Erin reached out to me about capturing their elopement before Parker had officially proposed. They had discussed their vision for the day and knew that they wanted a simple and intimate celebration. We discussed some options and ultimately decided on making a day of it which included capturing getting ready through courthouse ceremony and finally some portraits in Downtown Raleigh.
The day was VERY brisk, one of those early February chill-to-the-bone days, the wind was whipping but the sun was shining, perfect day to tie the knot! I met the couple at their home and it was so warm and inviting. Surrounded by their immediate family, Erin and Parker arranged cookies and chatted about the plans for the day. They were keeping their elopement a surprise and were so excited to announce to their friends and family!
After Parker slipped into his suit, his soon-to-be father in law, helped him tie his tie, it was such a sweet moment.
Erin's sister flew in from NYC for the weekend to be by her sisters side. After helping Erin get dressed and fitted into her stunning custom designed wedding dress, the bride stepped out to her parents and in-laws. I can't get over how this felt like an average weekend day at home but with the added excitement of being the start of their marriage.
The couple opted to do a private first look on the patio. Although they had spent the day together, it was a sweet moment to officially start their wedding celebration. Gifts were exchanged as their family looked on through the windows.
We packed up and were off to Downtown Raleigh. Courthouse weddings take place inside the Justice Center across the street from the main courthouse. Erin and Parker had completed the marriage application online but wanted to get their marriage license same day so we started off on the ground floor to pick up their license. We waited in a short line with bookshelves full of books upon books of Wake County marriage records with another name soon to be added to the register.
The office was filled with joyful couples & families preparing to get married and the staff was so incredibly sweet! The next steps are visiting the cashier clerk and paying the requisite fees before hoping the elevator to the 9th floor. We stepped off the elevator and the lobby is filled with light, white walls, definitely not at all what you expect from a government building. There was a little bit of a line so we took the time to grab some adorable portraits before re-joining the family to wait for our turn with the judge.
After a short wait, it was their time in front of the Judge! The ceremony is quick but the Judge was so attentive and genuine with her vows. The two exchanged rings and were officially married!!
We took a few family photos in the lobby as well as outside the courthouse before setting out for some celebratory hot chocolate and some golden hour shots around the city. The perfect ending to the most gorgeous February day!
