Wedding Photographer North Carolina

Why your wedding should include a first look

Why you should have a first look !

There’s no denying it: a wedding first look is one of the most memorable moments in a couple’s lives. The anticipation, the excitement, and the joy of being able to see each other before the ceremony – it’s an experience that you’ll remember forever!

But why do you need a first look? How does it really benefit your wedding day? 

Here’s why you should have a first look:

It can help calm your nerves before the ceremony

You’ll be able to take a deep breath, surrender to your emotions intimately, and enjoy some alone time before the ceremony. This moment can also help you get into character for the wedding day – instead of thinking about all of the responsibilities that come with it, you’ll be able to focus on each other.

The photos from it will be so romantic and gorgeous!

Your photographer will be able to capture some amazing photos before the ceremony starts, which will help you remember this special wedding moment forever.

It's super romantic!

You’ll be able to enjoy a few moments of quality time with just your spouse-to-be. This is one of the most romantic things you can do before getting married, and it’s also a great way to unwind together and get ready for the ceremony.

You'll be able to attend cocktail hour as a couple — and that's priceless!

This is a great way to spend some time with your loved ones and enjoy the festivities. It’s also a great chance to take some photos with your loved ones, which will help you remember this special wedding moment forever.

Flexibility

First looks give you more flexibility with your schedule. You don’t have to worry about trying to squeeze everything in at once – you can take your time and enjoy every moment. You’ll also be able to relax and enjoy the ceremony, knowing that you’ve already taken some amazing photos together.

You'll have more time for family photos

Your special day is about celebrating with your loved ones, which means that there will be lots of photos of them. This is a great way to document the day and keep it forever. You can tell a story with your photos. Having your first look beforehand gives you more time during this special moment with your partner and family members without worrying about timing.

It's just fun!

Who doesn’t love seeing their partner in their wedding dress before anyone else? It’s a great way to get excited about your big day and share that excitement with your partner.

Your hair and makeup will be fresh

This means that you’ll have a perfect look for your photos! This is another great reason to have a wedding first look. 

So there you have it: the reasons you should have a first look. It’s important to remember that your wedding day will be one of the most beautiful days of your life, so you want to make sure that every part of it is as special and magical as possible. 

A wedding first look is a great way to do just that – and we hope that, if you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to do one, this post has helped you decide!

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Stunning beach bride greensboro wedding dress

Top 5 Wedding Dress Shops in Greensboro

Top 5 Wedding Dress Shops in Greensboro, NC

Blessed are the brides-to-be of Greensboro, they have so many wedding dress boutiques, designers’ studios, and shops to find their dream gown! But of course – with a great choice, comes great responsibility. That is why we’re here to save the time of our sweet brides and point out the wedding dress shops our recent brides have only positive experiences with.

Divas are known for the unforgettable bridal shopping experience they provide. If you want an expert stylist’s undivided attention during your whole dress quest, this is the right place for you. At Simply Stunning it is all about YOU! Their dedicated stylist is passionate to find you the dress of your dreams and match it with exquisite accessories until you look – simply stunning!

The Duchess Bridal is an award-winning wedding dress boutique for bold, modern brides. They are very emotional and honest with every new bride that steps into their store. You will come out not only with a perfect dress but also with great memories and fun stories that will warm up your heart in the years to come.

If time efficiency is everything for you, you’ll love this one: David’s Bridal really has something for everyone! They offer dresses for every occasion, and even matching tuxedos. This is a fantastic dress store if you’d rather shop in a bulk with all the bridesmaids, siblings, your mom or mother-in-law, or even with your spouse. Plus, a full array of adorable accessories for everyone are available. You can also browse the wedding dress store by budget categories on their website.

If you are in love with tradition and southern elegance, the wedding dress store you have to check first is Southern Bride. They have a fabulous collection of designer gowns, hand-picked to fit the preferences of brides who value classic couture. You’ll love their relaxing and personalized approach when it comes to the whole shopping experience. On their website, you can check out a gallery with real brides that said YES to their dresses and get an idea of what kind of experience they offer!

This is the wedding dress shop that will support you to be your own kind of beautiful on your special day. They set aside enough time to get to know you and your girls’ crew – to understand what makes you feel beautiful and confident. Then, they will easily find the perfect wedding dress to offer you, matching your personality and theme.

We love the nostalgic wedding day look of most of the gowns exposed in this little shop. It is cozy and intimate, yet luxurious. Their very attentive to details expert will hear you, see you, and find you the dress you are longing for!

We know the bridal dress is the highlight of the wedding and we’re rooting for you to go ahead and make a fabulous choice. We know how important it is for you to look good on your big day. But what is even more visible in the video story we’re creating for your special day, is how beautiful you feel. That is why we dedicate time to capturing your radiance through bridal portraits!

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How to choose a wedding venue!

How to pick a wedding venue: A checklist of things to consider!

Have you launched a search for “wedding venues near me”? Many times this search can leave us wondering how to pick the right wedding venue. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the best venue for your big day. 

That is why we’ve put together a venue checklist that can help you narrow down your options and make an informed decision.

Decide on your budget.

The first step toward finding the right venue is knowing how much money you have to spend. Once you know how much room you have in your budget, it will be easier to narrow down what kind of place will work best for you and your guests.

Scope out local venues.

Don’t just look at one or two places online – get out there and scout some locations near where you live or where most of your guests live. This will give you a better idea of what options are available locally, as well as how much they cost!

Style.

Are there any particular styles or themes that fit your vision for the wedding day? If you have a specific style in mind, it will be easier to find a venue that fits your vision. If not, try thinking about how you want people to feel when they arrive at the location – is it romantic, elegant, or casual? Are there any particular elements you want to include in your decor, like plants or lighting? All of these things will help you narrow down the choices available.

Size.

How many people are you planning to invite to your wedding? If you’re not sure, talk it over with your partner and try to come up with an estimate. You can also check out the venue’s capacity on their website or with an event coordinator.

Contact the venue to set up a meeting.

Most venues will have a specific process in place for booking weddings. For example, they may require that you book at least six months in advance and pay a deposit when you sign your contract.

Top North Carolina Venues

Plan a date and time for the wedding.

If you’re planning an outdoor celebration, make sure it doesn’t fall during a time of year when the weather is too unpredictable.

Choose the type of ceremony and reception you want.

Some venues have certain packages that they offer, while others will let you customize your event. You may also want to consider hiring a wedding planner or day-of coordinator for help with all of the details.

Take notes while visiting possible venues.

Take notes on each venue, including its amenities and available features. Write down any questions you have so that you can ask them when you visit again.

Consider the venue’s amenities.

Some venues have more options than others, so consider what you want from your wedding. Do you need a space for an outdoor ceremony? Do you need a place to host an indoor reception? Is there parking available for your guests? Is there an available catering kitchen for your caterer?

Get referrals.

Ask friends, family members, and coworkers if they know of any venues that would suit your needs. This can help you find the perfect space without doing all the legwork yourself.

We hope we’ve made it easier for you by offering some advice on how to choose a wedding venue that will make your day as special as it can be!

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Raleigh Wedding Dress Castle McCulloch

Top 5 Wedding Dress Shops in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Top 5 Wedding Dress Shops in Raleigh/Durham, NC

Prepare to say yes to the dress!

Congratulations! You’ve said Yes with a capital Y to the love of your life. How exciting is that? We’re so happy for you! Have you decided on the dress? Is it going to be crisp white or slightly beige? Veil, or no veil? Crystals or pearls? Oh, you want a mesmerizing dress and details that will tell your story.

Now you know we’ve served quite a few brides recently. Many of them are from the Raleigh/Durham area and each one was wearing a gorgeous gown. But only a few were very happy with their dress quest experiences, so we want to share with you the wedding dress shops they were so fond of.

At this wedding dress boutique, everyone is passionate about being size-inclusive. They have every size in stock and provide a safe space for every bride to focus on how she feels when trying out dresses. Mid-size, curvy, and plus-sized is their specialty but they provide an intimate shopping experience that elevates and empowers brides – regardless of their size, body type, and shape. Visit their site now by clicking here!

If setting up appointments stresses you out, this might easily become your favorite wedding dress store. They have over 20 bridal suites and over 1.000 gowns in stock! And you and your favorite people will be warmly welcomed at any time to choose and try any dress you like from the largest selection in the South. Visit their site now by clicking here!

In essence, this shop is solely focused on the bride, so bridesmaids, moms, and guests will have to go shopping somewhere else. This wedding dress shop is conveniently located in Raleigh’s Glenwood South neighborhood. Each dress displayed here is created with high quality, beautiful fabrics, and attention to detail. Their gowns and accessories are designers’ work, and whether it’s chic couture, a statement dress, or a romantic lace gown – it is all gilded in high quality. Visit their site now by clicking here!

Bella offers dresses in every style, size, and color you can imagine. Their selection is displayed with filters by length, color, budget, and fabric; so browsing their offers is such a time-saver for those who know what they came for. Choosing a bridal gown can be an emotional experience so taking out any extra pressure from it may result in lots of fun. Visit their site now by clicking here!

Simply Blush is here to uplift and encourage the bride, and serve every woman on her journey toward building a meaningful marriage. They will definitely support you in your quest for a picture-perfect gown. If you’re interested in a timeless, unforgettable look, Simply Blush should be high on your wedding dress boutique list. Also, they organize happy hour discounts on displayed dresses, bridal work out, ladies’ night out, and many such events to bring up together all the lovely women that entrusted the highlight of their special day, to Simply Blush. Visit their site now by clicking here!

If you wish to have the perfect bridal portraits, then you definitely need to choose the perfect gown! We hope that with this article, we’ve tickled your curiosity and you will check these wedding dress shops!

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Greensboro Wedding Venue

The Best Wedding Venues in Greensboro NC

10 Best Wedding Venues in Greensboro, NC

Greensboro in North Carolina is home to some of the most gorgeous wedding venues in the country. It prides itself on stunning vistas, charming locales, and a huge array of locations for you to host your dream wedding. Choosing the wedding venue should be of utmost importance, not only for the location but for the team that will make sure your big day can run seamlessly!

As we’ve mentioned, there’s a plethora of estates to choose from. We know that deciding on one can be a challenging task and there are a lot of details that need to be well thought out. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best wedding venues in Greensboro NC, that not only offer breathtaking atmosphere but exceptional service as well.

If you’re looking for wedding venues near Greensboro, you might want to take a peek at the newly renovated Grandover Resort and Conference Center. The Grandover Lawn is the ideal ceremony venue, neatly decorated with two white gazebos and trailing vines. You and your guests can enjoy the exceptional view of the garden areas and take breathtaking photos for your wedding album.

As for the reception, the Grandover offers various authentic ballrooms, suited for any type of wedding. The traditional Grandville ballroom is perfect for larger parties. The ballroom can easily accommodate up to 500 people. If you’re looking for a more intimate setting, the modern Grandville ballroom is an excellent choice, featuring a private balcony overlooking the gardens. The venue also provides an amazing coordinating service. An on-site manager coordinates all the vendors with your wedding planner, ensuring everything runs smoothly!

To learn more about this exceptional venue, head to our Grandover Resort and Conference Center page.

The McAlister – Leftwich estate is an exceptional wedding venue complied of two historic houses built over 100 years ago. Situated in downtown Greensboro, this estate has been home to some of the most heartfelt and charming wedding celebrations. The Leftwich house has four spacious rooms, often used for cocktail hours or more intimate ceremonies. The McAlister house is freshly renovated and has a huge open space, ideal for larger ceremonies. The estate also features two outdoor locations where your guests can enjoy dining under the stars or take striking photos with the lush landscape as their backdrop.

The House offers one of the best bridal experiences – a lively, vintage-decorated bridal suite, accompanied by a sitting room, dressing room, dining room, and a hair and make-up room. Because of the huge windows, the suite provides the perfect light for your bridal photos. The venue can accommodate up to 150 guests, with both indoor and outdoor options, making it a wonderful choice for your upcoming wedding.

To discover real weddings that have happened at The McAlister – Leftwich House which you can discover here.

The Colonnade in Greensboro, North Carolina, is a wedding venue full of distinctive character and industrial beauty. It is located inside the historic Revolution Mill and is catered by Pepper Moon Catering. The gorgeous private courtyard and warm interior area with original maple floors, sizable windows, high ceilings, exposed brick, and authentic ironwork are sure to astound your guests. Brides can take their time and enjoy prepping in the new bridal room, featuring a cabinet full of emergency wedding day supplies – in case something goes wrong.

The site could easily accommodate up to 300 guests in the indoor areas, while the outdoor private courtyard sits around 180 guests, ideal for a smaller ceremony. The staff at Revolution Mill is especially qualified to assist you every step of the way and make the planning and catering process delightful, thanks to their significant experience in organizing and carrying out all kinds of weddings.

Get some more information and see weddings we’ve captured on our Colonnade page!

The Starmount Forest Country Club pops up as a staple when it comes to searching ‘wedding venues near Greensboro’. The ballroom has a capacity of over 300 guests and includes some dazzling amenities. Amenities include elegant chandeliers, hardwood floorings, a faux fireplace, and a sizable bay window overlooking the exceptional golf course. The Dogwood room is especially great for taking bridal photos, as it has a full wall of windows and provides natural lighting.

The outdoor patio is a great choice for smaller weddings, offering a striking view of the golf course and a gas-lit firepit, making it an ideal spot for mingling with guests. The Starmount provides full event planning, including hand-picked menus and decor setup. The skilled staff and managers will be at your disposal throughout your whole event! Take advantage of the restaurant staff, as the chefs can come up with creative ideas to satisfy your taste buds.

To discover weddings we’ve shot here, and learn more about the amenities, packages, and more; check out our Starmount Forest page.

Celebrate your dream wedding in full elegance at the Sedgefield Country Club! The sophisticated estate offers a mix of both traditional and contemporary styles, along with skilled and competent staff that helps each couple have their perfect wedding celebration. The Grand Ballroom gives a spectacular view of the golf courses, while the outdoor ceremony site serves pristine landscapes and immaculate vistas.

What makes Sedgefield an unforgettable entry in Greensboro wedding venues is the renowned executive chef who can treat your guests to fine culinary selections. Normally, you can select the menu yourself and the staff will serve it with the utmost excellence and originality. Weddings of any size and sophistication can be hosted with a full variety of food, beverage, and cocktail options.

Check out our Sedgefield page here to see what more this venue has to offer.

The Meridian Convention Center is a classy wedding venue located a block away from the I-40 in Greensboro, North Carolina. This versatile estate is home to a number of exquisite ballrooms and is one of the biggest wedding venues in the city. It creates a sense of timelessness and charming appeal, making it an excellent choice for couples to celebrate their big day.

The Meridian is ideal for both large-scale and private weddings as it can accommodate a large number of guests. The property offers 5 restored ballrooms, each with a special and unique design. The Madrid Ballroom is perfect for intimate weddings, adorned with ambient lighting and sophisticated design. Those who appreciate a fusion of traditional and modern aesthetics can book the Valencia Ballroom, while the biggest ballroom – The Grand Barcelona; offers plenty of space for dining and dancing. It is ideal for weddings with hundreds of guests.

The staff at the Meridian will help you with anything you might need – from the planning and setup, down to the cleaning. There’s a plethora of rentals you can get, including some complementary items as well.

Acquire some more info on this venue by checking out our Meridian page.

The Embassy Suites by Hilton is a perfect place to enjoy a lavish wedding. The venue looks spectacular because it brings the beauty of nature indoors. The reception hall is decked out with lush plants and a stunning fountain. A highlight of the place is the huge Ambassador Ballroom, which is over 8000 ft in size and can accommodate up to a thousand guests. It features a sky-lit atrium, suited for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Included in the venue is the beautiful bridal room, where you can take your time and prepare for the big day, as well as a honeymoon suite to wind down afterward. The staff is always on deck and ready to help with your every need, making it one of the best Greensboro wedding venues. Lastly, it would a shame not to mention the food, as it’s incredibly delicious and will leave your guests raving for quite some time!

You can view real weddings in action and find some more details about the venue on the Embassy Suites page.

Honorable mentions near Greensboro, North Carolina

If you’re looking for one of the best wedding venues near Greensboro – look no further! In High Point, North Carolina, The Blue Heron Event Venue is a gorgeous estate where you can have your dream wedding, no matter how big or small. With its elegant architecture and scenic waterfront, this spot is perfectly suited to celebrate your love.

There are both indoor and outdoor settings at the Blue Heron where you can have your big day. The banquet space is beautifully decorated with ambient lighting, polished doors, and wide-framed windows, offering a breathtaking experience. Additionally, there’s a reception area with neutral colors and adaptable walls to fit any wedding theme. Lastly, the garden is the centerpiece of this venue, as it features a lakeside view along with a bridge where you and your partner can take ethereal pictures.

The passionate staff at The Blue Heron is committed to making your dream wedding a reality. Therefore, they can help you organize every little detail of your special day and provide top-notch services throughout the celebration. They also offer a wide array of decoration sets, as well as rentals – centerpieces, china, glassware, you name it! The catering and bartending services are of the best quality, so you and your guests can fully enjoy your joyous occasion!

To learn more about capacity, packages, and services, check out our Blue Heron page.

The Bella Colina Mansion in the heart of Stokesdale, North Carolina is a cozy, small-scale wedding venue. Featuring Tuscan architecture and amazing landscapes, this romantic locale can be a great place to begin your married life. The elegantly decorated mansion, along with its splendid gardens, will create stunning scenery for your special day.

The Mansion’s venues range from blossoming vines to the fairytale-like lakefront lawn. You can say your “I do’s” outside in front of nature’s most breathtaking beauty, followed by taking some magnificent photos in front of the picturesque backdrop the mansion offers. The locale can accommodate around 175 guests, both indoors and outdoors.

Bella Colina also prides itself on its incredibly helpful staff. They will be able to supply you with everything you need for your big day, including china, linen tables, and more! To ensure everything is going in order, the staff also provides event planning services. In terms of dining, buffet and plated meals are offered, along with a bar and catering services.

For even more details, head down to our Bella Colina page to get all the info you need.

Located in Jamestown, North Carolina, is the historic castle, McCulloh. Constructed in 1832, the mansion is a perfect wedding site, offering luxurious facilities intertwined with 60 acres of wooded areas.

The distinctive aesthetic of the castle is reminiscent of European grandeur – even if it’s in the US. The location gives access to stunning landscapes to you and your loved ones similar to those in Europe. Couples can enjoy their celebration in the Great Hall, accented by the impressive cathedral ceiling. The castle’s authentic opulence is highlighted by the gorgeous oak floors, leaded glass windows, and wrought-iron chandeliers. The Crystal Gardens offer a step back into the Victorian era, thanks to its oblique glass walls and Grecian columns. Couples can choose from a variety of indoor and outdoor areas, so you’re likely to come across something that fits your own idea.

The event staff at Castle McCulloh is committed to arranging outstanding events on their historic grounds. There are several packages to choose from, no matter the wedding’s size. Additionally, you can customize them to your needs – services like catering, bartending and more can be booked on-site!

Learn more about the castle’s history and see some real-life weddings at our Castle McCulloh page.

We hope that you feel excited about your upcoming event and the start of picking out the perfect wedding venue. It’s a huge decision, but hopefully, we provided some estates that will capture the magical essence of your big day. We have photographed weddings at these venues and had a fantastic time – surely you will too! You can check our work in the portfolio tab and see the experiences for yourself.

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