An Enchanted Autumn Ceremony at Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Lauren Megerdichian
July 3, 2024
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Whimsical

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]We paired bright creamy hues with select jewel tones. The colors selected included stone (a mid-grey), mushroom (warm beige), moss (true dewy green), and hearth (the deepest brown). In everything there was balance, hard wood and stone matched with soft velvet and linens, a deep color palette of blooms paired with delicate translucent glass. The start of the day was awash in sunlight, while the evening glowed dimly through lit candle tapers, open reception windows, and roaring fireplaces.[/field]

[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]In late-September, nestled in the Highlands of North Carolina, Rachel and Trey were wed in an intimate autumn ceremony. The pair recited their vows at The Farm at Old Edwards, a sprawling property full of lush trees, woodland mystique, handsome cottages, and a cozy lodge-style reception venue. We designed the wedding to symbolically and aesthetically match the dawn of a new season. [/field]

[field title=”Proposal Story”]From bride Rachel: “Trey and I got engaged November 19th 2022 and although I knew the proposal was coming soon, he completely surprised me that day. I had planned, or so I thought, a girls day with a close friend here in Houston. We had tickets to see Six on broadway and dinner reservations at one of our favorite restaurants later that evening. After the show, my friend somehow convinced me to stop at an art festival at a local park nearby. Well after arriving at the park I quickly learned there was actually no art festival, but rather Trey waiting by the lake with a bottle of champagne and a photographer ready to capture the moments. The proposal was so sweet and intimate and afterwards he surprised me with all of our friends waiting to celebrate at a nearby cocktail bar. “[/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride Rachel’s dream wedding gown was designed by Anne Barge. She says, “I fell in love with the embossed floral fabric the moment I saw it at the first bridal boutique I visited. I love the chic and timeless shape of the gown with the floral detail that beautifully tied into the wedding design details and venue. I knew I wanted to wear my gown all night and this dress was not only beautiful, but it was perfect for dancing the night away.”[/field]

[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]As for attire, the group was dressed to the nines, properly formal and fashion-forward. The groom Trey wore a custom Tuxedo by Festari For Men. The best man was in a classic tuxedo as well and the matron of honor wore a beautiful floor-length gown designed by Tom + Linda Platt and purchased at Tootsies. [/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]All were seated at a curated feast, featuring courses of seasonal ingredients and delectable treats. The place settings held a menu outlining the meal ahead. Food and wine were delicately paired for an incredible dining experience. [/field]

[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Notable design details included a floral motif in the wedding paper, an array of colored glassware, a bold linen print, embossed stationery, bursting floral moments rooted in moss, and an homage to the couple’s pup, Millie. [/field]

[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was tall and textural, decorated with a vine of greenery. The dessert featured lemon cake with vanilla buttercream and raspberry filling and traditional almond cake with vanilla buttercream. [/field]

[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The day began with a heartfelt wedding ceremony, a group of the couple’s nearest and dearest to play witness. Only one attendant stood on each side of Rachel and Trey, supporting their unity, but allowing for the newlyweds-to-be to be the focus of the day. The altar in the bright Orchard House was simply sculpted by a low floral meadow.

While some typical wedding traditions were intentionally skipped, Trey and Rachel included perfectly sentimental moments.

After dinner, came dancing with the magnificent live band, A-Town, A-List, lounging in front of the many hearths the venue boasts, enjoying an espresso martini or two, and toasting to the McClugages.[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]Following the ceremony, guests mingled on the grounds with cocktails in hand, escaping under the porches for shade or wandering the orchard to see the trees in bloom. A surprise second line band was heard approaching from the distance, a jubilant parade of brass marching the couple and their guests into reception in true New Orleanians-style. The couple held parasols and the guests swung napkins, a tribute to the groom’s hometown. This was an incredible way to kick off the reception.[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]We asked the bride to name a favorite moment: “It is so hard to pick just one! Having my uncle marry us in such an intimate ceremony was so special and something we will never forget. Our second line entrance was such a fun and special way to honor Trey’s New Orleans upbringing while also getting the party started. The espresso martini bar, Estelle colored glasses, invitations inspired by my dress details, and details of our sweet pup Millie cannot be forgotten.”[/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #3″]We carried the floral motif throughout all of the design details of the day, all inspired by the wedding gown. The paper suite was crafted with blind-embossed blooms and hand illustrations. Special linens had flowers imprinted on theme. And in each centerpiece and tablescape, you could find not only live blooms, but bulbs and moss. [/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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