It was a beautiful winter wedding day. The air was crisp and pale. The slushy rain mixture was forecasted, but it didn’t stop up from making memories. Megan got ready in the airy and bright glass box with her friends and mom. She was so thoughtful in how she spent her morning, laying aside each detail to remember and making time so that she wouldn’t rush past her getting ready process. She was truly radiant as she put on her long-sleeved lacy gown, perfect for the cool weather and cheery atmosphere of the eminent holiday.

Across the street Joe nervously tightened his tie and made his way over to the Stockroom. He walked to the end of the aisle, where he would soon say his vows. Megan had envisioned having their first look exactly where they would get married, and the view of her coming down the rows of chairs and Joe’s tear-filled eyes as he beheld her was beautiful.

We spent some time on the roof, taking in the Raleigh skyline, capturing their excited comments, and running across the streets. Apparently, when you’re garbed in wedding attire, jay-walking is entirely permissible.

The ceremony, decked out in lush greenery and pine bows, was lit with warm twinkle lights and candles. The whole atmosphere felt as if everyone had come for the holidays. This feeling spilled over into the night, especially when, in the reception, Megan’s dad made a toast, revealing that the wedding favors were personal port-wine bottles for each of the guests made by Megan’s grandparents. They had on the year of Megan’s birth dedicated and name the port in her honor, and Megan and Joe thought it best to share it on none other than their wedding day.

Before the final moments of the evening, Joe and Megan ushered out their friends and family for one last moment together. They rocked back and forth on the dance floor alone, quietly and sweetly. I am just so taken by how intentional they were to preserve moments throughout the day that they could really enjoy each other rather than just get lost in the craziness of it all. I think that this time they set aside, whether in the getting ready process, the first look, or a last dance, was well worth it.

I wish you two all the best.

Vendors:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Stockroom at 230
Cocktail Hour Venue: City of Raleigh Museum
Hair & Makeup Artist: Janna from Wink Hair & Makeup
Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero
Caterer: Empire Eats Catering
DJ: Willis J. Entertainment
Florist: Specialties Floral & Events
Cake Artist: Blue Moon Bakery
Stationary: Papersource
Calligraphy: Cheryl Downing Warren
Rentals: CE Rentals
Wedding Signage: Meriwether Designs