Romantic Christmas weddings are some of my favorites to document. Michael and Shari's wedding was no exception. Their wedding was the last of 2019 for me and just days before Christmas. They chose one of my favorite locations for their intimate wedding ceremony and reception, The Burke Manor Inn. It's a beautiful historic inn, just a couple of blocks from downtown Gibsonville. The innkeepers go above and beyond for their couples and guests, giving you a unique, memorable, and special experience.
Several months before their wedding, I got together with Michael and Shari for a couple's session at Falls Lake, which ended up also being a proposal. Although they were already engaged, Micheal had not formally asked Shari at that point, nor given her a ring which they had designed together months before that. Michael had reached out to me beforehand to let me know of his plans. He had picked up the ring at the jewelers without her knowing and brought it with him to the lake. What a sweet moment!
As for their wedding day, it was as equally sweet. I felt honored to be a part of both milestones for them. They chose royal blue and white as their wedding colors. The royal blue perfectly matched the sapphires in her engagement ring. Shari looking absolutely stunning in her wedding dress with a beaded sash and a white faux fur stole completed her look. Michael wore a black tailcoat, pale grey vest, pinstriped slacks, and a royal blue bow tie. This look never goes out of style! They chose to do a first look before the ceremony, and the side rose garden was the perfect spot for it as its more private.
The afternoon ceremony was held inside in one of the front parlors, which was the perfect space for about 25 guests. A harpist played for their processional and recessional, and it really added a little something extra special to their day. Although I've been photographing weddings for years this was a first for me - Michael and Shari choose to do a foot washing ceremony after exchanging vows and rings.
Immediately following the ceremony everyone headed outside for photographs, being that the weather was really quite nice that day. We even planned for a group photo of everyone who came to celebrate with them. There are so many fabulous spots on the property at the inn for photos and you don't have too far to walk. It was nice to grab a couple of photos with just the newlyweds before the sunset, but not keeping them from their guests too long!
After their guests were seated and the newlyweds announced, a fabulous four course French meal was served in the private dining room at the back of the inn. They also gave toasts and cut their cake by the Christmas tree, making it that much more festive. After spending their wedding night at the inn, Michael and Shari enjoyed a quick weekend trip getaway to the Asheville area. Then about a week later, after Christmas, they headed to Hawaii to continue their honeymoon vacation through New Years.
Michael and Shari were such a delightful couple to work with and I enjoyed getting to know them over the course of planning their wedding, their engagement session and proposal, and of course their wedding which was a magical day. If you knew their story, you would truly understand how deserving these two are. They are meant to be together!
SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE WEDDING PROFESSIONALS -
ceremony, reception, accommodations | The Burke Manor Inn
catering + wedding cake | Saint Jaques at The Burke Manor Inn
ceremony music | harpist, Julie Van Patter
reception music | Spotify
bouquet and boutonniere | Etsy
videography | Anna Ellis Cinematography
officiant | Kent Massey
wedding favors | homegrown honey with dippers
all images © Elizabeth Larson Photography
engagement + proposal can be viewed HERE
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