Holly Springs Wedding Ideas and Inspiration

Cute + Quirky Front Porch Southern Wedding

Let me just say any wedding that includes ice cream, bottled soda, backyard games and coral charm peonies is officially the best day ever. Add the design talent of Tre Bella Florist and you’ve got the recipe for Ashley and Brian’s Southern “I do.” It’s cute, casual and perfectly quirky and thanks to Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography + Thomas Blake Films we’ve got a full visual recap right at your fingertips. Take a stroll through the gallery and don’t miss the highlight film below!

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From Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography… If I had to describe this wedding in one sentence, it would be “Southern hospitality meets joyful wedding celebration.”

Ashley and Brian incorporated all of their favorite things into their wedding day – backyard games, ice cream, bottled soda, miniature foods and gorgeous coral charm peonies. They were married by one of Brian’s closest friend and Ashley’s grandmother, and joyfully recessed while their guests waved ribbon wands.

From beginning to end, this wedding day was so much fun!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
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Wedding Dresses

Watters

Willowby Fall 2014

Watters Maids Fall 2014

Wtoo Maids Fall 2014

C20 Mothers 2012 Part I

C20 Mothers 2012 Part II

C20 Mothers Spring 2013

C20 Mothers Fall 2012

Seahorse Spring 2013

Watters Brides Fall 2014

Watters Brides Spring 2013

Watters Brides Spring 2015

Wtoo Brides Spring 2015

Willowby Spring 2015

Watters Maids Spring 2015

Wtoo Maids Spring 2015

Encore Spring 2015

Watters Brides Spring 2016

Willowby Spring 2016

Wtoo Brides Fall 2015

Willowby Fall 2015

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Menswear

Bonobos

GroomShop Spring 2014

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“Journey of a Lifetime” Travel Themed Bridal Shower

Our girl Shelby of Pretty in the Pines is officially a married lady (!!!) but before we get our hands on her wedding photos, we’re taking a moment to deep dive her travel-themed bridal shower. Take a peek at all the fun moments captured by Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography and read on for the details from Shelby.

Hi, SMP friends, Shelby here! I’m here today with some photos of a beautiful travel-themed bridal shower one of my Maid of Honors, Sara, hosted for me a few weeks ago. With the help of Lily and Oak and a few other talented Raleigh vendors, Sara hosted an adventurous soiree with some of my closest family and friends before I embark on the “journey of a lifetime”.

I was blown away by each little thoughtful and creative detail for this shower starting with the watercolored map invitations from One and Only Paper. When I first opened up the invitation envelope, I was in awe of the large watercolor map of the world that read “Love is the Greatest Adventure”. I knew then that this shower was going to be one for the books.

The space in the Mims House in Holly Springs, NC was the cutest blank slate to decorate with globes, vintage suitcases, books, old cameras, and other vintage furniture from Greenhouse Picker Sisters. Wild, organic, florals completed the look and brought a more earthy feel to the intimate white and gray space. One of my favorite parts of the party, as usual, was the global-inspired food setup featuring recipes from all over the world including a Mediterranean bar, Mexican appetizers, Southern cuisine, and Asian bites. There is never any shortage of creativity when it comes to Belle’s Catering and I had a hard time deciding between the Mini Taco Bowls, the Mini Pimento BLT Biscuits, the Ahi Tuna Bites, Shrimp Toast, Greek Flatbread, Mediterranean Cous Cous Cups, Mini Cuban Sliders, and the Chipotle Chicken Meatballs so I just filled my plate up with it all!

The shower was in the late morning/early afternoon so there was a coffee and mimosa bar setup when guests arrive and the “food room” was topped off with calligraphy chalkboard signs created by one of my sweet bridesmaids, Meredith, who owns Oaks and Gray Paper. Always thankful for a bridesmaid that also doubles as a wedding vendor!

As we ate the almost-too-pretty-to-eat vintage map cake, we caught up with friends and family, played some funny bridal shower games, opened up gifts, and sipped on mimosas!

These little celebrations along the way leading up to our wedding day have been so special. There is nothing like having a large group of your favorite people all together in one room so I can only imagine how the wedding will feel. If you’re a bride-to-be, my advice to you would be to slow down and soak in each moment you get to celebrate with your family and friends along the way. It is such a special and unique time in life and it passes by so fast.

Thanks for following along and I can’t wait to reveal our wedding photos soon!

Love,
Shelby

Shelby Vanhoy

Blogger Bride

Pretty in the Pines

The Perfect Summer Wedding with a Pastel Palette

I’d like to believe that summer is an eternal season, which is why this pastel number captured by Perry Vaile is totally my jam. Complete with cascading florals, Ashley Cakes, and vibrant hues, we’ve got it all sitting pretty via The Vault!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Outdoor Weddings Weddings in Historical Venues

Styles

Al Fresco

From Perry Vaile…Tripp and CarolAnn married on one of the most beautiful days that summer had to offer. There was a warm breeze in the air and a light and easy feeling to the day itself. CarolAnn, a graphic designer by trade, had an eye for a vibrant palette beneath the Carolina pine trees. With a lush bouquet of cascading florals, leafed pink tablecloths, and a palette of muted bridesmaid dresses, the wedding’s aesthetic beauty was matched only by the love and happy tears of the rest of the day.

CarolAnn and Tripp chose not to see each other before the ceremony but decided to do a letter exchange. The couple stood back to back and were able to speak as they read their letters, but didn’t see each other until the walk down the aisle – the best of both worlds!

These Featured Designers are members of our Look Book.
For membership information, click here

Wedding Dresses

Vera Wang

Spring 2015

Fall 2014

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Menswear

The Tie Bar

Spring 2015

Spring/Summer 2015

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Bouquet Breakdown: A Perfectly Imperfect Peony Dream

Is there anything lovelier than a cloud of peonies? Well now, thanks to Sara Logan Photography, Stephanie Scholl Events and Serendipity Designs, you can create a gorgeous bouquet with this step-by-step how-to. With fluffy, sweet peonies and a variety of foraged greenery, this bouquet is perfect your big day or just because.

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From Serendipity Designs… Lush, fluffy, romantic, and oh-so captivating, it’s no wonder peonies are often referred to as the “Queen of Flowers.” Find these gorgeous blooms in local grocery stores, farmers markets, or maybe even your neighbor’s garden from late April until June, and sometimes, an unexpected appearance again in December! To start your bouquet, or vase arrangement, first gather your materials and tools:

Materials

Simple clippers or flower shears
A few yards of gorgeous ribbon (ours is from Bellame Ribbon Co.)
Chenille stems or pipe cleaners
Floral tape (you can find this, and the chenille stems or pipe cleaners at your local craft store)
5-7 stems of peonies
Seasonal and easily attainable greens: foraged blueberry stems, baby peach branches, bay leaves, and gardenia leaves provide the perfect accent for a summer bouquet! Plan on a total of 8-10 stems.

Instructions

Step One

Clean all stems of leaves and foliage about 3/4 of the way up, cut at an angle, and place in fresh water.

Step Two

Begin with 1 gorgeous peony and then add some greens, alternating with a gardenia, blueberry, or bay leaf stem.

Step Three

Continue with your bouquet by adding another peony and again alternating with a stem of greens, turning the bouquet in your hand as you go. Add your stems at an angle to keep a lush and full shape. Keep your hand a bit loose, giving each stem and flower a bit of room to move. This will help in creating a more natural and perfectly imperfect bouquet. (Since the peach stems are a bit more weighty and large, we will save these for last as a focal accent.)

Step Four

Once the bouquet reaches a desirable size, step back and “fluff.” Pull a couple blooms out a little or tuck some blooms lower to create a bit of depth and interest. Now is the time to pop in a baby peach branch to create a lovely focal accent.

Step Five

Add a couple more greenery stems to create more of a wild or garden look.

Step Six

Once your bouquet or arrangement looks just delightful, tie off with a chenille stem or pipe cleaner, twisting gently around the stems. Don’t lose the all the movement and dancing of the flowers! Cut stems to all be the same length. Then wrap stems with floral tape to ensure everything is held together and no wires poke out.

Step Seven

Now either place your gorgeous arrangement in a vase for display, or for a bouquet, simply tie on some lovely ribbons. No wrapping is necessary; a simple bow will do!

Photography: Sara Logan Photography | Styling & Design: Stephanie Scholl Events | Wedding Venue: Mim's House | Floral Direction & Design: Serendipity Designs | Ribbon: Bellame Ribbon

Blue + Metallic Wedding Inspiration Shoot

When you gather together Live View Studios, Michelle Wright Events, Five Dot Design, Amy Lynne Originals, Lea Ann Belter Bridal and an ENTIRE team of talented vendors, gorgeous things are bound to follow. Inspired by Ed Sheeran’s wildly romantic song, “Thinking Out Loud” they dreamt up a shoot with calligraphy backdrops, metallic accents, floral cascades- you name it. We couldn’t possibly cover each moment of pretty, so please, please carve out time for the full gallery right here.

Colors

Seasons

Winter Weddings

Settings

Weddings in Historical Venues

Styles

Romantic Whimsical

From Live View Studios… We were inspired by romantic nights, with stars twinkling above as lovers wrap themselves in each others arms. They look up at the inky deep blue sky, with a million stars glowing like candles. As the night gets late and cooler, there is the promise of a rosy hued dawn soon to appear. Gazing into each others eyes, and reminded of a favorite song, she whispers “kiss me under the light of a thousand stars”.

From this setting, event designer Michelle Wright drew a color palette of mixed blues, grey, and twinkling candles set in an array of metallic elements to bring to life this elegant wedding inspiration. The varied blue colors, from the bridesmaids Jenny Yoo dress combined with a stunning blue pear shaped necklace, to the sprawling table centerpiece with assorted blue candles, and the ring box from France with dark blue velvet underneath a dazzling light blue stone – all contributed different shades of blue. Everything was set against a primarily white background for a glamorous and elegant effect. Sparkling white pears on the table added dimension to the glittering tablescape. The cake incorporated the lyrics from the Ed Sheeran song (Thinking Out Loud), with metallic accents and hand lettering, draped with a beautiful floral cascade. The Camille dress from Lea Ann Belter added both elegance and organic beauty with it’s beautiful french alencon lace details, and sweeping silk organza overskirt. The simple and elegant letterpress stationary with it’s silver lined envelope echoed the aesthetic of the overall inspiration. Inspired by the romance of the song lyrics, the ceremony backdrop is their elegantly lettered wedding vows.