I have looked forward to this wedding day for SO long. First, Ruthie and Addison are my dream clients. They’re easy-going but really fun, they trust me and also have their own vision, they hired a dream vendor team, they have surrounded themselves with the BEST friends who were so fun to work with, and they love each other SO much.
Second, I have wanted to shoot a wedding at the Leslie-Alford Mims House since I first started my business. It’s a gorgeous historic home, shaded by huge magnolia trees, with rooms with big windows. I love when a party feels like you’re being hosted in someone’s home and this is just like that! It did not disappoint.
I knew this wedding was going to be extra gorgeous because Ruthie is an interior designer and Addison has multiple restaurants. That’s the perfect combination for a beautiful and FUN party (with delicious food!!!). Then they chose to hire Sweet SaraBelle Weddings as their planner and whew…it was just STUNNING. Sarah’s team did an amazing job at not only making the vision come to life but also making sure that everything ran smoothly so not only did Ruthie and Addison enjoy their day but so did their families and bridal party.
My favorite part of the day was their first look (no surprise there!). They chose to do a first look where they read their personal vows to each other. Addison was feeling nervous about seeing his bride for the first time so in the last minute he asked Jay (who was setting up to play live music during their ceremony) to sing during the first look. As the girls crowded in the window to watch their best friend walk to her future husband, it was like we had a real life movie in front of us. Addison pulled Ruthie into his arms and it was SO sweet. They quietly read their vows to each other with all of us only seeing their expressions as they giggled and wiped away tears. It was the perfect start to the day.
While it’s really hard to top that moment, the bridal party and all of the guests on the dance floor really gave it a run for its money!!! The reception is always a favorite of mine but this crowd was exceptional!!! DJ Ryan The DJ kept hit after hit coming and there was never a dull moment! I loved that in the midst of dancing, every time someone saw us with the camera they were posing, smiling, whatever they felt in that moment and it made for the BEST photos!!
Ruthie and Addison, thank you SO much for inviting me into your lives and asking me to be a part of this special moment. You both are such lights to be around and I really feel like I’ve been inducted into the family. I wish we could re-live this day every weekend but the photos will have to do (for now, at least…I’ll see you in the future for a vow renewal or just a “hey, I love all of these people and want to party with them more!). Love you!
Thank you to the wedding vendors who made this day beautiful:
VENUE: Leslie-Alford Mims House
COORDINATION: Sweet SaraBelle Weddings
FLORALS: Sweet SaraBelle Weddings
MAKEUP: Molly Ingram
JEWELRY + RINGS: Jewelry Unlimited
DJ: DJ Ryan the DJ
LIVE MUSIC: Blair and Jay Kornegay
WEDDING DRESS: Rebecca Ingram
BRIDE’S SHOES: Betsy Johnson
INVITATIONS: TheKnot
DESSERTS: Bestow Baked Goods
CATERING: Unforgettable Food Affairs
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Azazie
GROOMSMEN TUXES: Generation Tux
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.
Looking for Something Specific?
How to Choose Your Senior Photographer
How to Plan a Proposal with a Photographer
The Conversation You MUST Have With Your Bridal Party