I believe that people meet for a reason. Sometimes this reason is evident right away, sometimes it takes a few years to reach a full realization. I met Jim + Jenny, the parents of this beautiful bride, about a decade ago in Los Angeles waiting in line for the ‘Lost’ television show auction. We were all huge fans of the series and spent the whole weekend playing around memorabilia, taking photos and bidding on props used in the show. Jim, aka ‘the Legend’ came out with a number of things including Jack’s first and last outfit, Hurley’s Camaro and the messages in a bottle. We kept in touch over the years and would send little messages here and there saying the occasional hello or Happy Holidays. Jenny had always been supportive for my photography and I was so honored when she asked me to capture her daughter’s wedding.
This day is all about Haley + Navid. The two met in Charlottesville, Virginia where Haley was in her graduate studies and Navid was in his residency at the UVA hospital. After accidentally giving Navid the wrong phone number, the two eventually went on their first date and hit it off exploring local hotspots in the city. The couple eventually moved to Durham and began their lives together. Navid proposed at the Sarah Duke gardens for the Persian New Year [first day of spring] with a mini surprise celebration with Jim + Jenny + champagne.
After nearly two years of waiting, Haley + Navid finally got to have their big wedding at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens outside of Charlotte, North Carolina.
The ceremony took place in the White Garden followed by a reception in the great hall. Some of my favorite memories include a bridal party champagne toast, a ladybug landing on Haley’s stunning bouquet, the father speeches, dancing and exploring the grounds with the couple at sunset. I asked Haley during getting ready if she had any wise words, as her grandmother would say ‘Don’t shame the family!’. She did not.
Here are a few of my favorite photos from this most beautiful day…
Vendor Team:
Coordination: Ivy at The Silk Veil Events, DOC Lisa
Floral: Vintage Soul Floral Design
Makeup + Hair: The Beauty Asylum
Catering: Best Impressions
Venue: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens [the Orchid House, their prized pavilion, was mysteriously closed for this event]