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!

Venue: Renaissance Charlotte Southpark

Dress: Paloma Blanca

Suit: Jos. A. Bank

Florals: Shawna from Ribald Farms

Cake: Sky's the Limit

Videographer: Deano Pictures

DJ: Charlie from Split Second Sound

Makeup/Hair: Blo Charlotte

String Trio: Charlotte Strings

Photo Booth: Shutterbooth

Invitations + Hand-lettered Signs: Laney Schenk

Katya + Garrett are engaged, y'all! I met these two at the verrrrrryyyy beginning of dental school many moons ago (thank goodness it's almost over)! Katya is one of Jerry's classmates and Garrett tagged along to all the events like I did. After all these dental school years of Katya saying she wanted me to be her photographer whenever they got engaged, her dream finally came true! A few days after their engagement, Katya asked if I could, and of course I said yes. We started planning out her + Garrett's engagement session and figured it needed to be all things Chapel Hill because this is where their story began.

These two lovebirds met at a UNC party where Garrett was instantly charmed by Katya's intelligence + quirky sense of humor. Their first date: Bojangles (best date spot ever in my opinion)! They lived in the same dorm community + after a few dates, they knew they were for each other. Garrett + Katya snuck into Kenan Stadium where he officially asked her to be his "babe." Six years later, while crossing the greenway bridge on their way to a football tailgating party, Garrett pointed out a lock that coincidentally had "K" and "G" written on it + a little note that was attached to the lock. As Katya read the sweet note, Garrett dropped to a knee and proposed!

These two are absolutely hilarious + goofy and love each other more than they love Carolina Basketball. They love their dog Sully + her bad case of FOMO, and even though she wasn't a fan of wearing a sign, she was a great sport. We started their engagement session in Merritt's Pasture with a Bojangles breakfast picnic. We then headed to their favorite spots around campus + Franklin Street. Photographing them fresh after their engagement was wonderful because it is such new thing + they were giddy like school kids. I'm so lucky to photograph their love + their soon-to-be awesome wedding full of Cajuns + Vodka shots next fall!