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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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Blush Fall May-Lew Farm Wedding in Farmville, NC | Emily and Michael

October 1, 2021

When I tell you there couldn’t have been a more perfect wedding day….WOW. I have been with Emily and Michael for some time now, with their engagements in New Bern and Emily’s bridals at The Mims House, and I’ve seen all of the stages of planning. Emily is one of the most organized and on-top-of-things brides I’ve ever had, so I was so thankful that her day turned out exactly the way she had planned so meticulously for. Seeing her and Michael twirl around on the dance floor made all of the “what ifs” and late nights worth it!

So what happens when you hire the right team and put in the work before your wedding? You’re able to enjoy every second while being relaxed and trusting that they will make your vision come to life.

That’s exactly what Emily and Michael did. I was so excited to work with the team from Your Day By Meredith, and they did not disappoint! Michael and Emily each enjoyed their mornings, leisurely getting ready with their closest friends, enjoying the cool fall breeze and the sunshine in their separate suites. I love May-Lew Farm because there is SO much space. Everyone has tons of room to spread out and not run the risk of running into each other (unless the groom decides to randomly come out to greet family when we’re getting ready to start bridesmaids photos… Michael!!! Haha! – don’t worry, we caught him just in time).

I absolutely loved my time with both the groomsmen and the bridesmaids (I’ve had SUCH good bridal parties this year!!!) and both of their families. We had a lot to get done during the cocktail hour, but everyone was so cooperative, along with us working with Emily to be as organized and prepared as possible, so we managed to get all of the bridal party and family photos, gorgeous portraits, AND had time for Emily and Michael to take a few minutes to themselves before their party. This is always so important to me that we prioritize the experience and time together along with the photos.

The way Michael and Emily look at each other is so sweet. Even with all of the people walking around, they were totally lost in each other. Aside from the stunning sunset portraits, my favorite part of the day was watching Michael swing Emily around on the dance floor to Soul Man.

Emily and Michael, thank you so much for trusting me on your biggest day!!! I adore the two of you and can’t wait to see the life you build together. Enjoy your honeymoon!!!

Thank you to the wedding vendors who made this day beautiful:

VENUE: May-Lew Farm
COORDINATION: Your Day By Meredith
FLORALS:  Busy Bee Florals

VIDEOGRAPHER: True Core Media
HAIR: Alyse Hardy
MAKEUP: Corri Hostetler
DJ: Brad Perkins- Impultz Entertainment
WEDDING DRESS: Thornbury Brides

RINGS: Bailey’s
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Bella Bridesmaids
GROOMSMEN SUITS: Jos. A. Bank
INVITATIONS: Reaves Engraving

CATERING: Debra Dail Catering
BARTENDING: The Tipsy Flamingo

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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