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Wowowow. Ethan + Jessica’s wedding was so filled with light, laughter, sweet forehead kisses, and the best dance moves!
When Ethan first saw his bride, it was like the whole world melted away. I could’ve left them there forever and they would’ve been so happy just existing with each other.
Jessica + Ethan, thank you for letting me celebrate your love for each other! I can’t wait to see your family grow (one bunny at a time)!
When I walked into the bridal suite on the morning of Janice & Tyler’s wedding day, Janice was helping curl hair, do makeup, and be a helping hand to all her bridesmaids. I think this displays Janice’s character so well - she is a humble servant who puts others before herself.
When I asked Tyler what he loved most about his bride, he spoked about her joy that comes from the Lord. “I love her humility in her desire to know & love God more. I love her genuine love for other people and how deeply she cares.”
When Tyler came up with all his groomsmen, they were chuckling and goofing off in a way that showed how deep of a friendship they all had. Tyler made sure all his guys were doing alright and would hype up his friends more than I could (and I like to say I’m my couples’ personal cheerleader). Janice said that he is quick to encourage, affirm, and comfort anyone around him.
That was so apparent!
The moment Tyler saw Janice walk down the aisle, you could see peace and certainty in their eyes. It is so evident that these two will encourage one another to know Jesus more.
To the new Mr. & Mrs. Thomas: Thank you for letting me have the honor of capturing your wedding. I am so excited to see you guys change the world together!
Joey + Sammy became friends in their junior year at NC State in Air Force ROTC. Butterflies filled their stomachs every time they saw each other. They were best friends. But by the end of 2019 they had dated, and been long broken up. Sometimes love stories have ups + downs. Yet, the Lord was not done with Sammy and Joey. The Spirit began softening Sammy’s heart, and by the end of 2019, she had believed the Gospel and was in love with her Savior.
Sammy’s pursuit of the Lord was kryptonite for Joey. What had been a source of heartbreak, now looked like it had a shot at redemption.
At the beginning of 2020, Joey began pursuing Sammy, and HARD. They read together, they adventured together, they prayed together, and they were quickly becoming best friends again. A gracious and sovereign Father was writing and redeeming their story, and His working simply could not be stopped.
In April, Joey took Sammy on a “sneaky sneak” date to the roof of her favorite bookstore, The Reader’s Corner on Hillsborough Street. With him, a book significant for Sammy. Housed in the book, a letter. In his pocket, a ring. You can guess what happened next…She said yes!
Sammy + Joey had to most beautiful ceremony that was fixed on Christ. The joy of the Lord was so evident in them that they literally broke out dancing down the aisle after being pronounced the new Mr. + Mrs.!
Joey + Sammy, I’m praying for a happy + vibrant marriage over y’all! I hope you guys enjoy this peek into their big day :)
When Danny was overseas for a semester, he kept hearing amazing stories about a woman after God’s heart who radiated joy. He decided to reach out to her and rekindle their friendship.
When Julie got a random, out-of-the-blue text from Danny, she didn’t think twice about it.
Fast forward to the next semester. Through strategic group hangouts, Danny got to know Julie even more, and wanted to keep getting to know her.
Julie noticed the increased texting and attention and asked Danny if he was going to pursue her or not. After that wake-up call, Danny quickly asked her out on their first date!
The rest turned into a year and a half of giggly car rides, sweeping her off her feet, and cooking show-downs.
On one of their routine strolls through a beautiful park, Danny gave her a letter. As she read all the reasons why Danny knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her (and why he was head over heels in love with her), he led her to a sentimental spot and popped the question. Next came a lot of giggles, hugs, and even more laughter!
My cheeks hurt after hanging out with Julie and Danny because they are a hoot and a half! They bop to life together an exude joy wherever they go.
Julie + Danny - I am SO excited for your wedding day!
They met in English, he helped her with math, and the rest is history!
Julia’s high school friend told her that one of her classmates, Nash, was also going to UNC-Charlotte, but Julia didn’t reach out. When she walked into her English class Frehsmen year, there he was!
They love adventuring together. When Julia’s best friends mentioned that they wanted to go hiking, Julia invited them to come with her and Nash to Asheville for a little trip. She didn’t think twice about it.
They all hiked around, and then reached a beautiful outlook. She was hopeful he would propose, but that didn’t make the moment he did any less surprising and exciting!
Julia and Nash are so at ease when they are together…I barely had to tell them to do anything! The way he makes her giggle was so evident of how much he knows her and loves her. Julia + Nash -I’m so excited for your wedding!!!
Ciara and Andrew were a blast and a half to hang out with! I definitely got an ab workout from how much they made me laugh! These two so evidently have such a sweet devotion to each other. Ciara and Andrew - I am so excited to see you guys become one in May!
Once a month, this generous family opens up their home to 15+ college students. They feed us, love on us, and let us sit under their biblical and pastoral teaching. Watching Eric and Jessica raise up Andrew in a way that glorifies Christ is beyond encouraging to me. Eric and Jessica, I pray for many happy years running after Andrew and keeping him from breaking too many ladies hearts ;)
“I think she likes me because I’m funny,” Johnny said. I can easily believe this, since Claire could not stop giggling when they were together. There is something so giddy when long-distance couples get to hold hands a sneak a kiss after a month apart. Thank you, Claire and Johnny, for letting me peek into the happiness y’all share.
Oh, did we have an adventure! I always have a great time with my seniors, but it was even more fun with Grace. In search for the perfect field, we may have encountered a bear...but we lived! And man, am I glad we did because the rest of the photos from her session are all flawless. Grace's ear-to-ear smile is contagious, and her joy can make anyone happy. I am so thankful for this dear friend and her honesty and unconditional love. Ms. LC VP, you are going to do great things this year and I am so excited to watch!
Kiri is SUCH a blast to photograph! I always have a fun time with her, and she is a natural in front of the camera. She perfectly paired this white off-the-shoulder top with two bright and bold statement pieces which enhanced her beauty. Kiri, you are going to soar at Highpoint, I could not be more proud of you!
These lovely ladies have been friends since their first year in college! It was so fun laughing along with them while photographing their friendship. While I was editing their photos, I caught myself smiling because their happiness is truly contagious! Cheers to many more years of laughter!
Ah! I LOVE these photos of Ella! The future is female, and I am so proud of Ella for putting that in action. She is such a light and a joy to be around, constantly encouraging others wherever she goes.
We luckily dodged the rain by just a few minutes, and got so many great shots! I love how family oriented Ella is, making sure she not only included her mom and grandparents, but also her fur babies!
Ella truly brings joy to all those who are around her. Introducing Ella Whitfield, Princeton class of 2021 ROTC scholar!
I look up to this women so much. She is a patient mother, loving wife, and beautifully humble daughter of God. I am so honored to have been able to photograph Karen in the beautiful gardens in Durham, somewhere very close to her heart! Her son even tagged along to help out and made her laugh so much!
I am so proud of all that Karen has accomplished, from leading mission trips to following her passion of writing. Check out her blog at karenlindia.com !
For more photos, go to rachelhotongphotography.com/karen-lindia
This beautiful girl has such a sweet soul. Claire is so flawlessly gorgeous, and I had such an amazing time photographing her! I especially loved having her little sister, Phoebe, tag along while I taught her a few tips for a photoshoot! I am so thankful for the friendship we've had for the past 7 years, and I'm so excited to see this ballerina do great things over the next couple of years!
I love how this family just isn't complete without their furry friends! This family made me laugh so hard with all their funny stories! Leslie is so intelligent, Alexander is so determined, and their mother is like superwomen keeping track of both of them and their dogs and cat. It was so fun capturing the love between this family!
I am so grateful for wonderful friends that can also model for me! Emily and Ian looked great at Blackwoods Farm Park during this styled photo shoot. Emily was a trooper as she walked through the field in those high heels! This Adrianna Papell dress looked stunning on her, and her bouquet topped off the outfit!
Cassie and Grant are so sweet! They balance each other out and bring out the best in each other. I had such a great time seeing how much he makes her laugh! Here are a couple photos from our session in Durham! I wish them all the best as they start their college journey at UNC-Charlotte!
Shea Golden is one of the most brilliant people I know. Her drive to become the best is so inspiring! We had a great conversation about college athletics, and I am so proud of Shea for committing to Middlebury for Volleyball! Shea, thank you for your years of friendship, I can't wait to see what you do in the years to come!
