open up some time on the day of, so it’s always a plus.

Ashley’s dress was lined with crystals, and really delicate straps. She wore her something blue around her finger and had those most cute sandals that were tucked under neath her dress.

I also got to shoot Andrews details. Beautiful caramel shoes paired with a blue paisley tie. And you can’t forget the cutest accessory and detail, their handwritten vows. So sweet!

 

The day started off with Ashley getting ready for the big day with her bestest girlfriends. Her makeup, hair and getting into her dress was top secret! I love how she did multiple first looks. The first one was her girls, the second with her dad, and finally with Andrew. The girls gathered in the living area of the room while they waited for Ashley to come out.  They took pics and Ashley’s dad finished getting dressed here too. He was leaving to go to our first look location for him and Ashley. The bride was just about ready to see her bridesmaids.

 

 

 

Ashley’s second look was with the first man in her life, her dad.  Their relationship is so sweet to see. I love seeing these moments play out. You never know who will be the first to cry. And, I must say Dad held out as long as he could. Ashley twirled for her dad and you could tell her dad only still saw the little girl he had fallen in love with. There is just something undeniably contagious and beautiful about this kinda of love.

 

 

 

After her first look was done, we drove to the Arboretum of Pinehurst. Andrew was patiently waiting for his girl to do their first look.  It was about 100degrees out and very humid, and this guy still looked as sharp as could be. Andrew looked nothing but handsome in his pale blue grey suit.

 

 

Andrew and Ashley are truly polar opposites. She’s vivacious, spunky, giggly, and her personality if you could turn into candy would be like gummi bears, and cotton candy. Andrew on the other hand, has the most peaceful and calming demeanor.  He’s like that gentle breeze you receive on your cheek on summer nights. He’s smart, attentive, and even though he is quiet he’s very protective with Ashley. They are the perfect match to one another’s personalities.

 

As we were taking the couple portraits we also notice the rolling clouds coming in. The day called for thunderstorms, and we were definitely pushing the envelope.

Ashley and Andrew’s ceremony was soon approaching and all was left was to get it going! Ashley walked down the aisle with her dad. The Arborteum was the perfect backdrop to their ceremony. Gorgeous flowers were accenting the center alter and aisle.

As they went through the ceremony and exchanged their I do’s, mother nature couldn’t help but make an appearance as well. And she did it epicly…

 

And just like that, umbrellas were the main attraction as the storm rolled through the area. It was like a hurricane was coming through. Something I will never forget, and a story that will always be told for these two. Its kinda neat that they have this story to tell their kids, and possibly the story will continue throughout generations.

 

After the guest were gone, we sneaked our couple a way, and finished off our time at the Arboretum with some more photos of our couple. I took some more photos of Ashley alone, how could you not, right? She was was gorgeous!!! Her bouquet, and the dress on her, and her beautiful smile. Absolute perfection!

 

The reception was at the Fair Barn. I have never been to a barn venue that was decorated so beautiful. Drapes lined the walls, flowers were everywhere and we even had a chandailler that was above our dance floor. The guest were treated to a southern dinner paired with sweet tea of course!

 

 

One really cool detail, that I loved was the coffee bar.  They had Duck Donuts accented their wedding cake. There was a variety of flavors ranging from maple bacon to sprinkles.  We definitely drooled over this selection while we were photographing it. Don’t they look tasty!!

 

The couple entered into their first dance, had some wonderful speeches from Ashley’s dad, her sister, and Andrews best friend.. We had a cake fight, some dancing and finally the night was finished with a bubble send off from their closest family and friends.

 

Wedding Professionals

Location: Pinehurst, NC

Wedding Planner – Jenn DiTuro, Vision Events

Ceremony Venue – The Village Arboretum

Reception Venue – The Fair Barn

Catering – Elliott’s

Officiant – Scott Betts

DJ – McSound Productions

Photographer – Paula Andrea Photography

Videographer – Happy Tears Video -Armin

Florist – Hollyfield Designs

Cake – Helen Andraos

Donuts – Duck Donuts

Rentals – Ward Productions + CE Rental

Hair – Meredith

Make-up – Emma Little + Helen Andraos

 

It was a gorgeous venue for a gorgeous end to a beautifully spectacular day. We even ended the night with bubbles as our send off!

Cheers to a gorgeous couple in and out, beautiful families that made us feel very welcomed, and a tremendous group of creatives who rocked this wedding. I worked with such genuinely nice people who I  truly hope our paths cross again.  All these elements made for a wonderful wedding 🙂