Brennan Rieder Photography

Since becoming a mother in 2024, my lens has found a new home. 🤍

I’ve always loved capturing the mothers of my couples but this past year, it hit different. I finally understand the lump in the throat as the veil goes on, and the pride that radiates during that first dance. It’s a love that is fierce, selfless, and carries a lifetime of “firsts” to this one “I do.”

There is nothing quite like the look on ya’lls face when the heart you raised is being placed safely in the hands of someone new. It’s been an honor to document that hand-off over the last two years. Happy Mother’s Day. 🕊️

Allie + Spencer, June 2027 literally cannot come fast enough! ❤️❤️❤️

As a photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a game-changer a bridal stylist is for the flow of the day. We all love a helpful Maid of Honor, but your bestie should be in the photos with a glass of champagne in her hand, not sweating over a steamer or wrestling with a garment bag.

Having a stylist on-site completely levels up the gallery. While I’m focusing on the light and the composition, they’re behind the scenes making sure every bridesmaid is wrinkle-free and those “tricky” boutique bows are tied exactly right. They’re right there with us during portraits too, fluffing the train and ensuring the fit looks editorial-ready from every single angle.

The best part? Since they’ve usually been to the fittings and talked shop with the seamstress, they can handle a complex bustle in seconds. It saves so much time and stress, meaning you get to spend more of your day celebrating and less time pinned into your dress. It’s the ultimate wedding day luxury that honestly just makes sense for everyone involved. ✨

Planning: Tova Yvents .yvents
Venue/Bar/Catering: 
Hair and Makeup:
Dress:
Styling:
Photography: .rieder
DJ:
Flowers:
Entertainment: 

From the historic halls of the Millennium Center to the very paper their vows were written on, Giuliana (Gigi) and Andrew’s day was an ode to where they’ve been and where they’re going. 🥂
Andrew’s roots run three generations deep right here in Winston-Salem, while Gigi carried the incredible legacy of her grandfather, a Tuskegee Airman, into their new chapter. They even paid tribute to their “meet-cute” at a printer sales shop with the most stunning high-quality paper details!
But the highlight? An accidental “pre-first look” where GG’s first instinct to hide from Andrew was... pulling her wedding dress over her head. 😂 Proof that even when things don’t go to plan, they turn out perfectly.

Planning: Tova Yvents .yvents
Venue/Bar/Catering:
Hair and Makeup:
Dress:
Photography: .rieder
DJ:
Flowers: Heritage Flowers
Cake: Publix
Entertainment: Poetry Fox

Springtime magic at ! ✨ We are still swooning over this breathtaking English Garden showcase, where classic elegance met a vibrant, modern edge.
A huge thank you to .harmonyweddings and the Harmony Weddings & Events team, who truly went above and beyond to design a day that felt like a living dream. From the “immersive meadow” sprawling across the head table to the perfectly curated lounge vignettes, every detail was pure harmony. 
The floral artistry by English Garden brought the vision to life with a palette of soft pastels and bold accent blooms, creating a lush, botanical atmosphere that transformed every corner of the house and grounds. 
Our stunning bride glowed in exquisite gowns provided by Bride of Pines, perfectly complementing the romantic, garden-party aesthetic.
Whether it was the intimate ceremony setup with those chic Fritz Cane chairs or the sophisticated cocktail hour under the market lights, this showcase was a masterclass in spring wedding inspiration.

.rieder

Yesterday’s celebration of McKenzie and Adam was so much more than just a wedding—it was a beautiful testament to resilience, deep connection, and the kind of love that truly anchors you. 🤍
Both McKenzie and Adam have navigated the profound loss of a parent, a shared journey that bonded them from the start. Because of that, their focus yesterday wasn’t on the “production” of a wedding, but purely on each other. It was incredibly moving to see them prioritize that quiet, unbreakable connection above all else.
McKenzie, I know you were feeling those pre-photo jitters, but seeing your face light up every time we talked about Sadie (the most adorable ring bearer ever!) or laughed through my ridiculous stories was the highlight of my day. You were a vision of grace, and your love for Adam—and Sadie!—shone through every single frame. 🐾✨
Adam and McKenzie, thank you for letting me witness such a raw and honest kind of love. Your parents would have been so incredibly proud. Cheers to the Dickinsons! 🥂💍

Photographer: .rieder
Planning:
Florals:
Venue/Bar/Catering:
Dress:
HMUA:
DJ:
Dog Atendeny: