Tara and Dawson’s wedding took place at Carriage Trail Farm Wedding & Event Venue in Lexington, NC last Saturday. This was the second time I have been to the farm this month and I just loved seeing it again. It was such a beautiful day.

Tara and Dawson were set up through mutual friends. It took a whole year between the first time they met and the second to hit it off! Dawson actually got Tara’s number through their mutual friend Heather and 4 years later the rest is history!

I love Tara and Dawson’s proposal story! They took a trip to Bryce Canyon National Park. They decided they wanted to see a beautiful sunset so they headed to Ponderosa Point for an amazing view. Tara said that Dawson started messing with his bag and she started getting annoyed that he was going to miss the sunset! Right as the sun was going down Dawson pulled the ring box out and joked “I got you something.”

Their proposal story describes Tara and Dawson’s relationship perfectly. They love adventure, the outdoors and gorgeous sunsets. Dawson is always saying or doing something to make Tara laugh. She is his grounding force! They fit together beautifully.

Their wedding day began in the house at Carriage Trail Farm. Tara and her bridesmaids were drinking champagne and getting their hair and makeup done. The energy in the room was so peaceful!

I loved photographing Tara’s details. Her something old was her Great-Grandmother’s pearls. I’ve always loved pearls and get excited every time a bride wears them!

Dawson arrived to the house while we were taking detail pictures. He and his groomsmen were joking and getting ready. Tara and Dawson were ready to see each other and be married.

Tara brought a gift for Dawson that he opened right before the first look. They were little dog cufflinks! Dawson said he didn’t have a gift for Tara, just yet. It was a surprise for later!

Their first look took place on a trail by a bridge with white lights strung along the path. When Tara told Dawson to turn around there were lots of smiles and a few happy tears. They hugged, kissed and talked about their day so far! I love when couples do a first look because they get so much more time to spend together on their wedding day!

Tara and Dawson were married on the lawn under a wooden arbor covered with flowers. They were surrounded by family and friends who support their marriage. I love that they included their Moms in the ceremony by surprising them with flowers! Both Moms were in tears over the gesture.

After exchanging rings, vows and a kiss, Tara & Dawson were ready to celebrate! We headed to a gorgeous field and captured the most beautiful sunset glow. They had that “just married” glow of their own as well.

The first dance is one of my favorite moments at a wedding. Tara and Dawson’s dance was so beautiful. Sunset light was shining through and illuminating these two. They danced and the whole world faded away. Later at the reception Dawson gave Tara her gift, which was serenading her with his guitar and two love songs.

Not only did Tara and Dawson have perfect weather but they had a full moon! Dawson actually asked me to take pictures of them under the moon and I love how they turned out. My husband and I were married on a full moon night as well, so this is extra special to me!

For their exit, Tara and Dawson had guests blow bubbles as they dipped and kissed. There was a limo waiting with a red carpet to take them away. They waved goodbye at the limo and kissed once more.

Tara and Dawson you both are such amazing people and an amazing couple! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your memories. I hope you are having the best honeymoon in Mexico and that you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them

VENUE | Carriage Trail Farm Wedding & Event Venue
DRESS | Southern Bride by Stella York
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES | David’s Bridal
FLORIST | Occasions Floral Design
WEDDING COORDINATOR | Teresa Shook
CAKE | Maxie B’s
HAIR & MAKEUP | Mae’s Makeovers
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER | Becca’s Pics
GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE | Jos. A. Bank
BAND | Swim in the Wild
CATERER | Country BBQ
INVITATIONS | Shutterfly
OFFICIANT | Jac Grimes

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~Jessi Paige