Emily and Taylor celebrated their wedding last weekend with their ceremony in Roanoke Rapids and the reception on Lake Gaston! It was such a perfect day, even with a brief rain shower that forced some last minute changes to the reception plans. Everyone rolled through like it was supposed to happen and it made for even better memories! 

Emily spent the morning getting ready with her bridesmaids at the White Heron in Lake Gaston, while the guys got ready at Taylor’s family’s home. The girls were accompanied with Emily and Taylor’s dogs, Keenan and Bailey who were loving every bit of all the extra attention they were getting! Emily shared a first look with her dad prior to leaving the house, and then her grandfather at the church. We can never say enough how much we LOVE grandparents, but this first look with Emily’s grandpa pretty much takes that cake. I could just tell within the first few minutes of meeting him, he is one of those grandpas that no matter what life throws at him, he’s always got a joke (even if they shouldn’t be told on church grounds), and it reminded me so much of my grandfather. As soon as he walked out the door and saw Emily, he said to her, “well… you’ve got good genes”. Amazing.

Emily and Taylor said their vows in Emily’s childhood church, exchanged rings and lit the unity candle and then it was off to the reception! They arrived to their reception in a wooden Chris Craft boat, and it immediately started to rain before they could even get introduced. They ran through raindrops and into the house where we used a porch as cover from the rain and finished up their portraits. As we were getting ready to head back down into the crowd, we looked down the porch and Emily and Taylor were just chilling on a couch, feet up, drinking their drinks just taking in the moment while they waited on the rain to stop. We went and grabbed Keenan and Bailey and they had a few minutes of “normal” family chill time on the couch by themselves. Not many couples take the time to do this and I think Emily and Taylor would highly recommend it to any one! Once the rain stopped the evening commenced with dances, dinner and toasts!

Emily and Taylor we’re so happy for you too and so glad we were part of your day! #letsgetmerritt

Ceremony Venue: Rosemary United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: White Heron | Catering: Rocky Top | Cake: Simply Divine Cakes | Florist: Simplicity Floral | Stationery: Minted | Band: The Significant Others | Videographer: Reel Weddings | Hair: Lauren Williams at The Renaissance | Makeup: Sarah Daughtry at The Renaissance | Transportation: The Star Ship, Inc.| Event Rentals: Chair and Equipment Rentals | Wedding Dress Designer: Stella Yorke | Wedding Dress Shop: Tiffanys Bridal | Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid | Tuxes: Men’s Wearhouse