CHARLOTTE WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
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Where to Propose in Charlotte
The best locations for a marriage proposal in Charlotte, NC. Expert advice from Charlotte’s go-to wedding photographer for timeless, authentic images in digital and film. Michael Parks, owner of ParksPictures Photography, shares insights and tips based on years of experience photographing at the top Charlotte wedding venues like Quail Hollow Club, Duke Mansion, Carmel Country Club, Daniel Stowe Conservatory.
First Look, First Touch, or Aisle Reveal?
Should you do a first look, first touch, or wait until the ceremony to see each other? Get expert advice and experience from PPA Certified Professional Photographer and Charlotte’s go-to photographer for timeless images in digital and film, Michael Parks
One of the most common questions my couples ask me during our wedding photography planning is: “Should we do a first look, a first touch, or wait until the ceremony to see each other?”
After years of photographing weddings throughout Charlotte as a PPA Certified Professional Photographer, and a photographer known for creating timeless images in both digital and film, I’ve seen firsthand how each option shapes the couple’s experience of their wedding day.
Bright & Airy Guide
Get the guide to plan your wedding day for natural bright and airy photographs, with insights and tips from PPA Certified Professional Photographer and Charlotte’s go-to photographer for timeless images in digital and film, Michael Parks
Plaza Midwood Wedding at The Long Room
A Plaza Midwood Wedding at The Long Room in Charlotte, NC
There’s something warm and honest you can feel about weddings that are 100% planned by just the couple, and this wedding at The Long Room in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood was exactly that. Rich with mid-century brickwork, and local art on display, The Long Room was the perfect venue for a celebration that felt equal parts intimate and effortlessly cool.
Originally built in 1953, The Long Room embraces its past while feeling distinctly modern. The venue’s exposed brick and concrete walls, preserved from the original structure, create a textured, urban backdrop that photographs beautifully. Throughout the space, rotating original artwork by local Charlotte artists adds color, creativity, and a sense of place—making every angle feel unique and alive.
A Venue Designed for Energy and Flow
One of the standout features of The Long Room is its thoughtful layout. The large sprung dance floor anchors the celebration, while the wrap-around balcony with wrought iron railing offers guests a unique vantage point and gives couples dramatic photo perspectives. Whether it was guests watching heartfelt moments from above or dancing late into the evening below, the balcony added a layer of visual interest that made this wedding feel dynamic and immersive.
The venue also features a full bar—always a guest favorite—and an outdoor courtyard, which provided a relaxed space for conversation, fresh air, and candid moments away from the dance floor. It’s the kind of venue that encourages connection, and genuine moments throughout the day.
Capturing the Day with Digital and Film
As a PPA-trained Certified Professional Photographer specializing in weddings, my goal is always to tell a couple’s story in a way that feels honest, timeless, and true to who they are. For this wedding, I used a blend of digital and film photography, allowing me to capture both precision and emotion in complementary ways.
For film, I photographed on Kodak Portra 400 for color and Ilford Delta 3200 for black and white—films known for their beautiful tonal range, soft grain, and ability to handle challenging light with grace. Shooting film in a venue like The Long Room, with its moody textures and ambient lighting, adds a richness and depth that feels especially fitting for a historic space.
All film was shot on my Canon EOS 1V paired with a Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS lens, a combination that allows me to work fluidly, stay present in the moment, and capture scenes as they naturally unfold. The result is imagery that feels classic without being stiff—photos that will still feel meaningful decades from now.
A Celebration Full of Character
This wedding was a beautiful reflection of the couple themselves: warm, expressive, and rooted in authenticity. From laughter echoing across the balcony to quiet moments shared in the courtyard, The Long Room offered endless opportunities for storytelling.
If you’re planning a wedding in Plaza Midwood and are drawn to venues with history, art, and architectural character, The Long Room is truly one of Charlotte’s hidden gems. And if you’re looking for a photographer who blends editorial sophistication with genuine, candid moments—captured on both digital and film—I’d love to tell your story.
Joy-filled Wedding Reception at The Revelry
Greek Wedding Reception at the Revelry in Charlotte
After the ceremony at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, the wedding party relocated to the Revelry at Camp North End near Uptown Charlotte.
Digital + Film for a Timeless Look
To honor a space as historic as Holy Trinity, I can photograph weddings using whatever combination of digital and film photography the client prefers. Digital allows me to capture the most fleeting, candid moments with precision, while film brings an organic softnesss that pairs beautifully with the Cathedral’s traditions. Together, a digital and film approach can create images that feel classic, yet alive—photographs that won’t feel dated years from now, but continue to reflect the significance of the day.
A Place for Treasured Moments
A wedding at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of faith, family, and culture. Being entrusted to document those moments, in a place that means so much both to my clients and to me personally, is something I never take for granted.
If you’re planning a wedding, engagement, or proposal at Holy Trinity, I’d love to guide you to the most beautiful light, the most meaningful spaces, and create images that tell your story with care, artistry, and intention.
A Joyful Greek Wedding in Charlotte
A Joyful Greek Wedding in Charlotte
There’s something sacred about photographing a wedding at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Located at 600 East Boulevard in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, this stunning Cathedral—built in 1954—is the only Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in North Carolina, and it carries a sense of history, reverence, and beauty that you feel the moment you step inside. From holding candles, blessing the rings, joining the hands, Stefana crowns, sharing the cup, to the dance of Isaiah, a Greek wedding ceremony is rich in tradition. Each wedding here is deeply rooted in centuries-old rituals, and it’s an honor to document those moments as they unfold.
As a photographer, I’m inspired by the architecture— the arches, stone textures, and the way natural light filters through the pews. These elements create an atmosphere that’s impossible to replicate anywhere else in Charlotte.
A Personal Connection to Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity holds a place in my heart that stretches beyond photographing weddings. For years, my family has attended the YiaSou Greek Festival, held in September on the grounds surrounding the Cathedral. If you’ve ever been, you know it’s one of the most beloved festivals in Charlotte. The traditional music, the Greek food, dancing, and community spirit bring the space to life in such a joyful way. That personal connection makes photographing weddings here even more meaningful for me.
Knowing the Light, Inside and Out
A key advantage of having experience photographing at Holy Trinity is understanding of how light moves through the Cathedral and its grounds throughout the day. I’ve discovered specific pockets of soft, flattering light—both inside and outside—that can be perfect depending, on the time of day. I can guide wedding clients to the most beautiful areas for proposals, engagement sessions, bridal portraits, portraits, and group pictures.
Whether it’s a quiet corner that glows in late afternoon sun, or a dramatic architectural backdrop that shines near sunrise, I help couples feel confident knowing they’re being photographed in the Cathedral’s most stunning locations.
Digital + Film for a Timeless Look
To honor a space as historic as Holy Trinity, I can photograph weddings using whatever combination of digital and film photography the client prefers. Digital allows me to capture the most fleeting, candid moments with precision, while film brings an organic softnesss that pairs beautifully with the Cathedral’s traditions. Together, a digital and film approach can create images that feel classic, yet alive—photographs that won’t feel dated years from now, but continue to reflect the significance of the day.
A Place for Treasured Moments
A wedding at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral is more than a ceremony—it’s a celebration of faith, family, and culture. Being entrusted to document those moments, in a place that means so much both to my clients and to me personally, is something I never take for granted.
If you’re planning a wedding, engagement, or proposal at Holy Trinity, I’d love to guide you to the most beautiful light, the most meaningful spaces, and create images that tell your story with care, artistry, and intention.
McGill Rose Garden Bridal Portrait
One of my favorite bride’s at her bridal session, surrounded by outdoor greens at the McGill Rose Garden in NoDa.
As a Charlotte NC wedding photographer with twenty years experience on digital and film, I love how a natural outdoor space flatters a bride in her wedding dress and veil.
It was a proud moment for all of us when the custom framed bridal portrait was revealed at the wedding reception at The Revelry in Camp North End, after the wedding at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Digital+Film Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer in Charlotte, NC, I’ve learned that every couple’s story deserves to be told with intention, emotion, and artistry. Over my twenty years of experience, I’ve refined my signature style of romantic elegance meeting editorial sophistication—pastel tones, luminous light, and candid moments with a polished finish. One of the most meaningful ways I achieve this balance is by photographing weddings with a mix of digital and film.
Blending both mediums allows me to create a wedding gallery that feels timeless yet modern, refined yet deeply emotional, and—above all—true to the couple I’m documenting.
I photographed this lovely newly engaged couple at the Mint Museum in Charlotte NC on Ilford HP5 Plus black and white 35mm film, as well as digital.
Intimate Wedding at Kingston South End
An Intimate Fall Wedding at The Kingston South End
By Parkspictures Photography
This fall, I had the privilege of photographing one of the most memorable intimate weddings of the season—set high above the city at The Kingston South End in Charlotte, NC. The couple reserved the entire 24th floor, transforming the Altitude Lounge, Spectator Lounge, and Skyline Terrace into a wedding venue surrounded by sweeping views of Uptown Charlotte.
As a Certified Professional Photographer specializing in weddings—and one of Charlotte’s go-to photographers for timeless, joy-filled imagery, I approach every wedding with my signature style of romantic elegance blended with editorial sophistication, pastel-toned palettes, luminous natural light, and candid moments with a polished finish. These qualities are the hallmarks I strive to bring to every celebration I photograph.
A Venue Above the Clouds
From the moment I stepped into The Kingston’s 24th-floor event space, the Charlotte city skyline wrapped around the venue like a shimmering backdrop. The Altitude and Spectator lounges offered contemporary comfort, while the open-air Skyline Terrace showcased the full beauty of Uptown—warm, golden, and glowing in the fall light. It was the perfect canvas for an intimate celebration.
Elevated Dining & Thoughtful Details
The couple chose an elevated dining experience catered by Chef Taylor Kastl and Chef Steve McGinley of Tayste Catering, whose artistry and flavor-forward dishes elevated the atmosphere beautifully. Guests enjoyed thoughtfully crafted hors d’oeuvres and a curated dinner menu designed for connection and movement throughout the space. A designer wedding cake stood as a stunning visual centerpiece—an elegant focal point that photographed beautifully with the city lights glowing beyond it.
A Warm, Intentional Celebration
With a smaller guest list, everything felt intentional and heartfelt. Guests drifted between lounges, laughter echoed against the windows, and as dusk settled, the skyline transformed into a glittering backdrop for portraits and candid moments.
These are the kinds of days that feel effortless in the best possible way—full of warmth, closeness, and quiet magic.
My Approach: Candid, Beautifully Directed Storytelling
One comment I hear often from couples is, “I love your candid photos!” And while the moments I capture are authentically real and spontaneous, they’re supported by a traditional technique I’ve refined over the years—directed reportage. I don’t simply photograph whatever happens to be in front of me. If I did, the gallery might include awkward angles, guests mid-bite, or moments that don’t reflect the beauty and elegance of the day. Instead, when I see meaningful moments beginning to unfold, I guide naturally—small adjustments, subtle prompts, gentle direction—so the candid moments keep that refined, editorial feel my couples love. It’s a careful balance of authentic storytelling and polished framing, allowing couples to relax fully in front of the camera while still presenting the best version of themselves.
A Wedding That Truly Reflected the Couple
By the end of the evening, the city was glowing, the terrace lights shimmered, and the entire celebration felt like it floated above Charlotte. It was intimate, stylish, and filled with genuine joy—an unforgettable fall wedding that showcased exactly what makes The Kingston South End such a remarkable venue. If you’re planning a modern, elevated Charlotte wedding—and want photography filled with romantic elegance, luminous light, and naturally polished candid moments—I’d be honored to help tell your story.
Mint Museum Uptown Wedding
Elegant Uptown Wedding Reception at The Mint Museum
This weddingday was the perfect blend of timeless Catholic tradition and modern Uptown Charlotte sophistication—a dream to photograph as a Charlotte wedding photographer. The ceremony took place at St. Peter Catholic Church, followed by a stylish, art-filled reception at The Mint Museum Uptown, located conveniently right across the street.
St. Peter Catholic Church in Uptown captures everything I love about traditional Catholic ceremonies: the sense of sacredness, the warm glow of the sanctuary, and the spiritual depth of the vows exchanged.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed one of the biggest perks of a Mint Museum wedding—its unbeatable location. The museum sits directly across from St. Peter, creating an incredibly convenient transition from ceremony to reception. In less than a minute, guests found themselves stepping from historic church architecture into sleek, contemporary design.
The Mint Museum Uptown is known for its bold, modern aesthetic and city-center energy. Designed by the acclaimed Machado & Silvetti, the five-story museum houses world-class American and contemporary art collections that surround guests as they arrive, setting a sophisticated tone for the evening.
The couple hosted their reception in the Mattye and Marc Silverman Grand Room, a stunning 4,000-square-foot event space filled with natural light and urban skyline views. The energy in the room was incredible— music, dancing and joyful celebration all night long.
My favorite part of photographing a Mint Museum Uptown wedding is the Trustees Terrace. As the sun began to set, the couple stepped outside for portraits overlooking the Uptown skyline and a perfect view of St. Peter across the street.
The soft evening light, the city glowing beneath us, and the quiet moment shared between the newlyweds made these my favorite portraits. The terrace offers an unmatched blend of urban elegance and artistic architecture—truly a dream setting for sunset photos.
From the timeless beauty of their Catholic ceremony to the trend-forward vibrance of their Mint Museum reception, Alyson and Josh’s wedding showcased everything that makes Uptown Charlotte weddings so unforgettable.
A Joyful Catholic Wedding at Saint Peter
A Joyful Catholic Wedding in the Heart of Uptown Charlotte
As a Charlotte wedding photographer—and a Catholic myself—there is something profoundly meaningful about documenting a Catholic wedding. Every time I step inside a church as a wedding photographer, I’m reminded of what a blessing it is to witness two people enter into this sacrament. Alyson and Josh’s wedding at St. Peter Catholic Church in Uptown Charlotte was one of those days that felt both reverent and joy-filled from beginning to end.
Getting Ready: A Beautiful Calm Before the Ceremony
The morning began at the Ignatius Center, tucked just beside the church. Alyson and her bridesmaids filled the room with laughter and warmth as they got ready. The soft window light, her elegant gown, and the moments of prayer were the perfect start for a Catholic wedding day.
Just across the street, Josh was getting ready with his groomsmen at the Mint Museum. Its clean, modern architecture contrasted well with the classic charm of St. Peter’s, creating an ideal backdrop for portraits of the groom and his guys.
The Ceremony: A Sacred and Timeless Celebration
St. Peter Catholic Church is one of Charlotte’s most stunning churches, and documenting a wedding there is special to me. The glow of stained-glass windows, the historic architecture, and the solemnity of the Catholic ceremony created a ceremony that felt both intimate and grand.
Watching Alyson walk down the aisle toward Josh was one of the most emotional moments of the day. Their families’ reactions, the music, and the beauty of the Mass came made the church feel alive with joy.
Portraits on the Green: Uptown Energy Meets Wedding Elegance
After the ceremony, we stepped outside into the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Just beside the church is The Green, one of my favorite urban parks for portraits. Its lush green spaces energy balances nicely with the classic brick exterior of St. Peter.
Alyson and Josh’s wedding party was really fun to photograph— supportive, and ready for anything. The mixture of greenery, city skyline, and vibrant artwork gave us a diverse set of backdrops within steps of one another. Their portraits reflect the blend of classic and modern that makes Uptown
Charlotte weddings so special.
Why I Loved Photographing This Day
Being trusted to capture any Catholic wedding is an honor, but Alyson and Josh’s day was especially meaningful. Their trust, their families’ warmth, and the beauty of celebrating a sacrament at St. Peter Catholic Church made this a wedding I’ll always remember.
If you’re planning a wedding at St. Peter’s—or anywhere in Uptown Charlotte—and cherish images that honor the emotion and the elegance of your day, I’d love to connect. As the owner of Parkspictures Photography, it brings me joy to create images that feel timeless, authentic, and deeply personal.
Robertson Homestead Engagement
Romantic Engagement Session at Robertson Homestead in Rock Hill. On a crisp fall evening, I met up with this sweet couple for an outdoor engagement session at the historic Robertson Homestead, the site of their wedding next year. A large wooded property with a creek running through it, an 18th century estate house, and wide open spaces were perfect for natural, organic photos. As a Charlotte wedding photographer, Robertson Homestead was an easy drive from my studio. Excited to go back to Robertson Homestead, Rock Hill SC, for this couple’s wedding next year.
Proposal at Daniel Stowe Conservancy
Romantic summer wedding proposal in the White Garden at the Daniel Stowe Conservancy in Belmont, NC. These botanical gardens offer a stunning private location you can reserve for proposing to your girlfriend, and can visit over and over again. Assisting the boyfriend in planing his surprise proposal is something I’ve done many times, and we planned the perfect way for him to pop the question here. After the proposal, we celebrated with engagement pictures that will be great for those Save-the-Date cards and sharing with friends! So happy for these two, and their upcoming wedding.
Magical Garden Wedding
Outdoor private garden wedding, photographed by nearby Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks.
Lush greens and an arbor surrounded this wedding venue as the bride and groom exchanged their vows outdoors. A beautiful evening.
As one of the four Charlotte wedding photographers accredited by Professional Photographers of America as a Certified Professional Photographer, Michael Parks tailors his pictures to highlight the unique connection between each bride and groom.
Fun Wedding at Sugar Creek Brewing Co.
Fun, Romantic Wedding at Sugar Creek Brewing Co.
Reserving Sugar Creek’s private event venue, this couple and family created a relaxed candid atmosphere. As a Charlotte NC wedding photographer, I love documenting every couple’s love story, especially when they create their own unique aesthetic for their wedding. With custom florals, drinks, decorations, and a neon rose wall, the bride and groom’s wedding was a memorable event for all of their guests. The ceremony was held outdoors in the courtyard, the reception was held in the indoor hall, and we even made our way into the brewery and tap room for fun images of the couple. There’s nothing quite like the round of applause from a bar when a bride and groom make an entrance.
Located in Charlotte’s Lower Southend “LoSo” district of South Blvd, Sugar Creek’s private event room is a rustic 2,000 sq-ft hall with a private outdoor area and bar and food service for weddings.
Laurel Haven Estate Winery & Vineyard Wedding
A tailored wedding photography experience for this couple who reserved Laurel Haven Estate Winery & Vineyard for their wedding weekend, photographed by nearby Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks.
Panoramic views of the tree-lined vineyard and private fishing lake surrounded the bride and groom’s outdoor ceremony space for light and airy photographs, and we made the most of it with the Fujifilm 400H aesthetic for a bright pastel quality. The evening ended with sunset pictures on the bridge over the water.
As one of the four Charlotte wedding photographers accredited by Professional Photographers of America as a Certified Professional Photographer, Michael Parks tailors his pictures to highlight the unique connection between each bride and groom.
Film-driven Wedding at Lake Lure Inn
As a lover of film photography, I think Delaney and John’s wedding aesthetic and vibe was tailor-made for Fujifilm 400H and Tri-X 400 black and white film. North Carolina mountain’s lush greens and sky blues were backdrops at the historic Lake Lure Inn, which the families booked out for the wedding weekend. The historic Inn, quiet Lake Lure, and exclusive access enabled a uniquely editorial approach to telling this wedding story.
Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks photographed this wedding in a bright and airy style that showcased the amazing connection between this bride and groom.
Wedding at Laurel Haven Estate
Custom wedding photography experience for this family who rented out Laurel Haven Estate for the weekend, by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks.
With sweeping views of the vineyards and private lake, its outdoor ceremony space is beautiful for bright and airy photographs, and we made the most of it with Fujifilm 400H’s light texture that gave a dreamy quality to the event. Guests enjoyed a catered dinner and dancing in an open-air tent, followed by fireworks.
As one of the few Charlotte wedding photographers accredited by Professional Photographers of America as a Certified Professional Photographer, Michael Parks strives to highlight the unique connection between each of his brides and grooms.
A Wedding to Remember at Belk Chapel
A tailored wedding photography experience at Belk Chapel on Queens University campus in the Myers Park neighborhood of Charlotte, NC. With the best in professional photography equipment, this couple’s wedding was captured in digital and film.
After the ceremony, we traveled to The Ruth by Beau Monde in Uptown Charlotte for the reception. With skyline views in its open courtyard and a light-filled, airy indoor space, guests enjoyed a catered dinner, dancing, and a custom-made bar that really set this venue apart.
As one of the few Charlotte wedding photographers accredited by Professional Photographers of America as a Certified Professional Photographer, Michael Parks strives to highlight the unique connection between each of his brides and grooms.
Intimate Wedding in the Mountains
A custom wedding photography experience at a mountain estate nearby Charlotte, NC, tailored in film to highlight the connection between a bride and groom on the most important day of their lives. Eloping to the mountains for an intimate wedding with the closest family and friends allowed this couple to fully engage with their loved ones in a full weekend together, supported by a team of wedding pros.
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