Wrightsville Manor Wedding | We literally squealed with excitement when Carly and Carlos asked us to be their wedding photographers, because the way it all came to life is a story in its own. Back in 2015, we photographed the Matt and Stacy’s gorgeous Monterey Plaza Hotel wedding. We had met Matt back when he came to us to capture his proposal to Stacy, then their engagement all prior to the wedding. Little did we know that one of the groomsmen happened to be Carlos, and a few years later when planning his wedding, he would be one of our grooms!

In the five years that separated these two weddings, we relocated to Charleston from Monterey. Even though Carlos and Carly lived in San Francisco, were planning a North Carolina wedding, where Carly vacationed as she grew up. When Stacy, now Carly’s bridesmaid, heard the location news, told Carly right away that her photographers were now in the Carolina’s too! That’s how this all came to life!

During one of our numerous trips to California last year, we captured Carly and Carlo’s beautiful San Francisco engagement session! From that moment finally meeting these two, we knew their wedding was going to be off-the-chats fun and gorgeous! From the very beginning we worked along planners Kickstand Events and they were polynomial! They made the entire day go by without a hitch, and this is a wedding that will talked about for a very long time! Let’s start with the venue Wrightsville Manor… talk about perfection and a photographers dream! A large white room for the girls to get ready, a hundred year old mossy oak tree to get married under, an open yet partly shaded lawn area for an amazing cocktail hour (that includes a tree swing for two we might add), and a jaw dropping beautiful reception room with floor to ceiling windows, an over-sized fireplace and built in antique mirror bar. Do we need to say anything else? Only one thing… TAKE US BACK!

The day had wedding finally arrived and we drove up that morning with Wilmington being such an easy car ride from Charleston. Once we got our breath back from how amazing not only this venue was, but the entire small town, we were met with screeches and hugs by our bride and former bride. It was so much fun having a past and present in the same room, not only to mention them being best of friends.  

The weather was perfect, a mix of sunshine and the occasional cloud. We dove right in to details and the girls getting ready, followed by the arrival of Carlos and his groomsmen. We gathered for the first look that had everyone teary-eyed, followed by portraits of the happy couple, wedding party, and even family formals before the ceremony.  We just adore when couples listen to our suggested timeline, the day just goes by so smoothly, and after the ceremony, the couple joined cocktail hour to actually be present and celebrate with all their family and friends that had joined them for this special occasion. 

The entire day was perfect. From the kiss under the oak tree, swinging in the tree swing, to the mobile ice cream truck. Everything was unforgettable and we will never forget it. Carly and Carlos, congratulations! We are beyond honored to have been chosen to celebrate this day with you!

Carly + Carlos Highlight Film from The Good Life Film Company on Vimeo.

Words from the bride…

“Laura and Rachel were recommended to us by two of our very best friends who got married five years before us. They raved about the mother/daughter duo that they had found and had captured their wedding day perfectly. The proof was absolutely in their work but since we had decided to get married on the east coast instead of in Northern California where we live and where they are based, we didn’t think this was an option for us. Just our luck, as we start planning our wedding in Fall 2018, we come to find that Laura and Rachel are moving to Charleston, SC. It was pretty much meant to be.

I’m not a natural at taking photos and often find myself extremely uncomfortable in front of the camera (said no one ever). Thankfully my husband is a ham and super photogenic and helps to balance us out. However, that wasn’t even an issue for our engagement shoot or our wedding photos because Laura and Rachel made us feel comfortable and gave us specific instructions on how to take the most beautiful and natural looking photos. The proof is in their work.

We had a team of super stars for our wedding day but one of the MVPs has to go out to Laura and Rachel. We cannot thank you enough and appreciate you allowing us to relive this day through your photos whenever we want. Thank you!”

Many thanks to this amazing creative team who brought this wedding together…

Venue :: Wrightsville Manor
Coordination :: Kickstand Events
Wedding Dress Designer :: Hayley Paige from Coastal Knot Bridal
Brides Wedding Shoes :: Stuart Weitzman
Wedding Jeweler :: David Yurman & San Francisco Diamond Exchange
Groom & Groomsmen Attire :: Bonobos
Bridesmaids Dresses :: Jenny Yoo & Show Me Your Mumu
Bridal Party Morning Robes :: Plum Pretty Sugar
Hairstylist :: Wisp Salon
Makeup Artist :: Amy Kennison
Floral Designer :: Kickstand Events
Officiant :: John Livingston
Wedding Soloist :: Justin Lacy
Rentals :: Martha My Dear
Rentals :: Party Suppliers & Rentals
Linens :: BBJ Linen
Donuts :: Wake N Bake
Ice Creak: Boombalattis “Sprinkles” Truck
DJ :: Active Entertainment DJ Jason Tatum
Catering :: Pine Valley Market
Cinematographer :: Good Life Film Co.
Photographer :: Laura & Rachel Photography