Samara and Joe’s vibrant January wedding at The Distillery

Jan 19

Samara and Joe’s wedding was a celebration of love, joy, and meaningful moments. From the cheerful rainbow pastel florals to the incorporation of Polish traditions honoring Joe’s family’s heritage, every detail reflected their thoughtful personalities and shared love story.

The day began at The Distillery in Garner, North Carolina, an industrial venue with a clean, modern aesthetic that allowed the couple’s colorful vision to shine. While January may not be the first month you think of for a spring-inspired wedding, Samara and Joe made it their own with bright florals, warm energy, and plenty of laughter.

Sweet moments between Samara and Joe

From the moment I met Samara and Joe, it was clear how much love and respect they share. Samara’s background as a therapist shone through in her thoughtful, caring nature, and Joe’s quiet warmth perfectly balanced their dynamic. Together, they were a dream to work with — kind, fun, and completely in sync.

One of my favorite parts of the day was their couple’s portraits. We stepped outside to take advantage of the natural light, which added depth and dimension to their photos. The outdoor space provided a refreshing contrast to the venue’s industrial interior, and the resulting portraits were some of my favorites of the day. Samara’s strapless gown and the soft rainbow pastels of their flowers popped beautifully against the winter landscape.

A blend of cultures and traditions

Samara and Joe’s day was full of meaningful traditions, including several Polish elements that added depth and character to their celebration. During their ceremony, they incorporated a touching Polish custom of eating bread and taking a shot of vodka — symbolizing both nourishment and the sweet and bitter moments of life together.

The ceremony also included a beautiful “ring warming” tradition, where their wedding rings were passed down the first row to parents and grandparents. Each person had a moment to touch the rings, infusing them with love and blessings before the couple exchanged them.

During the reception, the Polish influences continued with several lively polkas. It’s always a toss-up whether guests will join in for these dances, but this crowd did not disappoint! Seeing everyone polka dancing with such enthusiasm was a highlight of the night and brought a wonderful sense of connection to the evening.

A unique send-off

Instead of opting for sparklers or confetti for their exit, Samara and Joe chose something simpler and much more fun: a hype-filled send-off! Their friends and family gathered outside the venue to cheer them on as they exited, creating an atmosphere of pure excitement. It was a brilliant choice that captured the spirit of their wedding day perfectly.

While sparklers can create a magical effect, they’re not always the easiest to photograph — and there’s always a bit of fear that someone might catch on fire! Samara and Joe’s decision to keep it simple made for genuinely fun and memorable photos without the added stress of props or technical challenges.

Tips for a winter wedding

If you’re planning a winter wedding and dreaming of a spring-inspired vibe, Samara and Joe’s celebration is a great example of how to make it work. Florals played a key role in bringing their vision to life. Their choice of rainbow pastel blooms added a cheerful brightness to the day, bridging the gap between the chilly season and their springtime aesthetic.

For couples considering a similar theme, consider incorporating florals into the venue décor as well. It’s a simple way to enhance the ambiance and create a cohesive, lush look that ties everything together.

Final thoughts

Samara and Joe’s wedding at The Distillery was a beautiful celebration of love, culture, and individuality. The thoughtful traditions, joyful polka dancing, and unique send-off made the day truly unforgettable.

Thank you, Samara and Joe, for letting me capture your incredible day — it was truly an honor to witness and document your love story. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness!