Wilson & Holly| Her Family Farm| New bern North Carolina | December 2, 2019

One day my very best friend of 20some years called me and said, “So Will and Holly moved their wedding date to Dec 27, and we were wondering if you were serious when you offered to photograph it?” HECK YEAH, I WAS SERIOUS!  So, it was settled. I would hop in my car the day after Christmas to travel to New Bern, North Carolina to photograph my BFF’s stepson’s special day.  

I have to say I LOVED the way this day went down. It was sooooo chill and the couple was super relaxed and pretty chill too. So, I began my day by meeting Wilson and his brothers and soon to be brother in law at the Jarvis at 220 in beautiful downtown New Bern. Ya’ll I LOVE historic downtown districts and New Bern is one of my faves. The Jarvis is a lovely 4-bedroom B&B with a gorgeous front porch to relax and people watch on, the inside is warm and inviting. The guys were getting ready in the Jarvis Suite (a.k.a. the bridal suite) which with it’s grayish blue walls, king sized 4 post bed, incredible en suite bathroom and balcony that allows you a bird’s eye view of the street. After photographing them at the Jarvis I hopped in my car and made about a 10-minute drive to the bride’s family farm where she and her bridesmaids were getting ready. This is also where the reception is going to take place. Everyone there was busy, busy, busy but the bride was cool as a cucumber hanging with her bridesmaids in the plaid flannels, she had gotten all of them so they could be super comfy.  

New Bern North Carolina Groom
The Groom putting on shoes at The Jarvis in New Bern
groom and brother in law at the jarvis in new bern
daydream wedding groom in new bern
fredericksburg wedding photographer photographs groom and brothers in new bern north carolina
new bern north carolina groom
sense of humor groom with brothers
the groom walk at the jarvis
goofy groom with goofy brothers
new bern bride photographed by fredericksburg virginia photographer

Suddenly it was time for the bride to get into her dress. The bride’s dress was her mother’s dress and her mother made all the alterations. Holly looked stunning. Getting the dress on with her hair and make-up all done made Holly look and I believe feel like a bride, in just a little while she would be heading to the church to get married to her sweetheart. But not before mom help her with a pearl necklace that had been worn by other members of the family at their own weddings. 

Soon we are all in our vehicles for the short drive to the church where Wilson got to see his bride for the first time that day. The ceremony was lovely with the bride and groom sharing their own words and vows. One of my favorite things about this is how the bride opted for wrist corsages rather than carrying traditional bouquets. I love unique touches like that.  Afterwards the couple received their guests with lots of hugs and laughter. Soon they would invite their family to head to the farm for formal family portraits while other guests were invited to come to the farm in a couple of hours for dinner and dancing in the tent.  

bride with mother
bride with mother
bride sitting in chapel
bride in window light in family home
black and white version of bride in window light in family home
groom sees bride for the first time
father gives bride away
bride and groom first kiss
bride and groom celebrate after ceremony
wedding rings

After we finished family formals, I went to the tent to capture some of the beautiful rustic details (my fave!!!) while the bride and groom enjoyed a little time with their bridal party and family. Then it back to Downtown New Bern with the bride and groom for a quiet afterglow session with just the two of them. We went to the grounds of the episcopal church downtown that is iconic for the gorgeous giant trees full of Spanish moss then took a walk back to the Jarvis where they popped open a bottle champagne after we took a few photos on the balcony I left the lovebirds to enjoy a little bit of time alone while I headed back to the farm to gear up for the party and what a party it was. 

This was truly a family affair. The bride’s father prepared all the food for the party and let me tell you it was a spread! Her grandmother made the most delicious 7-layer cake with incredible chocolate buttercream icing in between each layer. Her cousin Mindy made the incredible cake table and even more family pitched in on the decorations. 

bride and groom on church steps
bride and groom downtown new bern
bride unique shoes
bride and groom portrait
bride and groom portrait
make her laugh
groom and bride dancing
kissing
bride and groom dancing
new bern bride and groom kiss

This was truly a family affair. The bride’s father prepared all the food for the party and let me tell you it was a spread! Her grandmother made the most delicious 7-layer cake with incredible chocolate buttercream icing in between each layer. Her cousin Mindy made the incredible cake table and even more family pitched in on the decorations.

Once the food was enjoyed it was time to get to dancing. The DJ was Wilson’s brother Justin (also Will’s best man) who is a DJ by profession.   After all the dancing it was time to head outside for a firework show and then it was time to see the bride and groom off with a sparkler exit. 

Wilson & Holly I hope you have the best memories of your big day. I wish you the very best for this adventure called marriage. Remember to keep your amazing senses of humor and remember that everything you do for each other is because of the special love you share. Cheers to many, many years of love and happiness.