Eclectic Wedding Ceremony at The Varsity Theatre and The Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill with Mimi & David

Mimi & David had planned for an outdoor wedding at the NC Botanical Gardens but the weather had other thoughts. Due to the extreme heat, they decided to move their wedding ceremony into The Varsity Theatre. As a Chapel Hill Wedding Photographer, these venues allowed for space to be creative with the outdoor gardens versus indoor theatre vibes.

When they were looking for wedding photographers they found inspiration in Jenny & Brandon’s Wedding at NCBG, and felt that my photography style fit the outdoor vision they had for their wedding day. Their dream wedding scene was for an intimate group of family and friends to be present and to create memories that would be remembered for decades to come. Mimi shared that she had many lasting childhood memories in the NC Botanical Gardens and what better place to create the memory of a lifetime with David than this special place?

Mimi & David first met in high school in 2005, but it was not until much later that their love story began. Although most of their relationship took place in a long distance manner, they were finally able to explore their lives together when David moved from California to the Big Island of Hawaii due to the pandemic. (Thank goodness for remote work, right?) The year and a half of island life passed by fast and memories were made in paradise, but before they knew it they were back state side in Philadelphia where the couple currently resides.

When I met her, Mimi had recently graduated from grad school. She now works in a renewable energy company, while David works as a lawyer. In between their busy schedules, the couple finds time to travel, make music together, and cook together. The latter of the two hobbies were huge priorities for their dream wedding day. They both had pictured a laid back and intimate day with live music and really good food, and that is exactly the kind of party they had.

On their wedding day, the heat was unbearable and due to the outdoor nature of the NC Botanical Gardens a backup plan was needed! The Varsity Theatre was thankfully a short walk away and became the stage for their wedding ceremony, quite literally! The couple was able to incorporate the hand made floral arrangements in the theatre and as vows were exchanged and their family and friends cheered them on, there was nothing but smiles and happiness all around. Their recessional was one to remember as they walked down their own red carpet hand in hand, with my flashing lights capturing the start of forever for this movie star couple.

The couple later returned to the gardens to continue their reception, where there was food, music, and dancing galore. Cultures were shared and mad juggling skills were performed but most importantly, Mimi & David’s love was celebrated in a beautiful, one of a kind way.

Vendors

Venue: NC Botanical Gardens and The Varsity Theatre

Officiant: Rabbi Aaron Herman

Catering: Tandem

Entertainment: Corda Entertainment (Ceremony Music), Sam Hill Entertainment - Dance Candy (Reception Band)

Dress: Sabrina Ann Bridal

Hair: Caroline Cey

Make Up: Anne Teicher

Rings: Peter Wasserman (Tokaj, Hungary)

Handwritten Stationary/Items: NoNo Flores