First of all...
I need to thank my friend Sarah for sending the incredible Tara and Ian to my inbox. Tara and I had our first meeting in downtown Chapel Hill and meeting with her felt like meeting with an old friend. In meeting with her, I knew that there were a few things that we very important to her, one of them being that her and Ian wanted to actually enjoy their wedding day. They wanted to be present with all of their loved ones. Their wedding was everything that they are - laid back, fun, and it just felt like them.
I started the day hanging out with the girls in the bridal suite and they were the best. You could tell how excited they were for Tara and Ian. While I was hanging with the girls for their formal portraits, Sydney went and hung out with Ian and the guys, who were equally as incredible as the girls. It was so heartwarming to me that everyone that surrounded these two were genuinely excited for them. We then headed over to their ceremony. They opted to do one of my favorite things in the world, which is exchanging hand written vows (I cry every time). No really, I just think it's so special when couples' pour our their heart to each other when promising each other forever.
When I tell you that this is one of the best bridal parties I have ever worked with, I am not embellishing. These people were a freaking dream. If any of them are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH! I love you guys haha.
Portraits with Tara and Ian made me feel like a giddy little girl who's waiting for her prince charming. Everything, from the way these two talk to each other, the way they look at each other, everything was the sweetest. I knew that it was very important to them to be able to spend time with the ones they love at cocktail hour so I pushed to get them there. Their cocktail hour had some of the coolest details, including cocktail napkins that had facts about both of them, which I thought was super cool. They kicked off dinner with speeches and it was so apparent that everything I assumed about Tara and Ian's people were correct. They embody all of the traits that anyone could crave in friends and family. They're supportive, they cheer them on, and push them to be better. What a bunch!! Tara and Ian's reception boasted an ice cream bar, fun dancing, and cigars.
Tara and Ian, thank you for allowing me to be there for your incredible wedding day. I could go on and on about you two, but I feel like I've gushed enough. Thank you for being you and being so wonderful.
The fabulous vendors that made this day great:
Planner: Maggie with C and E Events
Venue: the Barn at Valhalla
Photographer: Holly Kearney Blanco
Catering: Rocky Top Catering
Music: Curtis and Maggie Stith
Rentals: CE Rentals
Hair and Makeup: Perfection by Patricia
