Once upon a time… yada yada , I had the privilege of meeting a very bubbly, running hug, tall and beautiful bride-to-be…  That same rainy day I also had the privilege of meeting her humorous, long-last-named, even taller, very photogenic groom!  Here are the photos from that day, a year ago CLICK HERE FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS. It rained and no one cared…  We played football in the mud and had fun exploring the UNC campus.  Fast forward to May.  I had received little tidings of joy over the months- notes from Chelsea, save the dates decorated with the photos from our splashy sesh, I could not wait for their wedding.

Having spent months in recovery, after my surgery, it was so so SO very wonderful to see Chelsea and Ted.  I had my best friend at my side to help me photograph AND a couple that consistently reminds me why I have worked so hard at this job.  They beam of true love, but they also are the embodiment of treating others the way you want to be treated…  Loving & respectful- I wish them the very best on their new journey.

The first night there, while we very rarely do this, I headed to the rehearsal dinner.  Now, this was not the usual sit around a table and stare at each other style… This was in fact an actual HOEDOWN!  Thinking we’d be “fashionably late,” Travis and I showed up… and the hog was already scarfed down for dinner and the bride offered me beans in a cup lol.  It was a blast…  but what can I say, I am a sucker for country music, little fiddle, little plaid… and excuse to be themed out.  I could tell the wedding was going to be great.

They chose to see each other in advance…  It was a beautiful moment and charming Ted surprised Chelsea with a necklace I had just read about on her blog the night before.  They were as photogenic as always, just no mud football this time, and then off to the actual ceremony.  Bagpipes and rose petals both filled the air… Everything was straight from the heart (except for the moving van that we could not get to leave lol, inside joke see photos).  The reception reminded me of an old musical movie, with a checkered floor, and chandeliers that lit the perfect evening.  I hope to see these two again soon, they are slightly contagious to be around .  Thank you so much for all you shared with me and my camera!!! Love you both!

Chelsea and I during the Hoedown

Some of the talent that contributed to the event:

Florist: Charles House – University Florist

Dress Shop: J Majors

DJ Company: Joe Bunn/Kevin van Sant (Ceremony/Cocktail hour / Jerry Hudson (Bagpiper)

Wedding Planner: Melanie Ingool – Kate Foster Productions

Cake: Sugarland

Reception/Ceremony Site/Catering: The Carolina Inn

A well wish to the new Mr & Mrs

So, def my all time fave ring bearer pillow!!!  I have a soft spot for ring pops
Walking up for the first time to see her groom!!!

Names: Chelsea Elizabeth & Ted Steve Theodoropoulos

What do you do for work? Chelsea – Enterprise Media at Bank of America / Ted – IT Sales at TEK Systems

How did you meet? We met through an acquaintance. His height caught my attention; I had to make sure I was introduced!

What gal wouldn’t be thrilled that her man noticed her blog post about jewelery…. Points for Ted!

What inspired your wedding decor, etc? Even though I grew up in Upstate New York, I’ve always felt like a Southern girl at heart. The Carolina Inn is a Historic hotel located on the University of North Carolina Campus. With Ted being a Tarheel, it was an easy sell. It’s dressed in vintage Southern decor with the sweet aromas of fresh-cut flowers. Actually, when I first stepped inside, I cried! I wanted to play off all that this Historic beauty had to offer. It’s quaint, romantic and simply perfect.

Beautiful couple… Tell us about your ring! It’s a round brilliant cut diamond with a pave band. Not only is it beautiful, but Ted picked it out so I love it even more…

How was your experience with Socialite Studios? Joelle has been an absolute joy to work with. From the moment I called her to inquire about photography, she put me at ease and has followed through on every promise. It was so refreshing to cross ‘Photography’ off our to-do list that easily! She’s gone out of her way to make us happy and we’re beyond grateful.

Love this shot of the girls before the ceremony

Also, when the bridesmaids all got to see Chelsea after her photo shoot

If you could relive one moment from your wedding what would it be? If I could relive one moment from our wedding day it would be standing up during our ceremony. I held Ted’s hands, the sun was shining, birds were chirping and we had the attention of our closest friends and family. It was the moment I had envisioned and it couldn’t have been more beautiful. It was an incredible feeling.

Finally!!! WoohooSo here I am wayyyy to excited to see the guest book… I didn’t know it would be there, but they CHOSE their cute behinds for the cover ahhh, that is so something I would do… I greatly appreciate their funny selection!  The book was filled with photos from that awesome engagement shoot I love so dearly!

First dance, super cool floor!

Aww mom and son moment

Everyone had mad dance skillz

If there was something you know now, that you can share with other brides what would it be? Embrace every single moment throughout your day. I literally carried around my Flip Video during the pre-ceremony and reception to document and capture the day. Even though I had a videographer, I ended up taking over 100 videos. There’s something special about raw footage that has your own personal touch.

Went to visit the wedding night suite- got a shot of them lounging for a moment… I don’t think they wanted to go back to the reception once they realized how cozy it was up there!

How was the Honeymoon? The most wonderful vacation we’ve ever had! We went to Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cancun, Mexico. We got spoiled with phenomenal service, plenty of sunshine, delicious food and the opportunity to meet some great people.