Greta + Josh
A Curated, Colorful Coastal Dreamboat of a Wedding Day
Though they’ve now settled down in Utah, Greta and Josh met by chance while traveling overseas and quickly fell into an easy, loving togetherness. By the time I was invited into their story, they had been together for ten years. I met them at Cape Fear River Boats for their welcome party, where the energy felt entirely different from my past visits—electric in the best way.
Everyone arrived beautifully dressed, in the happiest of moods. Greta and Josh’s friends and family were over the moon to celebrate with them, and that collective joy set the tone for the entire weekend.
Getting Ready at the Beach House
The next morning, I headed to Greta’s family’s beach house with my assistant for the day, Gloria. The cozy, nautical space buzzed with excitement—lunch and makeup happening at the same time on the deck, baby bottles being washed in the sink, sisters rushing to finish getting ready before helping Greta into her gown.
Even the behind-schedule moments felt settled and familiar, like home. And then there was the dress.
Greta’s gown was unbelievable. Every detail felt thoughtful and personal, made even more meaningful by the fact that it was handmade by her close friend and bridesmaid, Renee. Renee also created two of the bridesmaids’ dresses and helped design the invitations. Greta’s sisters and bridesmaids helped her into the gown in the middle of the living room, where we all stood in quiet awe.
Carolina Yacht Club Wedding Day
Our next stop was the Carolina Yacht Club, a beautiful beachside setting filled with coastal character. Raven from Aisle Host and her team were already hard at work preparing the dinner space. Greta had a clear, refined vision for her wedding day, and Raven brought it to life seamlessly.
Soft yellow florals designed by Mother of Wild Florals glowed in the sunlight pouring through the screened-in dining room. While the finishing touches came together inside, the bridal party and I headed to the dunes for portraits.
There, we met Harry from Harry Taylor Photo, who had set up his tintype equipment on the sand. He photographed Greta and Josh, their families, and the bridal party—just as he had years earlier at Greta’s aunt’s wedding. Watching him work was incredible, from capturing the images to developing them on the spot. Later that evening, he created tintype portraits for guests at a beautifully styled photobooth. His warmth, talent, and years of experience were inspiring.
Ceremony, Celebration, and Meaningful Moments
After portraits, the rest of the day unfolded with a cool North Carolina breeze. Greta and Josh exchanged vows surrounded by their loved ones. Directly following the ceremony, guests gathered on the back porch for cocktail hour—oysters, drinks, laughter, and a soft pink sunset setting the scene. Greta and Josh got to visit with everyone- chat, show off their rings, enjoy the oysters. We stepped away for a few minutes of portraits around sunset, but spending time with their loved ones was the priority (so we made it happen!).
Dinner followed with an incredible meal by Spoonfed Kitchen and heartfelt toasts from the bridal party. Cake from Little Loaf Bakery was served right on the dance floor as Acclaim DJ kept the energy flowing late into the evening.
Most of the images from this day were captured on film, balanced with select digital photographs. The result feels rich, layered, and full of feeling—each moment thoughtfully preserved as a family heirloom for Greta and Josh.
Vendors
Venue + Bar: Carolina Yacht Club
Coordinator: Aisle Host
Florals: Mother of Wild Flower House
Rentals: Perfect Touch Rentals & Events + Party Suppliers and Rentals, Inc.
Hair: Kristen Wilson Hair
Catering: Spoonfed Catering
Cake: Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse
Tin-Type Photo Booth: Harry Taylor Photography
Stationary: And There Designs + K Thomas Printers
Private Charter: Cape Fear Riverboats
Dress: Custom-made by Renee Graff
Suits: Nordstrom Rack
Photography: J. Sikora Photography
J. Sikora Photography is led by Jordan, a Baltimore wedding photographer and Baltimore portrait photographer. With a photojournalistic, film-meets-digital approach, she’s drawn to colorful, family-centric celebrations, quirky traditions, and moments that feel more like living than performing. Jordan crafts heirloom imagery that values feeling over perfection, and she especially loves collaborating with artists, creatives, and all eclectic romantics who wants their photo albums to feel honest, relaxed, and a little bit unexpected.