Elegant, urban wedding
in Charlotte, North Carolina
Sara and Declan's beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina wedding took place at the Grand Bohemian and brought together guests from around the world to celebrate. This special bride and groom balanced Southern charm with modern flair for a truly stunning ceremony and lively reception that had the couple dancing into the night.
Sara and Declan never planned to get married on April 2, 2022. Covid-19 foiled their original November wedding plans when the groom’s friends and family were unable to fly into the United States. There was no way they would celebrate their union without Declan’s most important people!
Welcoming Wedding Guests to Charlotte, North Carolina
Sara and Declan hosted guests from across the US and UK. Wedding weekend kicked off with a Friday night welcome party, during which guests got to know each other. Friendships were formed and stories were exchanged throughout the evening over craft beer, cocktails, and mouth-watering gourmet pizza from Protagonist. The father of the bride, along with her brother, made heartfelt speeches that had everyone in the room anxiously awaiting what would be a perfect North Carolina wedding.
Getting Ready Photos with the Wedding Party
The energy was high as we walked into the bridal suite. Sara sat as the ladies from Look Love Beauty finished her look. Her bridal hair was sophisticated and sleek with volume in all the right places. Her makeup, natural - highlighting her natural beauty. Glasses of champagne were passed around the suite as bridesmaids hurriedly steamed Sara's gown and collected her accessories for detail shots. The bride pulled her mom aside for an intimate moment before getting into her wedding dress. Sara had written notes for her parents to open that morning. We're so happy we were able to capture this beautiful, tearful exchange.
As the bride and her besties sat through bridal hair and makeup, the groom and his party started the day the best way they knew how – Top Golf! By the time we arrived for getting ready photos, the entire groom's party was exchanging childhood stories and laughing over new inside jokes. We spend a great deal of time getting to know our clients, through pre-wedding check in's and speaking to friends and family over wedding weekend. When describing Declan, the single most emphasized trait was his love for friend's and family. As soon as the camera was on the him, we could see he truly was soaking it all in. These friends and family had travelled to Charlotte for Declan and his bride.
Rooftop Wedding Ceremony at the Grand Bohemian, Charlotte
Sara and Declan's wedding ceremony took place on one of the hotel's urban scenic rooftops, in the middle of the Charlotte skyline and surrounded by floral walls and installations. Beste Toparlak played love ballads on the harp as guests filled the space, greeting each other and filling their seats. Flora Bella decorated the ceremony space with garden roses, orchids, baby's breath, and delicate greenery. A beautiful installation surrounded the couple where they would soon share their vows.
Sara and Declan opted out of a first look. They wanted the first time they saw each other to be walking down the aisle and was that moment worth it.
Tears welled up in Declan’s eyes as his showstopper of a bride swept down the aisle in a sleek modern dress, veil, and cape. By the time they said “I-Do,” there was not a dry eye under the tent. Even the vendors were blown away by the love these two had for each other. They had waited so long. Their first kiss and walk down the aisle was joy-filled and celebratory.
Finally, they were married!
The couple made it clear early on that the most important element of their day was the gathering of family and friends. It was the first time everyone had been together in years, and they were sure to take the opportunity to celebrate!
Guests of all ages danced the night away and celebrated the marriage of this beautiful couple!
Sara and Declan's dance floor images inspired a signature look we've incorporated into all wedding reception photos. We want to see our couples let loose and party with their favorite people. To achieve our reception shots, we play with light and really get in there for those candid, in-the-moment frames. The results feel like a fever-dream and bring back all the emotion, every time.
Cheers to Sara and Declan! We are so honored to have captured their love.
MADBOU Photography & Films is a Washington DC-based team and enjoys working with all North Carolina wedding clients. Expanding into the Charlotte wedding photography community excites us and we love every opportunity we have to return to the city!