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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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Romantic Spring Wedding in Airlie Gardens | Lauren and Trey

May 8, 2023

Airlie Gardens is one of the most magical places. I’ve spent so many hours walking around the gardens in different seasons with different people and they never cease to amaze. I can’t imagine a more romantic place to get married, especially in the spring.

Our day started off getting ready with the guys, which I don’t always have the opportunity to do, but I loved meeting Max and seeing Trey with his parents. There’s a surreal feeling when you start to put all of the pieces of your look together and the day feels like it’s actually starting. Trey had a lot of sentimental pieces, including his jacket with a custom liner of photos of him, Lauren, and their pup Max. It was so cute!

The day only continued with good vibes when we headed to the house Lauren was getting ready at. I have never seen a group of girls who are THE biggest hype team for their best friend. After they wiped their tears from seeing her for the first time, they started their chanting “Lauren, Lauren, Lauren!,” and I was all about the energy!!

At the gardens we set Trey up to see Lauren for the first time and it was the sweetest moment. He is the prime example of how a first look doesn’t take away from the aisle moment because his reaction was the same in both – absolutely in awe and overwhelmed with love.

Lauren and Trey had a gorgeous ceremony in the sunshine with the smell of jasmine in the air, and then we headed downtown to Ironclad Brewing for a major party!!! Their friends and family are an absolute blast. The night ended with Trey serenading the group with his go-to karaoke song “I can believe I can fly!,” which was hysterical and impressive all at once.

Lauren and Trey, thank you for having me as a part of your vendor team!!! I cannot wait to hear about your honeymoon adventures!!!

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

CEREMONY VENUE: Airlie Gardens
RECEPTION VENUE: Ironclad Brewing
COORDINATION + FLORALS:
Brittanie Raquel Events
VIDEOGRAPHER: The Good Life Co.

HAIR: Set Blowout Bar
MAKEUP: Danielle Forte
CEREMONY MUSICIAN: Dockside Strings
DJ: Active Entertainment
WEDDING DRESS: Bluebird Bridal
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES: Birdy Grey
GROOMSMEN SUITS: OMJ Clothing
CATERING: Middle Of The Island
DESSERTS: Pink Baking Co & Chris Cosmic Cheesecakes

RENTALS: L&L Rentals
SPECIALTY RENTALS: Martha My Dear Rentals

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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