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.
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Their wedding favors pretty much say it all.
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They both got ready in separate rooms at the
Charlotte Marriott City Center.
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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.
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Meanwhile, the boys "invented" a new game that involved throwing bottle caps and, naturally, drinking beers.
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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.
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Ah, technology.
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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.
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Doin' it big.
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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.
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The gentlest cake smash ever.
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Maria's grandfather has played harmonica at many family celebrations over the years, and he serenaded Maria and Russell for their wedding.
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Yes, that is Maria's mom.
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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.