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October 28, 2019

Barn at Valhalla Fall Wedding

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Laura & Charlie’s October Barn at Valhalla Wedding

Since it was the weekend before Halloween and a hallowed occasion as well, Laura & Charlie dubbed their Barn at Valhalla nuptials the “Halloweekend.” It was, as the kids say, delightfully spoopy, with pumpkin centerpieces, nerdy signage, and even a couple wild Pokémon. Their friends and family are really awesome, and Laura & Charlie are just the best. We met them last year at The Love Party Wedding Expo (we met a lot of awesome couples there – Erica you need do another one!), and I’ve been looking forward to their wedding ever since.

I’ve got some awesome previews for y’all, but first, a quick round of applause for the vendor team.

Barn at Valhalla Wedding Vendors

Venue: Barn at Valhalla
Photo: That’s us! You can also check out Laura & Charlie’s engagement session (there are cats!)
Coordination: Events by Emily
Hair & Makeup: The Bardot
Laura’s dress: Watters from BHLDN
Attendants’ dresses: Azazie
Charlies’ and attendants’ suits: The Black Tux
Florals: Jane Utley, The Wedding Woman
DJ: McSound Productions
Officiant: Kayelily Middleton
Catering and non-cake desserts: Durham Catering Co.
Cake: Publix
Bar: Carolina Tap Trailers
Tent: CE Rentals
Other Rentals: American Party Rentals
Transportation: Carolina Livery

Barn at Valhalla Wedding Photos

First I was like “That Dress!”, but then I was like “THOSE BOOTS!!!!!” Laura rocked her look.

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But let’s start the day with Charlie, who hung out with his friends on the grounds before heading down to the game room to get dressed.  (And also play games, because it is a game room after all)

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Over at the Barn, Laura was getting ready with her crew and the rockstar Bardot team.

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Barn at Valhalla First Look and Portraits

Those boots were made for walking, so Laura walked on over to the gazebo for a first look with her almost husband.

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Then we took advantage of the fall colors and made some portraits under the leaves. They were especially crunchy underfoot too. I love that part of fall!

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Seriously though. John, I’m buying myself a pair of these boots. Sorry, not sorry.

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Onto some group photos. I love that more and more couples are realizing that anyone can stand by your side at your wedding. And you don’t have to have the same number of attendants! Just pick who you love and want next to you and let your spouse pick who they love and want next to them. It’s that simple.

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Barn at Valhalla Ceremony

While we were working our way through all the group formals, Emily was getting the ceremony space looking just right. The ceremony itself was lovely. Plenty of laughter, a necessary ingredient for love, and I even caught a few tears – of joy of course.

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After they got married, we did one more wedding party shot down in the game room. Looking fierce y’all.

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But aren’t these two adorable?! And 100% married in this photo (and the one at the top of the blog)

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Barn at Valhalla Wedding Reception

Here come the great wedding details. Laura made all the signage, but this first one was my favorite, because it’s exactly what John & my doormat says. It’s the perfect subtle nerd reference. Also, when you saw that skeleton hand on the cardbox, did you think what I thought? Because my immediate thought was, put the rings on the skeleton hand. So I did.

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Ladies and gentlemen, from here on out, cocktail hours shall be Rocktail Hours instead.

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In addition to the signage, Laura also made the cake topper. Tiny little clay Laura & Charlie. Adorable!

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To kick off the reception, Laura’s parents and Charlie’s dad/best man gave some toasts, and then everyone dined under the stars before heading into the barn for dancing.

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This wedding had a lot of firsts for us. It was our first Foo Fighters first dance (LOVE) and it was our first wedding with not one, but two, Pikachu in attendance. (I googled to make sure, and Pikachu is the correct plural form, at least according to wikipedia)

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After parent dances, everyone hit the dance floor, human and Pokémon alike.

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Our favorite DJ (he DJ’d our wedding!), Brian from McSound, kept the party going and I was singing along with the majority of the special requests. This group had my kinda music taste.

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Since there wasn’t a formal exit, I’ll leave you with two more photos of Laura, one with her new husband Charlie, and one recreating a Workin’ Moms image with her true love, her maid of honor Lillian.

Thanks so much Laura, Charlie, and all your friends and family!! Your wedding was truly a blast and I’m so happy to get to share images with you.