Allie + Mike have a love that is sweeter than listening to The Avett Brothers' "Swept Away (Sentimental Version)" on a warm Summer night under the stars. Their love is dancing to this ballad in their living room, surrounded by family + very close friends, their dog Avett, and an outpouring of warmth on a chilly October night.

These two, together since high school, had the sweetest, most intimate wedding at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens followed by a classy dinner party in their living room. Yes, their living room! I first met Allie while on assignment for a campus magazine at UNC. She then showed up on staff at the Daily Tar Heel and quickly moved to become an editor. We even ended up in the same program in journalism school. And of course, with all these things we had in common, Mike came along to event after event always supporting Allie. He's always had this look of pure affection for Allie and that was evident back in our college days. On their wedding day, that look of pure bliss and love for her was greater than ever.

Allie had a vision for her wedding photography: storytelling + unprompted with hints of fine art film shots. It was a very easy job because the enitre wedding was classic, elegant, seasonal, and full of personal touches from Allie + Mike. But better yet, their love was wrapped around every detail of their day, including the way they adoringly gazed at each other. These two cooked the meals served at their dinner party and created wine pairings for each course, they made each plate their guests dined on, and made sure to have photos with each of their guests on polaroid film.

Allie + Mike, that you for letting me photograph your wedding day and the love you two share for each other. I wish you all the marital bliss in the world, set to a never-ending playlist of the Avett Brothers.

Anyone from North Carolina knows that October is the most magical month of all. The light is warm, we beam proudly for the land of the pines, and we know whenever James Taylor's timeless tune "Carolina on My Mind" plays, it should be immediately followed by Petey Pablo's "Raise Up," which we all know as the modern day anthem for the Tar Heel State. Katya + Garrett definitely got this right on their wedding night.

I met these two as part of our UNC dental school family back at the beginning of that era of our lives. Katya was intelligent, witty, a lover of sloths, + wonderfully independent, (also a huge grammar nerd, so please, don't destroy this blog post!) so I knew we'd be great friends. A few months later, I met Garrett at Carolina Coffee Shop and he had me in tears with his jokes and laid back personality. I remember Katya telling me she never met a soul who wasn't completely at ease when they met Garrett and I can attest to this. That night, I immediately knew exactly why these two were so perfect for each other. Both extremely driven Tar Heels, their personalities allowed them to be serious when needed, but let loose in the best way possible making these two lovable + quirky individuals a strong, smart, and downright hilarious as a couple.

Their wedding day was full of love + warmth that exuded from their family, friends, and the gorgeous North Carolina October day. The Queen City was vibrant with their love as they said their unforgettable vows (you two had me in tears behind my camera), smiled in pure love + joy as the crowd exclaimed "Mazel Tov!," danced their first dance smoother than Harry, Hermione, + Ron ever could imagine doing at the Yule Ball, and partied their night away as the crowd lifted them into a traditional Horah dance.

Katya + Garret, I wish you all the love in the world. Your infectious sense of humor, love, and ability to grow together is such an inspiration. It was such an honor to document your wedding day + the love you two share! Here's to many, many years of loving each other + laughing any trouble away!