Downtown Charlotte Engagement Session

 

A romantic black and white photo of a couple kissing at a bar counter with hanging lights in the background.
Two people having a professional conversation at a small cafe table near large windows in an elegant restaurant setting.
Two elegantly dressed people toast with champagne flutes during a formal celebration at an indoor venue.
Black and white close-up of clasped hands between a person in dark formal wear and someone in white clothing.
A romantic couple shares a tender kiss while sitting together at an upscale venue.
Close-up of bride in white dress touching groom's black suit jacket, showing her delicate gold wedding ring.
Black and white photo showing a tender romantic moment as a woman's hand rests on her partners head outdoors.
Couple in formal attire walking up concrete steps toward modern glass office building entrance.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing on a city street with lamp posts and trees in the background.
A couple sharing an intimate moment on a tree-lined urban street corner with traffic signals visible.
Couple shares romantic moment on city street corner with traffic light and trees in urban setting.

When Kate and Nick chose The Distillery for their May 26th wedding, they created the kind of celebration that reminds me why I love being a Garner wedding photographer. Their day perfectly balanced heartfelt moments with joyful celebration, set against one of Garner's most beautiful wedding venues.


Getting Ready at a Raleigh Airbnb


Kate's morning began surrounded by her closest people at a charming Raleigh Airbnb. With The Pretty Barrette styling hair for twelve and Meagan Brown creating flawless makeup looks, the energy was warm and excited. By 12:30pm, Kate was ready for photos, and at 12:45pm, she and her bridesmaids transitioned to The Distillery.


Capturing the Details at The Distillery


I arrived at The Distillery at 1:00pm, and we immediately dove into the details that tell a wedding story. Kate's dress hung beautifully in The Distillery's natural light, and the stationery from Minted told their story in elegant script. Her shoes, rings, and bouquet all received their moment in front of my camera. These are the images that become heirlooms—the little things that deserve to be remembered just as much as the big moments.

One of my favorite parts of the afternoon was photographing Kate as she read Nick's love letter. The emotion on her face during that private moment was absolutely beautiful.


First Looks That Made Everyone Cry


Kate and Nick planned something I always recommend to my couples: multiple first looks before their first touch. At 2:00pm, Kate revealed herself to her bridesmaids in a moment of pure joy. Fifteen minutes later, her father saw his daughter as a bride for the first time, and I'm not ashamed to say I got a little misty behind my camera.

The first look with groomsmen brought laughter and excitement, but the most anticipated moment came at 2:45pm. Kate and Nick chose a first touch rather than a traditional first look—they held hands and read private vows to each other without seeing one another before the ceremony. It was intimate, emotional, and absolutely beautiful to witness as their Garner wedding photographer.


A 4:30pm Ceremony in The White Space


The Distillery's White Space transformed into an elegant ceremony setting, with Faux Real's floral designs creating a romantic atmosphere for their 145 guests. At 4:30pm, the ceremony began with an unplugged announcement—a choice I always appreciate because it allows guests to be fully present while I capture every moment.

The processional featured music from Chris Stapleton and Haley Reinhart, with the wedding party entering in pairs. Kate's entrance to "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Haley Reinhart was everything—escorted by her father Rodney, she was radiant.

Officiant Alex Cheek led a beautiful ceremony that included a meaningful ring warming with family members. After they were pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Anthony Marcello, they recessed to Tyler Childers' "All Your'n" while their guests cheered.


Cocktail Hour and The Big Reveal


While guests enjoyed cocktail hour in The Distillery's Gathering Space with drinks from Artful Libations, we captured family formals and couple portraits. The Distillery's versatile spaces and beautiful natural light make it one of my favorite venues as a Garner wedding photographer—there's truly a perfect backdrop for every shot.

Kate's dress received its French bustle in the Modern Cottage before the room reveal at 5:45pm. The way her face lit up seeing the reception space for the first time is exactly why I love what I do.


A Reception Full of Personal Touches


At 6:15pm, DJ SUDZ from DJS CLT LLC introduced the wedding party through the double doors, building anticipation before Kate and Nick made their grand entrance as Mr. and Mrs. Marcello. Their first dance to Brett Eldredge's "Where Do I Sign" was sweet and genuine—exactly like them.

Chelsea Ramsey from Chad Biggs Event Planning + Design orchestrated everything flawlessly, ensuring dinner from Funky Fresh began seamlessly. As guests enjoyed their meals, we snuck out for sunset portraits. Late May in Garner offers that perfect golden hour light around 8:00pm, and The Distillery's grounds provide stunning backdrops.

The father-daughter dance to Madison Kozak's "First Last Name" and mother-son dance to Frank Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight" brought tears and smiles. Toasts from family and best friends celebrated Kate and Nick's love story before they cut into their beautiful cake from Nana's Lil Sweets.


Dancing Until Sparklers


The dance floor stayed packed all evening, with foam glow sticks adding fun energy late into the night. The Spark Photobooth captured hilarious moments with friends and family throughout the reception.

At 9:55pm, guests lined up with sparklers for Kate and Nick's exit. There's something magical about sparkler exits at The Distillery—the combination of warm light, joyful faces, and a couple absolutely glowing with happiness creates images that take my breath away every single time.

Kate and Nick departed in their party bus, and I packed up my gear knowing I'd just documented something truly special.


Why I Love Being a Garner Wedding Photographer


Weddings like Kate and Nick's remind me why I chose this path. When I first met them during our consultation, Kate shared her concerns about posing and feeling awkward in photos. By their wedding day, they moved naturally, laughed freely, and trusted me completely. Looking at their gallery now, you can see genuine joy in every frame—exactly what they hoped for.

The Distillery continues to be one of my favorite venues to photograph. The variety of spaces, beautiful natural light, and professional team make every wedding there a dream. For couples planning a Garner wedding, it offers that perfect combination of elegance and warmth.

If you're planning your own Garner wedding and looking for a photographer who will make you feel comfortable while capturing authentic, timeless images, I'd love to talk. Kate said in her testimonial that she loved how I made Pinterest dreams come true while keeping everything fun and natural—and that's exactly what I aim for with every couple.

White wedding ceremony space with arched windows, golden chairs lined up in rows, and delicate floral arrangements along the aisle.
Elegant wedding accessories including blue bow heels, white gloves, jewelry, vows booklet, and decorative details on dark surface.
Two elegant white floral arrangements stand tall against a white wall with windows and wooden chairs visible.
A large full-length mirror displays a wedding seating chart with white papers arranged in neat rows against a light curtain background.
A wine glass decorated with 'KN' monogram against a soft blurred background.
Black wedding menu with gold cutlery and dark bow tied ribbon set against white table setting.
Elegant wedding reception venue with wooden chairs and white decor features tall windows and floral centerpieces.
Elegant table setting with white roses and baby's breath in gold pedestal vase surrounded by glowing tea light candles.
Wedding ceremony with floral arch and groomsmen in black tuxedos at an elegant white venue.
Two groomsmen in black tuxedos share an emotional moment at the altar during a wedding ceremony.
Wedding ceremony taking place in a bright indoor venue with guests seated in rows and an officiant at the altar.
Wedding ceremony in a bright white room with gold chairs and white floral arrangements framing the aisle.
A tender moment captured during a wedding with the couple in classic black and white attire.
Wedding party in formal attire poses on grass with trees in background during outdoor photo session.
A wedding party in formal black and white attire celebrates outdoors at a sunny garden ceremony.
A bride in a white strapless wedding gown and veil poses outdoors with greenery in the background.
Wedding party in navy blue suits posing playfully and leaning to one side together outdoors under autumn trees.
Black and white wedding photo showing a close embrace between bride in white dress and groom in dark suit.
A bride and groom share an intimate moment under a veil in a garden setting during golden hour.
A romantic wedding portrait under sunlight with a veil and elegant white rose bouquet.
A romantic white rose bridal bouquet with baby's breath flowers photographed in soft sunlight.
A romantic wedding moment captured at sunset with a white bridal bouquet held between the couple.
Black and white wedding portrait showing a romantic moment in front of garden foliage.
A newlywed couple walks together on a lush green lawn surrounded by trees, the bride wearing a flowing white gown.
Close-up of a groom adjusting his black bow tie and showing gold wedding band against formal attire.
A bride in an elegant off-shoulder white wedding dress stands in a garden setting with green foliage in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple walking down a modern hallway toward glass doors.
Elegant black and white wedding invitation suite with white flowers and place cards on light gray surface.

 

Vendor Love

 

Chad Biggs Event Planning + Design

The Distillery

The Pretty Barrette

Nana's Lil Sweets

FauxReal Floral

Azazie

Men's Warehouse

DJ Sudz

Spark Photobooth

American Party Rentals

Minted