Amanda & Alex = Wedding Day!

Wedding Day   |  Amanda & Alex  |  November 5, 2021

We have online dating to thank for bringing Amanda & Alex together! From our first conversation together – we found out this couple has equally big hearts for serving other people and being selfless with their time. From spending vacation time on mission trips, volunteering with their youth group, and even helping Amanda’s family move cross-country by driving a CAT (named “Princess”) across USA from Oregon to North Carolina – they are always willing to lend a hand to other people. It’s so rare to find a couple who shares that mutual attribute, and they are pretty incredible!

Phillip and I had the honor of photographing their urban-style Engagement Session with their adorable pup Hershey a few weeks ago, and if you missed it – CLICK HERE to view all the epic spots we found exploring around with Alex & Amanda… plus the sunshine-filled ROOFTOP photos that I just love so much!!! 🙂

Friday was finally their wedding day, and as EXCITED as Alex & Amanda were to get married, it was also a very emotional day since Amanda lost her dad and Alex lost his mom. Two very influential people in their lives weren’t present, yet Amanda & Alex did an amazing job of honoring their memory throughout the day.

We started off the morning photographing all the girls getting glam in the super cool bridal suite. (Side note – the hair/makeup artist “Beauty by Karey” is a former TLJ bride! Check out her wedding HERE, and her iconic Bridal Session HERE!) Amanda’s niece Emily was definitely the star of the show, and she kept us all entertained! We photographed all of Amanda’s details, which had so much meaning. The box holding all of Amanda’s details was handmade by her grandfather, her wedding ring was originally given to her mom from her dad, the floral ring dish was a family heirloom, the “Little Mo” stamp on the envelope was in honor of Alex’s mom (who’s nickname was “Mo”) AND played collegiate tennis. I love all the thought Amanda put into choosing her details. 🙂

All of Amanda’s bridesmaids were so sweet (and super smart!) and her MOH Laura (Alex’s sister) was the MOST helpful person ever – helping me with SO much throughout the day!!! Can every wedding have a Laura, please?! My favorite part of the morning was hearing that Alex had given Amanda a letter every day for 2+ weeks leading up to their wedding day. Then on their wedding day, Alex wrote her another letter & gifted Amanda two pieces of his mother’s jewelry (with Laura’s help selecting the pieces) and Amanda immediately put on the beautiful pearl necklace. It was such a special moment.

After Amanda was ready, we photographed the bridesmaids outside, and it was really chilly and REALLY windy, but they were great sports! We loaded up and headed to Wake Forest for the ceremony!

Phillip had the best morning with Alex & his groomsmen. Phillip said that group of guys were some of his FAVORITES ever – and he really enjoyed spending time with them. The guys enjoyed some lunch at Norse Brewing, and then got ready at the church!

The ceremony was beautiful and Alex & Amanda’s vows were really impactful. Amanda shared that when she met Alex’s mom early in their relationship, she promised Maureen that she’d take care of Alex…and in her vows Amanda reaffirmed that she’d keep her promise and care for Alex. Wow… cue the tears. So so special.

We headed back to Durham, and photographed the whole bridal party! Once again, it was really cold and our fingers were freezing – but everyone rocked portrait time as the light was fading fast – and we captured some really cool photos with the brick background and beautiful windows!!!!

Their reception kicked off in the cozy train platform, with candles flickering (Amanda & Alex did all the DIY of the centerpieces themselves!) and heaters going. They treated their guests to a yummy buffet, cake, and drinks in the super cool speakeasy in a “basement”. Such neat vibes for their guests to enjoy!!! Amanda & her brother Spencer shared a dance as a slideshow of photos of their dad played for guests to watch, and then Alex & his sister Laura shared a dance as a slideshow honoring their mom played. Amanda also danced with her sweet stepdad and that was such a nice moment too!

After a wonderful time of toasts, laughter, and tears – dancing kicked off and we ended the night with a sparkler exit! We are so happy for these newlyweds as they start their new life together! What an impact they’ll make on the world together – we know they’ll make a difference in lots of lives.

I can’t wait for ya’ll to see lots of my favorite photos from Alex & Amanda’s day below. ENJOY!!!!

P.S. Thanks so much to all the vendors!

– Florist: Tre Bella (Rachel)

– Makeup Artist: Beauty By Karey (Karey Nicholson & Tori)

– DJ: DJ Ryan The DJ (Ryan Levin)

– Ceremony: Hope Lutheran Church

– Reception Venue: Belt Line Station

– Caterer: Belt Line Station

– Cake Designer: Guglhupf

– Invitations / RSVP / Program Designer: PlusOnePrint (Etsy)

– Pastor / Officiant: Wayne Puls (Senior Pastor), Lew Upchurch (Associate Pastor),

– Shoe Designer: Sam Edelman

– Ring Designer: John David Jewelers (engagement ring)

– Dress Designer and Boutique: Maggie Sottero, Simply Blush Bridal