So, so excited to see Gabrielle and Will’s *incredible* Castle Hill Inn wedding featured on Style Me Pretty today! This wedding was an absolute dream from start to finish. Check out the feature to see some of my very favorite pictures from their day!

The post Gabrielle and Will’s Wedding Featured on Style Me Pretty appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

Gabrielle and Will’s Castle Hill Inn wedding was one of the highlights of my year – I’m not sure where to begin with how lovely this day was! For starters, this couple is just the sweetest. They were so trusting and flexible, and I have loved getting to know them over the course of their engagement!

Their Castle Hill Inn wedding was filled to the brim with the loveliest details and nods to their personalities! While it’s hard to pick a favorite, I absolutely loved their travel themed escort card wall that featured globes from their favorite destinations and paper airplanes for each guest. Isn’t that such a fun way to touch on their love to visit new places and explore?? I just love it.

And my goodness the florals – be still my heart! Stoneblossom knocked it out of the park with the most breathtaking floral installation above the head table. Such a show-stopping design element and one of the prettiest receptions I’ve ever photographed. Plus, y’all know how I feel about a blue color palette!

This wedding was an absolute dream from start to finish! Congrats again, Gabrielle and Will!

Photographer: Emily March Photography | Venue: Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island | Event Planning and Design: Leila James Events | Florals: Stoneblossom Florals | Videography: Artistic Wedding Films | Rentals: Ryan Designs and Peak Event Services | Cake: Confectionery Designs | Paper Goods: Wouldn’t it be Lovely | HMU: New Leaf Weddings | Bride’s Dress: Dana Harel Design | Ceremony Music: Golden Scroll Soloists | Reception Band: Clockwork Boston Band | Film Processing: Photovision Prints

The post Gabrielle + Will’s Castle Hill Inn Wedding appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

Earlier this year, I had the best time photographing the Atrium’s Open House! This was my first time visiting this venue in downtown Wilmington, and now I’m in love with it. It’s such a unique, open air space that works so well for a variety of styles. I loved the pink and peach hues Salt Harbor chose in their design – it’s been months and I am still SO in love with these florals! And if you can believe it, the weather was *terrible* on this day – always on the verge of raining or sprinkling with grey skies. Gross! But with clean white walls and lots of light, The Atrium certainly stays beautiful even when the weather isn’t. If you’re getting married in the Wilmington area, I highly recommend taking a look here!

Venue: The Atrium by Ligon Flynn in Wilmington, NC | Design and Florals: Salt Harbor Designs | Photography: Emily March Photography | Specialty Rentals: Martha My Dear Rentals | Place Settings: Great Day Soiree | Champagne Flutes: Party Suppliers and Rentals | Linens and Draping: Party Tables | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | Catering: Salt and Charm | Desserts: Spoonfed Kitchen | Neon Sign: Sociable Designs | Light Letters: Alpha Lit | Live Painter: Durrett Designs | Violin: The Wedding Violinist | HMU: Citrine Beauty | Dress: Coastal Knot | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints

The post The Atrium Wilmington Wedding Inspiration appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

This Wrightsville Beach maternity session is the stuff if dreams! Beautiful light, the sweetest pair and the cutest baby on the way :) If Bri and Eddie look a little familiar, it’s because they modeled for this shoot I did with Kickstand Events a couple years ago – and absolutely *crushed* it. These two are naturals in front of the camera!

Since I’m not the best at blogging, the baby that Bri is carrying in these pictures is almost a year old – and the cutest little guy! I adore this session, so better late than never with sharing it :)

The post Bri + Eddie’s Wrightsville Beach Maternity Session appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

Brittany is an absolute dream girl to have in front of the camera. Her North Carolina film bridal session at The Machaven earlier this year still makes my photographer heart so happy!

When I first met Brittany and her then fiancé, Nathan, at their engagement session, I remember thinking  how natural they were with posing – they were easygoing, joyful and effortlessly romantic. Everything you want from engagement pictures!

And Brittany’s bridal session was no different! Her Vera Wang dress was one of my favorite gowns all year – that bow! I could not stop talking about how much I adored her dress. It was perfectly Brittany and she wore it like an absolute queen.

But one of my favorite parts of working with Brittany (and so many of my clients) is how trusting she was of my direction and ideas. The double exposure you see above is easily my favorite image from her session – can you believe the frame of the birds and flowers came from a seat cushion?!

Brittany, you’re the best and I’m so grateful I got to photograph your beautiful face this year! Your bridal session was a creative dream – thanks for being my model for one of my favorite pictures ever :)

Photography by Emily March Photography | Venue The Machaven in Rocky Mount, North Carolina | Gown by Vera Wang | Hair and Makeup by Beauty with Alys

The post Brittany’s North Carolina Film Bridal Session appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

In their own words, Elisabeth and Owen described themselves as “bubbly and energetic” – and I’m pretty sure their Bald Head Island engagement session proves that to a T! These two are a couple of the sweetest people, and their easygoing and joyful personalities made them so much fun to photograph. Their pictures are all smiles and I just love that! Elisabeth grew up going to Bald Head Island every summer, so planning her engagement session and wedding in such a meaningful place has been so fun to be a part of.

This was my first time to BHI, and I am officially in love! As we meandered beside Old Baldy Lighthouse, across the marsh and around the marina, I kept thinking that this was a truly special place and unlike anywhere I’d really ever been before. Just far enough from the mainland to make it feel separate, like you’ve found a quiet little paradise. But an easy boat right to get to charming Southport and all your essentials. Safe to say I cannot wait to be back in this beautiful place for their wedding this fall!

Elisabeth and Owen, stay bubbly and energetic because it’s the best! Thank you so much for showing me around a place that carries such meaning for you two! Can’t wait to get y’all married!

Film Processing by Photovision Prints

The post Elisabeth + Owen’s Bald Head Island Engagement Session appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

Where do I begin with Carly and Henry’s West Village engagement session?? For starters, it was as if all the stars aligned to give us the most beautiful evening for pictures. Clear skies gave way to perfect golden light on New York City’s first warm day of the year. Everyone was out – restaurant patios were overflowing, sunbathers crowded Washington Square Park until you could hardly see the grass and nearly all the streets were filled with people going here and there enjoying the beautiful weather.

But, because this evening was *perfect* we snagged a spot at Jeffrey’s Grocery no problem where Carly and Henry did what they do best – enjoy oysters and wine ;) From there we wandered over to a quiet street lined with the prettiest brownstones. I thought we’d be dodging photo bombers and crowds, but nope! Apart from a few other pedestrians, we basically had the place to ourselves! Then we finished our stroll to the waterfront where we enjoyed the last bit of sunset and pretended the skyline view on the other side was Brooklyn (hint: it’s that other state haha).

And as if all that wasn’t enough for my photographer heart, Carly and Henry had to go and be the two sweetest humans alive. I loved exploring their neighborhood with them as much I as loved just hanging out with them. From Carly’s affection for their height difference (relatable!) to the way Henry just looks at Carly like he’s infatuated with every cell of her being, these two are the best. Safe to say I’m *so excited* for their wedding at Castle Hill Inn this fall.

Thanks for bringing me up to the city, friends! It was so fun spending such a perfect evening with you both!

Film Processing by Photovision Prints

The post Carly + Henry’s West Village Engagement Session appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Gabrielle and Will’s Central Park engagement session was an absolute dream! When I woke up early, early that morning to meet them at sunrise, I was prepared for at least half a dozen other couples to be there as well. But as we took pictures on the steps of Bethesda Terrace and along the path that crosses Bow Bridge, we hardly saw a soul. We had the entire place to ourselves – something I didn’t even know was possible. This typically popular spot (no matter the time of day) was quiet and beautiful with the softest sunrise light cascading over it. It was a pinch me moment for me :)

The rest of their session was just as dreamy as we talked about their wedding later this summer at Castle Hill Inn, how they like living in New York City and their upcoming plans. Their easygoing affection and laidback personalities made them actual dream humans to photograph! We finished up our time together with some much-needed coffee, and I left knowing that these would be some of my very favorite pictures.

Gabrielle and Will – I have loved getting to know you both! Thank you so much for having me. Your session was a bucket list moment for me, and I’m so grateful for it! Can’t wait for August!

Film Processing by PhotoVision Prints

The post Gabrielle + Will’s Central Park Engagement Session appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

In my nearly twelve years as a wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to work at some really lovely romantic destination wedding venues here in the states. On top of that, my travels across the US and Europe have allowed me to explore places that are incredibly beautiful and often find their place on my venue bucket list! So, from the rolling vineyard-covered hills of California to the colorful streets of Charleston to the historic beauty of France, here are a few my favorite romantic destination wedding venues!

All images are shot on film and were developed/processed by the amazing team at Photovision Prints!

Sunstone Villa | Santa Ynez, CA

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley, Sunstone Villa and Winery is among the most notable and beautiful venues California has to offer. Modeled after a French villa, the main house was built using reclaimed materials sourced from throughout France. Surrounded by vineyards and valley views, Sunstone Villa offers couples a romantic and luxurious experience.

__________________________

William Aiken House | Charleston, SC

Take a stroll down Charleston’s famed King Street and you’ll eventually come to a butter yellow historic mansion – the William Aiken House. Take a peek through the wrought iron gates and you’ll find quant grounds, classically Southern wraparound porches and a healthy dose of historic charm. Top that off with ornate ballrooms and it’s no wonder it’s one of Charleston’s most sought-after wedding venues.

__________________________

The Cotswolds, England

While technically not a venue itself, The Cotswolds is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to countless historic properties that make for incredible wedding venues. Offering actual castles (like Sudeley Castle or Clearwell Castle) as well as expansive estates and manors (like Hamswell House or Euridge Manor), the Cotswolds has lots of romantic destination wedding venues to choose from. Plus, the Cotwolds is less than two hours from bustling London, which make it easily accessible for guests traveling in for the wedding.

__________________________

Musée Rodin | Paris, France

Rich in history and Parisian charm, the Musée Rodin in Paris, France is the perfect backdrop for couples who want an elegant and romantic affair. Once the workshop of famed sculptor, Auguste Rodin, this space now houses the nearly his entire collection of sculptures, as well as pieces by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A dream venue for art lovers, the Rodin Museum also offers extensive gardens and beautiful architecture, making this venue one of my absolutes favorite on this list. Which, given my tremendous love of art museums, is no surprise!

__________________________

A Private Villa in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

A tropical location had to make this list, of course! And while I’ve seen many beautiful beaches, my heart really loves Costa Rica. The town of Tamarindo along the western coast is known for fun nightlife, great surfing and expansive beaches – all of which will make an incredibly fun experience for your guests. And with villas dotting the hills above, it’s perfect location for an elopement or micro wedding. Just be sure to schedule around the rainy season (September and October) as we learned during this shoot from a few years ago! Stay in Tamarindo has a number of exclusive homes available for events, many with beautiful views of the beach and bay below.

__________________________

Scribe Winery | Sonoma, CA

Ideal for smaller or micro weddings, Scribe Winery is perfect for couples hoping to have a laidback, yet elevated wedding. The wedding I shot here remains one of my very favorites to this day! Imagine sipping chilled rose as the sun sets over acres of vineyards, surrounded by your nearest and dearest. If that sounds like your dream wedding, then look no further.

__________________________

The Hilltops of Tirol, Austria

If soaring epic views and lush golden sunlight stretching across quant towns is more your style, then the Tirol region of Austria is absolutely sublime. My favorite backdrop is from just above the town of Ellmau – it the perfect setting for intimate vows and family-centered celebration.

__________________________

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens | Miami, FL

Located just south of bustling Miami, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers couples Old World charm with coastal romance. Towering oak trees provide ample shade (and that gorgeous dappled light I love so much) over wandering pathways that lead to quant, hidden gardens. The property’s Mediterranean-style architecture makes it the perfect venue for couple’s who want a European taste to their stateside wedding.

__________________________

The South of France

I know, another region, not a venue, but can you blame me?? In my opinion, I’ve save the best for last :) With luxury farmhouses and chateaus aplenty, the South of France (most notably, Provence) is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the world for a wedding. A few notable venues in the area are Le Mas des Poiriers, Château d’Estoublon, Château Martinay and Château de Fonscolombe.  And if another region of France is calling you, then Château de Mairy in Champagne and the Château de Carsix and Château de Village outside Paris are all amazing!

__________________________

So many beautiful places to choose from – how will you ever decide? And the amazing things is that these locations are just the tip of the iceberg. The world is a beautiful place – there are countless locations on every continent (ok, Antarctica might be tough) that are home to romantic destination wedding venues. And once you find the perfect venue for your wedding, I’ll be right here with my passport ready to document every bit of that incredible day!

Emily is a destination wedding photographer based along the Carolina Coast. She loves natural light, colorful flowers and is available to travel worldwide. Inquire to receive a custom wedding photography proposal and reserve your date below.

The post Romantic Destination Wedding Venues appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.

It’s not secret that Brendan and I love to travel, but with two kiddos in tow these days, it can be tricky to carve out trips for just the two of us! Last summer my parents offered to spend a weekend with the girls, so we spent a long weekend in Miami – it was bliss! One of my must-dos for our trip was to visit the absolutely stunning Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. A Vizcaya Museum wedding has been on my bucket list for years, so it was so fun to explore the property, meander about in hidden gardens and fall in love with the architecture and design of this gorgeous villa. I couldn’t help but shoot a few rolls of film as I wandered about :)

It’s almost impossible for me to pick a favorite spot, however I really loved the Tea House. It would be such a pretty vignette for portraits! But the beautiful texture and Mediterranean style found throughout the gardens shaded by tall oak trees was also the dreamiest. Like I said – impossible to choose! After a couple hours of exploring, I left feeling utterly inspired – and already itching to go back.

Film Processing by Photovision Prints

The post Vizcaya Museum & Gardens appeared first on Emily March Photography | Coastal North Carolina and Destination Wedding Photographer.