Amanda & Derek are Married!

October 4, 2018

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.

SHARE ON:

Amanda and Derek were married last Saturday at Still Waters Farm in Winston Salem, NC. It was an absolutely stunning day. From every carefully planned detail to all the special moments this was one for the books!

Amanda and Derek met through a mutual friend. Their first date was at Starbucks and they ended up staying and talking for 3 hours. They have been together for 3 years total now.

Amanda and Derek are both joyful, loving and creative people. They love to travel and create memories together. Derek even proposed to Amanda in a creative way. While they were visiting Asheville he created a scavenger hunt to pop the question! To see more of these two you can click here for their Starbucks and downtown Winston Salem engagement session.

We started the day hanging out with Amanda and her girls in the bridal suite. Amanda was surrounded by women who love and support her. She even chose her maid of honor to do her hair and makeup! She looked stunning and was so ready to be marrying Derek!

After getting ready Derek and Amanda exchanged gifts. Amanda gave Derek a sky chart from the night they were engaged. Derek gave Amanda a canvas with their names on it. He also made her a gift that was an open canvas with pictures hanging from strings. It said “a true love story never ends.” There was a picture from their first date and from their engagement with dirt from those locations in little jars (you’ll see why this is important later). He also left a spot for their wedding picture and had already collected the dirt. Derek also wrote to her that he had one more gift for her later.

After the gift exchange Derek and Amanda were ready for their first look. Amanda shed some really happy tears and Derek smiled the whole time. Seeing these two in love and so invested in each other is something so special!

Right before the ceremony Derek gave Amanda his last gift. It was a video that he had created that was almost a half hour long. He had her friends, family, and coworkers answer three questions. “What do you love most about Amanda? What is your favorite memory of Amanda? What do you want to tell Amanda from the bottom of your heart?” This is the sweetest gift I’ve ever seen. Derek is the real MVP.

Before we talk about their ceremony let me tell you about the details! Amanda has the most creative mind and is so talented. She hand letters and creates just about anything you can think of! I knew her wedding would be spectacular.

My favorite details were the puzzle pieces that each guest could write on. They sat in an old suitcase with a sign that said “without you our puzzle is not complete.” They also had a memorial chair at the ceremony. Derek’s late Grandpa Bill’s Bible was sitting in the chair with a picture of Derek and him tied to it.

As their ceremony began each child that Amanda and Derek picked to be a part of their ceremony had a mind of their own. The youngest flower girl slept and was carried down the aisle. Another flower girl held the bucket in front of her face the whole time, another flower girl didn’t spread the petals but walked down the aisle and the ring bearer wanted his Grandma to hold his hand until he was about halfway down! These kids were adorable.

Amanda and Derek were married by Derek’s brother. It is always so sweet to see someone that loves the couple so much marry them! Amanda and Derek said their vows, exchanged rings and poured dirt together!

They had a small pine tree sitting under the arbor with a sign that said “here & now we vow to grow together.” There were two jars of dirt (from his house and hers). They mixed that into the pot with the tree and they are going are plant it at the house they own together!

The weather was perfect all day long! After the ceremony we went back out for some gorgeous sunset photos. We got that golden glow across the field out back. These two and the sun made for magic!

The reception was decorated perfectly. My favorite part was a space they created outside with couches, a rug, coffee tables, ferns, old suitcases and a globe. The space inside was packed with people who love Amanda and Derek. They have the best support system and are so deserving of it.

These two ended the night kissing under the light of glowsticks. They said goodbye to their friends and family. Then they had a day to relax before their honeymoon!

Amanda and Derek thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your special day. I am so happy for you both and I hope you are loving every moment of St. Lucia.