where words don't do justice for the moments contained
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This October, I got to photograph the sweetest wedding at The Umstead Hotel in Cary, NC, and let me tell you—it was pure magic. Everything about the day felt so them, from the pastel florals to the little personalized details that made their guests feel so loved.
One of my favorite things? Their wedding invitation. Instead of the usual stationery, it featured a custom painting of Erzhi and Zander, standing side by side. How cool is that? And the bride—who’s an insanely talented baker—made all the desserts for the day. We’re not just talking a cake, either. She whipped up individual cakes for each guest with their names piped on top. You could see people’s faces light up when they found theirs.
Erzhi’s style was next level. She wore fun metallic purple Louboutin pumps, and her bridesmaids wore cheerful yellow dresses. Later in the day, she too changed into a yellow dress—a nod to Chinese wedding traditions. I loved seeing how those meaningful touches were woven into the day.
The vibe was whimsical and romantic, with soft pastel florals everywhere you looked, custom stationary, and a collaborative guest painting. But what really stood out was how much thought they put into making the day special for their family and friends. It wasn’t just about the pretty details (though there were plenty of those!); it was about celebrating their story in a way that felt so authentic.
I walked away from this one with a full heart and a camera full of dreamy moments. Photographing a wedding at the Umstead Hotel was magical and I’d love to create there again!
Photographer: Stratman Imagery
Venue: The Umstead Hotel
Planner: Sally Oakley Weddings and Events
Florist: Dormant Plant Parlor
DJ: Dow Oak Events
Rentals: Country Tinker
Wedding
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This October, I got to photograph the sweetest wedding at The Umstead Hotel in Cary, NC, and let me tell you—it was pure magic. Everything about the day felt so them, from the pastel florals to the little personalized details that made their guests feel so loved. One of my favorite things? Their wedding invitation. […]
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When it comes to creating truly magical moments, few places compare to the grandeur of the Biltmore Estate. Nestled in the heart of Asheville, NC, the property offers a backdrop that feels straight out of a fairytale. I had the privilege of photographing Taylors bridal portraits on the estate grounds, and let me tell you, […]
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When you imagine your wedding day, you likely envision sunny skies and perfect weather. However, Mother Nature sometimes has her own plans, and rain can make an unexpected appearance. While rain might not be part of your dream scenario, it doesn’t have to dampen your spirits—or your wedding photos! In fact, with a little preparation […]
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Springtime in Asheville brings a sense of renewal and beauty, making it the perfect backdrop for weddings. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing David and Rachel’s garden party wedding at the NC Arboretum, a venue that truly encapsulates the simplicity and beauty of nature. Garden Party Themed Weddings are Trending! “Garden party” weddings are […]
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Each year, the first wedding I get to photograph feels a little extra special. This rooftop wedding in downtown Asheville was my first of 2024 and it was beautiful! I walked into the day feeling so refreshed and restored after a couple months of winter rest and reflection. The Fairchilds said their vows on the […]
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Meghan and Dalton shared their springtime vows at one of the most desired wedding venues in Upstate South Carolina – The Cliffs at Glassy Chapel! This is truly one of THE most iconic venues in this area. A perfect stone chapel situated right on the cliffs of Glassy Mountain with panoramic views as far as […]
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When a little girl is dreaming of her wedding day, she imagines finding her prince charming, choosing out the perfect gown, and saying “I Do” in front of a grande castle.. In this scenario, this little girl is Taylor and her dreams came true! She and Haydens Deerpark at Biltmore wedding exuded elegance and beauty […]
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Nestled in the heart of nature’s embrace, Zipporah and Vijay’s Whimsical wedding on Bearwallow Mountain was a celebration of love, tradition, and the breathtaking beauty of the North Carolina mountains. From the crisp mountain air to the warm hues of autumn, this wedding was a captivating blend of natural wonders and timeless love. The Venue: […]
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The Venue: Skyline Lodge Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the couple chose the stunning Skyline Lodge as the backdrop for their nuptials. The decision to rent out the entire lodge for the weekend added a layer of intimacy and exclusivity, creating a private retreat where family and friends could come together […]
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When it comes to choosing the perfect backdrop for your fall wedding, the picturesque Orion School and Chapel in Jefferson, North Carolina, is a hidden gem that promises to make your wedding day truly unique. With its stunning natural beauty, charming rustic vibes, and a touch of autumn magic, this quaint chapel nestled in the […]
"We cried when we saw the photos for the first time. Nothing will ever compare to those memories. We will cherish them always, our first precious family heirloom."
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