CHARLOTTE WEDDING & PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER
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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.
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.
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.
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel’s Featured Wedding
Featured as a Real Wedding on Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel’s website, Liz and Mason’s classy ceremony and reception set the standard for Uptown Charlotte. The ceremony was a stunning affair in the Medley Ballroom, decorated with pink roses and flickering candles. Guests enjoyed dinner in the Rhapsody ballroom, with table settings of red roses and blue napkins. The evening continued with a dance party on Merchant & Trade’s rooftop terrace, culminating in a ceremony exit where guests waved rally towels in a nod to their alma mater the University of South Carolina.
I was so honored to be not only their wedding photographer, but their photographer earlier for Mason’s skyline proposal to Liz at Merchant and Trade.
St. James the Greater Catholic Church Wedding
A beautiful wedding at St. James the Greater Roman Catholic Church in Concord, NC. Deacon Todd performed this ceremony for Kristen and Jackson on this warm summer day. We used the secluded courtyard behind the church for bridal portraits and first looks, then proceeded into the sanctuary for the ceremony.
A wonderful Catholic wedding that I was thrilled to be able to capture. Congratulations Kristen and Jackson!!!
Quail Hollow Club Wedding
A timeless wedding at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC. Megan and Addison were married in a beautiful summer ceremony in the Pine Room of the Quail Hollow clubhouse overlooking the golf course that hosted the PGA Championship just weeks before. Really enjoyed getting to know these two and their families through their engagement and wedding journey.
Quail is a short drive from my studio, which made it so convenient to do walkthroughs in advance of the wedding with the couple and come to the rehearsal. I photograph a lot of weddings at Charlotte country clubs, but there is something special about Quail that makes it a classic.
Southpark Backyard Wedding
What a lovely wedding to photograph at this Southpark home’s backyard in Charlotte, NC. With sunny skies, pool, and cabana, this backyard was a beautiful backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
As a Charlotte wedding photographer, I’ve photographed some of the biggest weddings in Southpark, Myers Park, and Uptown, but I’m also really blown away by the beauty in every personal at-home wedding. Maybe most importantly, every wedding is defined by the couple getting married and honoring their commitment to each other in marriage.
Wedding at St. Matthew Catholic Church
Celebrating the sacrament of matrimony at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC with a full Mass. So honored to participate in Katarina and Ross’s wedding celebration at St. Matt’s by being their photographer.
I’ve been in St. Matthew’s many times for photography work, as well as my own family’s events, and I’m grateful. Each time I’m at St. Matt’s, I realized there are many great locations on the campus based on how the sunlight is positioned on a given day.
Venues at Langtree Wedding
Timeless outdoor spring wedding at The Venues at Langtree in Mooresville NC by Charlotte wedding photographer Michael Parks.
Allison and Nick created a wonderful celebration of their relationship, surrounded by friends and family this April day. Allison’s classic A-line wedding dress and Nick’s blue suit aided the bright and airy feel of the day at Langtree under the oaks. The beautiful florals lining the garden seating and arbor set the finishing touches for the light, bright vibe.
Congratulations Allison and Nick. I was so glad to be a small part of your beautiful day.
Planning Spring Photography
Spring in Charlotte starts March 20th. And client’s most common question for their spring wedding proposal, engagement, bridal, family, or senior session is when blooms will arrive. Cletus and I scouted favorite photography locations this week and found lilies, daffodils camellias, Bradford pear trees, and Japanese maple trees already in bloom. So it’s early March, and we’ve already got blooms!
In April, expect azaleas, flowering cherry trees, Eastern redbud, and more spring wildflowers to show blooms, grass to green up, and green foliage on vines and oak trees.
In May, look for dogwoods and hydrangeas to flower with even greener grass and full green tree canopies.
Know of any blooms in your part of Charlotte? Or have questions for this Charlotte wedding and portrait photographer on the best time to schedule your photography session? Contact me and I’d be glad to help!
Catholic Weddings in Charlotte NC
As a Catholic wedding photographer, and a Catholic myself, here’s my insights on photographing Catholic weddings in Charlotte, NC. Our family’s home parish is St. Gabriel Catholic Church, where my wife and I went through Pre-Cana ourselves. I’ve photographed several weddings at St. Gabriel, as well as St. Peter in Uptown Charlotte, and am looking forward to photographing weddings at St. Matthew and St. Patrick next year.
I believe that the sacrament of marriage, and it’s a blessing every time for me to be able to capture it for my couples. Whether the bride and groom have planned a ceremony with a Mass or not, I understand the unique order of celebrating matrimony and how to capture it beautifully and respectfully.
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