What an absolute privilege it was to photograph Rachel and Alec’s wedding at Wrightsville Manor in May! We lucked out with the best weather and these two had the best wedding party!
It’s actually kind of funny how Rachel and Alec met. Rachel used to be Alec’s sister’s nanny (Alec and his sister are ten years apart). Therefore, Rachel was already part of the family. Such a cute story!
Oh my gosh, this wedding was just fabulous!! Rachel and Alec’s celebration was my absolute favorite in a long time! I have actually booked three weddings at the same venue from this wedding. Wrightsville Manor is hands down my favorite venue here in Wilmington. I think Rachel became my best friend on her wedding day, LOL! Rachel started and ended the day with music from High School Musical – instant BFFS!
Alec and Rachel chose such pretty pastel colors for their wedding day. From lavender to light yellow and other colors in between, they were the perfect palette for a spring wedding. After I finished shooting all the bridal details, we got a lot of pictures with the bridal party in the bridal suite and at the bar inside the venue. She and all of her girls were so great, very photogenic, and so much fun! The bridesmaids wore matching pajamas while Rachel’s getting ready outfit included a white lingerie and feather boa robe with matching slippers. We even captured some adorable pictures of her on the swing outside, too! Rachel had a dress reveal with her bridesmaids after she got fully dressed.
Rachel and her dad shared a sweet first look outside. Rachel’s family was all so sweet to us during the day. One reason I love shooting weddings is that I have the chance to connect with not just the couple, but the family too. Getting lots of genuine hugs and many thank you’s by the end of the night from the family is always a highlight from the wedding day.
Rachel and Alec also planned a first look together. Alec was all smiles when he turned around to see Rachel standing there. They chatted for a bit which is another great reason to do a first look. It gives you the opportunity to talk with your husband alone and spend more of your wedding day with the person your marrying. I posed Rachel and Alec for some couples portraits before the bridal party. I loved shooting the bridal party! They were such a lovely and energetic group!
We were able to get family formals and bridal party photos done before the ceremony, which is always great! It gave us more opportunities for couple portraits after the ceremony and during sunset. This is another great reminder to do a first look for your wedding.
After first dances and a few toasts, Rachel changed into a shorter dress and white tennis shoes to officially kick off the party portion of the reception. The dance floor was packed all night! Their wedding guests were so much fun and they really knew how to join in the celebration! Rachel and Alec shared the CUTEST last dance. As I mentioned above, they of course danced to “Can I Have This Dance” from High School Musical and I absolutely died! This was the best song and the best way to end the night!! In case you haven’t guessed, High School Musical was my favorite movie growing up.
After they exited the reception from a row of lit up sparklers from their wedding guests, they got into their gold Rolls Royce getaway car! Congratulations to Rachel and Alec on tying the knot! If you’re planning a wedding at Wrightsville Manor, don’t delay! Email me right now to secure your date!
Vendors
Venue: Wrightsville Manor
Photographer: Stephanie Alberse Photography
Planner: Brittany with Social Butterfly Events
Hair & Make Up: Alice Lawson Salon + Spa
Florist: Among the Wild Flowers
DJ: Active DJ
Officiant: Sherri
Catering: A Thyme Savor
Rentals: Party Suppliers
Cake: Imaginary Cakes
