A bride and groom share a kiss in the center of a walkway, surrounded by guests holding sparklers. The scene is set at night under an archway, and everyone is dressed in formal attire.

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February 4, 2021

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carolina inn wedding – elyse & michael

Dear 2020, thank you for all the fun. I’m pleased to have experienced you in order to reinforce the meaning of what’s really important in life: family and friends. That’s it really. No more, no less. Nothing could exemplify this more than Elyse and Michael, who drew the year to a close in style with a beautiful, intimate Carolina Inn wedding in Chapel Hill. I really couldn’t have imagined a better way to close out the year and head into a new year and a new decade than with these two lovely people.

As a quick aside for those who are curious as to the lack of masks, Elyse and Michael had on-site COVID testing on their wedding day. A nice touch to allow them to have their wedding as close to as normal as possible during a global pandemic.

Here are just a few of my faves from Elyse & Michael’s day:

A woman, seated in a chair, has her makeup applied by a makeup artist in a decorated room. Another person with long hair is in the foreground, partially visible, facing away. The setting appears to be a preparation area, likely before an event.
A makeup artist wearing a mask applies spray to a seated woman, who has her eyes closed. The setting appears to be a well-decorated room with patterned wallpaper and framed pictures.
Two women stand in a room, smiling at each other while holding up a white wedding dress on a hanger labeled Yes My Girl. One woman is in a floral dress, and the other in a white robe. The setting appears to be a bedroom.
A bride in a white dress is getting ready in a room. A woman helps adjust the back of the dress. The bride is standing in front of a mirror, reflecting her image. A lamp and curtains add warmth to the setting.
A bride in a white gown stands in front of a mirror, with a woman adjusting her dress. The room is elegantly furnished with framed pictures on the wall and a lit table lamp.
A bride in a white dress smiles as she approaches a man in a suit, who stands with his back to her in a hallway. Black and white photo.
A black-and-white photo of a bride in a strapless gown embracing an older man in a suit inside a softly lit room. They are standing under an archway, and the scene conveys warmth and affection.
Black and white photo of a bride adjusting her veil in front of a mirror. She wears a strapless wedding dress and appears focused on her reflection. Soft light highlights her face and dress.
A bride stands in a well-lit hallway wearing a strapless white gown and long veil. She poses with one hand on her hip, looking to the side. The background features greenery, large windows, and hanging lights on a checkered floor.
A bride in a flowing white gown and veil stands gracefully in a hallway with a checkerboard floor. She looks over her shoulder with a serene expression, holding her dress. The scene is captured in black and white.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie and boutonniere stands between columns in an outdoor setting. The background is blurred, showing tree branches, creating a formal and elegant atmosphere.
Black and white image of a person seen from behind, wearing a dark jacket with Fear Itself embroidered on the collar. They are standing between two pillars with branches visible in the background.
A groom in a tuxedo stands with eyes closed, awaiting the bride, who smiles behind him in a strapless gown and veil. Theyre outside, with building steps and a door in the background, captured in black and white.
A bride and groom stand facing each other under an archway. The bride wears a white dress with a long veil, and the groom is in a black suit. They are outdoors, with trees and greenery in the background.
A bride and groom share an emotional embrace on their wedding day. The bride wears a veil and earrings, eyes closed in contentment, while the groom holds her close. The black-and-white image captures the tenderness of the moment.
A bride in a white gown and veil walks joyfully alongside a groom in a black tuxedo. They are on a red brick path, surrounded by greenery, under a cloudy sky. Both are smiling and appear to be enjoying the moment.
A bride and groom kiss in front of dense, leafy greenery. The bride wears a flowing white gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. The image is in black and white, highlighting the contrast and capturing a romantic moment.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a black tuxedo smile joyfully while holding a small white dog with a black bow tie in front of a dark doorway.
A bride and groom in formal attire smile and interact with a toddler wearing a shiny, silver dress. The toddler is held by a woman in a black and white floral dress. Other guests, also in formal wear, are gathered around on the brick patio.
A bride and groom share a joyful embrace on their wedding day. The bride wears a strapless gown and veil, while the groom is in a suit with a bow tie. They stand in front of a column, gazing into each others eyes with smiles. Black and white photo.
A black-and-white photo of a newlywed couple posing outdoors. The groom is in a suit and the bride in a flowing gown with a veil. They are holding hands, with autumn leaves scattered on the ground and a building in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black tuxedo stand close together on a brick path, surrounded by trees and fallen leaves. They are gazing at each other with smiles, capturing a moment of joy.
A bride and groom embrace joyfully on a foggy day. The bride, in a strapless white dress and veil, holds the grooms face. The groom, in a black suit, smiles at her. They stand on a leaf-strewn path with blurry trees in the background.
A black and white photo of a bride in a long, flowing gown and veil being escorted by a groom in a suit. They walk along a pathway surrounded by trees, with a brick building in the background. The ground is covered with fallen leaves.
A black-and-white photo of a woman in a dress holding a bouquet, sitting next to a young boy in a suit and a toddler in a dress. The toddler is laughing with an open mouth. They are seated on a cushioned bench by a window.
A young girl in a white dress and flower crown stands at a wedding, holding a small basket. She is surrounded by others, including a woman holding flowers. The atmosphere is festive and formal.
A man crouches beside a young girl and boy in formal attire at a dimly lit event. The girl wears a white dress, the boy a black suit. Candles line the floor, and a woman stands in the background near a staircase.
A bride in a flowing white dress holds a bouquet and smiles as she walks down the aisle, flanked by two people. One person is in a suit, and the other wears a floral dress. They are inside a room with chairs and double doors in the background.
A groom, visibly surprised and amused, stands with groomsmen as the bride, holding a bouquet and wearing a floral dress, approaches with her party in a formal setting. Onlookers observe from a raised area. Black-and-white photo.
A bride in a white dress and veil walks down the aisle, arm in arm with two older adults. She holds a bouquet of white and pink flowers. The man wears a black tuxedo, and the woman wears a patterned dress. The background is softly lit.
Black and white image of three people standing in a line, each with hands clasped behind their backs, wearing dark suits. The floor has a checkered pattern. The focus is on their posture and attire.
A bride in a strapless dress, escorted by a man in a tuxedo, approaches a groom during a wedding ceremony. The scene is set in an elegant venue with chandeliers and seated guests in the background.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony in an elegant ballroom. The bride and groom stand under a grand chandelier, facing the officiant. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are lined up on either side, and guests are seated on gold chairs.
A bride and groom exchange rings during a wedding ceremony. The bride is wearing a white strapless gown and veil, while the groom is in a dark suit. A person in the background holds a book, possibly officiating the ceremony.
A black and white image of a wedding scene in an elegant ballroom. A bride and groom walk down the aisle, surrounded by a bridal party in formal attire. Guests are seated on either side, capturing the moment. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a narrow walkway outside a brick building. The bride holds her white dress while the groom wears a black suit. The background includes warm-lit windows and greenery.
A bride in a flowing white gown stands beside a seated groom in a tuxedo. They are in a room with checkered flooring and a lit wall sconce, creating an elegant, classic atmosphere.
A black and white photo of an elegant table setting featuring a sequined tablecloth, multiple wine glasses, cutlery, and a large plate with a folded napkin and menu card. A place card with a name is placed above the plate.
A white three-tiered wedding cake with black and white floral decorations sits on a stand against a soft-focus background. A chandelier above casts a gentle light, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
A newlywed couple stands on a staircase at a formal event, waving to guests. The room is elegantly decorated with chandeliers and checkered flooring. Attendees are seated at tables, some are clapping.
A newlywed couple dances gracefully in a grand ballroom with checkered flooring. Guests seated at round tables watch them under elegant chandeliers. The bride twirls in her gown, while the groom leads, creating a joyful and classic wedding scene.
A bride and groom dance together on a checkered floor in an elegant ballroom, illuminated by chandeliers. Guests seated at round tables watch the couple. The setting is sophisticated, featuring high ceilings and ornate decor.
A bride and groom raise their glasses at a wedding reception. A man in a suit, holding a microphone, gives a toast. The scene is set in a decorated banquet hall with a floral centerpiece on a black sequin-covered table.
A formal dining room with chandeliers features a wedding reception. The bride and groom sit at a table, listening to a man giving a toast. Guests are seated around, and the ambiance is elegant with black and white decor.
A groom in a tuxedo enthusiastically hugs another man in a suit, both smiling. A bride in a white strapless gown adjusts her dress nearby, with a banquet table and floral arrangement in the foreground.
A bride and groom feed each other cake under a large, ornate chandelier. The black-and-white photo captures their joyful moment during the wedding reception.
A couple in formal attire is pouring champagne into a tower of glasses at a wedding reception. The woman is wearing a white dress, and the man is in a suit. The room is elegantly decorated with warm lighting.
A group of women in elegant dresses dance joyfully on a black and white checkered floor under ornate chandeliers. One woman in a shiny gold dress stands at the center, surrounded by laughing friends. The mood is festive and lively.
A man in a tuxedo and party hat sits on a black-and-white checkered floor, holding a bottle and a party horn. People dance around him with drinks. The atmosphere is festive, with blurred lights enhancing the celebratory mood.
A man and woman, both dressed formally, are laughing and dancing at an event. The room has a black and white checkered floor and chandeliers. Other people are visible in the background, mingling and enjoying the atmosphere.
A group of people in formal attire dance joyfully on a black and white checkered floor in a grand ballroom. Some wear festive hats, and a chandelier hangs overhead, creating an elegant atmosphere.
A joyful couple dances in a grand ballroom amidst a shower of gold confetti. The bride is in a white dress, and the groom is in a dark suit. They are surrounded by guests, under elegant chandeliers, on a black and white checkered floor.
A bride and groom share a romantic dance on a checkered floor surrounded by guests under a chandelier in a warmly lit ballroom. The floor is sprinkled with confetti, and guests are in the background wearing hats and suits.
A couple shares a dramatic dip and kiss surrounded by smiling guests holding sparklers outside an elegant building. The bride wears a white gown, and the groom is in a dark suit. The joyful celebration is captured in warm, festive lighting.
A bride and groom share a kiss in the center of a walkway, surrounded by guests holding sparklers. The scene is set at night under an archway, and everyone is dressed in formal attire.
A joyful bride and groom celebrate their wedding by popping a champagne bottle at night. Theyre smiling and laughing as the champagne sprays around them, creating a festive and vibrant scene against a backdrop of sparkling lights.

Ceremony, Reception & Catering: The Carolina Inn / Hair & Makeup: Mena García Beauty / Florist: Tre Bella / DJ: Jenni J-Star with Stylus DJs / Dress: Anne Barge/ Tuxedo: Glenwood South Tailors / Cake: Ashley Cakes  / Strings: Magnolia String Quartet / Signage: Mason Dixon Designs / Assistant Photographer: Dajuan Jones

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