It all started in high school when Skyler asked to borrow a shirt from JJ for spirit week. She says that because of this, she made the first move, but JJ disagrees!!

From there, they started dating through high school and moved to Raleigh as JJ went to NC State and Skyler went to Meredith. A classic pairing!!!

As is tradition for NCSU and Meredith couples, they chose to have their ceremony in the chapel on Meredith’s campus, followed by a reception at the Park Alumni Center—two very special, iconic locations for alumni! 

Their day was beautiful and emotional from the beginning. Skyler in her beautiful gown pushed her dad to tears during their first look. Dads who cry during the first look is a sure sign that the bride is a daddy’s girl, and Skyler sure is. 

After wiping the tears away, we made it over to the chapel in time for the ceremony. I absolutely love Meredith’s chapel. It is so classy and elegant, full of light, and allows for multiple angles with the balcony (plus it doesn’t have any red carpet!!! If you know, you know!!!). 

Skyler and JJ felt like the reception was going to be high energy and wanted to avoid cutting the party short with a sparkler exit, so we decided on a ceremony exit to get the same celebration look without the disruption. 

This feels so classic to me. While we weren’t able to use birdseed or rice (venue rules; you always have to check those), the guests each had ribbon streamers that they waved through the air, and honestly, I think I love this more. It just provides so much movement and is easier for the camera to see (and no cleanup!). 

There’s a little bit of logistics when it comes to a setup like this. After the ceremony you’ll need a location to exit to and hide for a minute while guests are getting set up. You’ll have your planner or wedding director in charge of organizing guests to exit and then line up outside. They can hand the streamers out (or whatever you’re using to celebrate with), and then walk through them as a couple! 

Don’t forget!!! Make sure to remind family and the bridal party to stay afterwards for photos after everyone is released to join the cocktail hour and reception.

As all the guests headed to the reception, Skyler, JJ, and I headed off for portraits. We were able to get a few minutes of photos in before a summer shower popped up out of nowhere. 

Summer is full of unpredictable weather, so I ALWAYS schedule multiple portrait times in a day, so if one gets rained out, then we have the other one for safety. 

Skyler and JJ’s second portrait time actually became some of my favorite portraits I have ever taken, and we were able to do this without any stress, still having the day that they wanted. 

After that, the night was on! A band from Skyler and JJ’s hometown of Roxboro played all night keeping the energy high. Skyler had an outfit change with a custom LED screen hat that everyone loved! I had never seen that before at a wedding!

One of the perks of doing a ceremony exit is I was able to leave early without stopping the party for a photo op… Because everyone knows, once the photographer leaves, your guests can really let loose!

I loved being able to capture Skyler and JJ’s wedding day and hope to see more NC State Meredith couples in my future!! 

If you’re recently engaged, I would love to hear more about your day and what you have planned!