MATTHEW + KELLEY | WEDDING

2026-05-25_0002

A Dream Wedding Day at Pinehurst No. 2 / NC Wedding Photographer

Some wedding days stay with you forever, and Matthew and Kelley’s wedding day is absolutely one of those days. From the moment I met them, I knew there was something incredibly special about this couple — grounded in faith, surrounded by love, and completely devoted to one another. Their day at The Carolina Hotel and Pinehurst No. 2 was nothing short of spectacular.

Matthew and Kelley first met while attending Samford University, where both played competitive golf. Their shared love for the game sparked a relationship that would grow over the next three years before Matthew proposed in April of last year. Kelley has always loved Pinehurst and especially the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, so there was never a question about where they would celebrate the beginning of their marriage.

Normally, I have the opportunity to meet my couples during their engagement session, but life had kept Matthew and Kelley incredibly busy and they had already taken engagement photos before reaching out. So, our first time truly connecting was the Friday before the wedding when Hollie from Fleck Films and I met up with them while they played Pinehurst No. 4. Watching them together on the course was such a joy. Their chemistry was effortless, and Kelley’s competitive spirit only added to her charm. It was relaxed, fun, and gave us the perfect glimpse into who they are together.

The wedding morning arrived with sunshine and warm spring air — the kind of weather every couple hopes for. We met Kelley at The Carolina Hotel in a stunning suite filled with natural light. Her dress hung beautifully by the window while every carefully chosen detail waited to be photographed. Kelley was surrounded by her closest friends and her mother, and despite the excitement in the room, there was such a calm sweetness to the morning.

One sweet moment of the day was watching Kelley pause with her mother, taking in the reality of the day she had envisioned her entire life. Holding back tears, her mother helped her into the most breathtaking gown before Kelley walked through the historic halls of the hotel to share a first look with her father. He had been warned not to cry because Kelley would instantly follow, and somehow, through sheer determination, he made it through with the biggest smile on his face.

Meanwhile, Matthew and the guys were enjoying every moment of the day themselves — laughing, relaxing, and even sneaking in a little putting practice while dressed in tuxedos. Before the ceremony, Matthew and Kelley shared a private first touch and exchanged the sweetest vows. Hidden from one another but standing only inches apart, they spoke words full of love, faith, and anticipation for the life ahead. It was one of the most tender moments of the day.

The ceremony site at Pinehurst No. 2 looked absolutely incredible as guests arrived. And then, completely out of nowhere, the rain came. Not a drizzle — a full downpour with a force that stopped everything in its tracks. The ceremony, scheduled for 6 p.m., had to pause as everyone waited and watched the rain fall.

But what unfolded during those moments said everything about who Matthew and Kelley are.

While the groom gathered with his groomsmen in prayer, Kelley was tucked away, surrounded by her bridesmaids as each person took a turn praying over her and their marriage. They didn’t pray for the rain to stop. Instead, they prayed for God’s perfect plan for Matthew and Kelley’s life together. It was one of the most powerful displays of faith and love I’ve witnessed at a wedding.

And then — the rain stopped.

The clouds began to part, sunlight appeared, and the incredible resort staff quickly sprang into action, drying chairs and moving the ceremony to higher ground. Soon enough, the music began and the ceremony finally started.

It was absolutely perfect.

The officiant shared heartfelt and meaningful words while Matthew and Kelley stood smiling through tears. During the ceremony, family gathered at the cross to pray over them, and emotions overflowed from everyone present. Kelley wiped tears from her face while Matthew stood overcome with emotion beside her. There truly was not a dry eye anywhere around us.

After the ceremony, we loaded the wedding party onto the Pinehurst Trolley and headed off for portraits. The sunset light after the storm was absolutely magical, giving us the most beautiful backdrop for their newlywed portraits.

The reception was lively from the very beginning. Heartfelt speeches painted such a beautiful picture of Matthew and Kelley’s relationship and the countless people who have loved, guided, encouraged, and prayed for them throughout their lives. Every toast reflected the deep foundation of faith, friendship, and family surrounding this couple.

Before the sun fully disappeared, we snuck Matthew and Kelley away for one final portrait — complete with a golf swing together on the course. It was the perfect reflection of who they are and the story that brought them here.

The evening ended exactly the way every celebration should: a packed dance floor, endless laughter, and guests fully soaking in every second of the night. It was joyful, emotional, elegant, and unforgettable in every way.

Matthew and Kelley, thank you for allowing us to witness and document such a meaningful beginning to your marriage. Your wedding day was beautiful far beyond the details or the setting. It was beautiful because of the love, faith, and grace that surrounded every single moment.  And remember the best is yet to come!