Kaitlin and Ben are Married!

January 25, 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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Kaitlin and Ben were married last Saturday at The Farmstead in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. This was an amazing and memorable wedding day! I’ve been known to cry behind the lens but I think I cried more than ever during this one.

Kaitlin and Ben met online about 2 years ago. They are an eHarmony success story! Kaitlin said they messaged for about a month before meeting in person for the first time.

Let me just tell you how incredible these two are. Their first date was supposed to be volunteering at Operation Christmas Child. Before the date the organization called and said they didn’t need them. So Ben planned a phenomenal date.

Kaitlin says their first date was the best first date ever. They met at a coffee shop in the afternoon. From there they went to an escape room. After an early dinner they headed to listen to live Christmas music at The Evening Muse. They didn’t want the night to end so they went across the street for a game of Fusbol and a drink.

Ben waited to propose until Kaitlin’s extended family was in town from Pennsylvania. He told Kaitlin he won tickets at work to see Christmas lights at the local botanical gardens. After walking around several times and looking twice at some of the lights, Ben and Kaitlin stumbled upon a quaint courtyard, gently lit by white lights.

Ben asked a man passing by to “take as many pictures as you can.” Ben then suggested that they take off their bulky coats and when Kaitlin turned back around Ben was on one knee with a ring in his hand. He said “you are the love of my life, I want to spend the rest of my life with you, will you marry me?” Of course she said yes!

Kaitlin and Ben love each other so perfectly that I can’t even describe it in words. It is truly amazing to witness. They were created for each other and true love really does exist! To see more of them click here for their Tanglewood Park engagement session.

Kristin and I began the day in the gorgeous bridal house on the property. The girls were finishing getting their hair and makeup done. Kaitlin was calm and happy.

Kristin headed to the detached garage to hang out with Ben and his groomsmen. Ben was full of nervous excitement. He and Kaitlin were more than ready to be married to each other.

Kaitlin’s Mom helped Kaitlin get into her dress. Kaitlin wore the most incredible off the shoulder dress with her Mom’s jewelry as her “something borrowed.” Once Katilin was ready it was time for first looks! Kaitlin had a first look with her bridesmaids, her Dad and Ben. Each of the first looks was filled with happy tears.

Kaitlin and Ben’s first look was everything you would imagine a first look to be. It was lightly misting outside and they stood under the trees overlooking the pond. They embraced and stood forehead to forehead taking it all in.

Every time I would say “you two are getting married today” the tears and smiles would flow again. Their love is the kind that people dream of. It is the kind that books and movies are written about.

Their ceremony took place inside the barn. Twinkle lights and white fabric hung from the rafters. Kaitlin and Ben stood in front of crackling fire and read the most romantic hand written vows.

They chose to perform the Red String of Fate for the Unity Ceremony. They tied a small red string around each others pinky fingers. Which connected their hearts to each other.

The ulnar artery carries blood from the heart to the pinky finger. In Japanese legend, there is an invisible red thread that extends from your pinky and connects your heart to others. It is said that when two people are fated to be together they will meet. The strings can stretch and become tangled but they will never be broken.

After the ceremony we snuck in a few more bride and groom portraits in front of the barn and along the walkways. I’m so glad we did! I love getting that “just married glow” and the stormy blue sky looks stunning. Then it was time for the reception!

There were so many details that made Kaitlin and Ben’s reception unique. Their wedding favors were jars of hot chocolate mix that said “thank you for warming our hearts.” The sign above the fireplace said “like birds of feather, we have joined our lives together.”

A really sweet part of their reception was the anniversary dance. The song they chose was Katlin’s grandparents first dance song at their wedding. Kaitlin and Ben incorporated sentimental moments throughout their day.

They danced, ate, drank, laughed and celebrated with their closest family and friends. I don’t think this day could have gone any more perfectly. I am so incredibly happy for them.

Kaitlin and Ben I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness. I am so honored that I was able to take part in your wedding day. Thank you so much for trusting me. I hope you are relaxing on the beach in Jamaica right now!