Photography, Weddings

Jon and Carli’s black-tie ceremony was as dramatically elegant as Carli’s dress: both a bride’s dream and a photographer’s vision. Artfully arranged florals and rows of candlelight lined the ceremony aisle, filling ledges and framing every step up the stairs leading to cocktail hour. The classic and clean color palette of black and white were made even more stunning against the backdrop of the historic Brooklyn Arts Center downtown Wilmington.

There’s always some moment that rises up above all the others happening in rapid succession on a wedding day… sometimes it’s when the bride is given her veil, sometimes it’s an emotional first look, sometimes it’s a well-spoken speech or heart-gripping father-daughter dance… all are so incredibly special, but during Jon and Carli’s wedding day? It was the vows themselves that took the spotlight. They chose to exchange both traditional and personal vows during their ceremony, and as I looked around the room, the honorary bridesmaids, the mothers and fathers of the couple, the guests — even the vendors — were shedding tears. The good kind. It wasn’t just the beauty of their words, but the sincerity with which they delivered them that encapsulated a level of devotion we all hope to be able to offer another and receive in return. Beneath a floral arch framed by grand ceiling-to-floor drapery, serenaded by ceremony vocalists, the tone was set for the evening.

And what an evening. With Carli’s resume as hair and makeup artist and experience as former Miss North Carolina (and Queen Azalea) as well as Jon’s career as an actor, I don’t think I could’ve expected anything less than the timeless glamour of their wedding day, complete with a live pianist at cocktail hour and Rolls Royce getaway car.

Jon and Carli, not only are you talented and beautiful people, you’re warm, kind, engaging and an absolute delight to serve. I count myself blessed to have had our paths cross and wish you only the best success together as you journey through life by each other’s side. Love is a gift and you are some of its most cherished recipients.