Wait Chapel Wedding Wake Forest University

Chelsea & EJ are Married!

December 21, 2019

Based in beautiful North Carolina, I’m a wedding, family and senior photographer with a heart for real moments, golden light, and the kind of love that makes your chest feel full.

Photography, for me, isn’t just about pretty pictures. Though, don’t worry, we’ll get those too. It’s about creating a space where you can be fully present and comfortable, while I document it all in a way that feels natural and true to you.

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Chelsea & EJ were married last Saturday in the most gorgeous winter wedding! Their ceremony was held at Wait Chapel on the Wake Forest University campus in Winston Salem, NC. Their reception was at WinMock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run, NC.

Their love story is truly an epic one! Chelsea and EJ first met while attending Wake Forest University. They were introduced in Wait Chapel where they ended up getting married! However, their first meeting wasn’t a normal event at the chapel. It was a guest speaker the infamous Snooki from Jersey Shore!

Chelsea and EJ were both on the rowing team and eventually were both captains of the rowing team. While in school they lived in the same house where the rest of the rowing team lived as well! They eventually would drive together and Chelsea would even pack snacks for EJ.

After being on the rowing team for over a year together they decided to admit that they both wanted to be more than just friends. Their first date was on Valentine’s Day. They had McAlister’s takeout on a folding card table in EJ’s dorm room. He had a single candle on the table, in a candle holder. Later on they found out that it was the same candle holder that was used during his Mom and Dad’s first date!

After they had been dating for six and half years EJ took Chelsea out for a morning row on Salem Lake. This lake means a lot to them both since they practiced there for the rowing team. They went around the lake once and EJ had them stop by the footbridge. This is where EJ asked her to be his wife.

Chelsea said her first response was a ‘startled “Really?!” followed by a resounding “Yes!”.’ EJ had thought of everything, he had Chelsea’s sister Alex and Bobby, the manager of Salem Lake, taking pictures. He also attached the ring to a floating ring box (just in case)! If you want to see more of these two click here for their Wake Forest University and Salem Lake engagement session!

Their wedding day began at WinMock where everyone was getting ready. Chelsea was finishing with her hair and makeup and EJ was relaxing with his groomsmen and ushers. Chelsea and EJ were both so calm and happy.

After getting dressed Chelsea headed outside to have a first look with her Dad. I just love the reactions and pure joy of this moment. First looks of all kinds are my favorites!

After taking pictures of Chelsea and EJ separately with their bridesmaids and groomsmen we headed to Wait Chapel. Wait Chapel is always gorgeous but it was especially beautiful decorated for the holidays. There were Moravian stars, Christmas trees, white lights and wreaths with red berries.

After saying I do, Chelsea, EJ, Courtney and I headed outside to get pictures before the sunset. Right at twilight the sky turned a gorgeous pink and the white Christmas lights turned on. Everything about their day was magical.

We were blessed with a completely dry day! The forecast leading up to the day had called for rain but at about 10am that day the rain stopped and didn’t come back. There was some wind and December chill but Chelsea had a gorgeous white coat that looked perfect with her dress.

Everyone headed back to WinMock and settled in for hours of dancing and celebration! My favorite part of the reception is that their ushers and fellow rowers held up two oars for Chelsea and EJ to be introduced under as husband and wife. These two have so many people that love them! After an amazing evening Chelsea and EJ said goodbye to their friends and family with a bell and ribbon exit!

Chelsea and EJ I hope you are having the most amazing time in Antigua. Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your memories. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.