A February Wedding at Carolina Grove
Rachel North and Hunter Baker were married at Carolina Grove on February 20, 2022 in an absolutely gorgeous outdoor wedding ceremony. They chose Carolina Grove for its monochromatic setting, including white walls and building, huge windows that allow for lots of natural light, the barn reception setting, and the overall feel of a remote and private spot. As a wedding photographer, I love shooting weddings at this venue, and for many of those same reasons that attracted Rachel and Hunter to this place.
This beautiful pair met on Hinge, but Rachel thought that Hunter was too cute to be “for real,” and even after he messaged her, she wasn’t sure and deleted her account! A couple of weeks later, she re-downloaded, found Hunter again and the rest speaks for itself. “Everything about our relationship has always been comfortable from the start. Our first date lasted from a 3pm walk around the lake, to dinner, to Hunter crashing my Zoom class, and then staying to work on a puzzle until the wee hours. It was like we had been dating for years.” Once the date was set, the planning began and it all came to a crescendo in late February.
The Preparations
Both Rachel and her attendants and Hunter and his groomsmen readied themselves in the suites at Carolina Grove, and enjoyed the private time laughing, enjoying champagne and getting ready for the ceremony itself. I loved the way that everything was coordinated. From the checked pattern shirts that the bridemaids wore, to the muted green gowns they donned for the ceremony, everything came together seamlessly.
The First Looks
Rachel shared a first look with her father and Hunter prior to the ceremony, and they were equally tender and sweet. Carolina Grove has so many different spots where I can capture a couple with their wedding party, alone before the the vows, or seeing each other for the first time. The flagstone pathway near the barn made a perfect place for these first glimpses. As a person, it’s difficult NOT to be moved, … nearly impossible. As a photographer and technician, I’m gauging the people, the elements, the light and all of the texture and mood that can be captured. No matter how long, or how much is involved these days, capturing these moments is exhilarating!
The Ceremony
While the guests waited outside, facing the greenery draped arbor, the ringbearers and sweet little flower girl led the procession until it was finally time for Rachel’s entrance. Her fitted gown, cathedral train and immaculate bouquet were picture perfect, just like the bride herself.
The Reception & Details
The color palette and various elements that Rachel and Hunter chose for their day were spectacular in both elegance and simplicity. Rachel: "I remember looking out at the reception space on the day, and thinking 'this is exactly how I thought it would look. Lush greenery, wood accents and cool tones made the material palette and we just didn't feel like adding anything else. The space really did the work!'"
Congratulations
Rachel: “There are some special moments that I will keep in my heart, that are really too good to share - but it was everything we wanted it to be, and you captured those moments so well. It's incredible, our gallery is just beautiful.” Thank you Rachel and Hunter for letting me be a contributor to your day. I wish you decades of happiness together!
If you like the look of this location, I hope you’ll also check out Elise and Austin’s October 2021 wedding blog to see more!
Vendors
Wedding Planner: Lanier & Co.
@lanierandcompany
Venue: Carolina Grove
@carolinagroveweddings
Hair: Jade Marion Hair
@jademarionhair
Makeup: Kris Bright
@krisbrightbeauty
DJ: Tenille Byers
@tenillebyers
Photographer: Christian Reyes
@christianreyesphoto