It’s ALWAYS an honor getting to document any couple’s special day, but it’s especially amazing when that couple includes one of my old co-workers from way back when! Okay, maybe it wasn’t wayyyy back when, only like 9 years ago. . . but still. Photographing Sarah, who I worked with at a restaurant back in 2015, and Greg’s fall wedding at Whitehead Manor was so much fun! Can’t believe we’ve stayed connected through social media ever since, and that it led to me getting to photograph her wedding day. Time flies when you’re having fun—and flew it did on this amazing day, too 😉
Sarah & Greg’s Fall Wedding at Whitehead Manor
A timeless, classic aesthetic through & through
I already knew Sarah had good taste, but when she told me about her vision of a really classic aesthetic for their wedding at Whitehead Manor, I knew that the day was going to be killerrrr. Matching the vibes of your wedding to the vibes of the venue you chose (an elegant, Victorian-style manor, in this case) is just *chef’s kiss* and always makes for an effortlessly beautiful day. The day was painted with a classy color palette of black, white, gray, gold, and emerald green; a timeless selection that blended so seamlessly with the lavish atmosphere of the venue.
Sarah wore a stunning, ever-so-elegant white bridal gown with a deep V neckline, ruffled sleeves, and a silky train that trailed behind her like the queen she is. With her exquisite choice of gown + the endless pearls adorning her ears, neck, and ankles, and the loose curls of her hair, she looked every bit a timeless, effortlessly elegant bride—I was obsessed! Her groom got ready in a separate part of the manor, getting dressed in a classic black tux with a white undershirt, solid black tie, and a boutonniere featuring a singular white rose. I swear these two could’ve been modeling for the cover of a bridal magazine, or walking down an epic aisle to their respective thrones with how royal they looked! The fashion sense was flawless.
A sweet pre-ceremony first look (or two)
It was really important to Sarah and Greg that they were able to be present as much as possible throughout their wedding day, so they decided to do a first look. This way, we could get most of the photos out of the way before their ceremony, and they could just enjoy the rest of the day with their loved ones without having to worry about keeping their hair/makeup perfect, or finding a good time to slip out!
Sarah first had a sweet first look with her dad out on the porch, and then made her way to her soon-to-be husband, who was waiting so (im)patiently underneath the ceremony arbor. First looks alwayssss get the emotions flowing, and are by far one of my favorite wedding moments to capture.
Dreamy wedding portraits among the Whitehead Manor greenery
After having a few special moments to themselves, Sarah and Greg were joined by their wedding party for some killer portraits! I was in LOVE with the lush greenery of the garden, and the way the bridesmaids’ emerald green dresses blended in was utter perfection. I swear I barely had to do anything—these women knew exactly what to do, and looked freaking gorgeous every time I snapped my shutter! Greg and his guys were a blast to shoot, too; they were just having the time of their lives hanging out in the garden, enjoying the sunshine, and getting a little loose before the ceremony arrived. This is your time to be present with your closest friends and capture some amazing memories that you’ll keep forever—and that’s exactly what this entire group did!
A magical, sunlit garden ceremony
I could not BELIEVE how absolutely breathtaking the ceremony spot at Whitehead Manor looked underneath the fall sunshine—the garden, the leaves, the branches. . . everything was simply glowing in the most magical way! Sarah and Greg exchanged their vows beneath the arch of the garden’s Elm tree, surrounded by the love of their family & friends as they became husband and wife. It was so special witnessing these two tie the knot, and dang, what a beautiful first kiss in front of that epic backlight!
Toasts, kisses, & a poppin’ dance floor
Sarah and Greg ended their day with a series of toasts & speeches, plenty of laughter and love, and a killerrrr dance floor. I’ve been having a blast taking some messy, end-of-the-party photos with my flash. I have to say—they turned out SO fun with all the guests going harddd with the dance moves! Dancing the night away with their loved ones beneath the clear tent, sparkling lights, and the starry night sky was the perfect way to end the evening.
Charlotte, NC wedding vendors:
Venue: Whitehead Manor
Planner: Morgan Haney of Mint To Be
Dress shop: Savvy Bridal Boutique
Dress designer: Mon Bijou
DJ: Split Second Sound
Florist: The Blossom Shop
Groomswear: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & makeup: Cali Stott Artistry
Stationery: Truly Engaging
Rings: Diamonds Direct
About Whitehead Manor
Of course, I couldn’t leave without giving ya some more info about this breathtaking venue. After all, it is one of my all-time favorite wedding venues in Charlotte, NC! Sarah and Greg did a damn good job finding their perfect place to tie the knot. Let’s see if it might be the dream venue for you, too 😉
Stunning Wedding Venue in Charlotte
Located in the SouthPark neighborhood of Charlotte, Whitehead Manor somehow feels sooo far away from the city. As soon as you step foot into this Victorian-era manor, you magically transport from the hustle & bustle of nearby city life into a serene, secluded setting. With luscious gardens, lavish furnishings, and an overall sense of tranquility, Whitehead Manor fosters the perfect atmosphere for your big day. It truly has everything you could want from a Charlotte wedding venue. You get a little bit of Southern charm, a little bit of luxury, and plentyyyy of glitz & glam to help your day shine!
One of the reasons I loveeee this venue is the wide variety of stunning spots it offers for weddings! It is a 3-acre property, so you won’t be short on space, whether you want to celebrate indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both. There’s a giant Elm tree that serves as a natural arbor for your ceremony, perfect if you’re looking for a charming garden vibe. A beautiful, open courtyard surrounded by greenery, with stunning architecture and string lights, is ideal for a reception under the evening sky. There’s also a huge lawn, a clear top tent, a romantic gazebo, multiple wraparound porches and patios. . . I swear I could go on forever. Plus, there’s a TON of space in the house itself! All of these spots are so naturally beautiful already, but can also be customized to fit your own unique day.
What to expect at Whitehead Manor
Aside from the aesthetics, Whitehead Manor is also super practical and offers sooo much to couples who choose to get married there. Here’s a quick peek at some of the best things that are included in Whitehead Manor wedding packages:
- Spacious getting ready rooms
- An on-site wedding coordinator to help you execute your dream day
- On-site parking
- Tables, chairs, linens, & market lighting
- Logistical set up & break down
- Exclusive list of catering vendors
- Clear top reception tent
I don’t know about you, but I was in the second I saw “on-site wedding coordinator”! Whitehead Manor doesn’t have any specific prices listed on their website. However, you can get in touch with them here to book a tour + get a quote for your wedding.
Still looking for your perfect NC venue and want a few more options to browse through? Check out my guide to the Top 5 Modern Wedding Venues in North Carolina!
Charlotte, NC Wedding Photographer
Overall, I had SUCH a blast documenting Sarah & Greg’s fall wedding at Whitehead Manor. It was classy, timeless, and unforgettable from start to finish. What an honor it was to tell the story of the day for these two to look back on!
Whitehead Manor is also an absolutely incredible venue, and one that I’d LOVE to shoot at wayyy more often. So if you’re looking for a Charlotte wedding photographer to document your day at this elegant manor, look no further—you’ve found your gal 😉 When you’re ready to get the party started, fill out my contact form. Let’s create some freakin’ magic together, my friends!
More Charlotte Wedding Resources & Inspiration
Feeling inspired by Sarah & Greg’s day, and want to see more blog posts like it? Check out a few of my favorite Charlotte weddings and wedding-related resources below!
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