Mary Elizabeth and McKinnon were easily one of the couples I grew the closest to throughout their wedding planning. Mary Elizabeth quickly became a close friend of mine and while I was so happy for them at the end of their wedding. I felt a sadness that it was over! I SO enjoyed spending extra time with her!! Thankfully social media and text messaging help us stay in touch :).

Mary Elizabeth and McKinnon had been planning their Biltmore wedding for about a year and I know they felt a sense of disappointment that the weather called for thunderstorms on their big day. Every bride dreams of clear skies and sunshine. However, they both found immense joy in the fact that they were GETTING MARRIED and nothing could stop that. The rain held off for their First Look and even their portraits. It was like God stopped the rain at the most perfect times of the day just for them! I really believe that! We were able to use all of the spots we originally planned for and we captured some romantic and dreamy portraits just before the ceremony!

Their First Look took place at my favorite spot on all of the Biltmore property! Watching Mary Elizabeth walk up the hill under the beautiful oak tree and meeting Mckinnon for the first time was like being behind the scenes of a Nicolas Sparks movie! They read the sweetest letters and took a long embrace into each other’s arms before moving on to portraits. I personally want all of my couples to take as much time as they possibly need during a First Look. Capturing the candid moments from far away will always be some of my favorite images!

We met up with the rest of the bridal party at the Biltmore House to capture more portraits. We moved quickly — their bridal party was the absolute best — everyone listened and was so attentive. Allowing us to get everything we needed just before the rain began to fall.

Mary Elizabeth and McKinnon got married at the Deerpark in the most romantic garden themed setting. The ceremony was covered in flowers and little glass globe lights. Everything came together perfectly! Mary Elizabeth’s sister and cousin sang together and they had everyone tearing up! It was beautiful! Mary Elizabeth and McKinnon officially tied the knot and sealed it with a kiss! The ceremony followed with family portraits and some more alone time for just the couple! Again, the rain completely held off for us so we could be outside for these portraits!

The reception flowed perfectly from the ceremony with a complete room flip. When I walked into the room my jaw about hit the floor! It was magical, romantic, joyful – fitting Mary Elizabeth’s style perfectly. Mary Elizabeth and McKinnon were introduced and went straight to their perfectly choreographed dance. It.was.awesome!! The band played into the night and everyone had the best time! Mary Elizabeth’s Dad killed his speech – like wow – prob the best FOB speech I’ve heard in a long time! The toasts from siblings were heartfelt, funny, and full of love. Toasts might be one my favorite part of the reception! I love hearing more about the couple’s family, younger days, and little quirks throuogh each toast!

I could write a novel on this wedding but you probably know by now, I’m not much of a write. I type exactly how I speak and well, I grew up in the South so I’ve been known to have grammatical errors. I blame it on my Mother ;). But I really try to sound proper! haha!

But really, these two will forever how a special place in my heart. I’m SO happy for them and their new life together! I know we will forever stay in touch! Hope you enjoy some of my favorite images form their wedding day this past Fall!