For this post, we head back to last November and the start of the autumnal wind-down as we transition into the holiday season. Jen and Rob’s Historic Melrose Knitting Mill wedding in downtown Raleigh, NC was a brilliant way to hit the home stretch of the year. It really was a beautiful day, with a lovely couple, in one of my favourite venues full of character and vintage charm.
The bride, Jen, was a vision of elegance in her custom-made White of Raleigh gown, which perfectly complemented the classic charm of the historic venue. The ceremony was made even more special by the unexpected appearance of a little flower girl who gatecrashed proceedings, adding a unique touch to the proceedings.
The couple chose not to do a first look, so when Jen walked down the aisle towards Rob, it was the first time they had seen each other on their special day. The moment was magical, and the emotion and love between the couple was palpable as they exchanged vows.
After the ceremony, the we took care of the family portraits really quickly in order to get the guests off to cocktail and the happy couple outside for some portraits before night fell. I love the industrial vibe of the area around the Mill and I always try to approach things a little differently with every couple in order to get something truly unique for each one. I’m really happy with the elegant portraits we made together.
After dinner and speeches, the evening ended with a great dance party, where guests let loose and celebrated the happy couple. The party was made even more fun by the glow sticks and accessories provided by DJ Ones. From a photography standpoint, I find using flash nearly always kills the mood when glow sticks are around and they end up just looking like white tubes, so for this part of the night I switched to available light
Overall, Jen and Rob’s wedding was a truly special and unforgettable event. The Historic Melrose Knitting Mill provided the perfect setting for their fairy-tale wedding, and the love and joy shared by the couple and their guests made it a day to remember. It was perfectly planned and executed by Erika with Southern Oak Events so kudos to her and all her team.
OK, enough blather: here are my picks of the pics:
![At a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, a makeup artist applies lipstick to a woman in a bridal gown. Her hair is styled in an elegant updo as the artist, focused and poised, holds a brush and palette in the softly lit room. The black and white image captures timeless elegance amidst their preparations.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-2.jpg)
![In a bright room at the Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, a bride in an off-shoulder gown smiles as bridesmaids and flower girls adjust her train. The scene is lively and elegant, with large windows and a grand staircase enhancing the ambiance.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-1.jpg)
![A woman in an elegant off-the-shoulder white wedding dress, adorned with floral designs and sheer long sleeves, stands in profile. Her dark hair is styled in a low bun as she gazes thoughtfully into the distance, embodying the timeless grace of a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-5.jpg)
![A woman with dark hair pulled back smiles broadly, wearing an off-the-shoulder white dress adorned with floral details at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. The background is softly lit, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-4-2133x1600.jpg)
![Black and white portrait of a person with dark hair pulled back, looking at the camera. Soft shadows and lighting create a serene atmosphere, reminiscent of a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding backdrop.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-3.jpg)
![Four men in suits are sitting at a wooden table, laughing and engaged in conversation at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. They are in a covered outdoor area with large windows and industrial-style lighting, setting a relaxed and cheerful mood.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-6.jpg)
![Four men in formal attire walk confidently in a courtyard at Melrose Knitting Mill, surrounded by brick buildings and lush greenery. The black-and-white scene highlights the textures of their outfits, capturing the timeless elegance of a wedding day moment.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-7.jpg)
![A man in a black suit and tie stands smiling in front of a red brick wall with leafy vines, capturing the timeless elegance of a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-23.jpg)
![historic melrose knitting mill wedding - jen & rob historic melrose knitting mill wedding - jen & rob](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-26-2000x1600.jpg)
![A man in a suit walks down the aisle at Melrose Knitting Mill, a rustic venue with chandeliers overhead. Formally dressed guests watch him in anticipation amidst brick walls, large windows, and a wooden ceiling.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-8.jpg)
![A bride in a white dress walks down the aisle with a man in a suit, possibly her father, at the charming Melrose Knitting Mill wedding venue. They are surrounded by brick walls and chandeliers, while guests seated on either side watch the procession.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-9.jpg)
![At a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, a groom in a suit wipes a tear from his eye during the ceremony. The bride, in a white dress with a veil, faces him as two groomsmen stand nearby. The scene is filled with emotion and intimacy.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-10.jpg)
![A wedding ceremony unfolds at the Melrose Knitting Mill, a rustic venue with exposed brick walls and chandeliers. The bride and groom stand at the altar with the officiant, while the bridal party, in pastel dresses and suits, stands elegantly on either side.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-11.jpg)
![A black and white image captures a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. Two people stand facing each other, exchanging rings as a person officiates beside them. A young child looks up at the couple. The elegant setting, with draped curtains, adds to the timeless charm of this special moment.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-13.jpg)
![A young girl in a white dress stands at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. In the background, a couple exchanges vows with an officiant, while guests sit to the side. The image is in black and white, capturing timeless elegance and charm.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-12.jpg)
![A Melrose Knitting Mill wedding unfolds beautifully in the rustic venue adorned with exposed brick and chandeliers. At the altar, the couple shares a kiss amidst their elegantly dressed bridal party, as guests are seated in awe, witnessing this intimate moment.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-14.jpg)
![A bride and groom walk down the aisle at their Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, smiling and hand in hand. Guests on both sides are seated and clapping. The elegant room, with chandeliers and exposed brick walls, is beautifully captured in a timeless black-and-white scene.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-15.jpg)
![A bride and groom stand together at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, the warmly lit room illuminated by a chandelier above. The bride wears a long white gown with lace details, holding a bouquet of white flowers, while the groom is in a dark suit. A sheer white curtain serves as the backdrop.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-16.jpg)
![At a picturesque Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, the bride stands with her five bridesmaids, all dressed in elegant white and holding stunning bouquets. Positioned before a light beige curtain backdrop, they smile radiantly at the camera.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-18-2000x1600.jpg)
![The bride in a long white gown and groom in a black tuxedo stand together at their Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, framed by a red brick wall adorned with green and red ivy. Holding her bouquet, they both gaze towards the camera, set against a soft, blurry backdrop.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-20-2133x1600.jpg)
![A black-and-white photo captures a bride in a wedding dress, gazing at the camera amidst the industrial charm of Melrose Knitting Mill. In focus, she stands elegantly as a man in a suit is blurred in the background, adding depth to this timeless moment.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-22-2000x1600.jpg)
![A bride and groom stand close together, smiling, in formal attire at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. The bride wears an off-shoulder white dress, and the groom is in a black suit. They are in front of a red brick wall adorned with green and red ivy.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-21.jpg)
![A black and white photo captures a bride and groom at their Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, standing closely against a rustic wooden background. The bride, in her white dress and veil, gently holds the groom's face as he smiles with closed eyes in his dark suit.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-19.jpg)
![A couple shares a kiss in front of a brick wall with climbing vines, embodying the charm of a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. The bride stuns in her long, white gown while the groom complements her beautifully in his dark suit. Green grass lines the bottom of this picturesque backdrop.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-25-2133x1600.jpg)
![In a timeless black-and-white photo, a bride and groom stand before a vine-draped brick wall, reminiscent of a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. The bride graces an elegant white gown, while the groom dons a dark suit. United in hand, they share subtle smiles.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-24.jpg)
![A couple embraces on the dance floor during a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. The bride in her white gown and the groom in his dark suit sway under the glow of chandeliers. Guests enjoy the softly lit, rustic venue, adding to the enchanting ambiance of this memorable occasion.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-27-2000x1600.jpg)
![A bride and groom share a romantic dance in the spacious, elegant Melrose Knitting Mill venue with wooden floors and brick walls. Draped curtains hang from the ceiling, and guests sit at tables in the background, watching the couple.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-28.jpg)
![In a black-and-white photo from a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, a man in a suit gives a heartfelt speech into the microphone. The seated groom wipes his eye beside the bride at their flower-adorned table. They are indoors, surrounded by brick walls and large windows.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-29.jpg)
![At a charming Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, the bride and groom sit at a decorated table in front of a brick wall with arched windows. A man stands giving a speech, while the bride gestures enthusiastically. Two other guests are seated nearby, all in a warmly lit room.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-30.jpg)
![A group of people dancing energetically at a lively indoor event at the Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. They are dressed in formal and colorful attire, with expressions of joy and excitement on their faces. The warmly lit setting features brick walls and chandeliers, enhancing the festive atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-31.jpg)
![A lively group of people dancing at a party in Melrose Knitting Mill, with wooden floors and draped walls. A man in a blue suit and another in a tuxedo strike expressive dance poses, while a woman in a blue patterned dress dances energetically beside them.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-32.jpg)
![At a vibrant Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, people dance energetically. A woman in a sparkling dress is at the center, smiling with her hair flowing. Colorful lights and a lively atmosphere fill the room, with others dancing and reveling in the joyous celebration.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-33.jpg)
![Three women in colorful dresses are energetically singing with expressions of enthusiasm and joy at a lively Melrose Knitting Mill wedding inside a room with brick walls. A man in the background is observing while holding a drink.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-34.jpg)
![Three women in party dresses hold wine glasses and make playful expressions, with one pretending to scream and others laughing at the vibrant Melrose Knitting Mill wedding. People are dancing in the background of a lively, colorful room.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-35.jpg)
![A lively party scene at the Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, with people dancing and smiling. Two individuals in the foreground wear glowing glasses and hold illuminated sticks. The warmly lit room, adorned with chandeliers, enhances the joyous atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-37.jpg)
![A joyful moment unfolds at a Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, where a young girl in a white dress is held up, smiling and holding a glowing light stick. Colorful lights illuminate the scene, with guests around her reveling in the celebration.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-38.jpg)
![Two women in party attire share a joyful moment on the dance floor of the Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, surrounded by friends dressed formally. The scene is vibrant, with colorful lights creating a lively atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-40.jpg)
![A man in a suit and a woman in a white dress pose at the Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, both wearing glowing shutter shades and holding colorful light sticks. A chandelier and exposed brick wall enhance the festive atmosphere.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-36.jpg)
![At a lively Melrose Knitting Mill wedding, a woman in a white dress joyfully holds a young girl in a flower dress. Both are smiling and waving brightly lit glow sticks as they join the celebration, surrounded by colorful lights and cheerful guests.](https://www.joepayneweddingphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Melrose-Knitting-Mill-Jen-Rob-39.jpg)
Thanks to: Venue: Historic Melrose Knitting Mill / Planner: Erika with Southern Oak Events / Hair & Makeup: Krista Massey / Musicians: Arioso Strings / Cake: Mon Macaron / DJ: DJ Ones / Catering: Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar / Florist: North Raleigh Florist / Transportation: A Formal Affair Limo / Linens & Rentals: Curated Events / Videographer: Jordan Griffin / Assistant Photographer: James with Joe Payne Photography