Spring Picnic Elopement in Hillsborough, NC
November 12, 2023
~ A Peaceful Picnic Reception after a Courthouse Elopmenet ~
Every love story is unique, and sometimes the best-laid plans take unexpected turns. Olivia and Holden initially approached me to photograph a larger backyard wedding they had planned for the fall. However, things came up and they ultimately chose the spontaneity of an elopement at the wonderful Orange County Courthouse. Despite the change in plans, their intimate celebration turned into a delightful spring picnic elopement in the charming town of Hillsborough, North Carolina.
Orange County Courthouse
The Orange County Courthouse is popular among couples looking for a simple yet meaningful ceremony. The space where the ceremony is held inside the courthouse has a rather clean and simple aesthetic and really allows for the couple to be the main focus of the event. The courthouse used to allow weddings to take place outside which made for a stunning scenery. However, recently the courthouse shifted its policies, limiting ceremonies to indoor spaces only for security reasons. Despite this change, Olivia and Holden embraced the moment and had a beautiful ceremony inside the courthouse.
Refreshing Picnic Reception
After the ceremony, we traveled to a nearby park for Olivia and Holden’s reception. Olivia and Holden brought cheesecake, fresh fruit, and sparkling juice to have as they celebrated their union. This ended up being a great combination of snacks and refreshments as it was quite a hot day, so these were a nice and cool refreshing way to beat the heat. The park also did not allow alcohol so the sparkling juice was the closest option to a bottle of wine or champagne that would abide by the parks rules. Having any part of your wedding day be outside can be nerve-wracking as you can’t properly predict the weather. However, when the weather does cooperate it can make for a spectacular time. There are so many options when it comes to spots to take photos outside. While there are important factors to think about when trying to get the perfect outdoor photos you will often find random spots that end up making a beautiful backdrop. This spontaneity can always lead to fun, unexpected, and unique moments that will make your special day even more memorable. Luckily for Olivia and Holden, the park was full of vibrant green grass and trees that perfectly matched their lively personalities. Olivia and Holden opted for blue and cool-toned outfits which helped them to stand out among the vibrancy of the park’s background.
A Private First Dance
The park featured a beautiful pavilion awning that allowed for everyone to get out of the heat for a while. Olivia and Holden took this opportunity to share their first dance. Luckily, the park was pretty empty allowing for this moment to be a private and intimate moment for them. With the river as their backdrop and the gentle breeze adding to the romantic ambiance, Olivia and Holden were able to enjoy their first dance as a married couple. I highly recommend thinking about including some shady spots on your wedding day if you are planning on having any part of your wedding or elopement outside. After their first dance, we took some more photos before parting ways for the evening. This included detailed shots of their rings and more portrait-styled shots of the couple.
Olivia and Holden’s spring picnic elopement in Hillsborough, NC, may have deviated from their initial plans, but it blossomed into a day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. The unique combination of the Orange County Courthouse, the riverside reception, and the quaint charm of Hillsborough created a truly special atmosphere for their intimate celebration. As a wedding photographer, capturing the genuine moments of this unexpected journey was a joy.
View the full blog post here: https://vidrphotography.com/post/733844949046558720/spring-picnic-elopement-in-hillsborough-nc
