I actually met Anna & Daniel when I was bartending one random weekend at Ironclad Brewery (a rare occurrence when we were actually open to the public instead of closed for a wedding). They came in to hang out and chat with our amazing events manager, Rachel, about their wedding day. We got to talking and then once they learned that I was also a wedding photographer, I think all three of us realized that I needed to be there on their wedding day. Sometimes you just click with a couple, and this was exactly that. These two are so much fun, so sweet, so kind, and just so easy to be around. Their wedding day was no different – beautiful blush details up against the gorgeous background of the industrial Ironclad Brewery brick walls. We may have sweat our butts off taking photos during the day, but it was worth it. My favorite part of the day was heading out to the rooftop of the parking garage downtown for sunset, when we got up there, it was extremely cloudy with no chance of sunset colors in site – and then while we were just taking a quiet moment to ourselves up there, the sky lit up in bright pink and orange. I love it when we luck out like that!! Thank you to both of you for having me be a part of your wedding day, I really couldn’t ask for better couples. Now try looking through these photos without a giant smile on your face, because it just won’t happen! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography DJ: Shawn Booth by Active Entertainment Florist: A Beautiful Event by Wendy Wright Coordinator: Jennifer Wilson, Belle Ame Events Ceremony: First Christian Church Reception Venue: Ironclad Brewery
Read MoreIronclad Brewery Wedding Photography | Tesla & Bobby
Tesla and Bobby got married in May, and had a wedding reception in downtown Wilmington at the always beautiful Ironclad Brewery about a month later with all of their closest family and friends. It was casual, fun, and easily one of the best dance parties I have ever seen at a wedding. Because they had already had their ceremony a month previously, Tesla and Bobby were able to completely enjoy spending the entire night with their guests, which is such a luxury that not everyone gets in the busy hustle and bustle of a full wedding day! I had so much fun snapping candid photos and laughing the whole night as they all danced the night away, thank you both for including me in your wedding day! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography Venue: Ironclad Brewery DJ: Wall 2 Wall Entertainment Rentals: L& L Tent & Party Rentals Catering: Thyme Savor Catering
Read MoreBrooklyn Arts Center Wedding Photography | Kristin & Bryan
Bryan and Kristin got married a two weekend ago at the always stunning Brooklyn Arts Center in downtown Wilmington, NC. They had their ceremony outside on the back patio, followed by a reception inside the large church. They had a band called EnVision provide their reception music, and it honestly felt more like being at a concert with your friends than at a wedding – and I mean that in a GREAT way. Kristin is the kind of person whose energy literally bounces around the entire room and makes every person around her feel infected with joy. She laughed her entire way through their ceremony, and Bryan just couldn’t take his eyes off of her the entire day. These are the kind of people who make me believe in genuine love. Their friends and family were so kind and supportive, I can’t tell you how many times someone came up to me and thanked me for being there and constantly telling me how great of a job I was doing. No wonder Kristin and Bryan were so happy – not only have they found each other, but they’re surrounded by such a genuine group of humans that will absolutely be there for them through anything. I’m so grateful to be a part of weddings like this. I can’t say much more without getting WAY too sentimental – so just go look at the photos from this beautiful day filled with SO MUCH LOVE!!!! PS – note the dress change at the end and enjoy the SPARKLE!!! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography Videographer: Chris Rodarte Officiant: Sandy Powell Planner: Belle Ame Events Hair: Carlee Clement & Nicole Makeup: Rhiana Amber Rentals: Party Suppliers Catering: Aramark Florals: Fiore Fine Flowers Entertainment: EnVision Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Global DJ Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company
Read MoreWrightsville Beach & Bluewater Grill Wedding Photography | Ashley & Kevin
I had the lucky job of spending the day with Ashley and Kevin as they said their vows to each other on an absolutely perfect and sunny May afternoon at Wrightsville Beach. Their ceremony was the sweetest beach front setup, followed by a reception at the always beautiful (and delicious) Bluewater Grill. Ashley and Kevin incorporated theses fun and artistic details into their wedding day like a hand drawn (by Kevin) and watercolor painted (by Ashley) emblem with their initials on it that they had on their invitations, on their stamps, and even on their cups at the reception! Their seating chart at the reception was one of my favorites as well, with individual hand painted names written on shells from the beach. I love working with brides (or grooms!) that have an art background, it really shows in the tiny little details of the day and it makes it so fun for me to capture!! Another fun thing they did was bury a bottle of bourbon (that isn’t even being release for another two years) one month before their wedding date at their ceremony site and dug it up right after the reception. Southern folklore says that if you bury a bottle of bourbon at the site where the bride and groom are to be married it won’t rain on their wedding day. According to many believers, this must be done exactly one month before the wedding, the bottle must be completely full, and it must be buried upside down to ensure maximum weather persuasion. These two were a blast to work with and their dance party all night was so FUN to watch – they used glow stick foam bats for their grand exit at the end of the night but they brought them out on the dance floor before that, which really made for some hilarious pictures. Also, bonus, they made their getaway out onto a boat! I can say that one’s a first for me! So unique! I’m so happy to have gotten to be a part of their day – wishing you two forever love and happiness together!! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography 2nd Photographer: Erin Allenczy Videographer: Farmer Visuals Planner: Heather, Port City Event Planning Ceremony: Wrightsville Beach Reception Venue: Bluewater Grill DJ: Active DJ Florist: Port City Event Planning Hair & Makeup: Deanne Harvey Cake: Swanky Sweets Jewelry: Freya and Light…
Read MoreIronclad Brewery Wedding Photography | Jamie & David
Jamie and David got married on a gorgeous May afternoon in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina at Ironclad Brewery. These two were so sweet and calm and Jamie was one of the most organized brides I’ve ever had, and I mean that as the BIGGEST compliment. They put together an absolutely stunning wedding day at the most beautiful venue. Ironclad is perfect for weddings, a huge industrial building covered in brick walls, wood floors, and of course, delicious homemade beer. What I loved most about Jamie and David’s wedding ceremony was that instead of doing something like a sand ceremony, they did it with beer. So unique and so fun! They danced the night away with their closest friends and their families, and they even let me sneak them away to go hang out on a rooftop nearby for some sunset portraits – an absolute must-do you if can make it happen at your wedding! I’m so thankful to have been a part of their wedding day, and so happy to work with such amazing vendors. Wilmington is a magical place in the wedding industry. Congrats, Jamie and David!!!! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography Venue: Ironclad Brewery Florist: Verzaal’s Florist Dress: Camille’s of Wilmington Catering: Middle of the Island Hair & Makeup: Kreashenz Salon + Spa and Anna W Lee
Read MoreBrooklyn Arts Center Wedding Photography | Jenni & Drew
On a perfectly warm and perfectly sunny day in May, Jenni and Drew tied the knot in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina at the Brooklyn Arts Center. Every single detail was perfectly planned out and everything came together SO beautifully. Jenni and Drew are a couple that are just filled with fun and laughter, it’s kind of hard to not just absolutely adore them. That was clear by the way their friends and family supported them. What a fun bridal party, what a sweet family. I’m so grateful for couples like these two, and I’m so happy to live in a town that has such gorgeous backdrops for photos. Thanks to everyone who came together to make this day possible! Now go look at all 97 photos that I picked out to share with you guys because I couldn’t choose any less!!! – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography Coordinator: Chandler Russell, Design Perfection Florist: Design Perfection Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center Catering: Middle of the Island Cake: One Belle Bakery Band: Emerald Empire Band Hair & Makeup: Kreashenz Rentals: L&L Rentals Officiant: A Wedding Ministry
Read MoreThe Henderson Beach Resort, Destin, FL Destination Wedding Photography | Saylor & Mike
Saylor and Mike got married on a beautiful rooftop patio facing the ocean in Destin, Florida. It was at the absolutely stunning resort called The Henderson – which, let me just start by saying I HIGHLY recommend staying here. My room had the most giant tub that I could lay in and watch TV while I enjoyed a glass of wine. Maybe that’s not everyone’s perfect idea of a vacation, but that’s definitely high up on my list. Along with two huge pools, a lazy river, a pool bar with servers that bring you food and drinks directly to your pool chair, and some pretty delicious restaurants, and of course their spa. Pretty ideal spot for a wedding, if you ask me. When we got there, we all expected the weather to behave horribly, as thunderstorms were in our forecast for the entire weekend. But somehow mother nature decided to be our friend, and we had absolutely PERFECT weather. Sunshine and clear skies and yes – a lot of fog – but I’m totally okay with that! I didn’t get to meet Saylor and Mike until I arrived in Florida – as these two live in Michigan, and I live in North Carolina. They immediately made me feel welcome and they even brought me along to the rehearsal dinner at a local Italian restaurant nearby the resort – hands down the BEST Italian food I’ve ever had outside of Italy. No joke. I want to go back to Destin for this restaurant alone. Saylor had me laughing all night long and their families and friends were a blast to be around. The next morning all the ladies were such troopers and woke up at the crack of dawn to start prepping for the day. Saylor’s dress was stunning – with cool blue undertones under the layers of tulle, which paired so well with the soft blue bridesmaid dresses. They tied the knot on the Sunset Vista and then danced the night away in one of the grand ballrooms at the resort. I wish everyone could experience the joy and the relaxation of a destination wedding. I’m so grateful to have been able to join these two and their families in Florida for their big day, and give them these memories to hold onto for years to come! Here are some of my favorite snaps of the day! – Allison Photography:…
Read MoreBEST OF 2018 | Wilmington Wedding & Travel Photographer
Let me just start out by saying how grateful I am to each and every one of my clients and friends who supported me this year. Starting my company over again in Wilmington has not been an easy accomplishment, starting from scratch in a town where I knew no one. Now I can say that I’ve met and worked with some incredible local vendors in the industry, and luckily I can call a few of those my friends. Not only have I worked with amazing teams to make wedding dreams come true, but I’ve also had the absolute best clients. I know I say this all the time, but I would not keep saying it if it wasn’t so true. They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. There has never been a sentence so true. My job has introduced me to clients that have turned into some of my closest friends in Wilmington, it has lead me to destination weddings that take me out of the country to beautiful places like St. Lucia, it has provided me with a reason to travel even more than I do normally. It brings me to fun projects like making a calendar of attractive men and beautiful dogs, it has introduced me to local businesses that I wouldn’t have noticed before, and it lets me get out all of my creative fixes. People judge you when they hear that you went to school for fine art, but I’m here to tell you that I’m the happiest I’ve ever been and it’s all because of the opportunities that being an artist gave me. I’ve compiled a group of some of my favorite images, moments, and experiences from 2018, and I wanted to share that with you guys. If you have any recently engaged friends, please send them my way for 2019 and 2020 weddings! Thank you to everyone who made it such a great year, and I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings. – Allison
Read MoreCorinth Baptist Church Wedding Photography, Teachey, NC | McKenna & Will
McKenna and Will got married in the small town of Teachey, North Carolina in November at their local Corinth Baptist Church. These two are some of the sweetest humans, and their family and friends were more of the same. They made me feel like more of a guest than their photographer, and I just LOVE when my bride trusts me so much that she never once tells me what to do. Trusting your photographer is a huge thing and it really gives me room to be my most creative self, instead of being provided a giant list of requested shots, McKenna knew she already liked my work and she let me do my thing. During her bridal portraits and their engagement session we kept waiting to catch the colors of the sunset, and both times we failed to get one, but I believe mother nature was just WAITING to surprise us with a stunning sunset on their wedding day. We finally got our sunset photos and yessssss it was absolutely worth the wait! From her beautiful dress, to the simple greenery and reception decor, this wedding was done perfectly. Nothing too over the top, and just perfectly down to earth, just like McKenna and Will. I could tell they had been waiting for this day for a LONG time, they were so excited to finally say their I-do’s. I’m so happy that my last wedding of 2018 was able to be spent with these two and their closest loved ones – congratulations and wishing many many many years of happiness to you both! Now go look at some of my favorites from their day :) – Allison Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography Florist: Shawn Knowles Cake: Casey Valencia Videographer: Alita White Assistant Decorator: Michelle Blanchard
Read MorePoplar Grove Plantation Wedding Photography | Nicole & Dylan
Nicole and Dylan had a beautiful outdoor ceremony in November at Poplar Grove Plantation in Wilmington, North Carolina. Poplar Grove is an absolute southern dream. Their space for the bride to get ready is full of beautiful vintage furniture and stunning traditional architecture. The ceremony took place outside as the sun started to set and warmed the trees (and the guests!) on its way down. They had their reception inside of the barn nearby on the property, and had it decorated with beautiful twinkle lights and glowing centerpieces. After sitting down to dinner, they danced the night away with their family and friends, and I enjoyed every second of it. As always, once I finish up for the night and I leave with a smile on my face, I’m grateful for my amazing, laid back, and fun clients. Thanks for having me, you two! Here are some of my favorite images from the day, – Allison Photography: Lightbloom Photography Venue: Poplar Grove Plantation Coordinator: Serena Bell with Northside Church Events Catering: Middle of the Island DJ: Daniel Bullard: Bullard Entertainment
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