January 3, 2020 Traditional Wedding in Charlotte, NC

Bethany + Raul_Wedding_Highlights-106.jpg

Bethany and Raul, their friends and family, and my photography team got to start the new decade in the best way possible: with an outpouring of love and faith. The love part is obvious, but seeing Bethany and Raul’s faith manifest in more subtle ways was equally beautiful.

As this bride and groom met at church (in fact, the very church where they got married), and their faith is extremely important to them, we wanted to use the architectural facets of the church itself to show off their details and portraits, as a subtle way to incorporate their religion. Their ceremony mass, readings given by family members, giving communion to their guests during their service and even party favors (Christmas tree ornaments decorated with their favorite Bible verses) all focused on their devotion to God through their marriage, and vice versa. The inclusion of family heirlooms within their attire (Bethany’s grandmother’s ring and handkerchief as well as her mother’s necklace) also spoke to their belief in tradition, and closeness with their families.

What’s more, as it was a rainy, chilly January day, they had to have a lot of faith in us to make sure that their photos were beautiful, while still enjoying the experience! Not always can you convince a bride to get her train wet (post-ceremony, of course!) so that she can have a few romantic outdoor photos in the rain, but Bethany was game for anything, trusting that we knew what we were doing and that we’d take good care of her gown. Luckily, she had her new husband to keep her warm, and then the two of them danced the night away within the excellent architecture of Waterfront Hall.

All in all, definitely my favorite way to start the 2020 season!

Photography: Adrian Etheridge Photography

Second Shooter: Katelyn Whitson

Videography: Godin Visual Productions

Wedding Dresser/Day of Stylist: Just Bloom Together

Venues: Community in Christ Lutheran Church, Jetton Park

Ceremony Music: Sandy Barefoot, Stephany and Pam Spano, Linda Muhlbach and Marci Langan

DJ/Band: Michael Branson DJ Services

Florist: Bells and Blooms Floral Design

Rings: Kay Jewelers, Zales

Catering & Bar Services: LKN Weddings & Events Catering

Cake: Melissa Danforth