Emily & Matthew’s 214 Martin Street Wedding

Emily & Matthew were supposed to get married and party at 214 Martin Street back in September, but then Hurricane Florence came to beat up the Carolinas and their plans got blown back a bit. The couple was able to send out “Save the (New) Dates” though and everything happened almost as planned, just a couple months later. (Everything was also one hour earlier, thanks to Daylight Savings.) 

The new date did not disappoint with weather. The skies were a beautiful blue (just like Emily & Matthew’s engagement session), and though it was a little chilly after the sun went down, the mid afternoon was in the 60s. Not a drop of rain was to be found, and the wind stayed at a safe, calm level. The party was not that calm, though it was safe enough. 😀

The team (amazingly enough, all the original team – everyone was available):

Ceremony Venue: West Raleigh Presbyterian Church
Officiant: Katherine Rick-Miller
Planner: Sara Wilson
Florals: Flowers by Design
Reception Venue & Catering: 214 Martin Street
DJ: Best Night Ever DJ
Cake: Love Cake NC
Bride’s dress: Her mother’s, re-tailored by Leigh Jones

And as always, the Kivii on the images:

Emily and her bridesmaids got ready at the church, while wearing pajamas, which is totally my jam. The guys (keep scrolling) met at Mitch’s Tavern just down the road on Hillsborough Street for lunch and drinks before heading to the church. 

Emily’s mother passed away at the end of last year, but she was present in a lot of ways, including the fact that Emily wore her mom’s wedding dress. But, as her dad pointed out, minus the original puffy 80s sleeves. 

Emily elected to have a first look with her dad before the ceremony and he was all smiles for her. 

Ah yes, the normal attire for lunch just off NC State’s campus: a tuxedo. 

When the guys made their way over to the church, Matt read a letter from Emily and then there was a new thing to learn. This group wasn’t trying to learn to tie bowties (normally one of my favorite parts of groom prep), but they *were* figuring out what on earth to do with their pocket squares. Hilarity, of course. 

Before the ceremony, we did some group portraits in the church courtyard and the ladies got to see a special guest: the bride’s niece, who gave her an awesome high five. 

How gorgeous is Emily’s bouquet?! I love the cascading look. Combine that with her veil (also her mom’s) and it’s just bridal perfection. Matthew’s not half bad in his tux either. 

The ceremony is always there before you even know it. Matthew was grinning ear to ear as Emily and her father appeared in the center aisle and made their way toward him. 

A kiss beneath the gorgeous stained glass and they’ve done it. It might have been two months later than expected, but it was still perfect.

The sun set shortly after the ceremony, so when we arrived at City Market, it was in the dark. But that won’t stop us from making images with the cobblestones. 

When the newlyweds entered down the staircase, they started the party with their first dance and then dances with their parents. 

After Emily’s father welcomed everyone and the Pastor gave a blessing, we were able to wander around and find all the pretty details decorating 214 Martin Street. I love all the gold!

The first dance to start the party was the anniversary dance. The winners, Matthew’s grandparents, have been together for over 60 years! Their advice to the couple was to talk a lot. John says I do enough for both of us <laughing crying emoji>

Before the party got too crazy, we made some time and room for cake and champagne. 

Emily tossed her bouquet from the stairs to the dance floor, where one of Matt’s sister’s caught it. 

I stole Matthew & Emily for a few minutes for some late night portraits, inside and out. 

But then it was back to the dance floor!!

A celebratory, yet careful, walk through sparklers and on cobblestones led our heroes to their rickshaw, decorated with a “Just Married” sign. 

That’s a wrap. Since they already went on their big honeymoon (thanks, Florence!), Emily & Matthew did a mini-moon to Harry Potter World in Florida earlier this week. I hope it was magical! (See what I did there? Okay, I’m sorry. I’m done now.)