“Go get Tyler. Sam needs to see him.” It’s all I said to Hunter, but he knew exactly what I meant. Just a few minutes later, Hunter appeared leading a blindfolded and Tyler who was still wearing gym shorts and a t-shirt. It was hours before the ceremony, and we were in the Plantation House at Walnut Hill in Raleigh, NC. The house was essentially divided in two, with the guys getting ready in one half and the girls in the other. A few minutes later, Sam came down the stairs, only halfway through her hair and makeup, and entered that same room. We totally get it. When couples opt not to do a first look, they spend almost their entire wedding day without each other, and the nerves can really begin to add up, even on days without any hiccups. Sometimes, when the bride just needs to see her man and bring her stress down a bit, but they’ve decided not to see each other until the ceremony, we have to improvise! The only chatted for a few minutes, but Sam looked (and we’re sure, felt) like a new woman after that!

 

Aside from Sam and Tyler’s impromptu meetup that morning, the day was honestly as smooth as could be. From the sapphire earrings that Sam opened while getting ready – a surprise gift from Tyler – to her big reveal with her bridesmaids, there was more joy and laughter than I had ever seen in a getting ready room! Hunter tells me on the guys’ side of things there were equal parts watching the Office and sipping whiskey. The ceremony was a bit warm (as August weddings tend to be), but I doubt anyone paid too much attention to the weather once Sam rounded the corner in her beautiful wedding dress! As the night continued, Sam and Tyler barely seemed to hit the dance floor, opting instead to spend some quality time with each and every one of their wedding guests, many of whom had traveled far to celebrate with them.

 

Sam + Tyler,

It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you two over the last year, from our first video chat to your Charlottesville engagement session, and of course during your gorgeous wedding day this past weekend! Despite the manly-man vibe that you exude, Tyler, we had a feeling that not even you would be able to hold back tears when you saw how beautiful Sam looked coming down the aisle! It was truly a joy to spend your wedding day with you two and your awesome families (and hilariously fun wedding party). We hope that you won’t be strangers if you find yourself in the C’ville area in the future 🙂

 

With love,
Sarah + Hunter

 

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A huge thank you to the incredible creative team!

Photographers: Hunter and Sarah Photography
Venue: Walnut Hill
Bride’s Dress and Jewelry: BHLDN
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groom and Groomsmen’s Attire: Jos. A. Banks
Wedding/Engagement Rings: Baileys
Catering: Redneck BBQ Lab
Hair: Evelia Chavira-Rios
Henna Design: Adhiti Bandlamudi
Floral Design: Bride’s Grandmothers, Cora Abraham and Connie Erickson
Cake: Family Friend, Ellen Lunsford
Wedding Planning: Family Friend, Melanie Frank
Officiant: Groom’s Sister, Jackie Collins

 

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If you’d like to learn all about the Hunter and Sarah wedding photography experience, or reach out to us about your own upcoming wedding, head over to our wedding website HERE!