From the engagement to the wedding, this sweet real wedding was captured by the ultra talented photographer, Kristin Vining.
The love story of Kate and Daniel is a sweet one.
The two met in the Fall of 2002. Kate’s college roommate was visiting her boyfriend at Clemson University and Kate agreed to come. As it turned out, the boyfriend’s roommate was Daniel Sap.
What could have been an awkward trip, ended up being a legendary weekend.
Kate and Daniel connected and were instantly friends. The two kept in touch ever since and after four years of friendship they became extremely close.
By Fall 2006, Kate realized that her feelings for Daniel surpassed the friendship level. When she bravely confessed, Daniel was elated as he told her those feelings were mutual.
The two became an item ever since…
After happily dating for three full years, Daniel reserved the private dining room at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in uptown Charlotte for their Anniversary.
Their intimate table was located in the restaurants romantic wine cellar and had a dozen pink roses waiting for Kate.
The romance continued after dinner as the couple hopped on a horse and carriage ride.
To Kate’s surprise, Daniel presented a sparkly diamond ring and formally asked her to be his wife… Of course, she said “Yes!”
As you can tell from the above engagement photos, Kate and Daniel are a beautiful couple with such enduring personalities.
The big day had finally arrived and Kate and Daniel were ecstatic!
Kate wore a beautiful lace and silk, sweetheart wedding gown designed by Alvina Valenta. She was an absolute vision! Daniel, wearing a Penguin Tuxedo, was also looking pretty sharp.
The couple couldn’t wait to finally see each other as the bride and groom.
Just a warning, this is the part where you may need to have a few tissues nearby as Kate and Daniel are about to have their first meeting.
Clearly, this moment was incredibly special to the couple. Thanks to Kristin Vining for preserving the priceless reactions of the bride and groom.
Kate and Daniel’s ceremony and reception was held at Byron’s South End in Charlotte, NC. The event style was modern (or contemporary) with “Asian flair.”
Their wedding details were thoughtfully chosen, with help from Tiffany Ratliff of Weddings and the City, to reflect the couple’s unique personalities, cultures and personal tastes.
Daniel is Cambodian and in a typical Cambodian wedding, all guests are pinned with orchids.
Putting their own spin on this tradition, Kate and Daniel added fresh pink orchids to petite white vases to be displayed throughout the evening and given as a favor to each guest.
The reception space was transformed into a unique lounge, or “zen” like, environment. Kate and Daniel wanted everyone to dance, mingle and enjoy themselves. They decided to surround the dance floor with a mixture of high-top tables and lounge furniture, leaving enough formal seating for half of their guests. There were various food stations set up, featured delicious bites that were easy to eat standing up..
Just as they hoped, the dance floor was packed all night!
Parasols and paper lanterns in different shades of pink hung from the ceiling adding dimension and pops of Kate’s favorite color to the space. The Place for Flowers created contemporary arrangements that included orchids and moss and stem wrapped cylinders with floating candles. The wedding cake made by Cake Lady Jill complimented their wedding decor brilliantly.
The new Mr. and Mrs. Sap were on cloud nine as their wedding vision truly came to life. The night could not have been more special.
Venue: Byrons South End
Photographer: Kristin Vining
2nd Shooter: Steve Michael
Planner: Tiffany Ratliff with Weddings and the City
Florist: The Place for Flowers
Wedding dress: Alvina Valenta from J. Majors
Hair: Stacy Huffstetler
Make-up: Lindsey Regan Thorne of Be Pretty
Groomsmen & Father of Bride: The Penguin Tuxedo
Bridesmaid’s dresses: Priscilla of Boston from J. Majors
Shoes: Grace
Cake: The Cake Lady Jill (Delmastro)
Lighting/Decor: Sterling by Design
Music: Roundhouse String Quartet, Kim McFarland, Jeff Brown, Split Second Sound
Jewelry: Kris Nations
Stationery: Designed by Groom, printed by Classic Graphics
Officiant: Dr. Joel Wright
Candy Bar: All You Can Treat
