What do Biltmore proposals in the snow, beautiful bridals, and storybook weddings all have in common? Well Dana and Dutch of course! We first connected with these two back in December of 2017 while Dutch was planning his surprise proposal to the love of his life Dana! While we believe every proposal is special, there was just something about the snow on the ground and the the emotion of that moment that made this by far one of our favorite surprise engagements! Even though we had just met, we couldn’t help getting caught up in the moment with these two! Their engagement was filled with snow, love, and plenty of laughs to go around. Shortly after this memorable day, Dana and Dutch had a proposal for us and asked if we would be willing to travel for their wedding in Fuquay Varina! There was no hesitation and even though we would have to wait almost another year, we were beyond excited to be a part of their special day!
We did manage to slip out to Fuquay Varina once before the wedding for Dana’s bridal session and she almost left us speechless. She was simply stunning from head to toe! As we explored many of the angles and scenes around Highgrove Estate, Dana moved with grace and beauty as if every spot we chose was made just for her! As if we didn’t have enough fun that evening Dana and Mary (her mom) invited us out for a bite with them before we left town and it really gave us an opportunity to slow down and connect as we spent time with her family and two of her best friends that came along for her bridal!
A few weeks later and their big day finally arrived! Dana and her bridesmaids sipped champagne and laughed it up while Dutch and his groomsmen opted for brews! Elegant wedding details dressed Highgrove Estate beautifully as acoustic Martin guitars filled their space with joyful melodies. Several moments throughout their wedding day stood out to us and at times we had to hold back tears. Dana and Dutch decided to share a first touch where the bride and groom don’t seen each other before their ceremony but they do hold hands. Some couples talk, others pray, and for many it can be quite the emotional moment. Dana and Dutch read their vows aloud to each other and as Dutch spoke to Dana’s heart, tears soon filled her eyes. It was a moment that you could’ve heard a pin drop and one we’re sure will stay with them through memory for years to come. The other part of their wedding that really stuck with us was the reception! Dana and Dutch apparently know all of the good dancers in town and from what it seems they all came to their wedding! Seriously, from the moment the dance floor opened up, to the last song, the reception was non-stop action!
Beginning to end this was by far one of the most fun weddings we were blessed to be a part of in 2018! There was never a dull moment, Dana and Dutch were the absolute sweetest, and the spirit of the day really showed through both of them as well as their guests! It was a day I'm sure none of us will soon forget!
Special thanks to all of the amazing vendors who helped to bring this day together!
Venue: Highgrove Estate
Florals: Flowers on Broadstreet
Video: Epoch Visuals
Hair & Make up: Taylor Hudson
DJ: DJ Flair
Guitarists: City Folk