Erin and Henry’s early November wedding at The Elia in downtown Wilmington was filled with emotional first looks, beautiful fall light, and one incredible celebration. From portraits in Bijou Park to sunset photos along the Wilmington waterfront, this wedding was the perfect way to wrap up a three-wedding weekend!

VENDORS:

Wedding Venue – The Elia – Downtown Wilmington, NC

Wedding Coordinator – Kinsey Kiser – Brittanie Raquel Events

Makeup Artist – Reyanne Wilke – Makeup by Reyanne | @reyymua

Hair Stylist – @redcarpetreadybysarah

DJ & Entertainment – Kramer – Active Entertainment

Catering – A Thyme Savor

Wedding Cake – Publix

Desserts – A Thyme Savor

Event Rentals – Party Suppliers & Rentals

Wedding Dress – Wona Concept – Anjolique Bridal, Mooresville, NC

Wedding Photography – Chris Zachary Photography

Erin & Henry’s Fall Wedding at The Elia | Downtown Wilmington, NC

The last of a three-wedding weekend, Erin and Henry’s early November wedding at The Elia in downtown Wilmington, NC was exactly the kind of day that reminds me why I love doing this. After two full days of weddings, I was running on fumes, but the second I stepped inside The Elia, I was immediately reenergized. Between the gorgeous venue, the excitement in the getting-ready suite, and an incredible group of people, I knew we were in for a good one!

We kicked things off with some detail and flat lay photos, including hanging Erin’s beautiful wedding dress from one of The Elia’s stunning chandeliers. As hair and makeup was wrapping up, Henry and the guys arrived, which meant a little strategic maneuvering to make sure he didn’t catch a glimpse of his bride on the way to the groom’s suite! Before changing into their dresses, we gathered Erin and her bridesmaids for some fun photos in their matching pajamas along The Elia’s iconic bar. Meanwhile, the guys headed across the street to Bijou Park for their portraits, taking advantage of one of my favorite little spots in downtown Wilmington.

Once Erin was in her gorgeous wedding gown, complete with an underskirt and veil, it was time for one of the most emotional parts of the day. We positioned her dad for a first look with his daughter, and the moment he turned around was incredibly sweet. Shortly afterward, we headed across the street to Bijou Park for Erin and Henry’s first look, using the beautiful ivy-covered wall as our backdrop. With family and the wedding party watching from a distance, Henry turned around to see Erin for the first time and was immediately overcome with emotion. It was one of those moments where the photographs really do tell the whole story. After giving them some time together, we worked through family and wedding party portraits before heading back to The Elia as guests began arriving.

Their ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments, including personal handwritten vows, before the two were officially pronounced husband and wife! With November’s daylight disappearing quickly, we headed right back outside to take advantage of the last of the beautiful fall light while guests enjoyed cocktail hour inside The Elia’s front bar area. We wandered through Bijou Park, made our way down the grand staircase, and continued through downtown Wilmington before eventually reaching the Cape Fear River waterfront for some beautiful sunset portraits. One of my favorite things about photographing weddings at The Elia is having so many different portrait locations within walking distance, giving us a ton of variety without having to travel far from the venue.

Back inside, the reception kicked off with some high-energy wedding party introductions that rolled straight into Erin and Henry’s first dances. Guests enjoyed a plated dinner by A Thyme Savor, followed by heartfelt toasts from the best man and maid of honor. One especially sweet moment was Erin presenting her bouquet to her mom, a little surprise that made the evening even more meaningful. An unannounced cake cutting opened up the dessert table, and from there, Kramer with Active Entertainment took over. The dance floor stayed packed for the rest of the night, right up until Erin and Henry made their grand exit surrounded by sparklers.

After three weddings in one weekend, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to wrap things up. Erin, Henry, their families, and their friends were genuinely so much fun to be around that the entire day flew by. From the emotional first looks to the nonstop dancing, this was one of those weddings that had a little bit of everything. Such an incredible couple, an awesome group of people, and a beautiful November wedding in the heart of downtown Wilmington!

Wedding Photography at The Elia in Downtown Wilmington, NC

Located on North Front Street in historic downtown Wilmington, The Elia is a beautiful wedding venue featuring exposed brick, gorgeous chandeliers, a statement bar, and dedicated getting-ready suites. With Bijou Park just across the street and the Cape Fear River waterfront only a short walk away, The Elia offers an incredible variety of locations for wedding portraits, from intimate first looks surrounded by greenery to romantic sunset photos along the river. For couples looking for a downtown Wilmington wedding venue with modern elegance, historic character, and convenient access to some of the city’s best photo locations, The Elia is definitely worth checking out. As a Wilmington, NC wedding photographer, I love having the opportunity to capture wedding days in spaces that offer this much variety, all within a few blocks!