Rain has been a major theme in my life over the past month, but I think Lauren & Will’s wedding wins the prize for the wettest wedding day ever. During the 5 hour drive to Castle Ladyhawk in Tuckasegee, NC, it POURED. We did the anti-rain dance all the way there, but…it only seemed to rain harder ;) Even through the downpour, it was obvious how breathtaking the castle grounds were. It was stunning. And when we entered the room where Lauren & her girls were getting ready, we were greeted with smiles & hugs. Lauren didn’t seem fazed at all about moving her ceremony inside. She was there for one reason…and everything else….all the lovely details, her amazing Jim Hjelm gown, they were all just a bonus. She was there to marry her best friend…

So what was meant to be a mountainside ceremony, became an intimate exchange of vows in the great hall of the Castle. It was exactly as it was supposed to be, and the room had such a majestic feel with the stained glass windows & cobblestone floors. I truly loved everything about their day…rain & all! Thanks to Lauren & Will for getting a little ( ok, a lot!) wet to grab some shots in front of the Castle after the ceremony. We found a cute umbrella and MADE. IT. WORK! One of my favorite shots of the day is Lauren dancing with her grandfather at the end of the night. I’ve been living vicariously through that image..my grandfather passed away before my wedding day & I would give anything to have a shot like that. It reminds me that the moments & the people you share them with are what make up the story of your wedding. And a little rain can’t change that… :)

It was reallly hard to resist sneaking out the door with Lauren & Will’s dog, Jeannie. Isn’t she the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

Their cake was created by Icing on the Cake, and the bird topper and card box detail by: Ann Wood Homemade

Congrats guys! Can’t wait to hear about the honeymoon!!