A Colorful Coastal Beaufort, NC Wedding | Documentary Wedding Photographer | Elise & Mark

An elegant waterfront ceremony and reception in Beaufort, North Carolina with classic, boho, and cottagecore details. Photo coverage including engagement session and rehearsal dinner. Planning by Down To I Do.

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Beaufort NC Wedding Photographer Documentary Style Editorial
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Beaufort NC Wedding Photographer Documentary Style Editorial
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Beaufort NC Wedding Photographer Documentary Style Editorial
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“Wooowwwweeeee They are BEAUTIFUL!!!

Hope you enjoyed your time at Cape Lookout – it was so special to have you be a part of our day!”

~Elise & Mark

A few favorites above… now onto the full experience of this beautiful couple’s wedding weekend. 
This couple chose to do 3 separate sessions of coverage that included their Wedding Day, Rehearsal Dinner Coverage, and a Pre Rehearsal Engagement Session on the same day. I’ll share a brief snippet of their other sessions to set the tone for their incredible ceremony and reception day, which will be shared in detail below. 

ENGAGEMENT SESSION:

To kick off the romantic mood, Elise and Mark opted to schedule a couple session in historic downtown Beaufort before their rehearsal dinner. It was drizzled out, but these two embraced it and allowed the weather to add to the excitement.

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REHEARSAL DINNER:
After their couples session, we did a little change and refresh and met back up for their intimate rehearsal dinner  at one of the restaurants Elise had grown up going to with her family. The couple thoughtfully printed out a photo memory with each guest as their table settings- complete with a heartfelt note on the back. 

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WEDDING DAY:
Next was their absolutely beautiful wedding day which took place at the incredible coastal home in Beaufort that Elise grew up in 

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Elise and her mom ended up wearing the same dress designer- Kamperett. Her mom’s was a gorgeous fuchsia, while the bride wore a versatile and elegant sheath dress with a variety of accessories to alter her look throughout the day – including puff sleeves and a sheer cape. 

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Wandering up and down the stairs as she completes her finishing touches, Elise walks by the hallway of black and white photographs of her family and her ancestors. Every corner of this home was not only beautiful, but full of memories and meaning. 

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Elise and Mark meet up for the first look under a tree as a small shower rolls in, and they read their handwritten vows to each other before the ceremony.

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Time to head back into her parents house because it is finally ceremony time!

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Fun Fact: Elise and Mark got married under the tree her dad planted when she was a very young girl.
Guests smiled on in their colorful attire, fanning themselves in the warm beachy sun

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Hugs, cocktails, and happy hour out on the back lawn. The newlywed snuck away for a few minutes on the dock as well before starting the reception.

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A few moments to enjoy the breeze on the dock as the sun sets, and then Elise and Mark kick off the party with a Piñata whack (as opposed to the more traditional cake cutting…. aren’t these guys cool?)

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Once the music got started, bubble machines and a glitter bar amplified the party as the newlyweds tore up the dance floor with their guests

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Then, just when you thought they couldn’t possibly pull anymore more fabulous out for the night, Elise’s mom surprises the newlyweds with a decorated getaway golf cart at their sparkler exit. What a way to end the night!

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CONTACT US: EDITORIAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

We would love to hear from you! Please contact us so we can confirm our availability. We can’t wait to hear all about your plans and your story! ~Michelle

All-Star Vendor Team

Photographers: Michelle Elyse Photography (US!)
Planner: Down to I Do
Florist: Your Perfect Day
Catering: Scarboro Fare Catering
Bridal Fashion: Kamperett
MOB Fashion: Kamperett
Rentals: Chair and
Equipment Rentals
Hair + MUA: Hair by Julia
Smith
Entertainment (DJ):
Discoboxx
Live Ceremony Music: Justin
Castellano
Transportation: Historic
Beaufort Double Decker
Bus
Transportation: A Goff Bus
Venue: Private Residence
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Beaufort Hotel

A Gorgeous Beaufort Wedding on the Water

What an incredible day this was. And to think it almost got blown away (literally!)

Literally just HOURS before their ceremony was scheduled to start, a tropical depression and gale force winds led Elise and Mark’s planner, Down to I Do, to suggest the idea of mayyyybe postponing for the next day… when it was due to be clear. This wouldn’t always be possible, but all vendors were luckily available. And, eventually, these two realized that this would really work. Of course, we would do anything to make sure our couples have the best experience possible.

The Most Memorable Wedding Venue : Her Childhood Home right on the Bay in Beaufort

Part of the reason why this worked so well is because the location of their wedding was none other than her parents’ gorgeous coastal home. Elise grew up here on the bay in Beaufort. She got married under the tree that her parents’s planted when she was only two years old. Ran down the stairs to her first look through the staircase covered in her family’s photos. Did their couples photos on the trail that she and Mark love to walk down each day when they visit. This wasn’t just a venue, it was a meaningful place rich in memories.

Editorial Wedding Style : Elise & Her Mother’s Epic Fashion Selections

Elise and her mom both wore incredible creations by the same designer- Keenan. Elise started the day in a simple and elegant strapless gown and varied her look with different accessories. For the first part of the day, she wore detached puff sleeves for her private vows with Mark. Afterward, she swapped her sleeves for a sheer cape with a train for the ceremony. Finally, towards the end of the night, she switched into a two piece sequined pant, ruffled-top white jumpsuit for dancing. I just loved her epic styles and the bold looks she rocked throughout the day. And her mom Patrice’s fuchsia wrap dress just takes my breath away! Clearly, great taste runs in the family.

Chic Colorful Details with Hints of Boho and Cottagecore

Elise and Mark’s wedding day included all sorts of thoughtful touches full of color. First, there were the fans guests could hold to cool down for their outdoor ceremony. Then the incredible hanging floral installation overhead the dance floor in the tent. The colorful Piñata (done in leaiu of a cake cutting). And yet, still, they had that adorable dessert cake full of delightful little treats that thrilled the cottagecore lover in me.

Documentary Wedding Photographer with Editorial Style

As documentary wedding photographers this wedding was photographed in our classic natural style while highlighting the elegant moments and details. We also captured several drone shots during this day which highlight the incredible location of this event. I am so grateful for people like Elise and Mark who invite us into their lives and home to capture these beautiful memories.

Thank you so much to Elise and Mark for asking me to capture your incredible wedding! ~xo Michelle

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