Gracie and Brandon hosted a mesmerizing winter Byron’s South End wedding, and I was so honored to photograph this special day for them! We all hoped that the impending storms in Charlotte would allow for a small window for outdoor portraits, and much to our surprise the storms rolled in just as the couple left in their limo…not a minute sooner!!!
About the Bride and Groom
Contrary to popular beliefs, a wedding photographer doesn’t just show up on the day of the wedding, shoot the wedding and call it a day. I love to spend time getting to know the bride and groom, and help them to plan when necessary. It was during the last few weeks of planning that I realized that I had actually worked with Brandon’s stepmother Pat for 7 years in the NC Court System. What a small world?!? I knew that they both came from such wonderful families and that they were extremely successful and driven individuals. They are part-owners and coaches at Crossfit Dilworth, and I can see why they make such a perfect team. They work together on a daily basis and it has clearly strengthened their union!
Their Engagement Session
Gracie and Brandon chose a summer engagement session in and around Uptown Charlotte. The summer day was hot and still we enjoyed our time walking around and getting to know eachother. I also had the opportunity to meet their adorable pugs Biggie and Bear! When Gracie told me that they were planning to have mostly dessert for their guests at the wedding, I was so excited! I love a good dessert 🙂
The Wedding Day
When a wedding day starts with laid back laughter and joyful glances out a window at the clearing skies, you know it is going to be a fun day! Gracie and her closest friends dressed in a beautiful suite at The Westin, and then we drove the short distance over to Byron’s South End so that Brandon could share a private first look with his gorgeous bride. The couple enjoyed a few moments to talk to each other and hold each other tight before the madness of a wedding day took over. Gracie had a few surprises for me, and had arranged for giant balloons for some of the bridal party pictures!!! Between the balloons and the rain holding off I was simply in photographer heaven.
We were soon joined by family, friends, and most importantly Bear and Biggie. They took their jobs as ring bearers so seriously and did an amazing job walking down the aisle and then starring in a few pictures! The rest of the evening was full of dancing, singing and so much joy…even a little cake smash 🙂
The couple left their wedding under the twilight sky and bistro lights of the Byron’s South End courtyard, with their closest friends and family waving streamers as they ran by.
The Impressive Byron’s South End Wedding Vendors
Special Thanks to all of the AMAZING vendors that made Gracie and Brandon’s day a success:
Wedding Photography: Sunshower Photography
Coordinator: Lauren Pressley, Southern Savvy Events
Venue: Byron’s South End
Hotel: Westin Uptown
Catering: Best Impressions
Cake: Ella’s Celestial Cakes
Florals: Lily Greenthumbs
Bridal Gown: Ti Adora by Alvina Valenta
Bridal Salon: Classic Bride
Bridal Gowns: Bill Levkoff via New York Bride & Groom
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair Styling: Rebekah McCann
Makeup Artist: Layne Barter
Videography: Carlisle Videography
Transportation: Ballantyne Limo
Pet Care: The Waggle Company
Entertainment: Split Second Sound
Second Shooter: Stefanie Morris
Byron’s South End Wedding Photos
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