As a seasoned wedding photographer, you just know when you have the most perfect celebration with your couple! This was the exact feeling I had the whole day with Victoria and Spencer. Their fall wedding at Wrightsville Manor was full of beautiful light and love with their closest family and friends. From the live oaks and palm trees, to the classic stone architecture, Wrightsville Manor is hands down, my favorite venue to shoot in Wilmington!
Spencer and Victoria opted for a classic black and white wedding. If you can’t make up your mind as a bride on what colors to include in your wedding, going with black and white is always a smart idea. The colors look good in every photo and if your bridesmaids wear long dresses, they can save them for another formal event!
Oyster Shells and Pearl Details
In addition to the color scheme, Victoria and Spencer added in cute beachy details. They had oyster shells covered in gold paint with the words “bride” and “groom” written in script on the inside. Oyster shells were used as place card settings as well during the reception. Victoria also wore drop pearl earrings with her wedding dress. During ancient Greek times, pearls were actually associated with love and marriage while oyster shells represent resilience and strength.
This sweet couple was all about the first looks for their wedding day! As I finished shooting bridal details, the girls got dressed. Once everyone was ready, we did a bridesmaids’ reveal of Victoria in her dress inside the venue – they all loved it! Victoria had a first look with her dad. I love when brides plan this into their timeline because it’s always such a sweet moment, usually with lots of tears. Victoria and Spencer had their first look on the other side of the venue. Spencer’s facial expression said it all – he was so excited to see his beautiful bride!
I’ve been blessed in all my weddings with the most fun bridesmaids and groomsmen, and Victoria and Spencer had the best attendants! The groomsmen had a lot of fun lifting up Spencer and the girls loved laughing with Victoria. They were such a fun crew to work with! Before the ceremony, Victoria and her bridesmaids said a prayer together over Victoria in the bridal suite before walking down the aisle.
A Live Oak Tree Outdoor Ceremony
Their ceremony took place outside under the big live oak tree with white drapery. They also took communion together during the ceremony. With the sun glowing on and behind the trees, their ceremony was perfect! Both of their families came up for a prayer with the bride and groom. I love when couples incorporate their families in ceremonies as they become one family!
As they walked back down the aisle, Spencer and Victoria stopped for a dip kiss after the ceremony. It was epic – they even switched places after the dip and it blew my mind! After a few family portraits, I took Victoria and Spencer for some more couple portraits. Since they had a first look, we didn’t have too many portraits to take and they were able to enjoy cocktail hour for a bit with their guests.
After their entrance into the wedding reception, Victoria and Spencer went straight into their first dance as husband and wife as well parent dances. I snuck them back outside for some sunset portraits on the swing and with their “Tullys” sign! They cut the cake along with some glasses of champagne, and then danced the night away! At the end of the evening, Spencer and Victoria had one last private dance together and made their way out of the venue surrounded by a sparkler exit.
Thank you Victoria and Spencer for honoring me with capturing your wedding at Wrightsville Manor in Wilmington!
If you want to see more weddings like this from this venue, check out highlights from Rachel and Alec’s wedding day! I’d love to capture your love story at Wrightsville Manor! I’m booking weddings for my 2026 calendar, so reach out to inquire about a date!
Wedding Vendors
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Wrightsville Manor
Planner: Social Butterfly Events
Photographer: Stephanie Alberse Photography
Florist: Fiore Design House
Catering: A Thyme Savor
Hair and Make-up: Alice Lawson Salon
Rentals: Design Perfection and Party Suppliers & Rentals
Letters: Alpha Lit Carolina Coast
Cake: Publix
