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I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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Intimate Spring Church Wedding in Raleigh, NC | Sierra and Ben

June 30, 2020

Back in April, a LOT of things were changing very quickly with COVID-19. We were in the height of trying to move events around and keep everyone safe as we were navigating the pandemic. This left a lot of my couples making difficult decisions about their wedding days they had been planning for months. I am so proud and grateful to be working with couples who have handled things so incredibly gracefully and kept their marriage and love at the center of everything.

For Sierra and Ben, this looked like opting for an intimate ceremony at Ben’s dad’s church with just their immediate family. They changed their date to match their dating anniversary so April 15th would always remain their special date. I love that they found as many “silver linings” as they could to celebrate the biggest moment of their lives.

The day of was sweet, intimate, and extremely personal. Their families set up live streams so previous guests could enjoy the ceremony. Ben’s dad officiated the ceremony and we all had tears in our eyes when Sierra and Ben read their handwritten vows to each other.

After the ceremony, they had their first dance right in the aisle, danced with their parents, cut their cake, and celebrated with a little champagne. We spent the rest of the day getting all of the family photos possible and GORGEOUS bride and groom portraits.

Here are just a few favorites from their classic church wedding! Congratulations again Sierra and Ben! I know you have the strongest foundation for a marriage that is going to be resilient and full of support and love. I love you two!

Sierra’s dress had pockets!!! LOVE!

On to my favorite part of the day…the newly-wed portraits!!! Without a strict wedding timeline, we were able to casually move through portraits, getting all of the fluffy veil shots and spend some time snuggling as a brand new married couple.

I love that Sierra wanted to prioritize this time of the day and we got so many that I’m in love with!!!

Because they weren’t able to have all of their original attendees at the wedding, their guests organized a little “drive through” reception to celebrate Sierra and Ben’s day! All of the cars were decked out with signs and confetti. It was so sweet to see them so loved by everyone!

hello!

I’m Dakota, a Wilmington, NC-based photographer Helping engaged couples feel comfortable in front of the camera and creative businesses grow with purposeful brand imagery.

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