Catherine and Zach’s Blue October Wedding at The Upchurch

Catherine and Zach’s October wedding at The Upchurch was the kind of day that felt meaningful from start to finish. Wrapped in soft autumn light peeking through the trees and filled with thoughtful details, their celebration was a beautiful reflection of who they are and the families that shaped them. I first met them in the summer of 2023 when we photographed their engagement session. They had a longer engagement due to school, so it was incredibly sweet to reunite with them over two years later and capture such a special day in their lives!

Their blue and white color palette felt timeless and elegant against the fall leaves. The Upchurch is one of my favorite classic and timeless wedding venues in the Raleigh, NC area. I especially love the getting-ready spaces for both the bridesmaids and groomsmen! The outdoor lawn is stunning any time of year for photos and makes the perfect ceremony spot, with the sun setting beautifully right behind them. Catherine and Zach were all smiles all day long, which made photographing their wedding day so much fun.

Catherine’s Korean heritage was honored during the ceremony through traditions that emphasized respect and gratitude, including bowing to their parents. It was such a powerful reminder that a wedding day is not only about two people coming together, but also about the families and traditions that surround them. During the ceremony, they also included a ring-warming ritual, something I’ve seen a few times now and always love. The rings were passed around to guests before the vows so they could be warmed and blessed by loved ones. Zach’s Hawaiian heritage was also beautifully woven into the day, with traditional leis worn after the ceremony. During the reception, Zach shared a dance with his mom to Somewhere Over the Rainbow, a moment that felt both tender and emotional and had more than a few guests reaching for tissues.

Catherine and Zach’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, culture, and connection. It was truly an honor to witness and document a day so full of joy, intention, and fun. Scroll below to see a recap of some of my favorite images from their beautiful October wedding at The Upchurch!

Thank you to all the amazing vendors who made this day possible!

“We made a lot of great choices for our wedding — marrying the love of my life being the biggest one of course. But choosing Sarah as our photographer (and her wonderful husband, Spencer, as part of their team) was truly one of the best decisions we made. From the very beginning, they brought such warmth, calm energy, and genuine joy to every interaction. They’re the kind of people who make you feel instantly comfortable, even if you’re not used to being in front of a camera.

Throughout the day, they guided us so naturally that it never felt posed or forced. Somehow, they managed to make us feel like movie stars while still capturing the most authentic, heartfelt moments. When we received our photos, we were blown away. They didn’t just capture images — they captured emotions, laughter, quiet moments, and all the little details we never want to forget. These are photos we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.

If you’re looking for photographers who are talented, kind, and truly invested in your day, look no further. Sarah and Spencer were a blessing to us, and we’re endlessly grateful we had them by our side.”

– Catherine and Zach