lightbloom photography

Weddings
Wilmington NC Wedding Photographer | BEST OF 2022
- January 2, 2023
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- by Allison
2022 – WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN!? I thought 2021 was the craziest year of my life, that I couldn’t possibly get any busier. Well, I will be the first to admit that I WAS WRONG. 2022 was a wild one, and while I am tired and I am ready for a break, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you to every single one of my clients this year who worked with me in ANY capacity, thank you to the local businesses who work with me monthly and the relationships I’ve formed with all your wonderful staff members, thank you to the friends who shared my posts or simply hit the “like” button on Instagram, thank you to my vendor friends who have turned into my work family who I get SO excited to work with each weekend! I wouldn’t be here without you all. This year, my job took me to all kinds of destinations around the world, and I hope to continue that even more this year! In 2022, I beat all kinds of records, I had the most weddings I’ve ever had, and I even won an award from Cape Fear Living Magazine for “Best Wedding Photographer in Wilmington.” Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you for trusting me with documenting such an important day in your lives, for laughing with me, for making me feel so at home with you and your people, for putting up with my dumb jokes while we shoot portraits, for dancing with me at the reception, and even for one bride who turned to me after her cake cutting with her new husband and then fed ME cake. You know who you are!!!!!

Just sharing some of my own personal favorite moments from the weddings I worked in 2022 – and no I couldn’t get the number of favorite photos under 340 images so it’s fine. I love you all. In backwards order from the end of 2022 to the beginning because I got frustrated with WordPress and couldn’t figure out how to randomize the order – again, it’s fine.
Weddings
The River Room Wedding Photographer | Katie & Brittany
- December 26, 2022
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- by Allison
WHAT A DAY! Where do I even begin? Katie and Brittany had their wedding at the River Room in historic Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina this November. But fun fact, this was not their first wedding! These two work as fire fighters and know how dangerous their lives can really be, and they wanted to be MARRIED! So in February, I met them out at Wrightsville Beach with just their immediate family and friends and they officially tied the knot! And then they wanted to throw a party with everyone they loved, so they planned it for November! I absolutely LOVE how they did this, and it gave me more chances to really get to know Katie and Brittany before their wedding day and I just fell in love with their love! These two are so fun to be around, so charismatic, they compliment each other so well and they welcome you whole-heartedly into their lives. I could go on and on about my obsession with them, but I could also just SHOW you. Check out Katie & Brittany’s EPIC wedding day!

Don’t miss these moments: Brittany arriving to the venue by riding in the back of a fire truck, just the BEST first look, being photobombed by a random dog on the street who knows how to sit up and pose for photos, absolutely stunning decor, the most fun dance party, an epic vendor team, AND a sparkler exit that ends in leaving on a fire truck. Like I said, WHAT A DAY!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Assistant Photographer: Neal Lewis, Atlas Film & Photo

Venue: The River Room

Planner: Kinsey – Brittanie Raquel Events

Florist: Serendipity Florals

Videographer: The Axtells

Cake: Pink Baking Co

Dresses: Camille’s

Hair Stylist: Tia Hatcher (Katie) Janelle Duncan (Brittany)

DJ/Band: Atlantic Premier

Musician: Will Maxwell

Catering: k38

Officiant: Mike Williams

Invitations: Zola
Weddings
Warehouse on Water Wedding Photographer | Brianna & Brandon
- December 19, 2022
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- by Allison
Two blog posts in a row coming at you from Warehouse on Water in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina! I photographed the wedding of this AWESOME COUPLE, Brianna and Brandon, in the beginning of November and I couldn’t have had a better experience with these two! So much from all the way from their engagement photos, to Bri’s bridal portraits, to the wedding day, I am so glad I met them. They kept me laughing and they were such a blast to work with, and talk about a DANCE PARTY! There were moments that had Brianna and Brandon being lifted into the air by their guests, an epic choreographed dance by Bri and her brother, and just so much more. Thank you thank you thank you for having me be a part of your incredible day, I’ll be reliving this one in my brain for QUITE awhile. How soon is too soon to just plan another one and do it all again? Asking for a friend……..

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

2nd Photographer: AJ Johnson

Venue: Warehouse on Water

Planner: Gather Events – Olivia

Florist: Gather Events

Videographer: Heartline Films

Cake: Whole Foods Market

Rentals: L&L Tent and Party Rentals

Dress: Vow’d

Hair Stylist: Jennifer Cavazza

Makeup Artist: Meraki Beauty – Tess

DJ: Atlantic Premier Entertainment

Catering: Middle of the Island

Invitations: Minted

Ring: Diamonds Direct

Officiant: Mr. Scott
Weddings
Warehouse on Water Wedding Photographer | Tiffany & Robert
- December 12, 2022
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- by Allison
I had so many weddings in October that I am STILL working on getting them all up on the blog! This was the last October wedding for me in 2022, and it was such a good one! First of all, I love working at Warehouse on Water. Not only is the staff there the best, but it’s just such a cool space! I love a warehouse vibe, the brick walls and tall ceilings and the location downtown is just perfect for photos. Tiffany and Robert had SUCH a stunning setup for their wedding day, too. I am already obsessed with pampas grass, but when you pair it with neon uplighting and beautiful tablescapes, it’s even MORE beautiful. Tiffany did such a great job planning her wedding, I went detail photo crazy! And talk about a fun dance party, too. I think what stood out to me the most, aside from having all the most incredible decor and details, was that it took place on Halloween weekend. That weekend is always an entertaining time in downtown Wilmington, and this one was no exception. We were photobombed by peanut butter and jelly, and we saw some pretty incredible people-watching moments while we were walking around Dock St and Water St for portraits. It definitely kept us laughing and I thought it was so fun! Thank you for having me, Tiffany and Robert! Now check out some highlights from their big day:

Venue: Warehouse on Water

Coordinator: Brandon Warren

Dress: Carolina Bridal World

Hair & Makeup: Alice Lawson Salon

DJ: DJ Sbz

Catering: Middle of the island

Officiant: Sandy Powell

Invitations: Zola
Weddings
Ironclad Brewery Halloween Wedding Photographer | Sarah & Trey
- December 5, 2022
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- by Allison
Okay, where do I even begin with this wedding? Sarah and Trey planned one of the most epic weddings at Ironclad Brewery (located in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina) that I have ever been to. These two are known for the halloween parties that they host each year, so when it came time to plan their wedding, they knew what they wanted to do! Not only did these two show up with the most incredible hair/makeup dressed as Frankenstein and his bride, but their guests showed UP with costumes, as well. And I don’t mean any half effort kind of costumes, I mean they were AMAZING. Every single decoration was perfect, there was so much Halloween detail in every corner. I absolutely loved it. We were bummed about having a rainy day which affected our outdoor photo time, but honestly, I think it went SO WELL with the theme of the wedding, that the photos are kind of perfect with rain, too. Thank you Sarah and Trey for letting me be a part of this incredible day, and for trusting me to document it, too!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: Ironclad Brewery

Photo booth: Coastal Event Reflections

Cake: Specialty Cakes by Morgan

Rentals: From The Heart Rentals and L&L

Bride’s Attire: Alex Perry

Groom’s Attire: Hockerty

Hair Stylist: Jessica Gaffney

Makeup Artist: Jessica Gaffney (Sarah & Trey’s)

Band: Massive Grass

Ceremony Musician: Brent Trubia

Catering: Diamond Catering

Officiant: Rabbi Jim Stoloff

Chuppah: made by Trey

Dance lessons: Dancing Davis Studios

Invitations: Paperless Post

Ring: Sarah’s wedding band- Shelton Metal; Trey’s wedding band- Revolution Jewelry Designs
Weddings
Bakery 105 Wedding Photographer | Caseley & Brady
- November 27, 2022
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- by Allison
I had such a blast at Caseley and Brady’s wedding at Bakery 105 in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. October was a wild month and this was one of three weddings I had that weekend, and they started my weekend off SO strong! I love every wedding at Bakery 105, the space itself is so stunning, so every little detail that each couple adds really makes it pop even more. I loved their decor and their choice of cheesecake over regular cake (Brady was very proud that he was in charge of that decision) and that the entire bridal party got to pick out their own Vans! Also, they had hand spun cotton candy at the reception with THREE different flavors. Talk about goals. Now check out some of the highlights from their wedding day!!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: Bakery 105

Planner: Meg Henson

Florist: Among the Wildflowers

Cake: One Belle Bakery

Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals, Design Perfection

Dress: Baltic Born

Hair Stylist: Dalisay Salon

Makeup Artist: Dalisay Salon

DJ: DJ Brian Hood

Catering: Middle of the Island

Officiant: Sherri Crawford

Invitations: The Knot

Ring: Reeds Jewelers
Weddings
The Isles Ocean Isle Beach Wedding Photographer | Erin & Stephen
- November 21, 2022
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- by Allison
The Isles in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina was the absolute PERFECT setting for Erin and Stephen to get married. These two have been such a joy to work with. They (and their guests) made us feel right at home while we captured their wedding day, and we’ve been talking about how much fun we had ever since! During their engagement photos last year, we lucked out by having one of the most epic sunsets at the beach, which honestly, isn’t all that common that we get colors so vivid. And then the universe REALLY showed up for us on the wedding day, and gave us an EVEN MORE EPIC sunset, and I can’t explain how many people have asked me about those sunset photos. Did I photoshop that? Did that really happen? NO THAT REALLY HAPPENED!!!! We were actually screaming out loud as we were getting photos and videos during that moment! LOL

One of my favorite parts of the day was when Erin’s son decided he wanted to give a toast after the maid of honor and the best man gave theirs. He came up with it right on the spot and it was the SWEETEST THING I’VE EVER HEARD. I work a lot of weddings, so I don’t often get very emotional at them anymore, but that one GOT ME. It’s hard to take photos when you can’t see!!! Such a sweet boy, such a sweet day. I’m so happy I got to be there. Now check out some highlights from their wedding day!!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography
Venue: The Isles Beach Club, Ocean Isle Beach, NC
DJ: Broadway Jake Productions
Videographer: Heartline Films
Hair & Makeup: Hill & Klutch Studio
Cake: Cakes by the Sea
Weddings
128 South Wedding Photographer | Natalie & Daniel
- November 14, 2022
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- by Allison
Y’ALLLLLLLL – Natalie and Daniel are just, simply put, dream clients. They planned their wedding day to take place at 128 South in Downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. I always love the downtown venues but they’re even better when they’re filled with groups of people like this. I had such a blast with these two!!! First of all, check out Natalie’s DRESS. Second of all, check out that dance party at the end of the night. I always try to convince my couples to utilize string lights at their receptions to make their photos really pop – and boy, did they listen. Congratulations Natalie and Daniel!!!!! I’m so lucky I got to be there to celebrate with you! Now check out the highlights from their big day:

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography
Venue: 128 South
Coordinator: Davis from 128 South
Florist: Fiore Fine Flowers
Videographer: Stout Owl Media
Cake: Gluten Free by the Sea and Publix
Rentals: L &L Rentals
Dress: Coastal Knot
Hair Stylist: Nina from Alice Lawson Salon
Makeup Artist: Carter from Alice Lawson Salon
DJ: Atlantic DJ
Catering: 128 South
Officiant: Nick Arbia
Invitations: The Knot
Ring: Stroup’s Jewelers
Weddings
Oak Island Wedding Photographer | Susan & Forrest
- November 7, 2022
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- by Allison
Susan and Forrest planned a small, intimate wedding with only their most immediate family and friends in Oak Island, North Carolina. Forrest grew up visiting this beach and he knew when it came down to planning their wedding, he had to show Susan this place that he loved. It really was absolutely stunning, we were welcomed into October with the warmest weather, a beautiful beach sunset, and surrounded by such wonderful people. So happy to be able to be part of days just like this one – and grateful that they were able to put up with me even when I had lost my voice doing too many weddings in a row in October!!! Here are some of my favorite images from their wedding day!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography
Venue: 801 Ocean, Oak Island, NC
Catering: ART Catering
Weddings
Boone Hall Wedding Photographer Charleston | Olivia & Tyler
- October 31, 2022
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- by Allison
It’s official – this STUNNING wedding I photographed at Boone Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, will go down as one of my favorites ever. I met Olivia and Tyler when they were still living in Wilmington, and I had recently moved to town! We used to sit together in basement bars and drink cheap beers together and honestly, isn’t that how the best kinds of friendships start? I always knew I liked Olivia because we had the same obsession with dogs. Dog people just go together. These two moved away and when it came time for them to plan their wedding, I am SO HAPPY they reached out to me. They chose Boone Hall as their venue, which I found out later was also where they filmed The Notebook, and then I got even MORE excited. I’ve wanted to see some of the locations from that movie since moving to the south, and talk about epic views for photos. Boone Hall is a dream. It’s one of America’s oldest working plantations, continually growing crops for over 320 years. The most unique of all of these is their famous “Alley of the Oaks” where the son of Major John Boone planted live oak trees, arranging them in two evenly spaced rows on a pathway towards their home in 1743. THIS was my favorite spot that you can see below!

Not only was the venue easily one of my favorites that I’ve ever been to and gotten to work in, right up there with Magnolia Plantation in Charleston, but I also was over the MOON with the way that Olivia and Tyler decorated their reception. I mean. We’re talking live trees inside, greenery everywhere, multiple food stations, late night McDonald’s, a live band, chandeliers, neon signs, honestly what more could a photographer hope for?! The details are always my favorite part, what makes each wedding stand out against all the rest, and this one left NO room for disappointment. I’m so happy I got to take a quick visit to one of my favorite places, I got to see my friends and be a part of their special day, and also……. I HAD SUCH A BLAST. I even got to clock out after the formal dances and join in as a guest – BONUS!

Check out the highlights from this amazing day!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography
2nd Photographer: Avery E Photography
Venue & Coordinator: Boone Hall (Natalie)
Catering/Bar: Cru Catering
Florals: Festoon Florals
Rentals: Snyder
Lighting: PDA
DJ: Scott Sain
Videographer: Heartline Films
Cake: Cru Catering
Transportation: Lowcountry Trolley
Linens: Stradley Davidson
Officiant: Rev. Will
Draping: Duvall Decor
Hair: Unique Style Lounge
Makeup: Studio Seven
Trees: Nancy’s Exotic
Ice Sculpture: Ice Man