First Presbyterian Church and Big Chill Charlotte Wedding

Alyssa and Mikas are quite the couple. Everyone who knows Alyssa will tell you they admire her genuine kindness, incredible work ethic, and passion for her career. Mikas even told one of the pastors that he has heard everyone say it, but he had a front row seat to seeing that Alyssa truly is the hardest working person he knows. Those who know Mikas know him for his love of his two cats, his wit, and his smarts! I remember Alyssa telling our high school girls about Mikas early on in their relationship. She gushed over how kind and fun he is! They met at USC and stayed together for 8 years, even through Alyssa’s time at MUSC for med school, while living several hours away from each other.

I grew up with Alyssa from elementary through high school and became really great friends with her in high school. So when she asked me to photograph her wedding, I could have cried! I knew this would be a super special wedding, because Alyssa is SO special to me.

Alyssa and Mikas were married at the beautiful First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, with a fabulous reception at The Big Chill. The day began by getting ready at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Charlotte with their girls and guys by their side! The bridesmaids and Alyssa were excited and all smiles when we walked into the bridal suite, and they looked GORGEOUS! Meanwhile, the guys were chill and relaxed. I always warn people prior to the wedding day that Mitchel might become best friends with the groomsmen. When we left the wedding, he told me “those are my kind of people”. He enjoyed getting to hang out with Mikas and his groomsmen (and grooms girl!) and thought they were so fun.

It was drippy and wet leading up to the big day, and the wedding day was no different, gloom and clouds. Alyssa texted me early in the week to tell me she was FREAKING OUT about the all-day rain in the forecast for Saturday. Of course, I reassured her that we would make the best of it no matter what! I even came prepared with my clear, dome shaped umbrellas for the entire wedding party. Thankfully we didn’t have to use them. Everyone was SO thankful that the rain stopped as soon as the bridal party left the hotel, and it held off for the remainder of the wedding day! We were surprised, thankful, grateful, and pretty much ecstatic about that.

Alyssa and the bridesmaids went over to the church to put on her wedding dress and prepare for the first look! I was so excited for this part of the day! Alyssa and Mikas, however, weren’t so sure last year when I asked if they’d like to do a first look. After asking a lot of questions, they decided that it just made sense for them to do it. They were sold when they realized it might take some pressure and nerves away from the wedding ceremony. The first look was a super sweet time and I think they are glad that they chose to have that time together before the ceremony.

The ceremony and reception were beautiful and they included some thoughtful details for both. Alyssa wore her mother’s wedding shoes and they took time during the ceremony to read their vows to each other privately. The reception was a blast including lots of dancing and Sandstorm for the USC grads, complete with white table napkins! I loved it!

Enjoy this preview of some of the photos from their wedding day! We hope you two are loving Playa del Carmen and having the best time!!

Dress | Evelyn’s Bridal

Florist | Mimi Eden Florals

Ceremony Venue | First Presbyterian Church

Reception Venue | Big Chill Event Hall

DJ/ Entertainment Services | All the Right Grooves

Cake | Cheesecake, Etc.

Catering | Big Chill

Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groomsmen and Groom attire | The Black Tux

Invitations | Red Stone Press, Richard Reese

Photo Booth | Shutterbooth Photo Booth

Rings | Allen’s Jewlers

Hair & Make-up | Megan Oliveri Hair and Make-up

Ceremony Music | Carolina Chamber Players Quartet