elopement photographer

I started off the 2024 wedding season by leaving Wilmington and driving over to the Charlotte area (okay… Charlotte adjacent) for Melanie and Tyler’s wedding! These two not only planned and DIY’ed basically everything themselves (amazing) but they also included their 16 year old dog, Rudy in their ceremony and their first dance! Not only do I love when people include their dog and allow me to befriend them and pet them all day, I think it’s even more special when they’re a senior pup. It made me so happy! Melanie and Tyler even hosted an after party at a local brewery next door to the venue which was one of my favorite parts, a great spot to unwind after the chaos of a wedding day and enjoy some cold craft beers! Congratulations to these two, and thank you for starting out my season!!

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Venue: The City Club at Gibson Mill

Rentals: Epic Event Rentals

Dress: Newfangled Bride & Formals

DJ: Kristi Swanson with Split Second Sound

Catering: Grate Catering Co

Officiant: Calvin Newman

And somehow, the 2023 season has come to an end! What a YEAR. One of my busiest ever, but such an overall success, despite a lot of ups and downs. Owning a business isn’t always a walk in the park, but there is so much beauty in getting to create for a living. I’ve been an artist for a majority of my life, and it’s wild to think about how I got here. From developing my photo prints by hand in a darkroom for 4 years in college to now running a full time photography business. I’m grateful for this life, this job, and my clients. I love putting together a highlight every year to show off some of my absolute favorite images, and this year is no exception! Cheers to 2023! Thank you to every single one of you who has been involved in any way. I can’t wait to see what 2024 brings!

The Elia is my absolute new favorite venue. Located in Downtown Wilmington, walkable to the river, with a big, open, well-lit space, full of charm and easily moldable into whatever vision you have for your wedding day! I absolutely love it. When Alaina & Tyler found out they had to move their wedding to a new location last minute, they were able to find The Elia and it was an absolute lifesaver! We wandered downtown with their bridal party, we got photos with their CUTE pup, and we had the best day ever. A New Years Eve wedding is always a blast – literally what is better than celebrating two people you love and having an open bar event on a holiday!? A dream. Now, I knew that Alaina had great taste and great style, and I knew that she would come up with some awesome ideas for her wedding. BUT, I was still completely blown away when I arrived that day. The vibrant colors, the blue velvet tablecloths, the bright flowers, the colorful bridesmaid dresses, I even told Tyler that I wouldn’t be surprised if I showed up and she was wearing a neon colored wedding dress. LOL. I couldn’t have chosen better details myself, and I was ecstatic at the opportunity to document this day for them. I had such a great time with Alaina and Tyler and their crew (and of course, Ollie). Can every wedding be like this one????

Photographer: Allison Eding, Lightbloom Photography

Getting Ready: The Atrium

Venue: The Elia

Planner: Meg Henson Events

Florist: Cosmic Flora

Video: Wakefield Films

Cake: Specialty Cakes by Morgan

Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals and Party Reflections

Dress: Coastal Knot

Hair & Makeup: Dalisay

DJ: Warm Reception Events

Catering: A Thyme Savor

Invitations: Bride!

Engagement Ring: Diamonds Direct

Airlie Gardens is one of the most stunning places in Wilmington, I swear. So any chance I get to work there, I will jump on it! But there was just something about my initial inquiry from Jessica that stood out to me. She had chosen the day of winter solstice for her wedding because it was special to her, and when I arrived, and saw the way that she and John looked at each other, I knew that they were special too. I can’t describe it other than a certain feeling that I get when I’m around a couple, and these two just HAD it. Their love was so big! It was so sweet to be a part of this day, and I had the best experience with Jessica and John. Thankful for clients like these two, and thankful for gorgeous days like this one in Wilmington in December.