Author name: Heart of NC Weddings

Candles at Sunset Tips on Wedding Photography Poses for Men from Durham, NC Photographer Mark Maya 
Planning Tips, Wedding Inspiration

Groom’s Guide to Wedding Photos

Tips on Wedding Poses for Men from a Durham Photographer

Mark Maya is a talented Durham-based wedding photographer and videographer who describes his style as unique and emotional. Mark has been documenting weddings for more than a decade. He enjoys capturing candid moments, understated details and the authentic love between two people. Plus, Mark doesn’t shy away from an adventurous photo shoot concept or location. He often travels for elopement weddings or photo shoots. In … Read More

Socialite Events wedding
Real Weddings

Terry & Alicia’s Luxurious Wedding Day at the Grand Marquise Ballroom

Blush Wedding with Pampas Grass Faux Floral Design

By Katie MacKinnon

Alicia first saw Terry in the parking lot of their local Target in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Alicia’s mom boldly introduced the two between the aisles, and they exchanged numbers. Terry called a few weeks later, and the pair “hit it off like we had known each other forever,” Alicia says.

On May 7, 2022, the couple hosted a lavish celebration at the ornate Grand … Read More

timeless elegant wedding look
Real Weddings

An Elegant Neutral Wedding on the Steps of Heights House Hotel

Bennett and Sarah didn’t know they were destined for an elegant wedding when they matched on Hinge after they both settled in Raleigh after college. Funnily enough, their initial conversation wasn’t actually between the two. “I have to shout out one of my best friends and roommate at the time, Sydney,” Sarah says. “She made my profile and talked to him for me first.”

Bennett proposed nearly five years later in the home he and … Read More

the distillery garner north carolina
Planning Tips, Real Weddings

Tools of the Trade: Expert Wedding Planner Tips

Tips from Wedding Industry Pros

Two vendors who’ve each spent nearly a decade helping couples to create meaningful memories on their wedding days hosted their own spectacular vow renewals in 2022. Both drew upon what they’ve learned from planning and hosting weddings to bring together their loved ones for unique, celebratory events. We’re sharing wedding planning tips from vendors – so keep their expert insight in mind as you begin your own planning journey.

Meet… Read More
Barbie bachelorette party
Wedding Inspiration

Embrace This Trending Style for Your Bachelorette Party

Barbie Bachelorette and Bridal Inspiration Left: Photography by Unmapped Earth. Right: Photography by Megan Morales Photography.

When it comes to your bachelorette party, why not draw inspiration from one of the most iconic fashion figures of all time: Barbie! Throughout the years, Barbie has been a style muse, setting trends that remain timeless and relevant – especially today, with the highly anticipated movie. Let’s explore how Barbie-inspired trends can add playfulness and excitement to your … Read More

large wedding tent string lighting
Planning Tips

Wedding Rentals and Lighting Guide

Tents, party rentals, event lighting and more details

From ceremony chairs to cocktail tables and everything in between, you’ll want to finalize your wedding rentals, lighting and decor at least six months before the big day. Turn your rental showroom visit into a fun pre-wedding date. Keep this checklist handy to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch. Couples risk a lot when they order wedding rentals and decor online. Style, quality and, … Read More

White of Raleigh blue tiered wedding dress
Planning Tips

Say Yes to the Dress!

Who to Bring Wedding Dress Shopping, and Tips for Your Appointment

Molly Rebenski, manager of White Bridal Boutiques, provides insight into all things wedding dress shopping, from what to wear to who you should bring along for your appointment.

Picture this: the love of your life pops the question, and you’re ecstatic. The proposal was nothing short of perfect. This is the best day of your life! 

On the other side of your post-engagement … Read More

the umstead hotel and spa wedding venue
Real Weddings

Mark and Madison’s Pink and Gold Wedding

Sally Oakley Weddings Plans a Delicate Pink and Gold Wedding Photography by Kelsey Nelson Photography

Madison and Mark were raised on opposite coasts – Mark in Melville, New York, and Madison in Fresno, California. Tinder brought them together on the West Coast after Mark moved there for work. They dated for a few years, then moved to Raleigh together – Mark’s job at the time had a second headquarters in the city, which put it … Read More

nc wedding planner
Planning Tips

Destination Wedding Planning Tips from Nicole Smith

How to Plan a Destination Wedding Abroad

If planning spontaneous vacations together, taking weekend trips to new cities and a shared adventurous spirit is a foundational part of your relationship with your future spouse, a destination wedding might be the right fit for you. To help make organizing your event as stress-free as possible, Vision Events owner Nicole Smith shares her best tips for planning an out-of-state or international celebration. Vision Events specializes in both … Read More

Real Weddings

A Romantic, Moody Wedding with Pops of Orange

An Instant Connection Lead This Couple to Tie the Knot in Hillsborough, NC Photos by Emely Williams Photo

Learning the story of this happy couple’s journey is like setting foot in a modern fairy tale. Imani first met DaRon, a native of Hurdle Mills, North Carolina, through a dating app. Imani admits to falling asleep during their first date. “[I] worked as a night shift nurse and was a very sleepy lady back then,” she … Read More

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