This couple is as smiley and happy as the wedding that was crafted for them. It’s said that a great wedding reflects the Bride and Groom through and through and I wholeheartedly believe that. In this case, those smiles are transformed into yellow at every turn, even in those happy flowers by Carey Roberts Design Co., along with a cake by Nona’s Sweets that could kill a blogger with its sheer beauty. Oh and lots and lots of crazy happy images by Nathan Abplanalp Photography. Those are billy balls on top of this yellow smorgasbord. See them all here.
From the Bride… I got home after work on Friday, December 17, and Paul randomly asked if I would like to go out for dinner. He suggested Morton’s restaurant in downtown Charlotte — one of my favorites! I did not think anything of it because we like to go out for dinner and usually try a new restaurant every week. We arrived at the restaurant and there was nothing out of the ordinary – just another lovely evening with my Honey Bunny! We were seated in a booth next to each other, ordered some wine and chatted about the week’s happenings. For anyone who’s ever been to Morton’s, you’ll know that it has very low lighting and a very romantic setting. We had our starters, and just before our entrees arrived, he put his hand in his pocket, pulled out the ring and proposed on the spot! Naturally, I was blown away — I had not expected it at all, and in hindsight, I wish I had dressed up more! I was speechless – but only for a few seconds… That’s when I found out that all the staff was in on the secret and he had prepared them all for the special occasion. He had planned the evening to a T and caught me off-guard. He was supposed to go down on one knee, but being seated in the booth made it just a little bit impossible. The ring is just beautiful, and it’s so special that he hand-picked every part himself and thought about all the things that I love. The staff took pictures of us, and each one of them signed a card with a photo! It was just amazing! We got home and shared the awesome news with both our families. I will never, ever forget that evening and how special he made me feel.
As a graphic designer, I tend to focus on the small details that most people probably do not even notice. I wanted my guests to feel welcome and special and to include them in our special day. We had a lot of friends and family who flew in from South Africa to share in the special day. Our biggest surprise? We hired an Elvis impersonator to surprise the guests – he sang two songs, stayed for photos in the photo booth and got the women all flustered! We actually managed to keep the secret, but there were a couple of occasions that we almost slipped up. Having our friends and family all in one room, sharing this happy occasion with us, was the best part of the day! And naturally, the first moment I saw Paul – it was so special, and I really did feel like a princess.
Wedding Photography: Nathan Abplanalp Photography / Wedding Venue: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont, North Carolina / Floral Design: Carey Roberts Design Co. / Officiant: Rev. Patrick Maloy / Catering: Best Impressions Caterers / Wedding Cake: Nona’s Sweets / Wedding Invitations + Stationery: DIY by the Bride / Music + Entertainment: James Barr + Z Brothers DJs / Rentals: Creative Solutions Special Events / Honey Favors: Cloister Honey + DIY Bottling / Transportation: Royal Rides / Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte / Rehearsal Dinner: Blue Restaurant / Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal via Mecklenburg Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender “Elizabeth” / Bride’s Headpiece: DK Designs / Bride’s Engagement Ring: Renaissance Platinum by Philip Press via Diamonds Direct / Bride’s Wedding Ring: SES Creations via Diamonds Direct / Hair + Makeup: Kymm Mclean of Who’s The Fairest / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: A Dressmaker in South Africa / Men’s Tuxedos: New York Bride & Groom / Groom’s Wedding Ring: Benchmark via Ballantyne Jewelers