Mr. and Mrs. Reed | Il Bella Gardens

About an hour drive outside of Charlotte, you’ll find Il Bella Gardens. This venue is nestled between agricultural land in Albemarle, NC. After converting the property into a wedding venue for their daughter, the owners decided to open up the space to others who are engaged to keep the celebrations going. The gardens and wooded ceremony space were exactly what Megan and Corey were looking for in a wedding venue, loving it so much we took their engagement portraits there too.

On a cool, fall day last November, Megan and Corey had a calm morning getting ready for their I-Dos. We took portraits at many of the beautiful spots this venue has to offer, all while capturing the beauty of the gardens and the fall season. Megan’s design cleverly celebrated autumnal colors while also tying in touches of feminine pastels. After exchanging an emotional first look with her dad, Corey and Megan took some time to privately read letters they wrote to each other. Tears were shed, heartfelt words were shared, and excitement built as these two were ready to get down the aisle.

Megan and Corey’s ceremony was easily my favorite part of their day. Set in the beautiful wooded clearing, their ceremony kicked off with Megan’s flower man getting the crowd pumped up for Megan’s entrance. Corey and Megan both exchanged tear-filled vows. Wrapped in blankets and coats, their family and friends looked on with smiles on their faces and anticipation for what was to come. At their reception, Megan and Corey took time to walk around to each table to greet and hug their guests. They also celebrated with a decked out desert bar filled with cake of a variety of flavors. These two said goodnight to their friends and family with a sparkler send-off, but not before enjoying a private last dance together. Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Reed and for the next chapter in your story!