Durk and Emily

Emily and Durk had a beautiful fall wedding day at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in downtown Raleigh and The Meadows. From the moment I walked into the Aerie house at the meadows to meet everyone, I felt so incredibly welcomed by Emily’s family and amazing bridal party. Their entire wedding day felt so joyful, peaceful and FUN at the same time.

The wedding party got ready in separate houses at The Meadows before heading over to the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. This was my first wedding ceremony at this cathedral and it was breathtakingly beautiful! It’s the largest ceremony sites I’ve worked in before and I love the space: white walls and amazing window light! It was such a beautiful ceremony! I know it was so important and meaningful to them to be married here.

After the wedding ceremony, Durk and Emily went around the Cathedral taking bride and groom portraits. We got so many cute photos of them, and one of my favorites from the day is them smiling leaving out the church doors together! Then before starting a delayed cocktail hour, we headed over to the meadows to finish some celebratory group photos with their wedding party. This is always one of the most fun parts of the day to me when you have all your friends together! The weather was perfect for us on this late October wedding day, and the fall colors were at their peak for us, making it the perfect backdrop!

Some of my favorite moments from their day to look for on the blog:

• Emily getting ready with her mom before the ceremony! It was so sweet and it was a point in the morning where it all started to feel real. I loved her ballgown and cathedral veil!
• Durk’s face in awe when he saw his bride for the first time walking down the aisle. The large cathedral gave her a long aisle to walk down, and lots of time for them to soak in this special moment!
• Bride and groom portraits in the field at The Meadows! We were really only 1 foot into the field, but you can’t even tell! The fall colors and tall grass looked so romantic with her ballgown and long veil.
• Their wedding guests greeted them into the reception and my second shooter got the cutest photo of both their parents cheering them on!
• The reception dance floor was packed all night long thanks to the amazing band Eight Past Midnight! The guests also had these fun light up sticks that made for awesome photos!
• Their classic sparkler exit to end the night! Beautiful!

Emily and Durk, congratulations on your marriage! I am so thrilled for you both and I’m so happy I got to be a part of the beginning of the rest of your lives together. I loved getting to meet all your friends and family and celebrate you both! Thank you so much for choosing me to be your photographer!!

View some of my favorites from their beautiful fall wedding day at The Meadows below!

Ceremony Venue: Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

Reception Venue: The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

Planning: Timeless Events

Photography: Sarah Hinckley Photography

Catering: Rocky Top

Florist: Mews Floral Design

Hair: The Pretty Barrette 

Makeup: Pris Beauty

Band: Eight Past Midnight

Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh

Suggested Blog Posts:

• Winter Wedding at The Upchurch | Anna and Matthew
• Creative Ways to Incorporate Your Dog into Your Wedding Day
• Bridal Portraits at The Upchurch in Cary | Jenna
• NC State Grad Photos | Aliana
• Fall Engagement at UNC Chapel Hill