Taylor and Matthew were married in October of this year at the Hallelujah Arena in Morganton, North Carolina and it was a family affair, planned from a distance and during a pandemic. Matthew is Ryan’s second-cousin, is in the military stationed in Wisconsin, and Taylor is working on her graduate degree at Appalachian State University in Boone. Even at a distance, and while Taylor was studying, these two were efficient and thorough in their planning.

There was a large wedding party, with folks coming from all over, but these two trusted us – and our many years of experience – on the day and leading up to it. Even the last minute decision to have a “first touch” was easy for us to pull off, and the day was truly a blast. Outdoor weddings, especially in beautiful spots like this one, allow for a variety of textures and people groups, so we took full advantage.

This was a new venue for us and we loved it. There was a beautiful covered pavilion, and the outdoor ceremony site showcased a mountain view. A classic car was provided by the venue and coordinators provided golf cart shuttles across the property. There was also a large fire pit which provided a quieter space for guests throughout the night.

A few months prior to the wedding Taylor sent me a Facebook video of bubble machine guns that she thought would be fun. Wanting my input on how they could be used, she made the purchase and together we planned her bubble entrance. With the help of two bridesmaids it was hilarious. They gave it another go during the couple’s first dance and there were bubbles everywhere!

During the reception, Matthew shared a dance with his Mom Melanie. They were both laughing and really enjoying themselves. When I mentioned this to Melanie later in the night, she said that of her four kids Matthew had always been her dance partner since he was young, and it was something that felt natural to the both of them. 

Our son Finley attended the wedding, because that kid loves to dance, too. While we worked, he hung around with family and spent most of the night on the dance floor, even stealing dances with the bride.

What a night! Glow sticks made for a fun mess-free exit, and we were so happy to have been able to be not just the photographers for this event, but guests. Congratulations Taylor and Matthew!

We love family portraits whether they are set in the studio, the great outdoors, a specific location like the mountains or high country, or on our property in our outdoor portrait garden. Pixels on Paper photographs newborns and families, special events and portraits  of all kinds in our Wilkesboro, NC studio. We would be honored to meet with you, learn about you and your family and be a part of taking special portraits that will become, we hope, family heirlooms.

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