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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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The Brawley Estate Wedding in Moorseville, NC | Caley and Ed de Saussure

November 30, 2018

I met Caley and Ed in college at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where Ed actually saved my laptop from being destroyed by rain when I was running into my apartment during a huge storm. Since then, he’s been our go-to for all things tech support!

Caley and Ed met in college and he knew almost instantly that this girl was going to be his wife. I love hanging out with the two of them –– especially seeing the way he looks at her.

Their wedding day was actually planned to be at The Shell Island Resort in Wrightsville Beach (where Caley used to work!) but unfortunately Hurricane Florence had different plans.

Something no one thinks about when a hurricane comes through is the wedding industry and all of the events that have to be cancelled. It’s honestly a nightmare for brides who have spent so much time and money planning their perfect day, only to be stressed about it not happening at all!

Caley’s sister Emily is a master planner and she, Caley’s mom, and Caley sprung into action when it became clear that having a wedding on the beach (let alone even getting into Wilmington, NC) was no longer an option.

When Caley called me to tell me that she was moving her wedding to The Brawley Estate in Moorseville, NC, I was in SHOCK. This place is BEAUTIFUL. How in the world was it even available to be booked the Tuesday before the wedding date?!?

I had brought all of my equipment with me (of course) and had evacuated to my dad’s house in Kernersville, NC which put me only about an hour away from the venue. Talk about a blessing!!! I had no issues getting there and back and neither did any of their guests!

The day was absolutely beautiful…bright, sunny, and warm. You would have had no idea it wasn’t originally planned to be at the venue and that Caley and Emily essentially planned an entire wedding in a WEEK.

Caley’s wedding was also extra special because my best friend Casey was also one of her bridesmaids! Caley and Ed’s entire bridal party was so fun to work with. The guys had so many creative ideas and were probably even more into it than the girls…a rare find!

Caley and Ed handled this potentially devastating situation of having to move and replan the wedding with complete focus on the only thing that mattered –– the fact that they were promising to love each other forever.

What a humbling experience as a wedding photographer who works along so many couples to make their day everything that they imagined.

Thankfully this story had a very happy (and beautiful) ending, but I also believe it was the perfect foundation for the start of a marriage that’s built to last.

Here are my favorites from the day!

Thank you to the vendors who made this day perfect:

Venue: The Brawley Estate
Make up and Hair: Katina Tucker
Wedding Dress: Ladies of Lineage
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bella Bridemaids
Bride’s Shoe: Jack Rogers
Wedding Rings: Diamonds Direct
Groom’s Suit and Shoes: Mengiun
Flowers: The Pearl and Petal
Catering: La-Tea-Da’s
Cake and Dessert: Ketchie Kreek, Abigals

Special Shoutout: The team at The Brawley Estate and La-Tea-Da Catering were absolutely FANTASTIC to work with. They were so on top of everything and I was so well taken care of! They even gave me my own table outside and plated my meal for me. This is such a small gesture, but I so appreciate them even taking the time to take care of me too! Obviously it was beautiful and the food was AMAZING. Highly recommend!!

The Brawley Estate Wedding in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Bridesmaids at The Brawley Estate in Moorseville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Bridesmaids at The Brawley Estate in Moorseville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

The Brawley Estate in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography
The Brawley Estate is gorgeous!!! I am obsessed with it. You can use both the barn AND the house if you want!

Bridal Suite at The Brawley Estate in Moorseville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Bride getting ready at The Brawley Estate in Moorseville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

The Brawley Estate Wedding in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography
I LOVE these photos of Caley and her mom getting ready.

First look with dad. One of my favorite moments of the day!

Bride and Groom at The Brawley Estate Wedding in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Love you guys!!!

The Brawley Estate Wedding Ceremony in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Bride and groom portraits are my FAVORITE!! This is probably the slowest and sweetest part of the day. Definitely something you have to make time for!

Bride and Groom Portraits at The Brawley Estate Wedding in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography
Special thanks to Casey for being our veil fluffer. An important job!

One of my favorites! So dreamy.

Wedding at The Brawley Estate in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

The couch set up was perfect for the outdoor area! This was actually a gift from the venue because of all the stress Caley and Ed went through with the hurricane. So sweet!

The Brawley Estate Wedding Reception in Mooresville, NC Dakota Hersey Photography

Those cupcakes were to DIE for. They even packed up a few for me to take on the road with me. I couldn’t resist!

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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