Wide-angle view of the massive 400-year-old Airlie Oak tree, a top North Carolina tourist attraction in Wilmington NC. Captured by Tim Ellis
Two women in pink outfits at Airlie Gardens Azalea Festival, Lanatria in hot pink tulle dress, other in light pink gown with feathered hat.
Four elegantly dressed women in colorful gowns and fascinators socializing outdoors at a garden party event.
Lanatria aka Caribbean Cowgirl in pink tulle dress at Airlie Gardens Azalea Festival Garden Party holding a fan and wearing sunglasses .
Two women in vibrant pink outfits and accessories smile together at an outdoor garden party event.
Two women in colorful outfits, one in a pink tulle gown, socializing at an outdoor garden party event.
Two women pose outdoors, one in a pink tulle gown and one in a yellow lace dress, at Airlie Gardens, Wilmington NC, Azalea Fest Garden Party
Stylish couple posing at outdoor garden party, man in striped suit, woman in vibrant pink tulle dress with afro and sunglasses.
A stylish black man in a white suit and fedora stands confidently at Airlie Gardens, garden party surrounded by colorfully dressed guests.
Women laughing and socializing at elegant outdoor event, one wearing a striking hot pink ruffled tulle gown.
Two women in vibrant pink tulle skirts and festive hats celebrate at Azalea Festival garden party event in Airlie Gardens, Wilmington NC
Four stylish black women posing together in vibrant outfits and decorative hats at Azalea Festival Garden Party, Airlie Gardens

A Vision in Pink & Natural Beauty

If you’ve seen the photos, you know the garden was in peak bloom but the real "blooms" were the fashion choices. My wife, Lanatria aka Caribbean Cowgirl, was a total showstopper. She stepped out in a stunning pink tulle ensemble that looked like it was made for the Airlie backdrop.

Lanatria with a natural Afro hairstyle wearing a pink tulle dress at Azalea Festival Garden Party Airlie Gardens, Wilmington NC.

What moved me most, though, was seeing so many people stop to celebrate her. From the layers of her dress to her beautiful natural Afro hair, she was a walking piece of art. As a photographer, I’m used to being behind the lens, but seeing her get her flowers (literally and figuratively) was the highlight of my day.

The Man Behind the Lens (in Starfish Shirt)

I wasn’t just there to enjoy the view. I was there to capture it. I wanted to document the "Style Highlights" that make this party the most anticipated ticket in town. I have to say, I felt pretty good stepping out in my starfish shirt. It turned out to be a conversation starter! It’s always a great day when people appreciate the photographer’s style as much as his portfolio.


~Tim Ellis

Photographer Tim Ellis wearing a starfish print shirt while documenting the Azalea Festival Garden Party in Wilmington, North Carolina

The Viral Moment


I am absolutely blown away by the response to the picture slideshow I posted on Instagram. Seeing it go viral and watching the community tag their friends, identify their favorite outfits (yes, that polka dot dress was everything!), and share the memories has been incredible.

For me, photography isn't just about a "pretty picture." It’s about capturing the vibe of a moment so clearly that even the people who didn't go feel like they were there. From the spontaneous "jaw-dropping" fashion to the quiet moments by the water, the 2026 Garden Party was one for the books.

Elegantly dressed couple in colorful attire socializing at an outdoor garden party event.
Woman in wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and denim skirt holding a drink at an outdoor summer garden party event.
Guests in summer attire mingle outdoors at a garden party, man in cowboy hat and blue shirt holds a drink.
Elegant older woman with silver hair wearing sunglasses and blue jacket carrying Louis Vuitton bag at outdoor garden party.
Two women in vibrant outfits, one in pink tulle gown, socializing at outdoor garden party.
Woman in white polka dot dress and black wide-brim hat with floral detail carries black fringe bag at outdoor event.
Woman in floral mini dress and pink flower fascinator hat at outdoor garden party event on sunny day.
Woman in pink dress and sun hat holds a drink at an outdoor garden party under oak trees.
Women in colorful floral dresses and fascinator hats socializing outdoors near a river on a sunny day.
Man in dark green blazer and sunglasses holding a cocktail at an outdoor event.
Woman in floral red skirt and leopard print top with navy fascinator at outdoor garden wedding ceremony.
Man in suit raises drinks celebrating outdoors at a wedding reception with guests in floral dress nearby.
Couple in elegant summer attire stand by a sunlit lake, man in beige suit and hat, woman in floral jacket.
Two women in elegant floral maxi dresses walking toward outdoor garden party celebration.
Stylish man in white suit and fedora standing at lively outdoor garden party event.
Two women wearing matching yellow lemon print outfits and sunglasses walk at an outdoor summer festival.
Three women in colorful floral dresses and decorative hats socialize outdoors at a sunny garden party event.
Woman in floral dress and pink feathered hat at outdoor garden party event.
Woman in colorful starfish-print shirt and blue sunglasses poses at a festive outdoor event with floral decor.
Person in elaborate pink gown with floral details and ornate hat stands on lawn at outdoor garden party event.
Three women pose in vibrant colorful dresses and pink floral fascinators at an outdoor garden party.
Two women in elegant floral outfits and hats socializing at outdoor summer event.
Colorful tropical palm leaf print blazer in pink, green, and blue worn at an outdoor event.
Man in plaid blazer crouches beside a black Labrador service dog at an outdoor social event.

Thank You, Wilmington

To the fellow creatives who stopped to chat, and to everyone who has shared, liked, and commented on the visuals-Thank you. This city has a style all its own, and I’m just grateful I get to be the one to hold the camera.

If you saw yourself in the slideshow and want the high-res version, contact me below