I am so excited to be able to share the images from this very special wedding with such special people. Becca, Dave, and I actually all went to the same high school in Raleigh! Funny story though, Becca & Dave didn’t even know each other during that time and ended up meeting years later. But Becca and I used to ride horses together at the same barn, and there is something special about bonding over your love of being an equestrian. I even loved when I would run into her in our college days when she was competing with the NC State Equestrian team when I was riding for UNCW. Those are such fun memories to look back on!
And it means so so much to me that several years later, I got to have the HONOR of photographing her sweet wedding day! I had been long awaiting this wedding, y’all. Becca and Dave booked me what feels like FOREVER ago, and they were some of the first to reach out to me when I was just starting out on photographing weddings. Their faith and trust in me is something I will cherish forever!
When I asked the two of them what they were most excited about on their wedding day, their responses were as follows:
Dave – “Seeing Becca walk down the aisle – the moment when the music starts and everyone turns to look at her.”
Becca – “I just can’t wait to see Dave at the altar and get to say the vows we wrote in front of everyone we love. Also just having our favorite people and family in the same place for the first time!”
Ok, I’ll just be over here tearing up again. These two are so in love and so made for one another and it was written all over the entirety of the day.
While it was definitely a warm one, it was still spectacular weather for their outdoor wedding. Everything was picture perfect from the mixed colors of the bridesmaids dresses, to the bright whites and rose gold accents on the reception tables, to the amazing light that came in through the trees after the ceremony. The Oaks at Salem is such a charming venue with the most gorgeous pathway leading down to the aisle. I loved seeing the anticipation build as the guests could see Becca making the way down the aisle with her father from a distance.
Before the ceremony began, Becca and Dave each took some time to be alone and to read the letters they had written to each other. I immediately started bawling watching Becca read her letter from Dave, even though I hadn’t even read a single word of it. From her reaction alone I could feel the love and warmth in this words, and I had to wipe away the tears and hope I didn’t get mascara all over my face before walking outside to begin shooting the ceremony.This stuff right here is why I LOVE photographing weddings. It will really never get old, and I will probably never stop crying during those emotional and oh so special moments.
Some of my favorite details and moments from the rest of the day:
- The ring box that held the wedding bands was a miniature tack trunk (if you’re a horse girl you will know why I was obsessed with this)
- Becca’s engagement ring was passed on from her grandmother, and it was stunning.
- The people were amazing. Becca and Dave’s parents and their entire wedding party were the absolute sweetest and just such a pleasure to be around!
- Becca’s brother was their officiant, and he did the most BEAUTIFUL job with their ceremony
- The Hurricane’s won their playoff game that night and the excitement from all the hockey fans at the reception had that place poppin’ off!
- The bride’s dad on the dance floor…PRICELESS.
- Becca’s dad brought out the pony mane she used to wear as a little girl for their first dance. Cue ALL. THE. TEARS.
- The wedding gown had a name coined by the bride– Beth. I think it was very fitting.
I think that these images really do sum up the JOY and LAUGHTER that came of this day. I loved every minute of it. Dave & Becca, thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your special day. I wish you this much happiness every single day in your marriage!! Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Wright!
Photographer: Chelsea Allegra Photography
Venue: The Oaks at Salem
Bridal Gown: NY Bride & Groom
Groomsmen Suits: The Black Tux
Hair/Makeup: Beautique by Em
Florist: The English Garden
Catering: Cannon Catering
Cake: Buzzy Bakes
DJ: All Events DJ
