Anastasia + Max

Wedding
March, 2023

A young couple fleeing Ukraine find sanctuary in North Carolina through the kind and determined direction of Dar and Andrew Draper of The Glow Mission. Along with the hope of a safer future together, they were gifted an Ethereal Winter Wonderland wedding.

8 years ago Max and Anastasia met at their orphanage in eastern Ukraine. As teenagers they fell in love and navigated life together in a country that posed many obstacles for them. The Director, Dar Draper, met Max and Anastasia in 2016. She has been closely journeying with them as a parent would, offering  financial, educational and emotional support. You can see Dar and Andrew, helping the bride get ready, officiating the wedding, and dancing the night away at the reception! 

The groom, Max, recalled, “ A few months ago, we did not even dream that we would be in America. We are sure that this is a gift from God. And something wonderful is waiting for us here.  We could not have coped on our own, and Dar,  Andrew and the GLOW mission helped us navigate aging out of the orphanage, the war, immigration and now our wedding. We are so thankful.”

As their sponsor, Dar has been equally thrilled and thankful.  “We have been blown away by the kindness and care extended to Max and Anastasia by Carolina Country Weddings and the businesses collaborating with them in not only a wedding, but this beautiful love story.  The war prevented this young couple from being married already, but how amazing it is that they can begin their new life…in America and together…in such a stunningly beautiful way!” 

It was truly amazing for me to see how the different traditions, different dances, and even different languages only highlighted how much we all have in common together as people. Anastasia and Max, I feel truly blessed to have been able to document the pure and meaningful love I saw between you two on your wedding day. I wish you a lifetime of happy years together, and I hope this day was one that will give you joyful memories to look back on for years to come.

Vendors

Photography: Savvy Leigh Photography | Venue: Carolina Country Weddings | Officiant: Andrew Draper with The GLOW Mission | Video: Aaron Beaver | Florals: Livilove Flowers | Cake: Posh Ganache Bakery | Hair & Makeup: Beauty by Patrisiia | Accessories: Kebble Jewelry | Rentals: Evermore | Stationary: Martha Pell | DJ: Craig Malz | Additional Photographer: Candid Dreamer Photos