September 6, 2019

Separk Mansion Wedding Gastonia North Carolina

Katie & Josh are Married!

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Katie and Josh were married last Sunday at the Separk Mansion in Gastonia, NC. Their day could not have flowed more perfectly. I am so excited to share this wedding!

Katie and Josh met on a dating app in 2016. They both had recently moved to Richmond, VA. For their first date Josh suggested they go to a coffee shop (even though he doesn’t like coffee)! Katie said “we spent 4 hours talking about where we grew up, where we went to college, and our hobbies. We found out that night that we had the same favorite book growing up.”

After a few months of exploring the city, eating at lots of great restaurants and taking trips to the mountains and DC, Josh had to move to Texas. They continued to date long distance for years. Visiting each other often and growing their love from afar.

Their proposal story is one of my favorites so I will share Katie’s version of it: “Josh proposed when we were on a trip to New York in March 2018. He proposed while we were on a dinner cruise around the harbor. We were passing the statue of liberty when he asked if I wanted to go get a photo. It was quite cold and breezy outside, but Josh insisted that I not wear my coat for the photo. When we went out, I asked someone to take a photo for us (I didn’t think to find the most sober person around). As she went to take the photo, Josh proposed. The photographer began to scream that it was too much pressure, which caused her friend to scream, and then caused the third friend to drop her glass. It was a memorable night for sure!”

Katie and Josh have been together now for 3 years. They compliment each other perfectly. They share so much love and respect. If you want to see more of them click here for their engagement session.

Katie and Josh’s wedding day story begins in the bridal suite at Separk Mansion. Katie and her bridesmaids were finishing getting ready. Katie was such a beautiful and happy bride, she never once stressed over anything and she seemed to soak up every good moment.

While Katie got dressed, Kristin headed over to hang out with the guys in the groom’s suite. Josh and his groomsmen were relaxing and finishing getting ready. Josh was so calm and happy all day!

After getting dressed it was time for a first look with Katie’s brother. It was an emotional moment for their family. Their father passed away earlier this year and he was missed yet dearly remembered all day.

Katie wore a necklace with her Dad’s fingerprint on it. She also surprised her Mom with bracelets that said “Love” in her Dad’s handwriting. At the ceremony they placed her Dad’s tux jacket on an empty chair with his boutonniere on it. Beautiful details were everywhere.

Katie and Josh’s ceremony was outside in a beautiful grassy area next to the house. One of my favorite moments was when they surprised both of their Mom’s with flowers. They also chose to take part in a modern version of an ancient Celtic handfasting ceremony where they linked hands and bound them together. They then pulled them apart and the ropes formed a knot. They symbolized their connection and tied the knot!

After their ceremony we took some of the most magical photos of these two. They are so in love and the backdrop of the mansion was perfectly elegant and classic. Just like them!

We were blessed with the most amazing weather all day and a golden sunny sunset. Katie and Josh were introduced as husband and wife and Josh made an amazing speech. At the end he had everyone cheers to Katie!

They danced the night away at their reception. Katie and Josh’s love was celebrated by their closet family and friends. My favorite part of their reception was near the end when guests spontaneously surrounded Katie and Josh and waved streamers in the air as they danced in the middle.

After that Katie and Josh chose to do one last dance alone in the ballroom. I love when couples choose to do this. It’s such an amazing moment for them to remember forever. Then they said goodbye to every one with a streamer exit.

Katie and Josh thank you so much for choosing me to capture your memories. I wish you two all the joy and love that life has to offer. I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.