If we had our own Guinness Book of World Records for weddings, this fete would take first place prize for the grandest floral arches ever. Measuring in at 70 feet, these beauties set the stage for an at-home (yes! this is the Bride’s parents estate!) celebration for the books. McLean Events guided the gorgeous vision along with Blossom Bay on florals. There are plenty of views, thanks to Eric Kelley Photography—all here in the gallery.
From McLean Events… Vanessa and Dennis world travelers. Dennis was raised in Germany, while Vanessa has lived in multiple countries and states that her life, one of them being Germany. After graduating college her career path brought her back Germany, specifically Hamburg where she met Dennis. After a two year courtship the couple got engaged. They chose her family’s new estate in Durham, North Carolina as the backdrop for their wedding day. We were inspired by the beautiful stone arches of the property and home combined with their love of architecture in Hamburg, which is famous for its many archways and wrought iron gates. We used them to launch the design plan and even incorporated them in the die-cut invitations and the entrance of the tent.
The bride wanted to bring the feeling of Hamberg to her family’s new town while gracefully combining their love of the English countryside. Upon visiting the family’s home, we knew we wanted to incorporate arches in the ceremony. We decided to create four custom 70 foot arches that would be built on the pre-existing trees. Flowers in all shades of burgundies, blush, pale pinks, and greens were dripping over the custom aisle runner and ivory diamond back chairs. Post ceremony guests made their way through the families home to the backyard when they was greeted by custom crafted cocktails: Lemon Charlie and the Flying Cucumber.
As guests made way to the dinner tent they found their tables on the hand drawn seating chart that is a nod to the couples travels and adventures. The X-shaped head table was anchored in the tent by a large fountain that served as the center focal point. Guess receded and served their first course of Hochzeitssuppe, a traditional German Soup with Chicken, Meatballs, Asparagus, and Noodles. Later in the evening the men and women’s tents opened with vintage bottles of champagne and trench truffles for the ladies and a cigar roller and whiskey tasting for the men.
After dancing under the twinkle lights of the tent guests were ushered into the after party that was held over the families indoor pool which was covered for the event and a neon signs and party props and DJ ready to keep going to to the wee hours of the morning.
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Photography: Eric Kelley Photography | Videography : Heart Stone Films | Floral Design: Blossom Bay Design | Catering: Rocky Top Catering | Band: Atlanta Showstoppers | Planning + Design: McLean Events | Rentals: Ooh! EventHaus | Rentals: Party Tables | Rentals : CE Rentals