Carissa and Nick’s St. Gabriel’s Church and Mint Museum  Uptown Wedding

Carissa and Nick’s wedding was a perfect blend of honoring tradition (in the way of their full mass/Catholic ceremony) and modern sophistication. (In the way of their  decidedly ‘Uptown-Inspired’ Mint Museum reception.)
It was a perfect blend of quiet, reserved,  family-centric moments ….and all out shenanigans. 🙂
A soft color palette of  sky blue & silver was carried though in the bridesmaid dresses  (with accent colors of peach, light pink, & ivory) showcased by the florals from Lily Greenthumbs.
Carissa’s Augusta Jones (Anita) gown was a perfect fit for both the church (with its classic lace and capped sleeves) as well as more modern Mint Museum reception. (With its (sexy) open back)   The ‘uptown’ theme was prevalent in the seating chart graphics and the gorgeous Charlotte Skyline Welcome sign.
The day could best be described as ‘classic meets clean, sophisticated and modern. ‘

You may recall I had a pretty special connection with Carissa and Nick from the get-go. (you can peek at their 4th ward engagement session and learn more about their story here.)   And, their wedding day did not disappoint as it was filled with the types of moments I love to photograph…genuine connections.

Here are a few of the wedding day highlights as I saw them:

• My dear Carissa was charming ball of nerves–so in love with Nick, this day and being surrounded by her family.  Her ‘getting ready’ images are some of my favorites, as the ‘rawness’ of the day was worn on her sleeve creating some of the most emotion-drenched images.

• Carissa’s ‘first-look’ with her dad was one for the record books.  (she says she “ugly cried”–I beg to differ.)

• The ring bearer and flower girl were fabulous scene stealers.

• The look on Nick’s face the when he saw Carissa on the aisle

• The Toasts!  So, so good!  Hilarious, touching.  (Most especially the toast from the Best Man who PERFECTLY toasted/roasted Nick’s involvement in the the Bachelorette series…including a ‘rose ceremony’ for Carissa.)

• Carissa and her bridesmaids rendition of ‘Uptown Funk”

Carissa and Nick-thank you for the honor of being a part of your incredibly emotional (and all-out-fun) wedding day and this time in your lives.

Cheers to much love and epic adventures,
Cass


One of my favorite moments of the day.  Modest- Carissa dressed in a closet..(but with the most serene/nervous look on her face.)

Carissa’s mother watching as the final details of her veil are situated.

Carissa’s ‘first-look’ with her father.

The dapper groom, Nick.

Quiet moment just a few minutes prior to the ceremony.

Ring bearer staying occupied time doing the hour mass:-)

Nick seeing Carissa for the first time.  (Am I allowed to say there were tears?  FTW.)

Ring bearer learning how to join in on the prayers for Carissa and Nick

Just married fist bump..

Vanity Fair called..they want their bridal party back.

Romantic, post-ceremony moments are my favorite.  A few minutes to step away before the ‘party starts’ and take it all in.





First dance at sunset

The TOASTS–being a season 9 bachelorette contestant certainly led to some good-humored torment.

Father-daughter dance..all smiles.

Carissa watching Nick and his mom dance

Carissa’s mother and father dancing and taking it all in.

Bridesmaids go ‘Uptown Funk’