Jamie Ties His Shu at The Barn at Woodlake Meadows

August 18 is an awesome day (my birthday) and I was so pleased to share it with Jamie & Shu and their friends and family at the Barn at Woodlake Meadows. First of all, how perfect is their hashtag, #JamieTiesHisShu? Their day was a wild, fun ride with a million unforgettable moments, and John & I enjoyed documenting it. Anytime there are two dresses I’m excited, and groomsmen who start the day with a bourbon toast know what’s up. Shu & Jamie planned the whole shindig themselves, from across the country no less, but when I saw the details and decorations, I would’ve believed a well-seasoned 10 person planning team had come to set up. 

Even though there wasn’t a planner or coordinator, there were some other great wedding vendors that deserve shoutouts:

Venue: The Barn at Woodlake Meadows (Bear Creek, NC)
Hair & Makeup: Wedded Kiss & co. 
Officiant: personal friend
DJ: ME Wedding DJ
Caterer: Ford’s Fluent N’ Food
Ice Cream: Bruster’s Apex
Video: Stuck In Love Films

IMAGE TIME!! Starting with wedding crashers and ending with fireworks, so make sure you scroll all the way through!!

Quick note: you’re going to notice a lot of Duke blue! These Cameron Crazies met in Duke’s marching band, but we didn’t hold that too dark shade of blue against them. And Shu’s little sister just moved into her dorm in Chapel Hill, so I wasn’t COMPLETELY surrounded. 

Blue wedding shoes and voila. Isn’t she a ridiculously stunning bride? And this is just dress number one. 

Over on the other side of the property, Jamie and his friends were watching twitch streams, helping each other tie ties, and toasting to the day. 

Then it was time for the first look.

I think they’re happy y’all. What say you?

A quick cool off and then some more portraits out by the ceremony site, with sister of honor Shara doing a great job playing stylist. 

When the bus full of guests arrived as we were wrapping up bridesmaids portraits, her best friends shielded Shu from being seen too early. 

Okay but wow. She’s the sweetest AND she looks this amazing! 

When Jamie walked in for the ceremony, everyone clapped and cheered, and I really want that to be a thing now. Wedding guests listen up – give the groom a round of applause to start the ceremony. 

Those fluffy white clouds seem innocent enough and honestly the weather was about as nice to us as the forecast allowed. We were concerned about thunderstorms all morning, but the real rain held off until everyone was safely inside the barn for the reception, and then it let up in time for us to have the exit, and as soon as the fireworks stopped, the bottom fell out and IT POURED. 

It was a warm day though, so best man Chris helped out during family photos. 

Their love is as sweet as the cocktail hour treat!

A quick change to dress #2 – this stunning red cheongsam – and the grand entrance. 

The reception started with a tea ceremony to honor and thank Jamie & Shu’s parents, and that was followed by toasts. 

Father of the bride toasts always get me a little misty-eyed, and Shu’s dad gave one of the most touching and heartfelt speeches I’ve heard in a long time. 

That ream of paper is filled with “Jamie-isms.” Tears from laughter this time.

Remember that cover image for the blog post? These two CAN DANCE. They covered the whole floor and smiled the whole time. SKILLS.

Remember the images of bridesmaids dancing during prep time? That was practice for the flash mob that opened the dance floor. 

Even the parents were out on the dance floor!

I love this next image John made with a long exposure, because almost every chair is empty. Your real seat was on the dance floor. 

The planned exit was bubbles, and those certainly delighted, but the real treat was the fireworks set off by the venue’s owner as a surprise to the couple and their guests. 

I like that you can see some of the rain starting to come down among the bubbles, and the sky is brighter in that image on the right thanks to some lightning. Being out in a thunderstorm is not wise, so the fireworks ended at the perfect time and everyone ducked back into the barn to get out of the rain. 

Thanks for celebrating 8/18 in such a wonderful way Jamie & Shu!!