Here’s the recipe for an awesome day in Raleigh: take the seriously stunning Merrimon-Wynne House, add in a team of of talented vendors (think Gather Together, Simply Elegant Floral Designs and The Cupcake Shoppe), throw a fabulous bridal event and then document it all in breathtaking images captured by Katherine Miles Jones. Sounds like a plan. Soak in all of the gorgeous right here.
From Gather Together… The Merrimon-Wynne House held its first Bridal Event on January 10, 2015. Jodi and Kaila wanted to host a fun and upbeat event that celebrated their current brides as well as all of the newly engaged couples who were interested in choosing The Merrimon-Wynne House to celebrate their big day! When Jodi and Kaila thought about who was going to participate, they decided that they didn’t want this event to feel like your typical bridal show where you meet multiple vendors in each vendor category. Instead, they decided that one vendor from each vendor category would be chosen to show off their best work. They chose vendors who they felt would best exemplify the feeling of a wedding day at The Merrimon-Wynne House from the minute that a bride walks through the doors in the morning with their bridesmaids to begin getting ready, to the moment that they are about to walk back out those same doors with their new husband at the end of the evening. Once the vision was set in stone, Merrimon-Wynne partnered with Gather Together Event Planning + Design to pull all the gorgeous, fun details together.
As recently engaged couples stepped into The Merrimon-Wynne House for the event, they were greeted with a glass of champagne served on a silver platter, and the smooth sounds of Robert Spaziano’s keyboard and saxophone. They were also offered the opportunity to register to win some amazing prizes offered by each vendor. Every half hour guests could gather at the base of the staircase for a tour of the venue with Kaila or Jodi as their guide.
Their first stop was to see Anna with Simply Elegant Floral Designs, who had set up a bouquet bar adorned with low to high-budget bridal bouquets, boutonnieres, and flower crowns. The future brides were able to hold her bouquets, try on her flower crowns, and see the versatility of what Simply Elegant Floral Designs can offer on their wedding day. The fabulous florals didn’t stop there. The entire event had touches of Simply Elegant Floral Designs’ work throughout. There were beautiful arrangements in every room, on the mantles, outside under the tent, and even atop all of the vendors’ heads – flower crowns for everyone!
As the future brides set down the bouquets, they moved into the next room where One & Only Custom Stationery had their hand-crafted invitation suites beautifully displayed alongside their calligraphy, and guests could help themselves to another drink. Walking past the champagne tower set under the center chandelier, visitors were lured into the next room by the delicious scent of a signature Donovan’s Dish Shrimp and Grits station.
Guests were then led up the staircase to the bridal suites where Alexia’s Bridal had some of their jaw-dropping gowns on display, and a live model glided through the event wearing one of their favorite designs. Parlor Blow Dry Bar was set up with a Braid or Up-Do Bar and a Lipstick Bar. While the girls were getting dolled up, the groom-to-be and mother of the bride were able to chat with Saks Fifth Avenue in the Groom’s Room about their amazing selection of suits and gowns for all occasions leading up to the big day! A “How to Tie a Tie” Bar could also be found in the Groom’s Room, giving the future grooms no excuses on their wedding day! After enjoying some primping, couples could sit down with Gather Together Events for “Why to Hire a Planner” consultations!
The Merrimon-Wynne House sits on an acre of land in the heart of downtown Raleigh, creating the perfect site for a ceremony, lawn games, and dinner underneath market lights. Party Reflections set the lawn up for a ceremony with a beautiful arbor covered in lush greenery by Simply Elegant Floral Designs. Market lights were strung over the lawn to create a romantic and intimate setting.
The event continued out into a Party Reflections tent where Bunn DJ Company was set up and entertaining guests with their dance floor-bouncing beats. There were 3 gorgeous table settings displayed to illustrate low to high-budget tablescapes, including florals on each by Simply Elegant Floral Designs. To complement each table, The Cupcake Shoppe created a unique and beautiful cake! There was also delicious mini cupcakes and cake pops for everyone to enjoy. Lounge areas were created with gorgeous pieces by Themeworks underneath their beautiful center chandelier.
Guests could mingle through the event while sipping on a cocktail, enjoying some fine fare, and getting to connect with some of the vendors that were a part of making The Merrimon-Wynne House’s first year of business such a success.
Photography: Katherine Miles Jones Photography | Event Planning & Design: Gather Together | Florist: Anna Passarelli | Bakery: The Cupcake Shoppe | Caterer: Donovan's Dish | Hair & Makeup: Parlor Dry Bar | DJ: Bunn DJ Company | Venue: The Merrimon Wynne House | Bridal Gown: Lela Rose | Bridal Salon: Alexia's Bridal | Cocktail Hour Music: Robert Spaziano | Groom & Mother Of The Bride Apparel: Saks Fifth Avenue | Rentals (Furniture & Bar): Themeworks | Rentals (Tent, Linens, Flatware, Lighting, Tables & Chairs): Party Reflections | Sponsor: Diamonds Direct | Sponsor: Southern Bride & Groom | Sponsor: Bailey's Fine Jewelry | Stationery & Calligrahy: One & Only Custom Stationery | Venues: Merrimon-Wynne House