North Carolina Weddings

From proposal to engagement shoot to bridal shoot to wedding … meet Kristen and Hunter at their e*shoot via the fab Kristin Vining Photography!

from Hunter ~ I moved to Charlotte in January 2005 to take a new job. I had spent a couple summers in Charlotte while I was at Virginia Tech and my parents were living there, so I already knew I loved it and wanted to make it back someday. Anyhoo, it’s pretty well known that through the years, I’ve been in the “serious boyfriend” role waaaay more often than not, so the prospect of being single in an awesome city, full of good looking girls and actually having my own place with a little bit (a very little bit) of money in my pocket was pretty exciting. Soooo, naturally I go and fall for the first girl I take out on a couple dates! Go figure. Kristen worked on the same floor at BofA. My first (self-assigned) project at my new job was to identify all cute girls in the vicinity, so I knew who she was right away. My boss introduced us after work one day at Brixx, our after hours watering hole of choice, and I asked her to go to the Wachovia Championship a few weeks later. It would be an understatement to say that she was quite smitten with me from that point on. I pretended not to be too interested in her as best I could, and have fought it pretty hard on several occasions over the last few years, but truth be told, it turns out she’s had me hooked from day 1.

from Kristen ~ Friday the 13th, 2009. Hunter told me he couldn’t get dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day because the restaurant was booked. Believable since Hunter procrastinates to do everything. So, Friday after work we came home and got ready for an evening out. Hunter was ready before me, naturally, so he went downstairs to wait until I was ready. I came downstairs and our golden retriever puppy came running to me with a beautiful ring tied around his neck. Hunter was soon to follow, took the ring off Jake and got down on one knee. The evening continued as we met friends at a local wine bar to celebrate, and then a private dinner at the restaurant we had planned to go to originally. And lastly he swept me away to Charleston SC the next morning for a weekend of us celebrating together!

… stayed tuned for the wedding!

We have an honest to goodness real wedding treat in store for you today from our forever-friend Richard Israel. We are always honored to highlight his exquisite wedding photography, but in this case, Richard has teamed up with another SMP favorite, Kristin Vining Photography and is sharing a beguiling film from Lindsey & John’s September 2009 wedding.

Remember Lindsey’s drop-dead gorgeous vintagy engagement shoot, bridal shoot, and wedding from SMP’s super-talented Kristin Vining (and Weddings & The City)? The wedding was just a dream-come-true from an amazing couple and an even more amazing group of vendors.

Here’s what Richard had to say on his blog post about Lindsey & John’s film …

For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of Super 8 movies, think about the old home movies that your grandparents had stashed away in the attic. Full of scratches and dust, grit and grain. The complete antithesis to the modern-day special effect HD videos. Lindsey and John’s retro-chic Super 8 movie appears as if it was filmed in Paris circa 1936 …

And so, it is with great pleasure that we bring to you … Lindsey & John’s wedding film ala the genius of Richard Israel!

from Richard … “Many, many thanks to my buddy Matt Francis of Dreamlight Films for the amazing editing.”

Richard’s team is going to be offering wedding films as part of their wedding coverage beginning in 2010, so be on the lookout on his website and blog for the announcements!

Thank you SO much, Richard, for sharing!!

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(p.s. … and it’s SO fun to see that Lindsey, the dazzling bride whom SMP readers swore had to be a model … has now gone on to join the WATC team! You can follow her Design Ideas over on the new Wedding And The City blog. A huge congrats to Lindsey from all of us here at SMP !!)

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Oh! and one more quick note. We are featuring “The Year In Review” in wedding cinematography over on our Little Black Book Blog. An entire week highlighting weddings from across the country in a wide variety of film styles. We REALLY hope you’ll join us!

Kristin Vining sent us ANOTHER fun-fun-fun E*shoot that just has to go up today!

From Kristin’s blog ~ Joe and Michelle’s wedding is next year, but we got a jump start on their engagement shoot before Carowinds closed for the season. A special thanks to Lindsey Regan Thorne (of SMP fame!) who came on board and laid out all the wardrobe, not to mention the makeup/hair!

Joe proposed to Emily at Carowinds ~ the perfect spot to return to for the e*shoot!

“She’s the one that we love … woo … hoo … hoo!” Kristin Vining Photography!

Well, before we leave Lindsey & John to their happily ever after, we want to show a few final details that speak volumes to the style of the entire affair!

Lindsey made the aisle decor (and bridesmaids ‘puffs’)!  Their fantastic stationery and paper pieces are from Three Little Birds.

Stunning Carnation Centerpieces from The Place For Flowers!

I’ll have all the credits and vendors posted on this feature in just a bit! And I know Lindsey is answering questions as we speak … so fire away!

One more hurray for Kristin Vining and Weddings and the City for bringing us this spectacular wedding! Remember, they’ll have more images and details, with more of Lindsey’s thoughts over on their blogs!

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Vendor Credits and other details (in no particular order!) ~

Cake Lady Jill, The Place For Flowers, Romona Keveza from J. Majors, Shoes by Mary Norton (Charlotte), Bridesmaids dresses BCBG, Tuxedo from Penguins, Headpiece from Castle Bride Couture, Bridal Hair & Makeup by Elizabeth Tollye, Bridal Portrait makeup (Miami) by Mara Fernandez, Invitations/Stationery ~ Three Little Birds, Videography by Richard Israel, Ceremony location: Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Catering by Best Impressions, Rental Providers~ Classic Party Rental and Connie Duglin, Lindsey’s Necklace from BCBG, Flower Girl Dress from Sweet Plume on etsy, Baby’s tutu from Hannah’s Tutus on etsy, 36″ balloons from 2 The Limit Events.

If you’re just joining us, we’re finally revealing Lindsey and John’s Charlotte wedding that we’ve so anxiously been following from Kristin Vining Photography & Weddings And The City! As always, we knew Kristin wouldn’t disappoint!

from Lindsey …

One of the best parts of the wedding was seeing John for the first time prior to the ceremony. It was just the two of us and Kristin; it was intimate, heartfelt and unexplainable. At first we were extremely hesitant on doing a ‘first look’ session … John is very traditional and wanted to know what that feeling was like to see each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle. However, it was important to us to also capture those first time feelings with just the two of us, creating a memory between only us and the camera. It was truly the most amazing feeling I have ever felt … sitting next to him, both of us not being able to see one another, but being able to feel the connection and breath between us … and then unveiling at the same time … awww, what a tearful moment. For me, nothing could ever top that! It was perfect!

Remember the little ring bearer and flower girl from one of our previous posts? Kristin’s very own little lovelies!

And after months and months of planning … the big moment … as Lindsey and John say, “We Do!”

Then on to the celebration!

Tiffany Ratliff and the rest of the terrific team at Weddings And The City spent hours and hours planning, creating and transforming this space into all that Lindsey had dreamed it could be!

more from Lindsey …

Along with the expertise and creativity of Weddings and the City, we were able to put a vintage feel on a modern space. The layout had a last minute switch from outside on the fourth floor terrace of the Mint Museum of Craft & Design to an indoor/outdoor tent event of grand proportion. Lining the walls were 12 fabric panels measuring 16ft by 8ft that brought a soft feel and lightened the space with a fresh fall glow. 36″ balloons were used to add depth and accent the room and tall ceilings. Feather boas and candld votive brought a subtle and warm lighting to the event. Everything was beyond what we ever imagined … simply elegant, simply perfect, simply unforgettable! It was our dream.

That beautiful cake is by Cake Lady Jill!

And so as all good things must come to an end … our final shot from Lindsey and John’s wedding … they’ve come full circle from their  milk & cookies inspired e*shoot to milk & cookies at their wedding celebration!

We wish you both a lifetime filled with just as many exciting moments as you’ve shared with us at SMP!

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Kristin has lots and lots more photos and lots and lots more details from the day over on her blog so head on over there for more of the gorgeousness!!

Thanks SO much to Kristin, Tiffany & Weddings And The City and Lindsey & John for sharing this 0h-so-happy occasion with us!

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Credits & Vendors Update!

Cake Lady Jill, The Place For Flowers, Romona Keveza from J. Majors, Shoes by Mary Norton (Charlotte), Bridesmaids dresses BCBG, Tuxedo from Penguins, Headpiece from Castle Bride Couture, Bridal Hair & Makeup by Elizabeth Tollye, Bridal Portrait makeup (Miami) by Mara Fernandez, Invitations/Stationery ~ Three Little Birds, Videography by Richard Israel, Ceremony location: Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Catering by Best Impressions, Rental Providers~ Classic Party Rental and Connie Duglin, Lindsey’s Necklace from BCBG, Flower Girl Dress from Sweet Plume on etsy, Baby’s tutu from Hannah’s Tutus on etsy, 36″ balloons from 2 The Limit Events.

We’re SO excited to finally be able to share Lindsey and John’s wedding day with you! This is one wedding that we got to fall in love with long before it ever happened! We first ‘met’ Lindsey when her seriously talented photographer, Kristin Vining sent us their engagement shoot …. [click for the full LBB Blog feature] …

They went with the milk & cookies shot for their Save-The-Date cards and carried this idea on through to their wedding (you’ll see this a little later).

Then, we featured Lindsey’s bridal shoot in Miami! Lindsey and Kristin flew to Miami to the Mondrian Hotel for the shoot. Incredibly, incredibly beautiful!

I know, the suspense is killing you ~ right?

Well here’s a couple of final teasers before we get to the real deal …

Lindsey wore Romona Keveza ~ John’s attire is from Penguins.

A few of Kristin’s pre-wedding shots to show you the direction we’re going … now this is some serious aisle decor!

Enough with the teasers! We’ll be back in a jiffy with the whole glorious wedding from Kristin Vining ~ choreographed by her fabulous sister-company Weddings And The City!

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Previous related posts …

The Little Ones (Vintage-Style)

Lindsey’s Bridal Portraits

Lindsey & John’s E*Shoot

There are NO words that can fully describe the adorableness of these little ones who delighted the guests at John & Lindsey’s vintage styled wedding this past weekend !!!

Kristin Vining does it all!! She was the photographer for Lindsey and John’s wedding, she owns Weddings And The City ~ a fantastic team of wedding planners in Charlotte, AND she’s the mother of these twin cutie-pie’s!

Meet ~ Bray and Addy …

John’s niece is the little powder puff!

And although Bray didn’t quite make it down the aisle, it’s the thought that counts!

Oh my! How proud can a mother be???

If you missed Lindsey’s Bridal Portrait Session in Miami, you absolutely have to keep reading! Thank you, thank you, thank you Kristin for sharing your little “twinkies” with us! We’ll wait with bated breath for the rest of the story …

We have been waiting for this day for what seems like forever! Kristin Vining just let us know that Lindsey & John were married this past weekend and we’re quite literally chomping at the bit to see the photos! Lindsey is a huge Style Me Pretty fan and we are huge Kristin Vining fans … so we’ve been keeping tabs on these wedding plans for quite a while! We did a Little Black Book Blog feature on their so-so-so-cute vintage-styled engagement shoot a while back – Milk & Cookies With Lindsey and John.  Sooooo … we haven’t actually seen the wedding photos, but to tide us over, Kristin sent us these absolutely jaw-dropping images from Lindsey’s bridal portrait session …

It’s almost impossible to believe that these are real bride shots!

Lindsey and her friend Kristen asked Kristin to fly with them to Miami to do both of their bridal sessions! How fun is that? Kristin says that they had a blast … and never even left the hotel! All shots were taken at the Mondrian Miami Hotel.

Kristin is also the founder and owner of Weddings And The City in Charlotte. She and her fabulous team of planners worked with Lindsey from start to finish! I’m seriously SO anxious to see the results!

Lindsey ~ you look sensational!! We cannot wait to see more! And Kristin ~ what can we say except WOW!

Lindsey’s gown is by Romona Keveza and her jewelry is from BCBG. The info we have on her veil is that she ordered it on etsy, but we’ll have to check into where.

In just a bit … we’ll have a sneak peek at the little ones who helped celebrate the day. Kristin’s very own little “twinkies” were the flower girl and ring bearer. You’re not going to believe their vintage adorableness!

And while we wait to see what Lindsey’s wedding has in store, here’s a link to another of Kristin & Weddings And The City’s hugely popular weddings featured on Style Me Pretty:  Elle & Todd’s Pink & Grey Wedding.

When Kristin Vining sent us this recent Charlotte wedding that her sister company Weddings And The City helped orchestrate, we were blown away by the details!

Elle and Todd were married this spring at The Green Uptown in Charlotte, NC. Their gray, pink, fuschia, purple {and every shade in-between} color palette was their inspiration and boy did they run with it! What a perfect palette for oodles and oodles of rose petals, crystals and orchids …

… not to mention a clear tent, silver chivari chairs, stunning linens and … well, you get the picture!

From Courtenay at Weddings And The City …

Elle had envisioned her wedding day all of her life! She knew exactly what she wanted! The BIG day took place in uptown Charlotte, at The Green, with the ceremony on the top tier, cocktail hour on the middle tier and the reception on the bottom tier in a clear top tent. Although Mother Nature worked against us most of the day, it stopped just in time for the ceremony and held off during the reception. It was absolutely gorgeous and full of color!

Elle, today’s beautiful bride, was raised by her grandparents. She knew that someday, somehow, she would find that same true love that they had shared ~ a love filled with absolute care and respect. She vowed to settle for nothing less.  After her grandfather passed away, her devotion to her grandmother and her dream to find the same kind of love that her grandparents had shared, eventually led her to Todd.

from the lovely bride, Elle …

I know it sounds cliché, but I knew from the first moment we locked eyes that we had a connection. Todd is everything and more I could have ever hoped for. Todd is my fairytale ending and one of the most amazing people I have ever met.

We thank both of you, Elle & Todd for reminding us that old-fashioned love and devotion still rules! And thanks to Kristin, Courtenay (WATC) and all of the other fabulous vendors who helped this day become Elle & Todd’s fairy-tale day come true!

Special thanks to Tara Mauldin Photography and Savannah Strickland Photography.

Please visit Kristin Vining’s blog, as well as the Weddings And the City blog to see the full list of vendors for Elle and Todd’s wedding.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

A few days ago I mentioned that we love chandeliers and shoes … but I think I need to throw carousels into that mix!

This morning’s feature on the Little Black Book Blog was all about this happy couple ~ Beth & Chris who were married in April at Lake Lure Inn. We just wanted to give you a peek at their engagement photo session with their amazing photographer, Kristin Vining.

I have to admit, though, that I had to get some help figuring out if Beth and Chris are rooting for the same team … or the Cubs vs. the White Sox? My husband, Abby’s husband AND Kristin all assured me these guys are DEFINITELY huge CUBS fans! What cute pictures!

from Beth …

We had planned a wonderful camping trip to Charleston for the week and were leaving as soon as I got off work. Little did I know Chris was spending the morning getting my ring and having it sized. When I got off work early it messed everything up. He was then an hour and a half late picking me up which didn’t exactly make me happy. Chris felt so awful for not really being able to explain what took him so long.

We went home to eat some lunch before leaving. While I began digging into our Sbarro pizza, Chris disappeared. I turned around looking for him, with pizza in my mouth, and there I found him. He was down on one knee, shaking, with a beautiful ring. This still makes me laugh today. It was by no means the way Chris had planned on proposing, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Don’t you just love a great proposal story?

Again, a HUGE thank you to Kristin Vining Photography for sharing this wonderful e*shoot with us!

When you’ve got it … YOU’VE GOT IT!

Beth ~ this gorgeous bride … Chris ~ a McDreamy kind of groom … four fabulous maids … a to-die-for-dress … and Kristin Vining ~ their sensational photographer! Doesn’t get any better than this.

from the lovely bride, Beth …

Our wedding was truly a celebration about our love for each other, our family and our friends. We tried to put a personal touch on every aspect. We didn’t care about what was traditional or expected.

Chris and I love the outdoors and knew right away we wanted to have an outdoor wedding. We found the perfect location at the Lake Lure Inn. It had everything we wanted … small town charm, the mountains, a lake, and the ability to have all of our guests stay in one place. One of our best friends was our minister! There were guests traveling from nine different states so that was really important to us. We had an intimate guest list of 78, wedding party included, meaning we truly got to spend quality time with each and every one of our guests.

One of my bridesmaids sang “We Are Man And Wife” during our sand ceremony. Karaoke was involved in our reception so that our minister, our bridesmaids and Chris could all sing. They were ALL amazing. This was a huge hit with our guests.

All in all, when Chris and I look back on the weekend, all we can say is … it was perfect! It genuinely represented us as a couple, and we wouldn’t change a thing.

Kristin asked Beth, “What was the best thing about your wedding day?”

Beth answered, “How natural it felt. I was never nervous, it just felt right. Chris said the same thing. We were truly at ease knowing we finally got to commit our lives to each other.”

As we said early on in this post  … it just doesn’t get any better than this!

To:  Beth and Chris ~ Super wedding! We wish you all the best!!

To: Kristin Vining Photography ~ Thank you SO much for allowing us to spotlight their wedding today!

To: Our Readers ~ There are so many more great photos from the day over on Kristin’s Blog {click here}!

And … a quick p.s. ~~~  just in case you’re new to SMP’s list of Little Black Book VIP’s, Kristin is also the creative genious behind a very talented team of top-notch professional wedding planners at Weddings And The City, based in Charlotte NC.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

You KNOW we love clever engagement shoots … and this just about takes the cake! mmm… or, rather … the cookies…

Sent to us by the ALWAYS exciting, Kristin Vining … Lindsey and John’s e*shoot is just too cute!!

Lindsey and John are planning their vintage glam September wedding with the assistance of Weddings And The City ~ WATC was founded by this same incredible photographer, Kristin Vining!

from the soon-to-be-groom, John …

The first time I saw a picture of Lindsey my heart started racing. Her curly blonde hair and perfect smile knocked me off my feet. She was absolutely stunning. I realize only so much can be translated through a photo, but it was like she reached right inside me and touched my soul. It was one of those moments that only happen in a cheesy romance movie, and yet there I was. The rush of emotion was overwhelming and scary all at the same time. Could simply looking at a picture tell such a story? A story as though you already knew that person looking back at you from a sheet of high gloss paper? I would have to wait two months before time would begin to unveil the most incredible story of my life.

Lindsey has also shared some of their plans with us and we thought it would be fun for you to hear just a bit …

Our goal is to try to keep the wedding costs to a minimum and that’s why we’re doing all of these DIY projects. I’ve made everything down to the bridesmaid’s bouquets which are replicas of the Kate Spade Feather Puff. I’ve also designed our Save the Dates and created an oversized front/ back postcard. I then had them printed for a total cost of $32!! We plan to limit the amount of flowers and really utilize feathers… in a tasteful way. We’re getting married in an art museum located downtown which has a roof top that overlooks the city. Seating will be inside and outside … and we’re utilizing large 36” balloons to add height within the room and the outside. Sorry, I’m probably overloading you with SO much information – I’m just too excited!

Lyndsey and John’s engagement photos make me think of the now famous quote … Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away ~ George Carlin (1937-2008).

*** the front of their save-the-date ***

We look forward to hearing more from Lindsey and John in the very near future!

Love the photos Kristin!!

September 2008 … “Hurricane Hannah is headed directly to the Carolina’s … Hannah is now the fourth hurricane-strength storm of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season …  Hannah popped up just as Hurricane Gustav weakened … Tropical Storm Hannah seemed to be losing steam late yesterday, but is now being projected to gain hurricane strength again before reaching the Carolina’s … on Friday, September 5th.”

what to do … what to do…

Greta & Chaz were all set for their fabulous beach wedding in Wilmington when Hannah derailed their well-thought-out plans!

They had 48 hours to re-design their wedding in a tiny industrial art gallery in Charlotte, NC.

photography by Casey Cunningham Photography

Theirs is a heart-warming celebration that proves that love truly does conquer all!

With Hurricane Hannah looming in the background, Greta and her sisters re-designed the entire affair.

The Sweet Table was a big hit!

family … love … friends …

… awesome food … lots of laughter … great blue-grass music …

… home-made wine …

… it just doesn’t get any better than this …

Seriously, who cares about the weather!

Our thanks to Drea and Casey Cunningham Photography for sharing Chaz & Greta’s heart-warming wedding story with us.

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

Their website and their approach to weddings is so worth the visit!! Truly.

We have been holding onto this awesome city-chic wedding sent to us by Kristin Vining of Weddings And The City…forever.  Just as we were about to post it, we got word that it was the Cover Feature in the Winter ’09 issue of Carolina Bride. Finally, it hit the newstands and now, we can share!

Brooke and Chris were married in Charlotte, North Carolina, this past September in a dreamy rooftop ceremony on The Terrace at the Mint Museum of Craft & Design. What a great venue for a wedding!

Before we get to the wedding, though, we simply must show you a few photographs from the bridal shoot that Brooke and Kristin had in New York City (a birthday gift to Brooke from Chris)! Isn’t she absolutely gorgeous?

Keep an eye out for more of Brooke’s beautiful bridal shoot photos seen throughout the post …

What little we know about Brooke’s gown comes from the fine print of the Carolina Bride Magazine posted on Kristin’s blog. Her breathtaking wedding dress is by Cymbeline/France.

We originally showed you Brooke’s shoes way back in November in one of our Wedding Shoes posts on the Little Black Book Blog.

If this young lady isn’t headed to hollywood, yet … I think we need to pull some strings to get her there!

Again, the article about Chris and Brooke’s wedding is story-book perfect. He proposed on bended knee at 11:30 on New Year’s Eve after a walk through the snow at Lake Tahoe. Brooke, immediately asked Kristin Vining to be their photographer and hired Kristin’s Wedding Planning Company, Weddings And The City, to assist her with the wedding plans. Her avid fascination with Audrey Hepburn translated into a luscious rooftop wedding filled with an abundance of stunning pink flowers and pink and chocolate silk linens. Floral design provided by Taylor O’Shields at The Place For Flowers.

Thank you SO much, Kristin, for sending Brooke and Chris’s wedding our way! Love, love, love it!

Kristin has a fantastic deal going on over at her photography blog … ‘a Facebook Frenzy Giveaway‘ … so for all of you Facebook afficianados, take a look!

{to see the full gallery, click here!}

Here are a few more images from today’s featured wedding…

Thank you so much to photographer, Jen Fariello, and event planner, Jennifer Carroll for sharing this beautiful wedding with us. And to Tatiana and Justin, congratulations on an absolutely lovely day! Here are the vendors that helped with the event…

Wedding Designer & Planner: Jennifer Carroll of Jennifer Carroll Events, LLC, Photographer: Jen Fariello
Flowers: Pat’s Floral Designs, Hair & Makeup Artist: Lucinda Riley of Face Value Studio
Lighting: Blue Ridge Light Forms, Greenery: Greenscapes Nursery, Venue: Veritas Vineyard & Winery, Cake: Anita Gupta of Maliha Creations, Italian Pastries: Giancarlo, Harpist: Adrienne Wager, DJ: Derek Tobler