An Emotional and Golden November Wedding at the Leslie-Alford-Mims House | Caroline & Joey
There’s something truly magical about a November wedding in North Carolina, and Caroline and Joey’s celebration at the Leslie-Alford-Mims House in Holly Springs was unforgettable in every way. With golden afternoon light, heartfelt moments, and nonstop laughter, their day was filled with the kind of emotion every wedding photographer hopes to capture.
From getting ready surrounded by close family and friends to dancing in the DJ lights with joyful abandon, every moment of Caroline and Joey’s wedding reflected their deep love and vibrant personalities.
Photos by Jeffery and Christina Minnish, Minnish Wedding Photography
The Venue: The Timeless Beauty of the Leslie-Alford-Mims House
If you've never been to the Leslie-Alford-Mims House, it's a gem nestled in the heart of Holly Springs, NC. Built in 1840 by Scottish tailor Archibald Leslie as a wedding gift for his beloved bride, Isabelle Rogers, the Leslie-Alford-Mims House is steeped in romance and history. Isabelle’s carved initials can still be found inside the home—a quiet, enduring symbol of the love story that first brought this Southern estate to life.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Leslie-Alford-Mims House is one of the most iconic and beloved wedding venues in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This historic Southern estate is full of timeless charm, featuring original hardwood floors, sparkling chandeliers, white columned porches, and tall windows that fill the interiors with soft, natural light. From sun-drenched garden paths to elegant indoor spaces, the Mims House offers a warm and picturesque backdrop for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and bridal portraits.
Whether you're planning an intimate fall wedding or a golden hour bridal session, the Mims House is a dream location for couples and photographers alike. It’s elegant without feeling stuffy, romantic yet relaxed, and intimate while still offering space for big celebration energy.
Getting Ready: Laughter, Emotion, and a Mother’s Touch
The day began inside the beautiful bridal suite, where Caroline was surrounded by her closest friends and family. There was an easy, joyful energy in the room—so much laughter, hugs, and happy tears. One of the most tender moments came when Caroline’s mom helped loop the delicate buttons on her wedding dress, her hands steady with care and love.
The light pouring in through the large windows was absolutely perfect—a soft, glowing backdrop for this emotional start to the day. It reminded me of the bridal portrait session we had done at the Mims House a few weeks earlier, where Caroline stood illuminated by window light, looking effortlessly elegant. That portrait has become one of my favorites of all time—timeless, graceful, and purely her.
Meanwhile, Joey got ready in the groom’s suite, which felt like something out of a Southern storybook. The space was cozy, with a fireplace as the focal point and a striking chandelier made of deer antlers overhead. It was the kind of room that felt grounded and classic, a perfect setting for the quiet confidence Joey carried with him all day.
After getting dressed, Joey joined the bridesmaids downstairs, where more laughter and lighthearted teasing broke out—a sweet moment of friendship between the bride’s crew and the groom. With their bouquets in hand, the bridesmaids huddled around Joey for a few photos before heading to the ceremony. It’s those candid, unscripted interactions that often become the most treasured images.
The Ceremony: Golden Light & An Emotional Walk Down the Aisle
As the late autumn sun began to dip lower in the sky, guests gathered under the massive magnolia trees for the outdoor ceremony. The golden hour light filtered through the trees, casting everything in a warm, romantic glow that made the whole scene feel cinematic.
Then came that moment—Caroline walked down the aisle with both her parents, and as she locked eyes with Joey at the altar, his emotion was real and raw, and you could feel the love and anticipation radiating from them both. It was one of those moments that everyone in attendance will remember—and as their photographers, it was an honor to capture.
The Celebration: Laughter, Dancing, and So Much Joy
From heartfelt toasts to high-energy dancing, the reception was the perfect reflection of Caroline and Joey’s personalities—warm, welcoming, and a whole lot of fun. Guests laughed, danced, and celebrated late into the evening, all while the beautiful Mims House provided a charming, cozy backdrop.
It’s easy to photograph a beautiful wedding, but what made this day so special were the people. The way Caroline’s bridesmaids cheered her on, the emotional embraces between family members, and the joyful chaos on the dance floor—it was magical.
Final Thoughts
Caroline and Joey’s wedding at the Leslie-Alford-Mims House was everything a late fall wedding in Holly Springs should be—full of light, love, and unforgettable moments. Whether it was the golden afternoon sun, the elegant architecture, or the emotional moments between people who deeply love one another, this day will stay with me for a long time.
If you're planning a wedding at the Mims House—or just looking for a wedding photographer in Holly Springs, NC—we’d love to connect and help you capture your own story.
