Thinking about how I want to write a blog about Ben and Eilidh’s Fayetteville Garden Room Wedding, I have to admit: I’m a bit intimidated. You see, Ben and Eilidh are both wordsmiths. As a matter of fact, the moment I met Ben he was writing poetry next to me at Puritan’s bar counter. A place we both call a home away from home was where he and I started the wedding day as well.

This was my first Fayetteville Garden Room wedding since new ownership and I was excited to see all the updates in person.

Eilidh was all smiles, all day. Maybe it had something to do with marrying a dreamy poet in a dreamy venue surrounded by the sweetest family and friends.

Eilidh shared a beautiful first look moment with her father. We found a secluded spot moments before the ceremony for the two to connect privately. You can see the love and pride on his face for his daughter, and the way he wraps his hands around her completely gets me.

Then it was time for a ceremony! On a day that had a 95% chance of rain, the sunlight that lit the ceremony was a welcome sight.

An emotional groom ranks high on my list of favorite things. But when it’s a friend you see tearing up, there are no words.

This is maybe my favorite image from the day. Requiring no direction from me, the couple walked away to have a private moment after the ceremony. I threw on my “paparazzi” lens and captured the moment below.

Then it was time to grab some portraits at Old Main lawn. I was thrilled the rain was gone for their wedding portraits.

And when the couple loves each other like this, my work is simple… push the button, Dale.

Hey Garden Room, I have a new photo for your website. 😉

Some photographers turn their nose up at party pics (“hey party pics guy!”), but not me! I love people so much. Interacting with others is my favorite!

As the sun got lower in the sky, I kept my on it. Once it hit the perfect spot, I pulled Ben and Eilidh away for a few of my signature “benny backlight” portraits. Ahhh the warm glow of a setting sun ☀️.

Time for a dinner and a party.

Alas it was time for a last dance. I played around with slow shutters and zooms and knew immediately I was on to something cool.

Oh wait… Garden Room, HERE is the new photo for your website!! So much joy!

But wait… there’s more! Ben and Eilidh have a tradition that we had to capture as they left for the evening.

Well, there you have it. Ben and Eilidh, I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek of your wedding photos! I hope I hit the timeline right on your honeymoon and you are, indeed, experiencing this post from a Parisian cafe. Love y’all.

To everyone else, thanks for being here!

Talk to you soon,

Dale