A Joyful Celebration at The Carolina Manor: Abby & Jaden in Raleigh, NC

Abby and Jaden Merkle’s wedding at The Carolina Manor in Raleigh, North Carolina, was a day filled with vibrant color, heartfelt moments, and family connections that made the celebration feel deeply personal. With a beautiful mansion setting and emotional storytelling woven throughout, this traditional Southern wedding had every ingredient for a cinematic love story.

A Classic Venue with Southern Charm

The Carolina Manor offered an elegant backdrop for Abby and Jaden’s wedding. The venue’s mansion-style architecture and spacious front lawn provided a timeless, refined atmosphere for the ceremony. Surrounded by trees and open skies, the outdoor setup allowed for sweeping shots—including some stunning drone footage that showcased the property’s scale and beauty.

A Family Connection Through Film

One of the most special parts of this wedding was the connection between families. Jade Films had previously filmed the wedding of Abby’s sister and her husband—who also happened to be part of Abby and Jaden’s bridal party as the maid of honor and best man. Seeing familiar faces and capturing another milestone for the same family made the experience both meaningful and creatively rewarding.

The couple’s personalities mirrored those of their family—kind, down-to-earth, and gracious. They were easy to work with, relaxed throughout the day, and genuinely focused on enjoying every moment.

Emotional Vows and Family Moments

The emotional highlight of the day came during the first look and vow exchange, which happened back-to-back. The quiet intimacy of that moment contrasted beautifully with the energy of the rest of the day. Another unforgettable scene was the post-ceremony hug between Abby and Jaden and her sister and brother-in-law, an organic, heartfelt moment that tied both weddings together in a full-circle way.

A Nostalgic Film Look

For this wedding, the film took on a nostalgic tone. We used a 16mm film emulation to give the footage a textured, authentic feel reminiscent of vintage wedding reels. This stylistic choice complemented the vibrant colors and natural light of the day, creating a timeless aesthetic that matched the couple’s elegant yet lively vision.

Favorite Scenes to Capture

The standout shot came during Abby’s walk down the aisle. Emerging from behind a brick wall and walking a long path toward the ceremony, the moment built a sense of anticipation that felt cinematic. The combination of movement, color, and composition made it one of the most memorable visuals in the final film.

Overcoming Summer Challenges

Like many summer weddings in North Carolina, the biggest challenge of the day was the heat and humidity. The warmth can cause camera lenses to fog up at times, requiring extra patience and planning during transitions. Despite that, the day ran smoothly, and the film captured every essential moment beautifully.

The Couple’s Reaction

Abby and Jaden—and their families—loved the final film. Their heartfelt review, along with kind words from relatives, reflected how meaningful the video was to everyone involved. The emotional response from both the couple and their loved ones made this project particularly rewarding.  Abby summed up their thoughts perfectly:

“Mason is so so talented! He does such a beautiful job of piecing together all the best moments of the day. We were so blessed to have him capture our wedding day!”

What Made This Wedding Unique

Beyond the gorgeous setting and heartfelt moments, what made this day stand out was the energy of the reception. The celebration was upbeat and lively from start to finish, giving the video a fun, fast-paced rhythm that reflected the joy of the night. Combining vibrant editing with emotional storytelling, the final product perfectly captured the balance of elegance and energy.

Advice for Couples Planning a Similar Wedding

• Plan for heat and humidity. Summer weddings in North Carolina can be unpredictable, so plan for lens fogging and guest comfort.
• Incorporate family connections. Bringing previous wedding parties or family members into new milestones adds depth and emotion to the story.
• Embrace a vintage film look. A 16mm-inspired grade can create a timeless tone for traditional weddings while still feeling modern.

If you’re planning a North Carolina mansion wedding or looking for a Raleigh wedding videographer who can blend emotion with elegance, Jade Films brings cinematic storytelling to life with every frame.

Photographer: Amara Images Photography