I had the pleasure of photographing at the gorgeous Chateau des Fleures wedding venue in North Carolina! This styled shoot, or mock-up wedding, had a whimsical fairytale theme that matched this venue flawlessly. The venue is luxurious, magical, and perfect for couples looking for a castle-like estate as a backdrop to their day.
The architecture and the gardens are breathtaking! Upon entering the venue you are greeted with a beautiful cascading fountain and two majestic lion statues. If you host your wedding here you will have exclusive access to the Chateau and gardens for the day!
North Carolina Estate Wedding Venue at Chatea des Fleures
For the styled shoot we have two brides and a groom! The bride & groom models, EJ & Melanie, are a real-life couple and have children together! Even though the wedding was not theirs, it was so fun to capture their chemistry together. The solo bride, Juvy, is married with a child. She is a fashionista who loves to travel. I enjoyed photographing all three of them throughout this beautiful day organized by Sharon of Color it Purple Event Planning.
Each room of the estate has its own character and unique theme. We started the day photographing in the groom’s suite, complete with a pool table, dart board, and bar. Next, we moved into the bridal suite which has a spa-like feel. Just off of the bridal suite is the “Rapunzel” Tower and an expansive second-story balcony that overlooks the courtyard. There is an in-ground pool with a jacuzzi and a water fixture inside the courtyard, which was one of my favorite spots for portraits or a first look.
Mansion Wedding Venue in North Carolina
The ballroom at Chateau des Fleures is a stunning venue for a wedding reception. A grand staircase, reminiscent of a scene from a movie, leads to a mezzanine that wraps around much of the room. One of the focal points is an impressive fireplace, perfect for placing a sweetheart or head table. The space was beautifully illuminated by soft candlelight and adorned with floral arrangements. I loved the touch of the whimsical blue wedding cake filled with flowers!
I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Fields at Skycrest, a new wedding venue located in Cleveland, North Carolina. This picturesque location is not only a working farm on 95 acres but also offers modern and luxurious amenities for weddings big and small. I was thrilled to collaborate with the venue owners and Jennifer of Knot Your Average Events to plan a styled shoot, or a mock-up wedding, with a unique French-inspired theme. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists Van Gogh and Matisse, we designed the shoot with vibrant colors and unique details.
Charlotte, North Carolina Wedding Venue
The Fields at Skycrest is perfect for couples looking for versatile and open spaces. The property includes spacious getting-ready suites for both the bride and groom, a large covered pavilion with a stone fireplace, an outdoor patio for cocktail hour, and a large reception area that can host up to 300 guests. Although the space is new, it is filled with character and charm.
For this styled shoot, we wanted to create something different with many unique local vendors. We used custom table numbers with acrylic preserved flowers, a hand-painted aisle runner, a flower market cart, and an adorned Juliet balcony. We also incorporated Matisse-inspired accents, like prints on the sofa pillows and a hand-painted champagne bottle. To add a memorable touch, we had stilt walkers during the cocktail hour! This shoot was a reminder that couples can make their wedding day unique and personal. This serves as a reminder to couples to make your wedding day unique and anything but ordinary!
The Fields at Skycrest Wedding with Colorful Florals
During the shoot, we worked with different models in various spaces. Abby, one of our solo brides, was new to professional photography but was already comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Her parents were there to support her, as I’ve known Abby’s family for years—her mom is my administrative assistant.
We also photographed a real-life couple, DeSean and Jada, who are getting married at this venue in August 2025. Jada is a professional model, and DeSean grew up around photography, as his mom is also a photographer. During the shoot, they talked about their wedding plans, like Jada’s idea for a floral ring above the ceremony space and DeSean’s wish for a “first look” on their wedding day. Interestingly, our shoot marked the first time DeSean saw Jada in a wedding dress, and it was a very emotional moment for him. It will be such a special moment on their real wedding day!
The Cornealius Properties is a breathtaking wedding venue in eastern North Carolina, ideal for couples seeking a unique historic setting. This family-owned and operated company offers two spectacular properties just a short drive from each other: the Birdsong Chapel and the Lewis-Atkinson Home.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a styled shoot at the Lewis-Atkinson Home in Princeton, and I can’t recommend this venue enough! The home features beautiful hardwood floors, a stunning grand foyer with a curved staircase, and a crystal chandelier. It’s an elegant backdrop for your wedding, full of Southern charm and a clean all-white aesthetic.
Historic Mansion Wedding Venue in North Carolina
From the moment you step onto the property, you feel a sense of peace throughout the venue. The meticulously cared-for grounds and home create a serene atmosphere built in 1820 and restored in the 1970s. Believe it or not, Kianiah and Eric, our models for the shoot, met just ten minutes before we began. Their chemistry was remarkable, making it a joy to photograph them together!
We moved throughout the property to capture a variety of portraits. Upon entering the home, there is a grand staircase that leads to one of two private bridal suites on the property offering tons of natural light for getting ready photos. Adjacent to the home is the Groom’s Room, converted from a vintage gas station and still featuring the original gas pumps. Inside, there’s a pool table and man cave furniture, providing a great space for the guys to get ready and relax. Renting this venue includes full access to the home, including the stately balconies —a fantastic private space for a first look.
Vintage Car Rental for Cornealius Properties Wedding
A perfect addition to The Cornealius Properties’ wedding venue is the rental of the 1931 Model-A Ford and the 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. I loved capturing the two in the old cars! This is such a great way to enhance your wedding gallery and add to the overall vintage feel of the day.
Between the home and the Heritage Hall reception area are walkways lined with bushes and natural areas. The space includes a large four-tier water fountain, a white-washed brick outdoor fireplace, and string lights. This is an ideal location for a romantic and timeless cocktail hour, complete with a champagne tower, of course!
Charming Cornealius Properties Wedding at the Lewis-Atkinson Home
Laughter filled the day, adding to the excitement of the Open House later that afternoon. The venue was beautifully decorated with classic, timeless, and sophisticated decor and florals. Brooke, one of the venue owners and the owner of Brooke’s Fresh Cut Flower Farm, infused the space with a stunning white and blue classic floral theme.
The reception space was decorated beautifully for a black-tie affair. This reception hall is brand new and has just been added to the property. Included with your venue rental are tables and chairs for your reception as well as a bar on wheels. We had so much fun imagining what a real wedding day would be like at this sophisticated venue.
Looking for a photographer for your wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina, or beyond? Reach out to Kim of Infinite Splendor Photography to learn more about my wedding day packages!
