When I arrived at the home where she grew up, the wedding day energy was most certainly present.  Aunts and cousins were steadily helping to prepare a special day for these two, Erika & Matt.  The venue for her ceremony was held at St. Mary's Chapel in Charlotte, North Carolina and the reception followed at an even more special place...Home!  It was a beautiful setting with a perfect amount of southern flare from her beautifully adorned tables with fresh flowers to the delicious menu for dinner.  Here are some of my favorite images through out their day.  Must warn you though, I'll probably over post the flower pictures...They.Were.Gorgeous!

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This ring shot was one that Erika requested.  Add a little bokeh and it turns out to be quite magical!

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Peonies...so lovely!

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Matt had written a letter for Erika to read prior to their wedding, here she was taking a few minutes to read this love letter.

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These rings are sitting atop a Bible that was her Great-Grandfather's, Lawrence Hallman. DSC_7803

One of the flower girls, Lila.

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"Lawrence Hallman Sept. 8, 1917" DSC_7819

The necklace she wore, was made from her grandmother's diamond ring.

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Her something old was this beautiful brooch from her Grandmother Bonce. In fact, all of her attendants had one of her brooches on their bouquets.  Wanted to picture them but was over my limit that my hosting site allows for me to post. DSC_7879 In DSC_7953 DSC_7959 DSC_8067

Her dad gave her this sweet letter, talk about tear jerker... DSC_7864

Matt had given her a gift to open...the gift, a pair of diamond stud earrings!!!

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Time to step into the dress...

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Love this next shot, her mom on one side and sister on the other... DSC_8239 DSC_8300 DSC_8275

One of my favorites from her bridal shoot

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This next location was at property that her grandfather owned many years ago.  In fact, he planted those Crape Myrtle tree you see in the background. DSC_9025 DSC_9064 DSC_9192 DSC_8908

Erika & her dad have a very close relationship.  She opted for a first look with him.  Until this day, he had not even seen a picture of her dress until she came out to meet him... DSC_8390 DSC_8394 DSC_8389 DSC_8396 DSC_8397 DSC_8398 DSC_8399 DSC_8402 DSC_8404 DSC_8427

Meanwhile, this handsome groom has arrived!

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Matt gives true meaning to the phrase "a sharp dressed man"!

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The groom's parents! DSC_8356 DSC_8918

One last shot before she walks down the isle...

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Prior to the ceremony, she had the most beautiful music playing...

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Here comes the bride... DSC_8481 DSC_8485

Matt was completely overtaken by emotions... DSC_8493 DSC_8496e DSC_8516e DSC_8518e DSC_8525e

Prayer DSC_8547 DSC_8549 DSC_8538 DSC_8554 DSC_8558 DSC_8578e DSC_8580e DSC_8611 DSC_8701-2 DSC_8741 DSC_8799

The two families together! DSC_8874 DSC_8897 DSC_7756 DSC_7768 DSC_7771 DSC_7747 DSC_7732 DSC_7741 DSC_7707 DSC_7702 DSC_7684 DSC_7683

Meet Mr. & Mrs. Riggi!

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The couple's first dance! DSC_9093 DSC_9101

Erika & her dad's first dance was a very emotional dance for both of them.  Their song, "Sweet Child o' Mine"

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The two flower girls... DSC_8966 DSC_7789 DSC_7796 DSC_8836 DSC_8830 DSC_8839 DSC_8842 DSC_8832 DSC_8812 DSC_7787

Cake cutting DSC_9363 DSC_9365 DSC_9374

Best Man and Maid of Honor DSC_9312 DSC_9333 DSC_9315 DSC_9292 DSC_9305 DSC_9198

They had a photobooth... DSC_9008 DSC_9215 DSC_9399 DSC_9424

This was so cute.  While waiting for the bride & groom to go through their bubble exit, Matt's grandfather was at the head of the line dancing while blowing bubbles.  It just makes you feel good to see others enjoying themselves! DSC_9466 DSC_9478 DSC_9468 DSC_9484 DSC_9472 DSC_9487

And I'll end with one of my favorites shots...so candid, so real!  May the two of you always have this much laughter together! DSC_9489

Erika & Matt, thank you so much for letting me spend this time with you two.  You had a beautiful wedding and I wish you a beautiful life together! DSC_8764 DSC_8624