Bethany and Ethan met almost 11 years ago, on their very first day of freshman year of college, on the beach in Pensacola, Florida. Fast forward to a fall weekend on Carolina Beach (October is their favorite time to be at the beach!). On a morning walk at their favorite shell-hunting spot, Ethan hid a conch shell while Bethany was looking the other way, then led her right to it. Inside was a note that said “Marry me?” SO sweet, and SO them.
Old Money, Retro, Moody + Romantic
When Bethany and Ethan told me their vision, they used four words: old money, retro, moody, and romantic. The Morehead Inn was the perfect fit. A 1917 home in Charlotte’s Dilworth neighborhood, with chandeliers, antiques, a grand staircase, and a garden courtyard tucked behind the house. It set the tone for the whole day.
Just the Two of Them
These two told me up front that they’re a little shy in front of a camera, Bethany more than Ethan. They’re not big PDA people, but they’re always close: holding hands, leaning in, little touches. So we skipped the stiff posing and let them just be together. Ethan has a ridiculous German accent impression that gets Bethany every time, and her out-of-nowhere quips do the same for him. That laugh in the garden? That’s the real thing.
They told me they wanted their photos to feel like a story, so that years from now their kids would look at them and say, “That’s definitely Mom and Dad.” That’s exactly what I was there for.
And Honey, Of Course
Bethany and Ethan’s favorite way to spend a night in is cuddled up on the couch with their dog, Honey, so there was no question she’d be part of the day. She got some sweet moments with Bethany before the ceremony, then walked down the aisle with the wedding party, all dressed up and loving every second of the attention.
A Courtyard Ceremony
They said “I do” in the inn’s brick courtyard with their people gathered close all around them.
Dinner Under the Chandeliers
Dinner was inside at long tables under the chandeliers, and I ran up the grand staircase for this view of the whole room. Music and concerts are a big part of what brought Bethany and Ethan together early on, so of course the night ended on the dance floor.
Bethany and Ethan, thank you for trusting me with your day. Working with you two was such a joy, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you (hopefully somewhere with a beach and a rum cocktail for Ethan!).
Planning your own Morehead Inn wedding? Here’s my guide to The Morehead Inn, and I’d love to hear about your day here.
Vendors
- Venue: The Morehead Inn
- Photography: Emmy Kienast Photography
- Planner: Near & Far Event Co.
- Florist: Bubbly and Bright Event Design
- Catering: Something Classic
- Cake: Sweet As Honey Cake (the bride herself!)
- Hair + Makeup: AnnaGraceMakeup
- Music: AAM Entertainment
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