Daniella and Riley

These two middle school sweethearts have been together for 10 years! Daniella and Riley had the most magical summer wedding day at Carolina Grove in Hillsborough. Their wedding day has been a long time coming and I’m so excited to share a recap on the blog!

After about 9 years of being together and being long distance through college, Riley proposed one December. They went out to an Italian restaurant where they had their first anniversary date. They even took photos at the restaurant where he asked her to be his girlfriend! Then they went to McAdenville (aka Christmas town USA!) to see Christmas lights, and all their siblings were there holding up a sign that said marry me.

After witnessing their relationship with their siblings and how close they all are, it made knowing they were a part of the proposal even more special! On the wedding day, each of their siblings gave a toast and had everyone crying and laughing with their stories from over the years.

Summer Wedding at Carolina Grove

Carolina Grove is one of my favorite venues in the Raleigh area, and I have the pleasure of working here many times each year! The event staff is so amazing to work with and the space is just incredible! I love how bright and airy the venue is, and it feels so luxurious and secluded from the busy city. It was the perfect place for Daniella and Riley to celebrate their wedding day!

They had a beautiful outdoor ceremony with the trees and a beautiful broken floral arch as their backdrop. Once Gathered did an incredible job with the florals, I’m obsessed! One of my favorite pieces of the day was the florals hanging from the ceiling above the dance floor! It made all the first dance photos even more magical.

Here are some highlights to look for…

• Daniella did so many sweet first looks on her wedding day and I love that she was able to include all her loved ones! We actually did 6 different first looks, including the groom!
• They both love disney, and Riley and the groomsmen actually each wore a different marvel pin on their suit.
• Daniella and Riley’s first look was so sweet and you could tell they were so excited to finally see one another! True joy!
• There’s a new floral trend with welcome signs and I loooovvveee their ceremony welcome sign!
• Daniella’s bouquet featured small photo charms of loved ones to carry with her down the aisle.
• Their wedding day favors were all different coffee mugs, It was so fun to see guests choose their own mug as a favor!
• Daniella’s dress had such a beautiful bustle and it twirled so perfectly! It was magic every time she did a spin on the dance floor!
• The reception table numbers each coordinated with a photo of Daniella and Riley dating and it was SO cute to see all the photos of them over the years (ex. table 1 was their first year of dating!)
• You may not know, but Carolina Grove has a secret space with speakeasy vibes below the main floor! Daniella and all her softball teammates went down there during the reception for fun group photos.
• Their ending song of the night was Bohemian Rapsody with all their friends and family on the dance floor and it was so much fun!
• They had a vintage red pick up truck as their get away car, and it’s Daniella’s dads!

Congratulations again to Daniella and Riley! A true fairytale day for you both! Thank you so much for choosing me to be your wedding photographer and capture these moments for you! I adore you both and have so loved getting to meet all your friends and family! Enjoy reliving your day over and over again!

Scroll to see some highlights from their summer blue and white wedding day at Carolina Grove on the blog below!

Thank you to all of their amazing vendors!

Planner: Aya Cuence

Venue: Carolina Grove

Photographer: Sarah Hinckley Photography

Videographer: House of Eden Company

Catering: Cook Shack

Cake: Sugar Euphoria

Florist: Once Gathered

Hair & Makeup: Kaitlyn Elizabeth Styling

Dress: Ladies of Lineage

Designer: Martina Liana

Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes

Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey

Stationary + Invitations: Minted

DJ: Willis J Entertainment

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