Sheila & Mike’s Raleigh Wedding

Happy first anniversary to Sheila and Mike!! October 26, 2019 was an incredibly special and beautiful day for these two, and I have been having so much fun re-living it as I share these gorgeous images from Sheila and Mike’s wedding day! I’m a little delayed in blogging their wedding, but let me just say: this day was truly overflowing with JOY, excitement, sweet moments, love, and so much fun!! I simply adore Sheila and Mike, and their love story and their wedding day are both so unique and beautiful.

It was a perfect fall day a year ago as Sheila and Mike were married, and one of my favorite aspects of their wedding day was the Catholic-Persian fusion for these two. They had their Catholic mass at the Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in downtown Raleigh followed by a Persian ceremony (a sofreh aghd) to kick off their wedding reception at the Park Alumni Center on NC State’s campus, where both of them graduated. There is nothing better or more meaningful than a personalized wedding day that tells a couple’s love story and brings together their families, cultures, traditions, and who they are as individuals and as a couple. Sheila and Mike’s wedding was so unique to the two of them and such a sweet celebration of love, their backgrounds, and who they are together. I absolutely loved learning so much about the Persian culture and the meaning and symbolism of their sofreh aghd, and Sheila’s mom did a phenomenal job of creating and making so many of the intricate details and items in their sofreh aghd.

From the lush, overflowing flowers in bold, juicy tones to the accents of dusty French blue to complement the burgundy and blush to the beautiful Catholic mass to their white wedding trolley to the NC State nods to the marvelous sofreh aghd to the Persian knife dance and everything in between, it was the most memorable, fun, love-filled, sweet celebration for Sheila and Mike! I loved Sheila’s tone-on-tone patterned bridal gown, the flowing ribbons on all of the gorgeous bouquets, private, emotional moments with Sheila’s family mere moments before she walked down the aisle, nonstop laughter and hugs with her amazing bridesmaids, the best vendor team, an timeless, organic, and all around stunning reception design, Persian desserts for the guests to enjoy, a wildly fun sparkler exit, and so much more. It was the most marvelous day celebrating Sheila, Mike, and their new marriage!! These two were an utter dream to work with from start to finish, and it’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since their magical wedding. It has been so fun re-living their wedding day, and these beautiful, beautiful images by Chelsea Allegra Photography perfectly captured their day!

Sheila and Mike’s wedding day was remarkable and amazing, and I am eternally grateful to have been a part of it. This wedding, and these people, hold a very special place in my heart, and I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we celebrated them and the start of their marriage!

Cheers to the new(ish) Schotzingers, and endless congrats, you two!! I adore you both — and wishing you a lifetime of joy and love as you continue your married life together!

A huge thank you to the most wonderful, talented vendor team:

Photography: Chelsea Allegra Photography

Videography: Muddy Trails Film Co.

Planning, design, styling: Stephanie Shaul Events

Ceremony venue: Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral

Reception venue & catering: Park Alumni Center

Florals: Daniels Florist

DJ: Bunn DJ Co.

Cake: Publix

Linens and rentals: CE Rental

Stage: Party Reflections

Hair and makeup: Wink Hair and Makeup