Chateau Vie in Walnut Cove, NC

Wendi & Sage’s Wedding at Chateau Vie in Walnut Cove, NC could not have been more perfect! I might be a little prejudiced about this since Sage is my nephew but I don’t think so. And let me tell you about all the details Wendi and Sage chose. They wonderfully displayed what they love – Disney, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings!

I photographed their details on Friday so I could take my time and not be rushed! I love detail shots and knew Wendi had put a lot of thought into not only her dress but all their other details down to her cute little bedroom slippers that say I DO and Sage’s boutonniere with tiny light sabers in it! Saturday I started with her dress and oh what a beautiful dress it was. I normally keep the dress inside but found the perfect location outside to photograph it and it is probably one of my favorite dress shots! The pergola at Chateau Vie provided an ideal place to hang it!

My sister, Shara asked to do a first look with Sage! I wasn’t quite sure when I went to position them who the first look was for so I asked. She said both! So I set them up so Sage could turn around and see his mom all dressed up for his big day! They held it together when they saw each but when I did Wendi with her brother they ended up in tears! Next up was Wendi with her Dad and her Dad lost it when he saw just how beautiful his baby girl was! These were some of the sweetest moments of the day!

I had decided I wanted to record the ceremony for them so I had my husband, Michael purchase a microphone that would work with one of our cameras. Then I had him figure out how to set all this up and then teach me! I practiced the day before recording and the day of to make sure I knew I could do it. I cannot tell you how excited I was to see it actually all worked. I’m not a videographer but I wanted to see if I could record this for them. I do highly recommend having one though if it is within your budget!

Wendi and Sage’s ceremony was short but one of the cutest I’ve seen. I knew both were nervous about saying their vows in front of everyone but my BIL Shannon, also the best man decided to add a bit of comedic relief. He had a ring pop in his pocket along with Wendi’s ring. He showed it to me before the ceremony and when asked for Wendi’s ring he got lots of hilarious laughter when he pulled out a green ring pop. I think the sweetest part of the ceremony was when the officiant announced them husband and wife and told them they could kiss! Sage quickly grabbed his bride and kissed her! I think he was overjoyed at the pronouncement as they have patiently waited through Covid to get married.

After family formals, Chateau Vie graciously provided a golf cart to transport us for the Bride and Groom portraits. Wendi wanted to return to the ceremony site for a bridal portrait on the stairs. She truly looked like a princess on the stairs with her beautiful tiara, veil, and long train! Her portrait is stunning!

She loved the ceremony site and didn’t want to go anywhere else for their portraits. I was fortunate the sun had set enough to give us gorgeous light and a beautiful backdrop so we could use that location! I absolutely love their portraits with all the fall colors.

Then it was time to get their reception started! After their introductions, they went into their first dance! It was so sweet watching the two of them dance together to Flightless Bird from the movie Twilight. After dinner, it was time for the parent dances. Wendi chose You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins for her dance with her dad and she laid her head on her Dad’s chest and stayed that way through the song. Sage chose Simple Man by Shinedown for his dance with Mom! He grinned and chatted with her throughout the song! Watching him dance with his mom made me incredibly happy!

They finished their reception with a lightsaber exit with their family and closest friends! It was a first for me and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Then we moved on to pictures with her Dad’s mustang which I’m told is a tradition! They got in and took it for a quick spin!

It was a whirlwind day for me but I wouldn’t have had it any other way and couldn’t be more humbled and honored that Wendi and Sage chose me to document their day!

Sage and Wendi, I couldn’t be happier for you both! Congratulations!!

Venue: Chateau Vie in Walnut Cove, NC
Second Photographer: Jennifer Badger Photography
Groom & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Birdy Grey
Cake Artist: Artist’s Way Creations
Hair Artist: Brandy & Allie Burgess
Florals: Charlene Whitson & Nita Webster

Enjoy Wendi & Sage’s wedding at Chateau Vie in Walnut Cove, NC and to see more of my work click here: https://kimforbesphotography.com/

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