Wright Memorial Event Center

I’m so excited to share Salim and Ian’s Christmas wedding at Wright Memorial Event Center (WMEC)! My niece and sister have been planning for a year and a half for this day and I have to say it was absolutely beautiful.

My family is truly DIY and my sister outdid herself as usual with all her projects! Not only did she make all the floral arrangements for the corsages, boutonnières, and bridal bouquets but she also made 170 mini bunt cakes and 2 wedding cakes (I’ll explain the reason for two later)! The florals were beautiful and the cakes were delicious. Fortunately, I had a chance to taste a couple of the bunt cakes before the wedding as I never had a chance to get cake at the reception and all the bunts were gone by the end!

Oh the Dress!

Salim’s dress was beautiful and I’m so happy with my dress shots! I had been to WMEC before the wedding and knew there was a lovely carriage on site! I started dreaming about using that carriage for my dress shot the first time I saw it. After taking those shots, I thought I was done with the dress but then realized I wanted to hang it at the alter after Salim’s MOH, Allie mentioned it. That shot is amazing too!

The First Looks

Salim wanted first looks with her dad and Ian before the ceremony. After she was dressed, I set up the first look with her Dad and it was so sweet! She had a handkerchief specially made for him with a sweet message! They both cried after she gave it to him!

I planned to go get Ian next but my sister decided she wanted Salim to have a first look with my nephew, Salim’s brother, Sage. So I set up Sage and let him have a first look as well! My nephew is always laughing and joking and their first look was no different!

Next up was Ian! I already had a conversation with him earlier about how long it was going to be until their first look – “You have an hour and fifteen minutes! It’s almost here Ian, you can do it!” He was incredibly nervous and anxious to see his bride! I had him ready and you could see his anticipation while I set her up. He was rocking back and forth on his feet while waiting! Just as I expected, both of them teared up when he turned around! Salim was stunning!

After giving them a few quiet moments together, we went straight to bride and groom portraits in front of the big barn doors outside of WMEC. Their portraits are gorgeous! I’m so in love with them! Fortunately for December, it wasn’t too cold to stay outside to get those.

The Ceremony

Their ceremony was so sweet with their flower girl Avaya, tossing her snowflakes out of her basket during the ceremony which was followed by a beautiful cord of three strands ceremony and finally the presentation of Mr. & Mrs. Montgomery to their guests! I had told Salim and Ian to kiss again after they came down the aisle during the recessional. Salim’s veil fell out when they kissed so Ian quickly helped her reattach it and then he walked his smiling bride down the aisle!

The Reception

Now to their reception! After introductions and dinner, it was time to cut the cake. Salim had a surprise for my parents! Salim originally had picked my parent’s anniversary as their wedding date which is New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, that date was not available so they chose the 17th!

A Surprise for the Grandparents

My parents will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary this New Year’s Eve so Salim decided it would be fun to let them have their own wedding cake to cut! Salim had let her DJ and I know this was happening so we would be prepared. When the time came she took the microphone and gave a small speech about my parent’s anniversary and let everyone know they would be cutting their own cake! My parents were so surprised and my Dad teared up after they cut their cake!

Salim and Ian cut their cake next! She told Ian he couldn’t smash it in her face which he didn’t like but she got him with the cake and then avoided his reach when he tried to get her!

The Sparklers

The formal events ended with a sparkler exit! I had Salim buy the long smokeless sparklers from Superior Celebrations so we would have plenty of time to get them lit and we would have lots of time to capture great shots! Be sure to check those out!

Salim and Ian, it was truly my honor documenting your wedding day! Congratulations!

Venue: Wright Memorial Event Center
Hair and Makeup: I Do STYLE
Wedding Dress: Carolina Bridal World
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: AZAZIE
Men’s Tuxedos: Men’s Warehouse

DJ: McLaughlin Entertainment
Florals: Shara Childress
Cake Artist: Shara Childress
Photographer: Kimberly Jade Forbes Photography
2nd Photographer: Michael Holmes
Wedding Coordinators: Jodi Stevens & Lacey Stevens

I hope you have enjoyed Salim & Ian’s Christmas Wedding at Wright Memorial Even Center. To see more of my work click here: https://kimforbesphotography.com/

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