wrightsville manor

Love has a unique way of unfolding, sometimes taking unexpected turns that lead to beautiful new beginnings. Such is the story of Eric and Hope, who, after a decade of marriage, decided to mark their journey with a long-awaited celebration of their love at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Airlie Gardens, known for its picturesque tropical-garden landscapes and serene ambiance, provided the perfect backdrop for Eric and Hope’s special day. The decision to have a wedding after ten years of marriage was not just about celebrating their enduring love, but also about creating cherished memories with their closest family members who had been witnesses to their journey together. So after they exchanged their vows and sealed it with a kiss, we were able to take some photos with their family, as well as walk around together for portraits of the two of them around the gardens. I love wedding days like this one, nice and intimate, simply there to celebrate their love for each other. Congrats to these two on finally having the ceremony they always wanted!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: Airlie Gardens

As a full-time wedding photographer based in the charming coastal town of Wilmington, North Carolina, I have had the privilege of capturing countless love stories against the backdrop of sun-kissed beaches, historic architecture, and Southern hospitality. Each wedding I photograph holds its own unique magic, but Abby and Pat’s wedding day was truly something special. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, I even teared up at their vows (I literally feel immune most days, but they got me). What set Abby and Pat’s wedding apart were the personal touches and unconventional traditions they incorporated to make their day truly theirs. From the beautiful disco ball centerpieces to their vintage inspired cake, I loved every detail. Not only that, but Abby and Pat have a way of just making you feel so welcome and included in the day, some of my favorite moments were honestly just laughing with them during our photo time. They were so easy to be around and get along with, it made my job so easy. One of my favorite parts of the day: instead of the traditional bouquet and garter toss, which often left guests eager but apprehensive, they opted for a creative twist. Together, they designed commemorative wedding day t-shirts, each adorned with their names and the date of their wedding. As the evening festivities reached their peak, Abby and Pat joyfully tossed these personalized t-shirts into the crowd, sparking laughter and camaraderie among their guests. It was a gesture that symbolized their playful spirits and their desire to create lasting memories with their loved ones. Some of my favorite photos of the reception are the end of the night dancing photos, with everyone wearing one of the t-shirts!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Second Photographer: Cayce Fagan, Life Lens Co

Venue: Malachi Meadows 

Planner: Events by Ellis 

Florist: Sage Moon Blossoms 

Cake: Lowes Foods 

Rentals: L & L Tent & Party Rentals

Dress: New York Bride & Groom of Columbia

Hair & Makeup: Saleena with Self Love Beauty Co.

DJ: Regal Events DJ 

Catering:  Art Catering & Events

Officiant: Nick Arbia, Modern Ministries

Transportation: Azalea Limousine Service 

Ring: Unforgettable Fine Jewelry

Nestled along the serene coastline at Fort Fisher, where the Atlantic Ocean’s waves meet the shore, Caroline and Sydney celebrated their beautiful union in a wedding that epitomized beauty, love, and the tranquil charm of coastal Carolina. With the ocean stretching out beyond, the scene was set for a wedding that would be both intimate and breathtaking. Caroline and Sydney exchanged vows that resonated with sincerity and emotion, as their closest family and friends watched on. Every aspect of Caroline and Sydney’s wedding day was thoughtfully curated to reflect their personalities and their journey together. From the handmade decorations that adorned the tables to the music that filled the air. Guests were treated to local delicacies – but also traditions brought from Pennsylvania like the classic cookie table – while the decor highlighted the natural beauty of Fort Fisher’s coastal landscape. Grateful to be able to work with amazing couples like Caroline and Sydney, and I’m so happy for these two! Now check out the highlights from their big day.

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: The Riverview Restaurant

Cake: The Pheonix Bakery

Rentals: Perfect Touch 

Dress: David’s Bridal

Custom Suit: M and M Suit Shop

HMUA: Beauty and Bloom

DJ: Sammy Figgs

Catering: A Thyme Savor

Ring: Jewelry by Johan

My first time working at The Powell Home and Barn at Comeback Farms and I have to say – this place was gorgeous! I loved the outdoor area for the ceremony and I loved the giant getting ready space and just being able to have everything on one property is everything. Olivia and Anthony were two of the best people to work with, they were so easy going, they planned such a beautiful day, and their families were so kind and welcoming, I had the best day with everyone there. We started the day with a first look with Olivia and her three brothers, which was one of my favorite parts of the whole day. An outdoor ceremony under the most STUNNNNNNNING floral arch (sustainably made, by the way) I’ve ever seen, followed by a reception inside the barn under the string lights. This dance party did not stop for one second, and I could not stop laughing at the hilarity that ensued. Grateful for days like this one, it was the perfect June wedding. Congrats to Olivia and Anthony!!!!!! Now look at some of my favorite images from the day!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: The Powell home and barn at comeback farms 

Planner/Design/Florist: The Crafted Outpost/Rachael Kinsey Designs 

Cake: Nothing Bundt cakes 

Dress: Anthropologie 

Hair Stylist: Madison Cannon

Makeup Artist: Ken Grimsley (Bangz hair salon) 

DJ: Party Gras Entertainment 

Catering: Middle of the island 

Pianist: The Wilmington Pianist

Invitations: The Knot

Jess and Conor chose Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, NC as their venue for their wedding day – and it’s one of my favorite places to work! This gorgeous historic church located in the Brooklyn Arts District is full of character, tallllllll tall tall cathedral ceilings, a beautiful balcony, the best getting ready spot, and my favorite little courtyard full of greenery to use as backgrounds for our portraits! Let me just start by saying that Jess and Conor were MY VIBE. These two started as clients and quickly turned into friends, and they made me feel so included and welcome the entire day, and that is truly the best feeling I could ever ask for. Not only are THEY amazing, but so was their entire wedding party and their families were so sweet, but the GUEST OF HONOR, their dog, Riley, really stole the show. She walked down the aisle and greeted as many guests as she could, and she was OVERJOYED to be in some of their portraits. I loved every detail of this day. Some of my favorite things: the cardboard cutouts of Conor’s face that got passed around at the reception, our walk to Flytrap Brewing to get some wedding party photos, the late night snack of chicken tenders and fries, and of course…. at the very end of the night, Conor dipped Jess and kissed her at the sparkler exit, then Jess decided to dip Conor right back, and I was practically falling over laughing, and it is now one of my favorite end-of-the-night photos ever. CONGRATS JESS AND CONOR!!!!!!!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center

Planner: Knot Too Shabby

Florist: Design Perfection

Cake: Pink Baking Co

Rentals: Party Suppliers

Marquee Letters: Alpha Lit

Dress: Coastal Knot

Hair Stylist: Jasmine Kay Hair Co

Makeup Artist: Amy Kennison 

DJ: Active DJ – Shawn

Musician for Cocktail Hour: Eric Metts

Catering: Middle of the Island

Officiant: Sean Spiering (friend)

Invitations: Minted

Ring: Perry’s Emporium 

Bakery 105 is such a dream venue. The patio itself is enough to make any wedding there look GREAT. And my favorite part: when the couple isn’t forced to have a tent covering the whole patio! I walked up to Maureen and Wes’s wedding day SO HAPPY. We had gorgeous weather, we had great food, we had a SUPER fun dance party. These two actually had a private ceremony in Hawaii, and this was their moment to have a wedding with all of their loved ones, so they took that Hawaiian theme and ran with it! They had lei’s set out for their guests to grab on their way into the ceremony, and everyone took the tropical outfit suggestion and they DELIVERED. It was so cute! So many florals, so many bright tropical colors, even their dogs wore lei’s as they walked down the aisle! I loved every second of it, and not to mention Maureen and Wes being two of the kindest and most amazing people to work with. They were so easy going, all they wanted was to have a good time with the people they loved most. Grateful for people like these two. Congrats Maureen and Wes!!!!!!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: Bakery 105

Florist: Haley Shaw

Planner: Jeff Eisenhuth

Cake: Beth Stevenson

Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals

Band: Parks Brothers Band

Catering: 128 South 

The Atrium by Ligonn Flynn was one of the first wedding venues I ever photographed in Wilmington when I first moved here in 2016. It instantly became one of my favorite places. The tropical greenery, the open ceiling, the secret garden vibe, all right in the heart of downtown Wilmington and walkable to quite literally all of my favorite photo locations. It is hard not to fall in love with this place. And then when you combine it with two incredible people, bringing two incredible families together, it really can’t be beat. Kristen and Chris chose the Atrium for their wedding day, Chris is from England, so all of his family came over from the UK, and you could tell everyone was so excited to be here. Their families were so kind and so supportive and so loving, it truly was a magical day. The florals were a dream, the taco bar for dinner was a 10 out of 10, the dance party and the games that they had set up were so fun. They played flip cup and I have to say, it was a first for me to see at a wedding and now I can’t recommend it enough! It was SO fun to watch everyone get into it. What a great day and what a great couple. Now scroll through these gorgeous images and see what I’m talking about!! CONGRATS KRISTEN AND CHRIS!!!!! 

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: The Atrium by Ligon Flynn

Planner: Social Butterfly Events

Florist: Design Perfection

Cake: Pink Baking Co.

Rentals: Design Perfection and Party Suppliers

Hair & Makeup: Beauty Crew Mobile

DJ: Atlantic Premier 

Catering: A Thyme Savor

Officiant: Matt Schroeder (friend)

Ring: Grady’s Jewelry