GATES + ERIN | WEDDING

2025-09-29_0001

Whimsical Country Club Wedding Day / NC Wedding Photographer

     I first met Erin at Alyssa and Steven’s Weymouth wedding last year, and I remember she had just gotten engaged. She was so sweet and full of joy, and I secretly thought to myself, I would love to photograph her wedding one day. A week later, as I was editing Alyssa and Steven’s gallery, Erin reached out — and I was beyond excited to say yes!

     Gates and Erin’s story feels like it was meant to be from the start. They met in high school through Alyssa (which feels so full circle), but their lives had been quietly intertwined long before that. Their siblings were kindergarten playmates, their moms played tennis together, their dads worked together at Moore Regional, and their families could be found most Saturdays at Morganton for soccer games. When Alyssa brought Erin to one of Gates’ games, they quickly caught each other’s eyes — and the rest is history.  They started dating in 2015 and became each other’s best friends. Gates left for college at Ole Miss, and Erin joined him a year later in Oxford, MS. After graduation, they moved to Texas to begin their lives together, but they knew they wanted to return to Pinehurst — where it all began — to celebrate their wedding day.

     Erin and Gates are deeply family-oriented and incredibly loved by their friends — which was clear in their large and lively wedding party. Their wedding day at the Country Club of North Carolina was nothing short of magical. Erin spent the morning surrounded by her bridesmaids and family at the Eagle’s Nest, the perfect cozy spot to get ready. Lewis joined Gates and his groomsmen at the Clubhouse, where his brothers helped him into his tux.  Some of my favorite moments from the day were the emotional first looks — Erin first with her bridesmaids (the happy tears were flowing!), then with her dad, and finally with Gates. When Erin and Gates saw each other for the first time, their smiles lit up the entire golf course. They shared a private, joy-filled moment while their wedding party peeked through the windows above, cheering them on.

The ceremony was officiated by Erin’s Godfather, which made it so personal and heartfelt. Afterward, the celebration moved into full swing — the dance floor stayed packed all night, with plenty of singing, laughter, and even a little pants-splitting fun (the mark of a truly great reception!).  Erin and Gates’ wedding day was full of love, joy, and so many moments that perfectly reflected who they are — two best friends who adore each other and the people around them. I couldn’t have been more honored to capture this chapter of their story.  Cheers to many more years of laughter with all your friends and family!