A Southern Farm Wedding | Carroll & Daniel | Fuquay-Varina, NC

Carroll and Daniel’s wedding was a pretty special one for me to photograph because Carroll is a childhood friend from my junior high days in North Carolina. We did theatre together, and she was one of many people who made my family’s move from NC to Colorado a difficult one. We had such great times spending our weekends and summers singing and acting our hearts out, and I couldn’t be happier that she’s found her perfect match in Daniel.

Their story starts like all good modern-day love stories start – with an online match. After a few months of casual dates and conversation, it became clear that there was something more going on…the story is best told by Carroll’s dear friend, and wedding coordinator, Karen Dillard:

“Last September Carroll went to NYC to see a bunch of shows with my sister, Jamie. They were at Cafe Carlyle to see Sutton Foster… and a waiter brought a bottle of champagne to the table. It was from Daniel! He knew she was excited to see that show and he wanted to make it a special experience, so he called ahead and set up a surprise for her. Of course, that made Jamie curious and she started asking a bunch of questions… it went something like: Jamie: So is he special? Do you have feelings for him?  Carroll: Well… I think so.  Jamie: Do you have… LOVE feelings??  Carroll: …I think I do! …And that is how the infamous #lovefeelings was born.”

Daniel is outgoing and social, he makes Carroll laugh, and goes above and beyond to make her feel special. Carroll is thoughtful, creative, and loves spending evenings at home with those she holds closest. They were engaged this past December at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Berchtesgaden, Germany, a picturesque little lakeside church in the mountains, accessible only by boat. Being the private person that she is, Carroll suggested they elope right then and there, but Daniel insisted on a celebration back home with friends and family. The happy compromise was a down-to-earth wedding on the Burt Family Farm in Fuquay-Varina where Carroll grew up. The farm has been in the family for 10 generations, ever since their family received the land in a grant from King George II in 1750! Needless to say, it holds a special place in their family history, and in their hearts.

The other contingency to the wedding agreement, it seems, is that Carroll wanted us to be her photographers. Daniel was thrilled to oblige and we couldn’t have been more honored to capture their day for them. It was a warm, friendly wedding with a family reunion sort of feel. Vintage quilts, a tree swing, a red tractor, and alfalfa fields, barns, a surprise duet by the couple, a “Downton Abbey” style family portrait, and a ceremony on the front porch of the family farmhouse all contributed I making their day extremely personal and unique.

Carroll & Daniel – thank you, thank you, thank you. It was a privilege to witness your love and capture your day. We hope you love your photos, and we can’t wait to spend more time with you in the coming years!