shannon's bridals | a collection | wrightsville beach, NC

Shannon's bridal portrait session has a special place in my heart for two reasons:

1.She is one of my oldest and sweetest college friends from our days at UNC-Chapel Hill. We literally met the first week of school as baby freshmen and we instantly hit it off because of our similar hair. Shannon's smile and warm personality made it easy to be instant and lifelong friends. As we went through the roller coaster of college and post-college life, we still stayed in touch. I also met her now-husband Matt in college... we were all buddies making memories mostly at Granville Towers—a notorious freshmen dugout where we mostly slept, drank and ate. I watched Matt and Shannon be friends for years before they dated and when they dated, they were the the kind of sweethearts in romantic comedies. He always doted on her for how confident, smart and beautiful she was and made her laugh constantly. He's the type of guy that wore a speedo under his graduation gown and at their wedding. Funny as hell and someone you need to have in your life. Now here they are... husband and wife. 

2.Reason number two on why this shoot was special to me is the fact that this was my last photoshoot as a Woolard. She and I both had crazy schedules so the only day that worked was the Thursday before I got married. It was a beautiful get-away from the wedding chatter to be able to capture and watch one of my best friends get into her dress and twirl around. We also got to bring our mutual wedding planner with us so it was really just one big girl date on the beach, playing dress up. It is one of the best memories of my career. We literally only had a short amount of time at an awkward hour of sunlight but she ROCKED it—she is absolutely glowing. 

Shannon and Matt got married in Caswell Beach on the Sunday of Memorial weekend and unfortunately I was unable to go because my husband and I were on our honeymoon (I cried).  We celebrated from afar with dubious amounts of wine. They are moving to Seattle soon for Matt's new doctor job saving lives so this posting is a double-fold congratulations on two huge milestones in their lives. Congrats to the Murphys! Shannon, you are one knockout of a bride. 

Dream Team:
Hair + Makeup: Silver Ceiling
Bouquet: Designs by Dillon
Wedding Coordinator: Amy from Do Me A Favor Weddings
Photographer for Bridals: Visuals by Helen
Photographer for Wedding: Brandon Hunter