Wedding Rehearsal at Trump National

Wedding

Aug 18

Written By Michael Parks

Lakeside Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Photo on film on the lawn at Trump National Golf Course Charlotte

Rehearsal Dinner at Trump National Golf Course Charlotte

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Photos at Trump National Golf Course Charlotte

Ole Miss Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Photos at Trump National Golf Course Charlotte

The Well Planned Rehearsal: A Perfect Start to the Wedding Weekend

There are some wedding weekends that feel like the memories begin long before the ceremony—and Bekah and Alex’s wedding was certainly one of them. I had photographed their engagement session at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte previously, so returning to the property for their wedding weekend was already comfortable. This time, instead of just exploring the beautiful grounds for engagement portraits, I had the opportunity to document the beginning of an entire weekend of celebrations.

A Wedding Rehearsal on Lake Norman

Friday began with the ceremony rehearsal in front of the clubhouse on the grass lawn beside Lake Norman. Trump National Charlotte is an extraordinary setting for a wedding weekend, with its private-club atmosphere, manicured grounds, and sweeping views across the lake.

The rehearsal itself was relaxed and full of anticipation. Family members and friends gathered together, everyone beginning to settle into their roles for the wedding day while enjoying the beautiful setting. These moments may not appear on the formal wedding-day timeline, but they are often some of the memories couples and their families treasure most.

That is one of the reasons I love photographing an entire wedding weekend rather than only the ceremony and reception. The wedding day is obviously important, but there is an entire story happening around it.

Cocktails at the Village Square

After the rehearsal, everyone gathered at the Village Square for cocktails. The atmosphere shifted from rehearsal logistics to celebration, with guests enjoying drinks, conversation, and the excitement of knowing the wedding was just one day away.

For me, this was a wonderful opportunity to photograph the relationships surrounding Bekah and Alex. Wedding photography isn't only about portraits of the couple. It's also about documenting parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends who helped shape their lives before this moment.

Those candid interactions are often the photographs that become family favorites years later.

Rehearsal Dinner at The Village Ballroom

The evening continued with the rehearsal dinner at The Village Ballroom. With everyone together in one place, the dinner became a chance to slow down and enjoy the people who had traveled to celebrate with Bekah and Alex.

There were speeches, laughter, hugs, conversations between generations, and plenty of anticipation for the wedding day ahead. Because I was there to photograph the entire evening, I could focus on preserving the story as it naturally unfolded rather than simply checking off a list of traditional photographs.

Friday was such a significant part of the wedding weekend that I was thrilled to be able to document it all for Bekah and Alex and their families.

Why I Love Photographing the Entire Wedding Weekend

One of the things I hear most often from couples who book photography for their entire wedding weekend is how much they appreciate having these memories preserved. When couples initially think about wedding photography, it's natural to focus just on the wedding day. But when you step back and look at the entire experience, a wedding story begins much earlier.

The rehearsal. The first time family members meet. Cocktails with friends. Dinner and speeches. The little interactions that happen when everyone is finally together in one place.

Those moments can't be recreated.

That's why I love being able to photograph rehearsals, rehearsal dinners, and welcome parties alongside the wedding day itself. It allows me to tell a much more complete story—and gives couples a gallery filled with memories beyond the traditional wedding photographs.

A Wedding Weekend Planned to Perfection

The entire event was carefully managed by Nieves Martino's Events On The Lake, one of Charlotte's leading wedding planning teams. Their attention to detail helped everything move seamlessly from the rehearsal on the lake to cocktails at the Village Square and finally to dinner at The Village Ballroom.

Having an experienced planner coordinating the details also makes a tremendous difference from a photography perspective. It allows me to concentrate on what I do best: anticipating moments, creating beautiful compositions, and making sure the important memories aren't missed.

Analogue Film + Digital Photography

For Bekah and Alex's wedding weekend, I photographed extensively in analogue with film. Kodak’s Portra 400 is one of my favorite films for weddings because of its timeless, natural quality. It renders skin tones beautifully and gives photographs a soft, organic character that feels both classic and contemporary.

I also photographed alongside digital cameras throughout the weekend. My digital files were carefully processed to complement the film, creating a cohesive gallery. The result is a collection of photographs that feels timeless while still preserving the genuine atmosphere of the weekend—from the anticipation of the rehearsal to the laughter over dinner and all of the relationships in between.

The Beginning of Something Special

Returning to Trump National Golf Club Charlotte for Bekah and Alex's wedding weekend was a wonderful experience. Friday wasn't simply the night before the wedding. It was the beginning of the celebration, filled with the people who mattered most to them.

And that's exactly why I believe wedding photography should tell more than the story of a single day. The best wedding galleries preserve the feeling of the entire weekend—the anticipation, the laughter, the people, and all those fleeting moments that are impossible to recreate.

For couples planning a wedding at Trump National Golf Club Charlotte or elsewhere around Charlotte and Lake Norman, I would love to help document not only your wedding day, but the memories that make your entire wedding weekend unforgettable.

If you're planning your wedding at Robertson Homestead in Rock Hill, SC—or anywhere throughout the Carolinas—and love natural, timeless photography captured on both film and digital, I'd love to tell your story.