I first met Shayanna and Anthony long with their daughter at Shelley Lake Park in Raleigh! We spent an hour adventuring around the park and even posing with a rad Chevy Camaro! They were such a fun family! So when Shayanna asked me to photograph their Carolina Beach wedding at the Courtyard Marriott in March, I was stoked and couldn’t wait! I love traveling and I love photographing weddings! Traveling to photograph a wedding was just heaven for me!

Brian and I drove down to Carolina Beach on Saturday morning! The weather was rainy and the forecast called for showers and thunderstorms all day! 

When we arrived at the Courtyard Marriott on Carolina Beach, we found the groom and his guys dressed and ready to head outside! Amazingly, the rain lightened up as soon Brian was ready to take the guys outside! While the guys headed out to the beach for a few pre-ceremony photos, I headed upstairs to find our bride!

The ladies were curling hair and sharing lots of laughs while helping the bride get ready for the day! That smile is just contagious! Shayanna actually made these cute little beach shoes! Adorable!Simply stunning!!! It was time for the ceremony and the rain was nowhere to be found! I thought it was so sweet that the groom said he prayed that the rain would hold off for the ceremony and it did! One of my favorite moments of the day! When the groom sees his bride for the first time on the day of the wedding! Priceless moments! 

The day turned out beautifully, even with the sun hiding behind the clouds! After the ceremony, everyone headed over the the Hilton Wilmington Riverside hotel for the cocktail hour and reception! The hotel was gorgeous inside and the reception space had been beautifully decorated! Everyone ate, chatted and danced the night away! I love wedding cake!! And I love their beach themed wedding cake! Time to party!Congratulations Shayanna and Anthony and thanks again for allowing us to spend this special day with you! Also special thanks to everyone who played a part in this magical beach wedding! And a special shout out to my wonderful and amazing other half, Brian for assisting me!!!

Wedding colors: Turquoise, red and silver

Beach wedding venue: Courtyard Carolina Beach hotel

Reception venue: Hilton Wilmington Riverside hotel

Cake and Food: Hilton Wilmington Riverside hotel

Flowers: Hilton Wilmington Riverside hotel

Chair covers and sash: Cath’s Chair Covers

Officiant: Chris Pipes

Videographer: Benjamin Robinson