We had been looking forward to Rachel and Joe’s wedding at Riverwood Manor for quite some time.

Not just because they are two incredible humans, but also because they literally picked out our dream team of vendors. Like, they legit went down our list of all our favorite people to work with and hired every single one of them!

Unfortunately, we didn’t even get to attend.

You read that right: we didn’t attend this wedding. This was sadly the day after Kim’s mom’s funeral and we were in no state (literally, we were in NJ) to photograph a wedding. On their wedding day, our clients deserve our 100%. This day is about them and no one else. Luckily, we have some amazing friends in the business who were able to step in and we trusted completely. Rachel and Joe still got the full Party of Two experience: our editing and big reveal day.

A surprise addition to the Akerman household

Needless to say though, we were pretty damn bummed about missing this wedding! We bonded with them early on when they invited us into their new home as part of their engagement session (see it here!). They introduced us to their adorable dog, Ruby, too. Not too much later, they surprised us by telling us that their family was growing! They were pregnant and due in September!! Rachel was cool as a cucumber despite getting married in July in the South while seven months pregnant. She looked STUNNING.

A few weeks after, we sat with Joe and a very pregnant Rachel on our couch while watching a slideshow of their wedding images. A few weeks after that, Baby JJ joined the family! One day, when they’re looking back through their wedding album as a family, JJ can point to Rachel and say “look, I was there too!”.

Wedding Ceremony at Saint Mark Catholic Church

After getting ready at her house, Rachel and Joe started the day with their wedding ceremony at St. Mark Catholic Church. This is one of the biggest Catholic churches in the area and is absolutely flooded with light, which makes it so gorgeous. Before they arrived at Riverwood manor, they stopped at UNCC Botanical Gardens to take some wedding portraits with them and their bridal party.

Wedding Reception at Riverwood Manor

It’s kind of weird to describe a party that we weren’t at, but that’s the power of photos! Rachel and Joe entered their reception at Riverwood Manor to a roaring crowd, celebrating their new marriage!

One of the best things about a wedding at Riverwood manor is the location and opportunity for pictures right next to the stunning lake. And bonus: the sun sets on the other side of the lake for dreamy portraits.

Photographers: Elly Kinne and Shannon DeLong | Church: Saint Mark Catholic Church | Venue and Catering: Riverwood Manor | Planning: Queen City Planners | Florist: Chelish Moore | Baker: Moore’s Sweets ‘n Treats | DJ: Split Second Sound | Hair and Make-up: Aly Smit | Videography: A Thousand Cranes Productions | Officiant: Father John Putnam | Wedding Dress Designer: Made with Love Bridal | Wedding Dress Purchase Location: Lovely Bride | Suits: JoS A. Bank