Stephanie & Zach at the Matthews House in Cary, NC

In one of our most emotion-filled weddings of the year, Stephanie & Zach tied the knot at the Matthews House in Cary last weekend. I knew from my first call with these two that there would be happy tears on the wedding day. Both of them wear their emotions on their sleeves and it was a truly joyful experience to witness their love for one another.

Some shoutouts to the rest of their Matthews House team before we get into the photos and story of their day:

Venue: The Matthews House
DJ: Island Sound
Catering: City BBQ
Hair & Makeup: Brittany Berrier Hair
Florals: Elizabeth Zimmerman
ICE CREAM!!!: Fresh Local Ice Cream
Steph’s dress: Maggi Bridal
Zach & Groomsmen: Men’s Wearhouse

And now, some images 🙂

Stephanie was in hair and makeup upstairs when we arrived, with her mom & wedding party popping in and out to help with this and that and give happy smiles/

This handkerchief Stephanie & Zach’s rings are on is Stephanie’s grandmother’s. She wrapped it around her bouquet later <3

While Stephanie was getting ready upstairs, Zach and his groomsmen were downstairs. Zach’s mom stopped by to pin his bout. on.

Someone lost a suit jacket button, but luckily, there was a groomsman who knew his way around needle and thread.

Finishing off your beer with a baby in hand is +10 to cool dad level.

Okay, now let’s head outside, where there some threatening dark clouds hovering over the Matthews House in the early afternoon. The guys managed to get outside for some portraits before the sky opened up, but the dark clouds were just getting heavier.

So, just 15 minutes later, we managed to snap off this shot on the front porch, and maybe 10 more, before the drizzle in the air turned into a windy downpour and we all rushed back inside.

Luckily, the inside of Matthews House still makes for some lovely portrait opportunities. Stephanie is a stunning bride, right?

You can see the rain pelting the window to Steph’s right, but these two were focused on the letters they’d written for one another.

And now, calmed by some time chatting with her almost husband on either side of a door, Stephanie carefully combs through her timeline to make a decision about delaying the ceremony for the rain to clear.

And the rain did clear, thank goodness. The flowers on the arbor held onto the raindrops, as did guests’ umbrellas, but the sky dried up in time for the outdoor ceremony to start just half an hour later than initially planned.

But the delay was okay, because it gave guests more time suggest date night ideas at the guest book table. I love this idea from Piper. AND that she dots her I with a Mickey Mouse. Piper, you’re going places kid.

The rain stopped and we had a chance at another portrait of the couple before they saw one another, while guests were getting seated out in the courtyard. One of their friends made that magnolia wreath hanging from the balcony.

And then it was time for the ceremony! Zach’s eyes were brimming with tears almost the whole time.

Stephanie too! And I think delaying the ceremony to wait out the brief spurt of rain was so worth It. The light was gorgeous and the greenery and flowers outside were lovely.

They had both of their moms give a reading at the ceremony, which was a really nice touch.

It didn’t end up raining anymore during the ceremony, but there was still some finicky weather hanging about, and the wind wanted to dictate where Stephanie’s veil went. Her Man of Honor was on top of keeping it out of her face though!

I love those just married faces!. And Zach’s fist of success is the perfect match to Stephanie’s smile laugh.

The full wedding party in all their glory.

And a mid-group-photos drink break for the newlyweds.

Now, onto some couple’s portraits. When we’ve got a veil this good, we’re always gonna have it blowing in the wind!

And the rain earlier in the day yielded some lovely pink and orange clouds around sunset.

It’s always time for the reception before I know it. Stephanie & Zach’s guests all made it into the Matthews House ballroom for some delicious dinner from City BBQ and some toasts from friends & family.

I loved these cocktail napkins! What a great idea! But I don’t think Zach actually loves fantasy football more than he loves Steph.

This little poem delivered to the sweetheart table made my day!

After dinner & toasts, it was time for dessert. And the Fresh Local Ice Cream truck was parked outside ready for guests. (And the bride and groom of course.)

Zach’s parents really kicked it off the dancing too, which was so much fun, but they were far from the only ones to hit the floor.

Fun looking party right? Let’s all give a huge round of applause to this MVP wedding guest who knew the entirety of the choreography to ‘Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)’. She killed it and I aspire to her level of joy and confidence.

And here’s the best sign of a fun wedding reception: the bride’s shoes off on the edge of the dance floor.

After a sweet last dance, these two kept on smiling and laughing through their sparkler exit and then made their way on into their future together!

Congratulations!!!

We believe that love is fun and colorful, and your wedding photographs should be too.

Kivus & Camera are Raleigh Wedding photographers who create bold, colorful, magical memories of your wedding day with beautiful, artistic portraits AND enthusiastic, genuine moments. Your unique love story deserves to be told through unforgettable, breath-taking photographs that stand out from the crowd. Kivus & Camera love creating that magic. After all, as past bride Courtney says, we are photography sorcerers.

And though we call ourselves Raleigh wedding photographers, we definitely photograph Durham weddings, Chapel Hill weddings, Cary weddings, etc. We’re all over the Triangle area, and we’re happy to head to the beach or mountains and even to places outside of North Carolina! Just let us know where your love story is headed.

Want to know more? Check out more of our images or learn more about our nerdy selves or just send us a note! Can’t wait to hear from you.