“These pictures are STUNNING!! I’m going to be glued to my phone for the next year looking at all of these over and over!!”

Cue the tearsss when Valentina & Justin sent me this text after receiving their wedding day sneak peeks. What an incredible day celebrating these two with a laid-back intimate wedding at Morning Glory Farm, a really amazing venue right outside of Charlotte.

From the ceremony under sunny, clear skies to the evening downpour, this sweet couple embraced every moment of the day (planned and unexpected) – and it created a once-in-a-lifetime memory for everyone. Congrats you babes!

Valentina & Justin’s Laid-Back Wedding at Morning Glory Farm

A long-awaited, intimate summer celebration

This was such an amazing, intimate wedding day!! Valentina and Justin actually started dating back in high school, and were close to their 10-year dating anniversary when it came time to tie the knot. They were so thrilled to hang out with their people in a casual, laid-back way – no toasts, no intense fanfare, and no traditions just for the sake of tradition. Both are a little shy and don’t love being the center of attention, so they focused their day on creating an experience not just for them… but for their loved ones. 

And one of my favorite aspects of this celebration? Neither Valentine nor Justin have social media, so they planned exactly the wedding they wanted, with no outside influence. How beautiful is that?! It can be tricky to hone in on what you want, in a world where all you’re seeing is what everyone else is doing… but if you can manage to quiet the noise and opinions of everyone else, you can come back to what matters most: YOUR love, YOUR desires, and YOUR opinions. As your photographer, I’ll always remind you of that throughout the process <3

A casual morning getting ready with friends

On theme with keeping the day simple and carefree, Valentina and her friends did their own hair and makeup the morning of. I think I need them to teach me a thing or two, because they looked like princesses all dressed up in their gowns – V in a dreamy dress by local designer Meagan Kelly, and her girlies in soft shades of pastel green, blue, and yellow. Valentina’s dress, the Persephone, was the perfect pick for her timeless summer wedding with a sculpted bodice, a delicate neckline, and an enchanting flowing skirt. I’d say everyone was in agreement about this, because the reaction she got from her friends, as well as her dad, during her two first looks was so precious.

P.S. Fair warning if you hire me – I WILL be spending the entire day hyping you up, just like I did Valentina and her girls while they got ready. She even sent me this sweet text right after the wedding:

“You are amazing and your energy and presence was just precisely what I needed throughout the day. You also made me feel so beautiful with all your comments hahaha just wanted to say thank you!!!”

My heartttt. 

Sun-drenched vows among the trees

When it was finally time for these two to get hitched, Valentina walked down the aisle, where her soon-to-be hubby waited for her in front of the most heavenly arbor. Their florists, LKN Flowers & Poppy Flowers Co, absolutely killed it with this design – an asymmetrical arch split in two, bursting with ethereal white flowers that looked straight out of a fairytale. Val said her vows in Spanish – her native tongue, as she’s Chilean – and it was a heartwarming ceremony to witness. The love she and Justin share was so obvious, and you could tell they were so thrilled to finally be celebrating this moment after so long!

A stormy & romantic reception in the greenhouse

After gorgeous weather all day, a thunderstorm rolled in during dinner really quickly and unexpectedly (although totally on brand for NC), and rain started hitting the greenhouse LOUDLY right over where everyone was eating. It was quite a memorable time, but luckily everyone was so cool about it! And honestly, how could you not be when celebrating in such a picturesque venue? The dazzling chandeliers swaying from the ceiling, the endless natural light, the greenery through the windows, and the signature cocktails + dinner everyone was enjoying… it was certainly a night to remember, rain and all. Wishing ALL the best to Valentina, Justin, and all the wonderful guests who supported them as they stepped into marriage together!

Vendors

Planner: A Simple Affair Events | @asimpleaffairevents

Dress: Meagan Kelly Designs | @meagankellydesigns

Caterer: Best Impressions | @bestimpressionscaterers

Entertainment: DJs On The Half Shell | @thedjonthehalfshell

Florist: LKN Flowers & Poppy Flowers Co | @lknflowers @poppyflowersco 

About Morning Glory Farm, a Private Estate Wedding Venue in Charlotte, NC

Morning Glory Farm is hands-down one of the most stunning venues in the greater Charlotte area. I seriously can’t recommend it enough if you’re looking for a romantic setting to get married, one that feels more like the European countryside than a farm just minutes from the biggest city in North Carolina. Not only is the entire venue abundant with dreamy greenery, gorgeous lighting, and vibrant florals – it’s also family-owned, so you really get that cozy, homey feel at every turn. From working with the helpful venue staff to choosing one of many picturesque spots for your ceremony & reception, getting married at Morning Glory Farm is a DREAM!

Speaking of picturesque spots, this farm has seemingly endless spectacular spaces for you to tie the knot: the estate itself, multiple “secret garden”-esque spots among the trees, rolling grassy fields and even an indoor greenhouse… the possibilities are truly endless. And every space is entirely flexible, allowing you to create a wedding that’s uniquely yours – whether you’re looking to keep that quaint, charming backyard wedding feel or something a tad more elevated. Either way, you’re going to looove the slow mornings, the sunny afternoons, and the poppin’ evenings on the dance floor that come with weddings at Morning Glory Farm 💃

How many guests can Morning Glory Farm accommodate?

According to The Knot, Morning Glory Farm has space for up to 200 guests! With their spacious property featuring an estate, greenhouse, garden room, & more, there’s plenty of room to hang out with all your favorite people – without having to cut anyone from the guest list.

How much does it cost to get married at Morning Glory Farm?

Morning Glory Farm doesn’t list current packages or pricing on its website, so I’d suggest reaching out to the venue directly for up-to-date info. Def schedule a tour of the venue, too, if you want to get a feel for the beauty of this setting IRL!

Wedding Photography Packages at Morning Glory Farm

Have we met yet (virtually or IRL)?! If not, I’m Katelyn, a Charlotte-based wedding photographer. I’m SO thrilled you’ve found your person — and now, maybe even your venue. Next up on the wedding to-do list: finding a photographer you’re obsessed with, and that’s where I come in!

If you’re looking for someone to capture you and your love honestly, give you artwork that feels like you, and support you in planning your best day ever… then congratulations: you’ve found your girl. Get in touch here and let’s get your wedding at Morning Glory Farm on the books, yeah?!

---

Not into the whole farm/barn vibe? No prob – North Carolina has tons of gorgeous wedding venues that AREN’T barns. Check out my favorites here!