Kristy Lievense = Whimsical Romantic Bridal Session on the Water

Whimsical Bridal Session on the Water  |  Kristy Lievense  |  February 29, 2024

My sister is a BRIDE, ya’ll!!! It’s been such an exciting time in my family’s life – with my sister Angela having our first baby (and me photographing their Maternity, Announcement, and Newborn Sessions) and then my sister Kristy getting engaged and getting married all within FIVE MONTHS! So it’s been a veryyyy veryyyy fun and busy time around here for my family!

(If you missed Kristy & Jordan’s magical field Engagement Session we photographed in February, click HERE because you don’t want to miss it! Her dress was just incredible – makeup & hair flawless – and then even in the FREEZING COLD, Jordan and Kristy were so photogenic and just made MAGIC outside in that field together!!!!)

We had the best girls day going wedding dress shopping together! We found Kristy’s beautiful dress at NYB&G of Raleigh, and they always have amazing customer service and give such a great experience to their brides. Kristy’s face LIT UP when we walked up to the mirror in this dress, so we KNEW it was “THE ONE” immediately. That gown fits all the boxes – whimsical, romantic, feminine, unique, but also flirty with that corset bodice and the fun slit in the front! Kristy has an amazing seamstress, so she custom made straps for Kristy! (Also a huge thank you to our favorite Research Queen, Beverly Lee, who originally found this beautiful veil that matches Kristy’s dress color perfectly! I literally ordered from her link!)

My talented bride, Beauty by Karey, did Kristy’s hair and makeup – and her hair turned out EXACTLY like Kristy’s inspiration which is amazing! Karey is soooo talented and I knew she’d be able to capture Kristy’s style and vision for her glam.

Mom and I had the fun experience of making Kristy’s bouquet, with flowers & greenery sourced from literally 5 places haha – and we tried to showcase a whimsical vibe with fun textures, lots of white, and a more “heart shaped” design shape! It was a whole experience – so we have a TON of respect for all our florist friends who make it look effortless! (No amount of YouTube videos will prepare you for the hand + arm aches of building a bouquet for an hour, haha)

Since we were photographing in winter, Kristy wanted a location that didn’t look “dead” – yet also wanted an outdoor location without relying on architecture. We got so lucky with Amelia Grove in New Bern being the PERFECT place for her session – the soft Spanish moss swaying in the wind – the muted colors – it was sooooooo beautiful.

Kristy, Angela, our 6-week old niece Stella, Mom, and me, had the BEST TIME during Kristy’s Bridal Session (even though it was SO COLD and windy again!) and it was really special photographing Kristy as a BRIDE! We celebrated after the session with a nice dinner at Morgan’s Tavern downtown, and Kristy opened gifts & we enjoyed our night together! It was the perfect way to end a perfect day! 🙂

I can’t wait for you to see my favorite photos from my own SISTER’S Bridal Session!!!! Eeeekkk!!! Enjoy these photos, ya’ll!!!

Thanks to the vendors:

Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Karey
Dress: NYB&G of Raleigh
Bouquet: Made by me & our mom