I met Sunni a few years ago at an oyster roast of a mutual friend. Sunni was studying at ECU and worked as a nanny caring for my friend’s 2 children. Shortly after she moved back home to Wisconsin I heard that she was struck by the vehicle of an inebriated driver while crossing the road and was in serious condition. I heard updates of her progress through our mutual friend and prayed for her and her recovery. During one of these “Sunni Updates” I came to learn that Sunni had a boyfriend who she had just started dating 5 days before the accident. His name, Mason.  I thought to myself, “what an amazing guy, if they could get through this they could get through anything.” So of course when Sunni emailed me to ask to be their wedding photographer, I knew I had to be a part of their love story.

Sunni and Mason were married at the gorgeous Chateau of the Isle in Indian Beach, NC on Thursday October 11, 2018 as Hurricane Florence was literally miles away from the coast.

With the change in the weather we decided to do a “first look” to make sure our wedding day portraits were captured before the rain and wind really picked up. It was the best decision ever and I am so in love with those shots. We even decided to head to the shore for a super mini session. We had a tiny patch of dry sand that was gone in 5 minutes as the waves crashed all the way to the dunes. I wish you could have been there to see how crazy windy it was (see Sunni’s dress blowing in the wind.)

Before the ceremony yellow daisies were placed in the seats of every guest as a memorial to those who have passed on. The flowergirls picked up all the daisies and placed them in a vase in the front of the ceremony site. Just as I thought I was going to cry 3 teddy bears were brought up the aisle and I came to learn they were sewn from the clothing of grandparents who had passed away. Sunni and Mason touched each of the bears and rang a windchime hanging from the fireplace and the ceremony began. It was a very moving gesture.

By the time the reception started the hurricane was hovering right over us but you would never know from the warm gathering of so many loved ones to celebrate this special couple on their magical day.

We wish you the best and can’t wait to watch you two do life together!

Hair & Makeup: The Hair Gallery of Morehead City

Coordination: Knot a Second Thought

Catering: The Flame