Maria and Russell have been all over my blog. Since getting engaged last fall, I've
photographed them at Roosevelt Island, where Russell proposed, and they were super-awesome in my
promotional video. But that was all in preparation for their ridiculously cool, family-filled, bangin' destination wedding at Charlotte's
Levine Museum of the New South. As always, Russell was super-hip and Maria was stunning.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-1-2 wedding photographer Amber Wilkie](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-1-2.jpg)
Their wedding favors pretty much say it all.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-1 fortune cookie wedding favors](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-1.jpg)
They both got ready in separate rooms at the
Charlotte Marriott City Center.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-6 bride and friends help with getting ready in charlotte, nc](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-6.jpg)
Then we all headed a couple blocks over to the
Levine Museum of the New South. Though Maria and Russell both live in Northern Virginia, they met in Charlotte, and so chose to do a Charlotte destination wedding. The Levine museum was so cool, as you will see in a second.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-9 putting on the wedding dress at levine museum of the new south](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-9.jpg)
Meanwhile, the boys "invented" a new game that involved throwing bottle caps and, naturally, drinking beers.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-16 groom portrait at charlotte destination wedding](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-16.jpg)
Toldja it was a cool museum. There were a whole bunch of these little sets throughout the museum - a tiny church, even a "watching TV" mini set.
I found out the flower girl was crying because she wanted to walk down the aisle with Maria, not by herself.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-19 bride processional at levine museum of the new south](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-19.jpg)
Ah, technology.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-22 beautiful destination wedding in charlotte, nc](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-22.jpg)
Huge props to
Megan Noonan, who came all the way down from Woodbridge for this wedding. This photo below is hers and I love how her flash on the skylight caused all these crazy reflections.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-23 levine museum of the new south destination wedding](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-23.jpg)
Doin' it big.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-25 destination wedding photojournalism](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-25.jpg)
Then I got to grab the two of them for some more portraits inside the museum. They had an entire "back" of the bus mini-set.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-36 speeches during charlotte destination wedding](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-36.jpg)
The gentlest cake smash ever.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-38 smashing cupcakes during levine museum of the new south destination wedding](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-38.jpg)
Maria's grandfather has played harmonica at many family celebrations over the years, and he serenaded Maria and Russell for their wedding.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-41 first dance at levine museum of the new south](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-41.jpg)
Yes, that is Maria's mom.
![Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-63 bride and groom at the end of the levine museum of the new south destination wedding](http://www.amberwilkie.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Maria-Russell-wedding-blogging-63.jpg)
Congratulations you guys!
Maria and Russell's vendor team:
Ceremony and reception:
Levine Museum of the New South
"Getting ready" venue:
Charlotte Marriott City Center
Caterer & Cupcakes:
Delectables by Holly
Florist:
The Blossom Shop
Maria's fabulous dress:
J. Majors Bridal Boutique
DJ:
Split Second Sound
Rentals: Best Impressions Party Linen Rentals, Inc.