Mr. and Mrs. Cadman | The Barn at Broadslab

For singer-song writer Paige King Johnson, music is a way of life. It’s a way of sharing emotion, connecting with others, and bringing people together. It seems only fitting then that music would also bring her to the love of her life. While home in Raleigh for spring break in 2017, Paige and her sister decided to go see Muscadine Bloodline play at City Limits. Griffin had been out celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends, and on a last minute whim had been convinced to go to the same show. Paige and Griffin wound up meeting while waiting in line and kept talking and dancing back and forth all night long. A few days later, Griffin and Paige connected over Instagram after Griffin had lost her number (which Paige will never let him live down). They went on their first real date that summer when Paige returned home from school, and the rest is history.

This warm day last April was full of so much raw emotion. I started the morning with Paige and her girls as they helped her get ready before heading out to the gorgeous sunshine to photograph this stunning bridal group. The girls laughed and told stories of how they met Paige as we chatted, sharing just how much she meant to them and how much she had supported them all in their friendships. The heartwarming moments continued as I set Paige and Griffin up for their first touch before the ceremony. Their pastor prayed over them before the two swapped letters and gifts, and wow were there a lot of emotional tears shed. As her gift to Griffin, Paige wrote a song about their love story and had the lyrics framed. Little did Griffin know, that song had also been recorded and would be their first dance song later that evening. Griffin was all tears and smiles reading the lyrics, and it is still one of my favorite moments I’ve photographed to date.

I spent some time with the groomsmen after tucking Paige away capturing toasts, hugs, and a lot of laughs. This group complemented each other so well and you could see the years of friendship between them very clearly. Paige and Griffin’s ceremony took place inside the barn where they shared vows, tied a unity rope, and had a dear friend serenade them with a dedicated song. I loved how music was incorporated into every part of this day, including the ceremony and cocktail hour. As live music played on the patio, I photographed the bridal party and the new Mr. and Mrs. around the venue. Paige and Griffin were giddy and all smiles during photos, which carried over into their first dances. Their friends gave touching speeches after dinner, followed by Paige’s dad’s speech which included lyrics from all of her songs. The guests partied and danced the night away before heading out to allow Griffin and Paige a private last dance together in the barn. Happy tears were shed again and it was truly heartwarming to see how overjoyed these two were to finally be married. To The Cadmans, your love for each other fills every room you are in and it was an honor to be part of such a special day. I wish you a lifetime of happiness and I can’t wait to see what your next chapter brings.