Amanda & James = Colorful Merrell Estate Wedding Day!

Merrell Estate Wedding Day  |  Amanda & James  |  October 5, 2024

After photographing their playful downtown Raleigh Engagement Session (click here to see it!), photographing Amanda’s colorful & romantic Bridal Session (click here to see it!) and even designing their Invitation Suite with a custom crest (sooo much fun!) I was REALLY looking forward to their wedding day because I knew it would be amazing!

We arrived to the bridal suite, and Amanda was so precious – tearing up and telling us how grateful she was feeling for her whole vendor team & the people surrounding her. It was the sweetest thing!!!

I had the BEST time photographing her beautiful details. It was extra special, because I had the honor of designing her Save the Dates, Invitation Suite, her custom watercolor crest (featured on the suite, napkins, koozies, cocktail signs, and welcome sign) – so it was really fun to style and photograph my own work!!! I loved that James also brought me his details to photograph too.

I loved meeting Amanda’s sisters, James’ sister, & the rest of her bridesmaids! I loved their personalities & they were so helpful with getting things ready with me behind the scenes to help the day run smoothly.

Phillip enjoyed hanging out with James & his guys! He even got the phone number of one groomsman to go golfing with someday, haha! James was SO thoughtful (he had done so many things to make Amanda’s day easier: dropped off the wedding bands at the venue, checked into their hotel for them, and fielded phone calls to help find things) – he’s just the most precious guy & Amanda knows how lucky she is!!!! They are SO deserving of each other!!!

One of my favorite parts of the day was their First Touch, where they chose to read personal vows to each other. Both of them were so well written, sooooo meaningful, full of promises and love. It was one of my favorite moments.

I literally had to catch my breath when I walked up to the ceremony site – it was sooooo whimsical and unique! An asymmetrical “arch” full of textures and colors, TONS of flowers lining the aisles straight from the ground, the trees providing shade, the sound in the background with calm waters – it was pure perfection. I was just blown away by the design and the small, private space. It was sooooo perfect.

After the ceremony, we photographed all their portraits! It was such a miracle to be on the water, yet no crazy wind! The day had been forecasting a 16mph wind gusts all day, and yet we had only a slight breeze that kept things cool, but not enough to be frustrating for hair/dresses! (Thanks mom for praying over the wind!!!!)

The reception was unlike ANYTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN. It was so full of colors & textures, my words won’t even do it justice!!! The varying colorful goblets, the centerpieces ranging from compotes to farm tables lined with bud vases – the backdrop with the most unique floral design, the colorful velvet couches & lounge areas – the colorful candlesticks, the cake full of flowers and textures – the market lights – I CAN’T GET OVER IT!!!!! Wow!!! Val Conger with Your Perfect Day absolutely knocked it out of the park!! BEYOND! 

More than the design – the actual reception was incredible! The toasts had everyone literally wiping away tears, the dance floor was full, Amanda & James were spinning around the dance floor with the BIGGEST SMILES on their faces!!! It was truly the best day! What an honor to capture this special wedding day. I have SO MANY favorites & I can’t wait for ya’ll to see them below! ENJOY!

P.S. One last thanks to the vendors:

– Florist: Val Conger (Your Perfect Day)

– Makeup Artist: Rouge by Jess, Jessica Foster

– Hairstylist: Style Mckissick

– Wedding Planner: Val Conger

– DJ: Trainwreck Entertainment

– Videography: K&Z film

– Wedding Venue: Merrell Estate & Gardens

– Caterer: 81 Hospitality Group

– Bartending: 81 Hospitality Group

– Cake Designer: Kira Merrell

– Invitations / RSVP / Program Designer: Tiffany L. Johnson

– Musicians: Jeff Hatley, cello

– Pastor: Mike, Opendoor Church

– Shoe Designer: Golden Goose

– Ring Designer: Bailey’s

– Live Artist: Brittany Rawls

– Dress Boutique: Simply Blush in Wendell, NC