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MARC + PAIGE // gorgeous gothic wedding at the Thaxton speakeasy

Of all the non-traditional wedding magic I’ve captured, these two reign supreme. 🙌 I’ve had the privilege of shooting their wedding twice now (yes, you read that right) and each time was I was blown away by their effortless ability to create an atmosphere that was 100% unique to them. It’s something many modern couples aspire to, but Marc and Paige achieve it in spades.

I saw my first glimpse of this superpower at their intimate elopement back in spring. They wanted an expedited ceremony to include Paige’s mother in her nursing home. And even though the whole affair was planned in just a week, it was beautiful, and a perfect reflection of their laid-back personalities. I left that day selfishly wishing they had opted for a longer celebration just so I could spend more time with them because they were so cool. When they reached out a few months later to see if I was available for their larger wedding reception, I knew I was in for something really special.

Except that I HAD NO IDEA. Nothing could have fully prepared me for the magic that was round two. Walking into Marc and Paige’s wedding day was like walking into an alternate universe. Into another dimension built for a unicorn and a vampire (even if those are two very different ends of a spectrum) Where the roaring 20s are still going strong. Where playfulness, sincerity, sophistication all get equal due. Where long distance loved ones finally return home. Where everyone belongs and love is abundant.

I reunited with Paige at Hotel Saint Louis to document getting ready with her crew. The hotel was absolutely stunning and a perfect stylistic compliment to their festivities later at The Thaxton. While the girls sat for hair and makeup, I captured a few of their unique wedding details including a custom monogramed invitation suite by Second Twin Stationary, and the most romantic bouquet by Bloomin’ Buckets. Guys, I’ve captured their gorgeous florals many a time, and I’ve never seen anything quite like this!

After dreamy details, I caught up with Marc and his brother as they helped each other get prepped for the big day. Marc and Matt are incredibly close â€“ partially because they’re identical twins â€“ and this was a monumental day for their duo as well. Since Marc left home in Australia to build a life with Paige in America during the pandemic, this was the first time they’ve been able to be together in person in several years. Watching these brothers reunite throughout the day was truly one of the sweetest through-lines.

Even though it was closed for the season, the kind hotel staff allowed us to sneak up and use their rooftop bar for a private first look. We arrived just as the sun was peaking and it made the whole space even more magical as the light streamed through. Then off to The Thaxton for their ceremony and reception to get these two wed!

Guys I just love small ceremonies. There’s just something so special about being able to fully take in everyone you’re sharing your vows with. Marc and Paige’s ceremony was no exception, and they even had a livestream available to bring in more of Marc’s loved ones from across the pond. And thus was their day, infusing elements from both of their polar opposite world’s at every turn:

// Paige walking in down the aisle in her bright and sparkly dress and retro birdcage veil. Marc in his Doctor Who-inspired tux and theme song.

// Paige’s wedding cake to Marc’s traditional pavlova.

// B’s hilarious wedding toast to Matt’s emotional brotherly tribute that left the whole room in tears.

// A vampire-unicorn reception out of your gothic DREAMS.

Before I sign off, I must insist you scroll to the very end to check out the dream team that made this one-of-kind vision come to life. It was truly a work of art and the pictures do it more justice than my words ever could.

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Marc and Paige â€“ thank you so much for allowing me to tell your wedding story in full. It has been the greatest honor to watch your love come full circle this year and celebrate it in your unique style. Your world together is truly the best.


ceremony + reception venue | The Thaxton
planning + design | Coda’s Events
photo | Kara Hoganson Photography +Design
stationary | Second Twin Stationary
calligraphy | Minerva’s Mark
florals | Bloomin’ Buckets
cake | La Pâtisserie Chouquette
pavlova | Nathaniel Reid Bakery
catering | Holly Berry Catering
livestream video | Love Stream
dress | Stella York

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