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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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Late Summer Wedding at The Barn at Broadslab | Meredith and Hunter

September 25, 2024

I am really on a streak this year of working with some of the most genuine and kind couples ever. It makes my job so much easier. Meredith and I met a few years ago when I took her (and her bridesmaids’!) senior graduation photos from UNCW. Getting to meet Hunter (who I’d heard about at her shoot) was so full circle for me, and I loved being able to spend this journey with them.

The morning started off per usual with details, except they were collected in Meredith’s keepsake trunk that I absolutely LOVED. It’s so fun that she’ll have a dedicated place to keep every special item from their engagement and wedding season.

After Meredith got dressed and wiped tears from sweet gifts with both her mom and dad, we headed outside for her first look with Hunter. I was told that there likely wouldn’t be a ton of crying during the first look but Hunter surprised us both! Their private vows really primed them for the truly emotional moment of seeing their pup Mac for the fist time in almost a month since he’s been off at training!! Their trainer was able to bring him by for the wedding and then keep him while they were on their honeymoon – something to keep in mind for future planning!

We maximized time before their ceremony by completing all bridesmaids, groomsmen, bridal party, AND family photos, so after their ceremony we spent a few minutes with just the two of them and then let them head to their cocktail hour to start visiting with their people. It made the day so relaxed, where we got to ride on their golf cart (their true happy place), dig up the bourbon that helped hold off the rain, and enjoy what the day was meant for.

The night was spent on the dance floor with the grandparents really showing everyone how it’s done!! I have been loving seeing so many generations loving the dance floor and feel like while the posed photos are important, these “real life” fun candids are so precious. Meredith’s bridesmaids also busted out the Hunter head cutout from their bach party to pass around on the floor. A classic!

They ended the night by driving off on their golf cart (the same one we rode around on during their engagement session exploring the land they’ll build their home on one day) and I couldn’t imagine anything more them.

Congratulations to the new Wombles!!! I can’t wait to see where your love story goes and hopefully continue to capture as it grows!!! Love you two!!!


A huge thank you to the vendors who made this day beautiful!!!

Planner: Cynthia Boykin
Venue: The Barn at Broadslab
Photography: Dakota Hersey Photography

Videographer: Profish Media
Hair: Megan Fann
Florals: Shane Smith, The Vine and Branch
DJ: Nick Pope
Catering: Sharon Weeks

Cake: The Bakehouse on Friendly
Stationery: Violet Paper Stationery
Cups/Koozies: New Town Graphics
Bridesmaids Dresses: Morilee at Carolina Bridal World
Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia at Carolina Bridal World
Bride’s Shoes: Dolce Vita
Groom’s Suits and Shoes: Leinwand’s of Elizabethtown
Jewelry/Rings: Jewelry Unlimited

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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