A Springtime Wedding in Greensboro's Fisher Park + Cadillac Service Garage

Summer is slipping by fast, however this spring wedding is still very fresh in my mind. Sam and Courtney had an absolutely lovely wedding in Greensboro on May 4th. It all started with me arriving at a beautiful home in Historic Fisher Park where Courtney, her mother, and bridesmaids all prepared for the big day. Anna, my second photographer, joined Sam and his groomsmen at the Hyatt Place Greensboro for some fun photos of the men beforehand too. One of the things I love about weddings is the excitement as it builds up leading to the ceremony. On that note, preparation time is one of my absolute favorite things to photograph on the wedding day!

Sam and Courtney chose to have their ceremony in the park within the Historic Fisher Park neighborhood, as she had many fond childhood memories of spending time there. The day was threatening rain and storms, however the sun stayed out long enough and a decision was made to have the wedding outdoors in the park. Their backup plan for the ceremony was at their reception venue, which is also very beautiful. What's amazing is that we got through the afternoon with the first look in the park, bridal party & family photos done ahead of time, and of course the ceremony, which was right at 5:30pm.

Sam & Courtney incorporated both Jewish & Christian traditions into their ceremony, making it very special for the two of them. One of my favorite traditions, is when the groom breaks a glass with his foot after the vows are said, but after the couple are pronounced as husband and wife, & of course the first kiss. It symbolizes the finality of the marriage covenant. They also signed a beautiful handmade Ketubah, a traditional Jewish marriage document, which they'll display in their home.

After the ceremony, with the help of Jill McAllister of Honeybee Occasions, we were able to grab a few large extended family photos in the park, just as it started to thunder. She and Anna were both a great help to me with coordinating this! I still had enough time to get some additional photos of Sam and Courtney in the park before departing for the reception & I'm so thrilled we did, as these are some of the sweetest photos of the newlyweds. We all made it back to our vehicles in time - it literally started to pour as I got into my car and headed to the reception. They say if it rains on your wedding day, it's good luck. The thing is, it poured the day of their engagement session as well so Sam and Courtney are really blessed with good luck!

Once at the reception, which was at the amazing Cadillac Service Garage in downtown Greensboro, Sam and Courtney joined their guests at their cocktail party beforehand. This was held in the front showroom where they have a bar set up and the caterers walked around serving hors d'oeuvres on trays. There's another bar on the second level mezzanine with a view of the showroom up front and large open party space in the back of the building. This venue is absolutely stunning! The way the venue was set up was so gorgeous too. Large long farm tables, beautiful flowers, succulents, and potted herbs served as centerpieces, and lots of warm candlelight throughout. I love the rustic feel of the space, with exposed brick walls and wood & steel beams.

Guests were seated for dinner, then prayers from Courtney's aunt & Sam's two sisters, just before a fabulous meal was served! The caterers were wonderful - highly recommend. Salmon, rice pilaf, and roasted asparagus were just a few on the things on the menu. We certainly enjoyed working with a great team of vendors. Everyone was professional and friendly. And working with Dan at On Target DJ is always a wonderful experience. He keeps the evening flowing - not only as a DJ, but he's also on point as an emcee.

After dinner, the toasts were made and then Sam and Courtney did their first dance. Afterwards the dance floor opened up to everyone and I can't remember seeing that many out on the dance floor in the longest time. This was a fun group of people! My favorite part of the evening is the traditional Jewish dance called the Horah, when the couple is lifted up in chairs and everyone dances around them. Its always such a joyous occasion.

Although it rained most of the evening, it finally cleared, so they were able to set up fire pits and s'more's out on the patio. It was a great way to end the evening! Sam & Courtney did not do a traditional cake-cutting, however they had a small wedding cake to serve to guests along with key lime pie bites and mini chocolate brownies for dessert. And they didn't do a grand exit at the end of the evening, nor one at the beginning of the reception. That's what makes every wedding & couple so unique - you can always make it your own!

Sam and Courtney were an absolute joy to work with and we're wishing them the best of luck settling in their new home in a new city. They got married, honeymooned in Costa Rica, moved half way across country from the DC area, and all within two months of each other. Sam took a physician's position in St. Louis, MO, so the newlyweds have many new things in store for them! Hopefully they'll make it back to Greensboro, Courtney's hometown soon :)

ceremony | Fisher Park

reception | Cadillac Service Garage

officiant | Neal Dunnavant

planning + coordination | Honeybee Occasions

catering, desserts, wedding cake | 1618 On Location

floral design | The Farmers Wife

ceremony music | friends' bluegrass band

cocktail hour music | jazz pianist, Bruce Jonas

reception music | On Target DJ

rentals | Party Makers Event Rentals

ceremony huppah | NC Wedding Arbor Company

hair & makeup | Bliss & Company