My first official Airlie Gardens wedding — a staple in the Wilmington community. I am so thankful Claire and Wade invited me to photograph their wedding because it is a highlight of my career to shoot a reception on the big oak lawn!

The morning actually started with a giant rain storm over Airlie, while Claire and the rest of us were blissfully unaware. She and her girls got ready at Alice Lawson Salon and Spa, which I loved the spa atmosphere while shooting details. Weston even got a foot massage haha! 

While it’s awesome to have a venue that is set up perfectly, I do enjoy challenging myself in new spaces on wedding days. The bridal suite was actually the welcome room for spa guests, but with a little creativity, angles, and shifting around, we took some of my favorite dress and getting ready photos ever. 

We headed to the gardens, where Melissa and the Knot Too Shabby team was working overtime to catch up from the time the rain took. They are masters of little details and making it work — highly recommend!!!! 

Claire and Wade had a sweet, private first look with private vows in the spring garden before walking over for photos with their bridal party. It can be challenging with such a big space but with some flexibility and communication, I do love how it allows for genuine, unique moments. 

For example, we had planned on doing a simple first look with Claire and her dad before walking down the aisle but had to switch things up when he was already waiting with the bridal party. He actually met her around the corner after her first look with Wade and I thought it was perfectly natural, low key, and sweet. This is how we “stage” the authentic moments without making them feel forced! 

After the ceremony, we took the iconic Pergola portraits and then headed back to the reception to get details and drinks!! I loved how Claire and Wade were so relaxed and willing to go with the flow to get all of the photos done. Working with a team of professionals who are all focused on providing the best experience for the couple is also a huge plus and makes my job a lot easier to get the photos that WOW. 

Claire’s mom gave a speech that had me in tears hoping I will have my own daughter someday, and then the dance floor kicked off!!! And you know it was lit with Active Entertainment… I’m thankful I was able to figure out my new light blurring technique because this party shouldn’t have been photographed any other way. We need to remember that energy!!! 

Claire and Wade, I’m thankful your wedding brought us together! We *will* be going on a Wrightsville Beach dinner date at some point this year when things are less crazy because I just love hanging out with you. Congratulations!!!! 

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

Planner: Knot Too Shabby
Venue: Airlie Gardens
Florist: Wilder Blooms
Photographer: Dakota Hersey Photography
Hair & Makeup: Alice Lawson Salon and Spa
Catering: Pine Valley Market
Cake: Publix
Dress: Coastal Knot
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
Jewelry & Rings: Kingoffs and Lumina Gems
Groom’s Suit: Jos A. Bank
DJ: Active Entertainment
Invitations: Hattie Hill Designs
Custom Stitching: Simply Stitched by Savannah