Eli and Erin's fall wedding at Fred Fletcher Park, one of Raleigh's best kept secrets, was nothing short of extraordinary! The weather was perfect with not a cloud in the sky. Arriving a couple of hours before their early afternoon ceremony, I joined Erin, her bridesmaids, and her mother for some getting ready photos at the Borden House, which is also onsite and where they had their reception. Erin looked absolutely stunning in her lace one shoulder wedding gown. I loved this style and it looked amazing on her.  Erin's sister was her maid of honor and Eli's brother, best man.  Anna my second photographer joined Eli and his groomsmen who also got ready at The Borden House in another room provided to them. It was so nice to have everything all in one place!  

With plenty of time before the ceremony, we were still able to do many of the photos ahead, without Eli and Erin seeing one another. They chose not to do a first look, however a first touch instead.  This has grown in popularity too, maybe even more so than a first look. Its a quiet moment in which a couple can spend time together before the ceremony, either way.  Eli and Erin chose to have their ceremony outside in front of the Japanese maple trees overlooking the beautiful flower beds throughout the park. It was such a sweet and meaningful ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. 

The reception immediately followed after we finished up photos, then introductions of the wedding party and finally the newlyweds. The entire first floor in The Borden house had tables in each room set up with centerpieces flowing throughout. The dining room had a long buffet table set up in the center of the room, where the luncheon was served to the guests. The Borden House has tall ceilings, hardwood floors, and a fireplace in just about every room. Jenn and her team at Knot Your Average Events not only made the place look amazing, they always are great to work with as they are so organized, professional, and easy to work with. 

In addition, Eli and Erin had a candy & popcorn bar set up on the front porch and under a tent outside was the dance floor, a few tables, cocktail tables, and the cake and dessert table.  Also fun for the guests to enjoy were lawn games they had outside and giant jenga. After a fabulous luncheon was served everyone headed outside under the tented area where the toasts were made and then they cut their cake.  Eli and Erin did their first dance before they said their goodbyes, making their grand exit.  

 From the moment I met Erin the winter before the wedding and then again last spring with Eli for their engagement session, I just knew they were going to be delightful to work with.  These two are easygoing, kind-hearted, and just happy people in general. They both had constant smiles on their faces throughout their day. They were just so excited to be marrying one another! 

ceremony | Fred Fletcher Park

reception | The Borden House at Fred Fletcher Park

officiant | Dan Hennefent

wedding planning + coordination | Knot Your Average Events

ceremony music - violin + classical guitar | Craig Hanemann + Luciano Suarez

reception music | On Target DJ

floral design | Dayspring Flowers and Gifts

catering | Rocky Top Catering

wedding cake + dessert table | DIY

candy + popcorn bar | DIY

rentals - linens, china, place settings, + tent rental | Party Reflections

yard games | Triangle Game Night

favors | apple cider mix in mason jars with a photo from their engagement session on the lid

and a shout out to my fabulous second photographer | Anna Dixon

 all images © Elizabeth Larson Photography 

Eli & Erin's engagement session can be viewed here!