Graylyn Estate Wedding from Nancy Ray Photography + Erin McLean Events

When I heard that the groom leaned over to Nancy Ray Photography in between shots to ask “What are the chances we get this featured on Style Me Pretty?” I died. First of all, the fact that his bride loved us THAT much made us all blush. And second, how sweet is the groom for knowing exactly what will make his bride happy? I can’t even get to how amazing the wedding was, planned perfectly by Erin McLean Events, because I just love this couple SO much so you’re just going to have to click here for the gallery!

For those of you who thought you couldn’t adore these two any more… Heartstone Films is here to prove you wrong.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/43943352 601 338]

From the groom… From the moment Katie began planning the wedding her goal was to make the event personal and charming; to stay away from the systematic and ordinary.… and she did an incredible job. The wedding was large, but had an intimate personal feeling. Katie worked and researched tirelessly to find the vendors and touches that would ensure our day was perfect. There were many times that I would get a quick e-mail at work with nothing but a Style Me Pretty link. The wedding was a perfect portrait of us… From the his and hers food (Sushi Chef et all) to the 12 piece band; the night was a celebration to the life we are looking forward to and the friends and family who helped us get there. Katie is and will continue to be my life’s greatest accomplishment… and the wedding was the perfect acknowledgement of that.

From the bride… Christian and I got engaged in Paris on July 27. It was truly one of the happiest days of my life and the excitement of planning instantly began. Secretly, I had already planned out our wedding using the SMP boards. I found out that my groom had been promoted and that we would be moving to Texas six months before our North Carolina wedding… NOT IDEAL. With the help of my sweet mother, dear friends, and Erin, we were able to plan most of the wedding before I moved. I found Erin using the Style Me Pretty Vendor List and she was an instant help in transforming our ideas into a reality. 

My idea was to make the wedding personal by doing a “His and Hers” theme and exhibiting all of our favorites. For the cocktail hour, we served tomato soup and grilled cheese (my favorite) and sushi rolls (Christian’s favorite) among other things. The Graylyn staff was amazing and courteous. They made sure that all of our guests were well fed and comfortable. As the guests were transitioned to the tent on the front lawn, Christian and I got to share a quiet moment, sampling all of favorite foods that would be served for dinner.

The twelve-piece band, led by Andrew Thielen, was the perfect fit for our large crowd. They kept everyone dancing and even played some Disney songs for the little ones. The food was by far the most thought out part of our night. We served an array of our favorite dishes, from chicken pie (Her’s) to fish and chips (His). After dinner, we served the most delicious cake from Maxie B’s (Her’s) and a variety of milkshakes (His). Our photographers, Will and Nancy Ray, and videographers, Heart Stone Films, were able to capture every moment. They were such a joy to work with. Our wedding was a wonderful time of celebration and it was exactly what Christian and I had hoped it would be.

Photographer: Nancy Ray Photography / Ceremony Venue: Centergrove Baptist Church / Reception Venue: The Graylyn Estate / Wedding Planner + Event Designer: Erin McLean Events / Floral Design: Fleurtations Weddings and Events / Officiant: Groom’s Father, Pastor of Center Grove Baptist Church / Cake Artist: Maxie B’s / Caterer: The Graylyn Estate / Band: Andrew Theilen Band / Videography: Heartstone Films / Hair Stylist: Silk Road / Makeup: Bobbie Brown / Trolley: Olde Raleigh South / Linens: CE Rentals / Vintage Getaway Car: Sterling Carriage Vintage Limo / Invitations: Maria Scheel / Bride’s Dress: Hayden Olivia / Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Majors / Tuxedos: Christopher’s Formal Wear / Shoes: Jack Rogers / Programs: Wiregrass Weddings