North Carolina Wedding Ideas and Inspiration - Style Me Pretty

Late-Summer Black Tie Wedding at Graylyn Estate in North Carolina

Woven into the fabric of this celebration are personal details that made Emily and Will who they are. Those are the very best kind of details my friends—hint, hint; those are the ones that will make your day truly yours. Floral and Event Designer, Amanda Day Rose is sharing a bit of this duo’s sweet story below, along with a collection of images by Amanda Castle to make you feel as if you were there to witness it all.

From Amanda Day Rose… With its gorgeous classic backdrop, Emily and Will chose to marry at the exquisite Graylyn Estate in North Carolina under a romantic Chuppah covered in greenery. The tablecloth on the top of the Chuppah was from Emily’s grandparents, and survived the Holocaust. Emily relates this tablecloth to having her late grandparents watching over the whole wedding ceremony.

The couple wanted to incorporate as many personal details and family heirlooms as possible in their black tie affair, making it a meaningful, memorable celebration they and all their guests would always remember. Emily wore her grandmother’s pearls gifted to her by her late grandfather. Will wore cufflinks that Emily had gifted to him when they first began dating.

Emily and Will chose to use a sword to cut their cake at the end of the evening – a sword that has been in Will’s family for four generations! After a four course dinner where Emily and Will were able to spend plenty of time with their guests, the couple ended the evening dancing the night away with their closest friends and family.

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

Wedding Dresses

Anne Barge

Spring 2012

Fall 2012

Spring 2014

Fall 2013

Fall 2014 Couture

Fall 2014 Black Label

View All Collections

Bohemian Country Wedding with a Touch of Whimsy at Barn of Chapel Hill

A white barn, the goodness of Chapel Hill and boho details… this is the beautiful combo that makes up today’s Southern fete planned by Kast Events. We’re getting to know these two Bride babes—from the thoughtful proposal to their favorite memories of their celebration—dive into the interview below and make sure to soak up the full day documented by Krystal Kast.

1. How did you meet?

We met in high school, East Chapel Hill High School, where we played soccer together. We grew up less than a mile apart on the greenway in Chapel Hill but didn’t know each other until I was a junior at East and she and her twin sister, Leigh, were on the soccer team. We came back together when I moved from Atlanta to Chapel Hill for medical school and Paige moved back from Boone when her dad was diagnosed with cancer so she could be with her family. We saw each other again at our yearly East reunion at TOPO the Friday after Thanksgiving (We never actually have real reunions because we have them yearly at TOPO—it’s bizarre). We have known each other for 15 or so years but started dating about 6 months to a year after she moved back to CH.

2. How did the proposal happen?

It happened on Christmas Day at our house in Chapel Hill. I had a book made for her—its a hard cover book made by LoveBook—with stick figures of the two of us and it’s called, “I love you – My reasons why” and I gave it to her on Christmas. Her family was in town and staying with us for Christmas so the whole clan was there and knew what was about to happen. I asked them to stay inside so I could give her the book and ring but slowly, one by one, everyone somehow made it out to the patio where we were sitting and wanted her to show them every SINGLE PAGE of the book. I literally couldn’t get on one knee because her mom was nearly on top of me it was ridiculous! But also sweet and cute. The last page of the book asked, “Will you marry me?” To which she replied, “Of course!”- it was awesome.

3. When did you know she/she was “the one?”

I knew she was the one a few years before we even moved in together… to me Paige is a no-brainer, but I think she needed to think about whether or not I was worthy of being her wife. So I waited… and waited… and waiteeedddd… and it was completely worth it.

4. Tell us about your wedding inspiration:

Boho, country barn style, pintrested to the max. Cheryl-Anne’s style was exactly what we were looking for. Greenery, flowers, rustic.

5. Any special details or fun memories from wedding day you’d like to share?

Paige wrote me the sweetest card I’ve ever received – it was actually perfect because not only was it the most thoughtful and loving writing I could imagine, it was specifically meant to keep me from crying during the ceremony, and it did!

I thought having our family members be such a big part of the wedding was really special – our brothers played the music, brother and sister did the readings – Alex and Cliff who are as much brothers as anyone, wrote us a freaking poem and then read it and it was adorable! And John, my younger bro, officiated and crushed it! The selfie guestbook has some real winners in it – as the book progresses you can tell people are getting drunker and the pictures are absolute gems!

And then during the ceremony there were the shotguns that were going off the entire time – what the hell was that? I thought it was funny, a “shotgun wedding” perhaps? The bug that crawled up John’s neck that I had to save him from.

We had an absolute blast! There are so many wonderful memories from that weekend that I can’t even really begin.

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

Wedding Dresses

Claire Pettibone

Couture Bridal

Fall 2015 Romantique

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN

Bridal 2016

Bridal 2019

View All Collections

Romantic Raleigh Garden Wedding at Merrimon-Wynne House

When it comes to Southern garden weddings—this one my friends, is your blueprint. Set at the ever-charming Merrimone-Wynne House, and dressed to the nines thanks to A Southern Soiree and Specialties Florals & Events, it’s the kind of soiree that will never go out of style. You can be sure every single capture from Caroline Lima will stand the test of time.

From the bride… Around Christmas of 2011, MG and I met through mutual friends. I was drawn in by his generosity and his long-lasting relationships with those he loved. After almost six years of cherished time together, MG proposed in the fall of 2017. We were with friends in Asheville, NC, and it was exactly one year from our Wedding date. Even with me being from New York, we knew we wanted an intimate gathering of our closest family and friends, and at no better place then where it all started- Raleigh, North Carolina.

While planning our wedding, I knew that I wanted it to feel like a romantic garden party. We wanted lots of greenery, and cascading flowers while adding in lots of personal, custom details, most of which we could use again in our home. We centered a lot of our reception around our Custom Crest that was made by Simply Jessica Marie. It has a lot of details embedded in it that were very personal to us, and that told our love story.

On the day of the wedding we were fortunate to have a beautiful and sunny, yet crisp, late fall day. We had a wedding for 120 of our closest friends & family, with a ceremony in front of a beautiful floral and greenery arch. I wore an Enzoani gown, paired with one of my favorite details of the wedding, my cathedral length veil and hair combs by Cheryl King Couture, along with my “something borrowed”, which were 2 hair clips that my sister wore in her wedding. These pieces were very special to me, not only because I was wearing something of my sisters, but I knew that this would be something that I could pass down to my children for generations to come.

We chose black tuxes for the men, with MG wearing a Navy tux to stand out, while the girls wore Aidan and Mira Jenny Yoo dresses in Whipped Apricot in the style of their choice.

The venue, The Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh, alone was stunning, but we chose to accent it with loose, organic florals using soft jewel tones, with pops of plum and burgundy. The bouquets were hand tied with a mix of silk and velvet ribbons. We continued our floral aesthetic with a floral chandelier in the carriage house, centered on the dance floor. With its cascading florals and greenery, it was the focus of the reception creating a romantic, garden party feel. There were also four greenery balls that cascaded down in the corners of the room.

We tried to not leave any detail out, with using the most of our Custom Crest by Simply Jessica Marie. We incorporated it into our napkins, cups, programs, and pillow cases. I also had one of my favorite artists, BECCA, paint a watercolor of the Merrimon-Wynne House to use as a guest book. I know we will always cherish this as it holds a reminder of one of our favorite days, and we will have it hanging in our house for years to come.

With my Mother being Italian, we couldn’t have desserts without Italian cookies and Jordan almonds being present. Along with our gorgeous wedding cake by the The Cupcake Shoppe, we had additional cakes for our guests from the amazing Hayes Barton Café & Dessertery.

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

Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

Enzoani

2014 Beautiful

2014 Blue

2014

2014 Love

View All Collections

A Hauntingly Romantic Wedding at the Graylyn Estate

We love when a bride and groom think outside the typical blush pink and green wedding box and opt for something a little more wild! With a bit of help from Rebecca Rose Events, this gorgeous couple absolutely nailed their “hauntingly romantic” wedding theme. They tied the knot at Graylyn Weddings in front of 400 (yup, 400!) of their closest friends and family surrounded by lush arrangements of fluffy blooms in rich, bold hues. Just waittt until you see the reception captured beautifully by Perry Vaile Photography. We’ll give you a little hint: HANGING. CAKE.

From Rebecca Rose Events… When we first met Hannah and Travis and asked them to describe the way they wanted their wedding to look and feel, their answer gave us chills: “hauntingly romantic”. If something is “haunting”, that means it really stays with you… So we set out to create a sensory experience that was inviting, romantic, and that would leave an incredible impression.

This sweet couple has style in spades. They’re both accomplished hair stylists and and it was such a joy to design for these two artists who appreciate the power of aesthetics! Together we worked to incorporate elements of classic beauty and add in just the right amount of edginess.

Flowers were a huge priority for both the bride and groom, so we incorporated lush, fluffy blooms such as hydrangea, garden roses, and peonies that were rich in color. We paired wine, blush, and soft champagne tones with black and deep grey taper candles and chargers, along with black chargers and gold flatware. There was no shortage of texture or intrigue!

he invitation suite included letterpress and gold foil imprint, as well as custom watercolor illustration, and a unique velluto fabric backing on the invitation card (the same type/texture of fabric used on the tables at the wedding.) We used the suite to introduce a peek at all of the wedding elements guests would experience. The more interesting an invitation suite, the better the turnout… And well, that adage held true, as over 400 guests attended the wedding to celebrate Hannah and Travis!

The ceremony was held on the majestic front lawn of the historic Graylyn Estate, with the manor house in the background. The couple exchanged vows just before sunset and then everyone enjoyed cocktail hour inside the manor house. After cocktail hour, a plated dinner was service inside a large custom tent on the back lawn, followed by dancing and late night snacks under a separate tent.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Rebecca Rose Events

View Portfolio

Quaint Chapel Hill Wedding at The Parlour at Mann’s Chapel

As hard as it can be to cull down a guest list, intimate weddings are sooo worth it if you want to truly interact with every guest celebrating your Big Day with you. Call me biased (I had less than 80!), but I think today’s Bride & Groom, Heather & Michael, have the right idea. With Kast Events & Company to help plan every cherished moment, they were able create a beautiful experience for their friends and family. Photographers, Ally and Bobby were also on the guest list and we’ve got the pretty documentation right here.

From the photographers, Ally and Bobby… Heather and Michael were married in a quaint white chapel tucked away in the countryside of North Carolina. The joy in the air was tangible on that summer day! With less than 75 guests, they had an intimate celebration with their closest friends and family.

From the Bride… Michael and I both wanted to keep our wedding smaller and intimate with a meaningful venue that also incorporated the outdoors. We booked the sweet vintage chapel which was originally built in the 1800’s and renovated a couple of years before our wedding. It was just the right size, allowing less than 100 guests and incorporating a beautiful outdoor space. Additionally, the women who restored the chapel maintained many original details from the original church, including the pews and signage, which was special to see displayed. Since the space is so gorgeous, we wanted to incorporate greenery, and a classic color palette to highlight the natural beauty of the space.

We wanted our guests to feel loved and taken care of, much like they have loved and taken care of us, so we prioritized good food, drinks, and a fun ambiance. Choosing a fun and entertaining dj coupled with an interactive photo booth during the reception were additions that guests commented on how much they enjoyed all night. Almost 80% of our guests were traveling from out of town, so we wanted them to be able to enjoy themselves as we said I do!

From our venue, down to the florals, we chose to support mostly small local vendors with big hearts and personalities. We love supporting local businesses and wanted to continue that trend for our wedding as well. We also wanted to include as many friends as possible into our wedding day. One of our dearest friends officiated the wedding, another serenaded us as we walked down the aisle, and two of the bride’s former students were her flower girls. Our bridal party was intentionally small as well to include our most loved best friends and siblings. Heather wanted each bridesmaids to choose their own dress to complement their individual style and personality. While staying within a shades of blush color palate, their choices complemented one another and turned out better than she could have imagined.

The day was a whirlwind, so we were glad that we chose to have a first look and take a moment to see each other, calm some nerves, and be together without all of our guests, to share a quiet moment before the ceremony started. After much debate we decided to write our own vows to be read to one another during the ceremony, which was our favorite part of the entire day. Being able to use our own words to express our love to one another in the presence of our family and loved ones was such a special moment.

From our appetizers that paid homage to Michael’s southern heritage, to the florists incorporating all the bride’s favorite florals into her bouquet, everything felt like us. We included portraits of our parents’ and grandparents’ wedding days and used the bride’s late grandmother’s chalkboard to highlight how important our families are to us. The bride’s father even brought their beloved 12-year-old lab, Madison, to take pictures and enjoy an al fresco dinner under the market lights. The forecast leading up to the wedding was a downpour all day, so we were immensely grateful when the day was filled with sunshine and warmth. Our wedding will forever be a favorite memory of ours and we are so grateful to everyone who was a part of our day.

The Sweetest All White Nursery We Ever Did See

Prepare for some of the cutest inspiration ever for your little one’s room because this all white nursery is what we like to call Pinterest perfection. From sweet little pieces like a pink and white striped bunny mobile and kitten hamper to handmade built-ins by Lucy’s grandpa – this whimsical nook is everything a little girl could dream of and more. Check out the full gallery from Bow Tie Collective (aka the parents of this lucky baby girl) for all the details of this enchanting design.

From Bow Tie Collective… I knew I wanted a calm, quiet and peaceful space for our little girl’s nursery. When I envisioned her room in my head, I saw pale pink and white, soft fabrics, lots of textures and a room full of dainty details. The layout of the room was a bit tricky. The room has an alcove with a sloped ceiling, as well as floor windows with an arch on the main wall, so we weren’t exactly dealing with a standard bedroom here.

I talked to my Father, an incredibly patient handyman, and told him my vision and asked how we could make it work. After lots of sketching, lots of brainstorming and precise measurements, we had a plan. He worked around the clock for months to build this nursery. The man has the patience of a saint! He worked 10 hour days, 5 days a week and after 3 months our nursery was complete.

He started with the dresser which we decided to make extra long and use the entire wall space. The dresser has 16 drawers and 8 cabinets – hello baby storage! He handmade every piece – each X on the front of the cabinet doors, he carefully cut and glued together. After the dresser/changing table was complete, we built the cubbies. Again, precisely spaced and painted.

He then laid the shiplap behind the changing area, as well as the shiplap on the entire accent wall to the left. I mean, give me all the shiplap! Am I right? We then hung curtains, installed the chandelier, painted the room and ceiling, put together furniture, hung the wall decor and BAM! A very long and detailed process later, our little girl has the most beautiful, serene nursery I could have ever dreamed of!

Classic Fall Wedding at Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina

If you’re stuck on where to start with the design of your Big Day, I always recommend pulling inspiration from your venue. Always, always. You chose your venue for a reason; whether it be on the water, for it’s clean whitewashed walls, for it’s Southern charm, for it’s stunning scenery, vineyards, architecture… the list goes on. Start there and I promise, you will be able to craft a day that is truly yours. Today’s fete, planned and designed by Lacy Geary is just that for Stacie and Phil—truly theirs. Take a peek through the full gallery from Laura Gordon to see exactly why we couldn’t wait to share this one with you today.

From Lacy Geary… When Stacie and Phil reached out to me they were very clear on the direction they wanted their wedding to take. They were both busy professionals and wanted their wedding day to be elegant and intimate while fitting in with the location but also to be fun and upbeat. We created a design direction that tied into the environment without being overdone and that mimicked the colors of the venue and time of year in the mountains.

They were married between the two apple trees in the garden at Old Edwards Inn. The florals and seating were low to the ground and as minimal as possible so that the backdrop of the tress was the visual impact. We carried the apple blossoms over to their invitations as well as into the escort display at cocktail hour.

Kelly Lenard brought in beautiful florals that tied in the color story we created of various neutral shades of ivories, taupes, dusty rose and an accent color of the richer burgundy. The large iron chandeliers that grace the ceiling of the reception space were covered in greenery to bring the outside in and soften the space without invading the architecture that Stacie & Phil were so in love with. Each element was carefully curated and represented the evening that Stacie & Phil had envisioned.

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

Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Floral Spring Wedding at a Family Home in Charlotte, North Carolina

Choosing bridesmaids dresses—a task that might steal the top spot on many wedding planning stress meters. But for this Bride, it was simple. She gave her girls the freedom to go out and pick their own floral patterned numbers and the result is a group of mis-matched babes that made for one of the most epic ‘maids moments ever. The rest of this fete, planned and designed by Dina Berg Blazek, was equally charm-filled and believe it or not, set at the Bride’s family home. Anagram Photo took care in capturing every memory that this sweet duo will cherish for years to come.

From Anagram Photo… Sarah and Nate were married in Sarah’s parents front yard. Sarah loved the idea of tying the knot in the place where she was raised that meant so much to her. The most beautiful spring day set the perfect backdrop for this bright and beautiful affair. Sarah’s Monique Lhuillier dress could not have been more stunning, and the Valentino shoes rounded out this perfectly elegant bridal look. Sarah’s bridesmaids picked out their own floral dresses and what came together was probably one the the most fun and unique bridal party looks we’ve ever seen! All the florals together just screamed joy and light on this beautiful day. Sarah and Nate invited their guests to walk around to the backyard for a tented reception after the ceremony. The florals adorning the tables were a collection of colors and flowers – mirroring the playful feel of the bridesmaids dresses. The mix of colors, paired with the elegant farm tables, garlands, ivy details and outdoor lounge areas created the perfectly colorful spring affair for their guests to enjoy – even the family pups got dressed up for the occasion! Nate’s joy at seeing Sarah descend the aisle on her father’s arm was only multiplied throughout the day as these lovebirds danced, laughed and took it all in. Sarah and Nate share an exceptional bond, and it was such a joy to be a part of their amazing day!

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

Wedding Dresses

Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2015

Monique Lhuillier Bridesmaids Fall 2015

Spring 2016

View All Collections

Architectural-Inspired Wedding at The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel

Clean, fresh and modern. If those three words are in your wedding planning dictionary, you’ll want to cozy up to this fete! It’s splashed with a hefty dose of gorgeous white florals and a striking modern design, thanks to Rebecca Rose Events, not to mention mis-matched bridesmaids that sing so beautifully together. Getting ready for a pinning marathon, because Jake & Heather Photography have filled the gallery to the brim with steal-worthy images.

From Jake and Heather Photography… This classy, black-tie affair will have you re-thinking the elegant possibilities of a bold ballroom wedding. Rebecca Rose Events, named as a top wedding planner by Southern Living, left no detail untouched while bringing this timelss and perfectly polished design to life! From Kaitlin’s emotional first look with her father and the historic, city-scape backdrop, to flawless white orchids carefully weaved throughout their design, this wedding celebrates all things iconic, humble and dignified.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Rebecca Rose Events

View Portfolio

Berry + Pink Southern Wedding Inspiration at McAlister-Leftwich House

This, my loves, is my dream color palette. I went with something slightly similar for my own wedding—and if I could do it all again (to my husband, of course!) I’d try to replicate this exact combination of hues. It’s really perfect for any time of year, but it sings so beautifully to fall and winter. With the floral genius of Eliana Nunes, every single bloom is woven together to create the loveliest array of berry, pink, blush, peach and golden ivory. Join me in the full gallery captured by Hillary Muelleck to start off your Monday-after-a-long-weekend just right.

From the vendor team… Fall has taken a whole new direction in this southern charm wedding inspiration. With the newly revitalized McAlister-Leftwich House as our backdrop, its North Carolina colonial architecture mixed with fall vibes really influenced a new color palette this season. We wanted to keep the fall feeling without overusing warm tones.

Eliana of Eliana Nunes Floral & Event Design kept things soft and romantic when choosing linens, place settings and flowers, with stunning arrangements in the ceremony florals, table landscape, and cozy candlelit fireplace display. While using soft muted tones in the cappuccino roses and peach ranunculus, she also added touches of deeper hues by incorporating the blue viburnum berries and burgundy ninebark foliage.

Priya of Piachella Calligraphy designed and calligraphed all the paper goods using a handmade paper, wax seals, and painted envelope liners to add that perfect hint of texture. Jeanne of Artsy Cakesy crafted a stunning three tiered cake with painted detail up the side in addition to a mix of gum paste greenery and gold floral accents for added warmth.

Katie and Laura of Blush and Bobby’s composed the most timeless makeup look which was also complimented with a romantic updo. In keeping with the elegant and romantic theme, a gown with intricate beading throughout the bodice and flowing skirt from Dashing Dames Bridal was the perfect fit. We also couldn’t pass up working with Lauren from L. Priori Jewelry for some truly unique rings including a remarkable moonstone engagement ring.

Hillary Muelleck Photography felt that using film photography would best translate the rich colors as well as the overall romantic feel our team had envisioned. For the bride and groom who want a fall color palette while still keeping things soft and rich, look no further!

A Classic Bride’s Dream Wedding at Duke Mansion

All-white weddings will always hold a special place in our hearts – with that being said, today is a very happy day over here on SMP. Everything from white peony-filled arrangements from Katelyn Pinner Studio to a three-tiered, ruffle cake by Suarez Bakery – to be honest, we’re kind of at a loss for words trying to describe the beauty of this wedding day. Love & Honey Wed planned every flawless detail while Cathy Durig captured photos that have us weak at the knees. Keep on scrolling and allow us to bless your screens with this classic, Duke Mansion dream…

From the bride… We chose the Duke Mansion in Charlotte, North Carolina for its grand nature and rich history that sits on a property full of hidden details including secret gardens, a brick paved side terrace, and hundred-year-old oak trees lining the property.

We were married on the back lawn of the mansion in an outdoor garden ceremony under a luscious floral draped pergola. We utilized a soft floral design palette and did our best to emphasize the surrounding gardens of the historic venue to create a seamless design. My bridal bouquet incorporated a piece of my mother’s veil from her wedding day, which I surprised her with on the day.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to cocktail hour on an adjoining patio where they were greeted with our signature drink – Prosecco Pops. We sourced locally crafted popsicles (King of Pops) and accompanied them with a splash of Prosecco. Guests wandered the gardens before dinner and found their hand calligraphed seating assignments hung on our DIY linen-backed frame my groom and I had crafted from an antique mirror (which we finished only 24 hours before our wedding).

The reception featured a grand head table which included a long row of oak tables draped in a soft runner, candles, and organic florals by Katelyn Pinner Studio. Our guests dined beneath rows of twinkle lights draped in lush greenery which brought the charm of the gardens into the reception.

As our guests continued to enjoy dancing, cocktails, and the late night grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters, we were pulled outside to the reception terrace where our photographer, Cathy Durig surprised us with a head table filled with candles.

We danced around the table and soaked in every minute of newlywed bliss – just the two of us. The special touches of our day, from the hand-calligraphed paper goods and gold foil napkins to our specially arranged welcome boxes and an epic sparkler exit, made it truly memorable.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/295786928 600 338]

Flowers Are Strung From the Heavens in This Cameilla Gardens Affair

Aside from the sweetest Bride + Groom ever, the first thing you will probably notice about this North Carolina affair are the insanely pretty florals designed by Sweet T Flowers. From the bouquets to suspended blooms over the reception tables, this day packs a serious flower punch. And Jake + Heather have the photographic proof. Head to the gallery for so much more!

From the Bride…The best thing about the day (besides marrying my groom) was getting to see all the planning come to life. It made all the months of work worth it! Out of all the details, the flowers were definitely my favorite.

From my bouquet to the hanging arrangements above the Bridal table, it made my heart fill with joy. A piece of advice I would have for other brides is to find out what’s important to you and put your energy towards those things. Not everyone values the same things, so don’t spend your money on areas you don’t care about.

Emotional Outdoor Wedding at Sarah P. Duke Gardens

You know we love a beautifully styled wedding! From the bride’s intricate lace gown by Tre Bella, to the rich jewel tones in the gorgeous garden blooms by Tre Bella Floral at the Sarah P.Duke Gardens all the way to the breathtaking twinkle lights setting the scene during their evening reception… every detail was on point for this lovely fall wedding in North Carolina! But this lovely celebration was so much more than that. Allison and Paul’s relationship felt serendipitous from the beginning and we witnessed the deeply emotional moments, all captured by the talented Caroline Lima Photography.

Oh, and not to mention, Allison and Paul involved their family members every chance they could, even including the woman who introduced them (then performed during their ceremony… swoon!). The thought and intention put into every moment during their big day made the pretty details planned by Grace Leisure Events that much prettier…

From Caroline Lima Photography… Allison and Paul were married at the the beautiful Duke Gardens. The Gardens were bursting with life, and clearly tended with love, so they made the perfect venue for the couple. Their ceremony was one of the most emotional I have ever had the privilege to attend (I love emotional weddings so much!). Paul’s father played the piano as his best man sang, his siblings also sang during the ceremony, so moving! Right before Allison walked down the aisle, I saw Paul press his eyes hard holding his mother’s hand, and I could see such deep emotion on his face; he knew that the love of his life was about to become his wife. A truly beautiful moment to witness!

And the bride…ahhh the bride! Allison radiated joy and grace in the perfect dress with an exquisite lace all-over. The delicate details of her headpiece and her romantic hairstyle were so lovely. And then, to everyone’s delight, this elegant bride absolutely rocked the dance floor! When a wedding runs the gamut from deep emotion to complete joy and wild celebration, it’s simply the best! At one point, Allison’s father took me aside and told me that he was blown away by my work. This meant the world to me.

I feel so very lucky to do what I love, and to share these moments with people as kind as Allison, Paul and their families. I hope you enjoy these photos from their day as much as I enjoyed taking them. A huge thanks to Grace Leisure Events, what a joy to work with them! Allison and Paul’s day was flawless.

From the bride… Paul and I had both recently moved from NYC to Durham when we were introduced by a mutual friend, one of my best college friends who was his pastor. Within the first half-hour of our coffee date I knew that we had a lot in common. Our bond grew from there as he took me on dates like independent movies and a lavender festival, we met each other’s family and friends (his friends and family were immediately fun, warm and welcoming) and discovered that we had a similar worldview.

Our engagement story is also full of synchronicity and it starts many years before we met. The High Line is my favorite place in New York City. I always felt it was a place worthy of something important and life changing, so when I first took my parents there to see it, I said, “I want to get engaged here!” (What can I say? I was dreaming big.) Sure enough, for my 34th birthday Paul took me on a trip to New York City and proposed on the High Line. When I asked him who tipped him off he said, “You did–when you talked about how much you love the High Line!”

We knew we wanted to be married outside and we planned our wedding around three of our most valued tenets: community, art and joy. The woman who introduced us performed the ceremony and we were lucky to involve our creative friends and family, so it was very personal. The whole day was magical! We want to thank our friends and family for their wonderful support as well as everyone who helped our wedding vision come together.

For more images from Paul and Allison’s North Carolina Wedding at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, head on over to Caroline Lima’s Blog! Plus… if you’d like to hear more of the couple’s story, take a peek at their equally charming Engagement Shoot.

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

Bridesmaid Dresses

Donna Morgan

Bridesmaids

Bridal

Mother of the Bride

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Chiffon

Donna Morgan Collection - Core Lace

Donna Morgan Collection - Serenity

View All Collections

A Southern Soiree That Checks Off All Our Boxes

Things we love: high school sweethearts, vintage cars, southern traditions, and couples whose love for each other and for their families is the most memorable part of their special day. Check, check, check, and a big ol’ check — this sweet day planned by Stephanie Shaul Events has it all. So if you need us, we’ll be right here looking at all the pretty captured by Anagram Photo.

From Stephanie of Stephanie Shaul Events… Megan and Evan, the bride and groom, are that couple that every wedding planner dreams of working with — incredibly excited about their wedding day and marriage; so totally in-love; focused on their family, friends, and community that have shaped them; and bursting to have a gorgeous, fresh, stylish wedding day that represents their love story and is filled with thoughtful touches. We worked tirelessly over their year-long engagement to plan and design this stunning, heartfelt wedding at the quintessentially Southern Carolina Inn — a historic inn with sentimental meaning to the couple. We designed a stunning palette of cranberry, cinnamon, rose, greys, a mixture of gold and brass, plenty of rich textures, and organic elements and greenery. There were so many beautiful, cohesive elements and details that we incorporated throughout their wedding to showcase their love story as best as possible.

As a wedding photographer herself, the bride was already deeply immersed in the wedding industry, which made choosing vendors and the design a cinch. We worked with incredible vendors to bring this vision and design to fruition, perfectly and exquisitely captured on film and brought to life through the lens of Graham Terhune. Alexa from Sage Paper Co. designed bespoke wedding invitations with an ombre painting of the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop (a place the bride and groom love and visit often), and Wylde Flowers created the most breathtaking, bold, lush bouquets in the perfect color palette and design. We affixed Megan’s grandmothers’ pins to the bouquet, and it was so special to think of all of these loving, thoughtful touches scattered throughout wedding. The bride’s great-grandfather’s vintage car was adorned with a custom “Just Married!” sign with calligraphy by honorary bridesmaid, Meredith of Oaks and Gray, and it was also decked out with a lush greenery garland. The vintage car was the perfect finishing touch on the wedding day, especially as the couple jubilantly exited their wedding as husband and wife under a joyful sparkler send-off and into the awaiting car.

But above any other details, thoughtful and stunning as they were, what stood out to me the most is Megan and Evan’s inspiring, genuine, deeply rooted love. What matters the most to them: generously loving and celebrating their family, friends, and community and thoughtfully planning for and focusing on their new marriage.

These moments are etched in my memory. Their intimate first look, which was filled with sheer joy, nerves, excitement, and a lot of laughter and happy tears. Their outdoor ceremony, which was set amongst the oak trees, was truly special as they pledged their lives to one another, prayed with their families and wedding party during the ceremony, and recited the most memorable vows. As their wedding planner and friend, it was also a highlight to privately share their reception ballroom with them, and to see our vision come to life so exquisitely was a moment I’ll never forget.

The graciousness and joy of the bride and groom, along with all of their family and friends, was truly memorable and unique, and this wedding simply beautiful and love-filled in every way.

From the bride, Megan Kerns Foote-Hudson… Evan and I met in high school in our hometown, Durham, North Carolina. Shortly thereafter, we started dating and have been inseparable ever since. Last year, we planned a weekend getaway to Evan’s collegetown and one of our most beloved cities, Asheville, North Carolina. On the way to Asheville, Evan’s secret proposal quickly unfolded. After popping the question, Evan and I celebrated our engagement at the historic and renowned Omni Grove Park Inn where we were surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. It was the most perfect and thoughtful weekend — an experience that I’ll cherish forever!

When we started to plan our wedding, we knew we wanted to incorporate intentional details that represented our personalities, love story, and family legacies. The first big decision we made was our venue. The Carolina Inn has always been a special place for both our families, so after officially touring the space, we knew it was the perfect setting to start our new chapter. We both adore the intimate southern charm and hospitality they provide to all of their guests. In fact, we can’t wait to celebrate many anniversaries at the Carolina Inn in years to come!

Leading up to our wedding day, Evan and I were elated to see our family and closest friends gather under the same roof. It was incredibly humbling to celebrate and dance the night away with our families and friends who traveled near and far to celebrate our new beginning. To kick off the wedding weekend, Evan’s parents hosted our rehearsal dinner at a local restaurant in Chapel Hill. Saturday, Evan arranged a groomsmen’s brunch (one of our favorite meals), and I organized a yoga class for my bridesmaids at the Inn.

As we look back on our day, a few moments left a lasting impression on us. My first look with my bridesmaids was one of my favorite moments. Early on I decided I wanted to keep my dress a secret. Until our wedding day, my mom and two sisters were the only people who had seen my dress. Seeing the reaction on my bridesmaids’ faces was priceless — a heartfelt memory that will remain near and dear to my heart. Also, Evan and I cherished our first look, an intimate moment that gave us a chance to truly embrace our emotions and excitement for the day and each other. Above all, our favorite part of the day was the ceremony. We intentionally created a ceremony that represented our story while encompassing our values and deepest promises to one another. Our ceremony took place outside under a full-bodied oak tree with vibrant and radiant fall foliage. Thanks to our faith in the southern tradition of burying the bourbon, we were able to keep our ceremony under the warm sun and clear Carolina blue skies. Thank you, precious bottle of Woodford Reserve!

After a delicious southern meal, drinks, and dancing, we ended the night under a sparkler exit. My dad drove our epic getaway car, my great-grandfather’s Ford Model A from 1927.

Evan and I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day. We are so grateful for our families, friends, and vendors who were able to bring our vision to life.

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

View Portfolio

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

Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

View All Collections

Bridesmaid Dresses

Jenny Yoo

Spring 2014 Maternity

2016 Bridesmaid Collection

2016 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2017 Bridal Collection

Spring 2017 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2017 Accessories Collection

Fall 2016 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Lingerie Collection

Spring 2017 Separates Collection

Spring 2017 Bridesmaids Collection

Spring 2018 Bridal Collection

Spring 2018 "Jenny by Jenny Yoo" Collection

Spring 2018 Flower Girl Collection

Spring 2018 Bridesmaid Collection

View All Collections

Lingerie

Plum Pretty Sugar

Castelbel & Trumpet

Signature

Lilli Tru

PomPon

Plum Pretty Sugar for BHLDN

PPS Couture

View All Collections

Your Heart Will Melt Seeing These Two Families Become One

Hello, melt-your-heart wedding! This elegant outdoor affair in North Carolina planned by The Graceful Host (in just four months!) was a celebration not only of love, but of two beautiful little families coming together as one. Perry Vaile captured all the most touching moments, from cuddles between the bride and their little girl (aka the cutest flower girl) to the groom helping their boys with the boutonnieres. We love love love this family’s special day!

Colors

Seasons

Summer Weddings

Settings

Estate Weddings

Styles

Romantic

From The Graceful Host Events… Alyson and Matthew were married in a family-centered ceremony, with their children by their side, and surrounded by close family and friends on August 12th at Champagne Manor in Monroe, North Carolina – just outside of Charlotte. They have built a beautiful life together with their blended family and wanted to create a celebration centered around their love of family as well as their new beginning as husband and wife. The entire wedding was planned in less than four months and no detail was spared by the couple!

Our design was inspired by earth tones and organic textures with a feminine undertone, and it was achieved using a somewhat neutral palette of mauve, peach, ivory, dove grey, and greenery. The atmosphere was chic yet relaxed, incorporating upholstered lounge areas into their open seating floor plan for a mix and mingle feel to the night. The dance floor was highlighted by a 8′ x 8′ hanging installation of greenery with twinkling glass orbs hanging, and signature drinks (champagne with berries and pomegranate juice and a pineapple mule) were added to the customized bar as a nod to his and her styles.

Saturday Morning Movie: An Elegant + Traditional Indian Wedding

An elegant wedding is always a winner but add in the infusion of the Bride and Groom’s Indian culture and this piece by Light Cannon Films becomes extra special. From the vibrant colors of the florals and the attire to the never-ending smiles, love and dancing, it’s a whirlwind wedding that we are more than eager to get swept up into. Sit back and enjoy these five minutes of pure joy!

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/245519018 600 338]

Seasons

Summer Weddings

From Light Cannon Films… Awanti and Alok are the whole package. They are gorgeous, obviously. They are smart – Awanti is a lawyer and Alok is a dentist. They have a huge circle of supportive friends, they cherish their family. They’re fun, they’re performers, they sparkled in the spotlight of their wedding weekend. And they are the best of friends. For their 3-day event, family came from across the globe to witness their union. Awanti did much of the planning herself, which is a feat that we cannot imagine accomplishing. It was a beautiful, colorful blend of Indian and American traditions, making it truly their own.

Why Finding the Perfect Wedding Vendors has Never Been This Easy

We all know that you can’t have an amazing wedding without an amazing team of vendors, but we also know that finding that oh-so-awesome dream team takes a lot of work and research. Unless, you make plans to attend the Outer Banks Meet + Greet at Sanderling Resort on Sunday, March 10th from 5 – 9 pm. It’s your chance to mix and mingle with the best in the biz, plus find those wedding pros that will turn your destination wedding on the Outer Banks into the celebration you’ve always wanted.

Duck, North Carolina is one of those vacay spots you never want to leave and Sanderling Resort sits right smack-dab in the center of all of the action. With gorgeous views, luxe accommodations and a talented staff that knows a thing or two about dream weddings, you can count on that celebration of the century to happen. Now add in a meet + greet with talented OBX Wedding Professionals, hors d’oeuvres, wine tastings, a reception style dinner and dessert samplings and it’s not just an evening planning your big day… it’s a lot of fun, too. You can even dabble in Sassy S’mores at the Firepits at the Event House. (Yum.)

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/9KWFPwkgu_4 600 338]

Trust us on this one, you guys – the Outer Banks Meet + Greet at Sanderling Resort is one of those events you seriously can’t miss. Mark those calendars for March 10th from 5-9 pm, then visit Sanderling Resort to purchase tickets, book rooms and learn more about getting those engagement pictures taken. You’re going to have a blast.

Your Sneak Peek At One Of Miami Beach’s Most Stylish Wedding Venues

You know what’s better than ogling over one of our fave South Beach venues? Seeing one seriously stylish duo tie the knot in that very space. We call that that a win-win, and we suggest you cozy on up for one of the prettiest weddings ever at the W South Beach. It’s one glam detail after another that will have you booking this Miami hot spot in a heartbeat.

When it comes to your Big Day, we know that finding that dream locale isn’t always easy – whether you plan on tying the knot with only a few in attendance or want to host a luxe reception in that over-the-top Miami style we all love. The W South Beach makes it so, so easy with an experienced team of wedding professionals that will help you create that statement-making event you’ve always wanted – big or small. From their breathtaking Atlantic views to their fabulous amenities to their FOUR venues (check out the tree-filled Grove, one of our faves), they have you covered. And don’t just take our word on it – take your cue from this stunning duo, who hosted what can only be described as a movie-like celebration, complete with an outdoor ceremony and a ballroom reception with dancing ’til dawn.

W South Beach is all about next level weddings with every glamorous detail that you could possibly imagine. Trust us, your every want will be taken care of, right down to their amazing Whatever/Whenever® service, aka, the best concierge service on the planet. Need even more proof? Take it from beautiful bride, Samantha – The best part of working with the W was not having to worry about our day not being beautiful. The venue itself is so stunning without anything extra, it was comforting to know that, no matter what, it would be beautiful. Working with Marina made everything about the day less stressful. She really helped organize our dream wedding from start to finish!

See more of their beautiful day here, then contact Marina Serret at 305.938.3028 to get planning.

Bistro Lights + Wooden Beams Are a Rustic Romance Dream!

When Simply Sarah is behind the camera, I know the wedding is going to be an instant fave of mine, and this Biltmore Estate celebration is no exception. We’re talking an all-out romantic fete planned by Mary Bell Events, from the warm atmosphere created with bistro lights and rustic wooden ceiling beams to the pretty pink and ivory florals designed by Flower Gallery of Asheville. Finish it off with this stunning couple and their sweet, sweet love…it just doesn’t get any better.

[styleguide}

From the bride… Nitesh and I met at a sports bar in Atlanta in December 2012. We were watching the SEC championship game between UGA and Alabama and were cheering for opposing teams. We had a mutual friend and ended up sitting beside each other during the game and chatted the entire time. Overlooking the occasional ‘Roll Tide’ cheer, we found that we had a lot in common and hit it off instantly. We went out on our first date several months later and dated for three years before moving to Tampa, Florida together.

We had a trip to Hawaii planned with Nitesh’s family over the 2016 Christmas holiday and were excited to get away for a relaxing vacation. Several friends were convinced that Nitesh and I would get engaged during the trip, but I had no indication that any proposal plans were in the works. We planned to spend the day before our flight to Hawaii with my family at my parent’s house to enjoy an early Christmas celebration. After breakfast and opening gifts, Nitesh shocked me by proposing to me on the back deck of my parents house, with my entire family peeking through the windows. It was so special to celebrate our engagement with my family and then to continue the celebrations with Nitesh’s family in Hawaii.

One of our favorite getaways during our relationship has been Asheville. It was one of our first trips together and a destination of several other long weekends over the years. We love the beautiful scenery, vibrant downtown, and the countless options for hiking, brewery tours, and delicious dining experiences. We decided very quickly that Asheville would be the perfect location for our wedding, and during our first wedding venue scouting mission, we chose Biltmore Deerpark as our location because it embodied the rustic, romantic setting that we envisioned for our wedding. Our intention was to create an authentic, casual atmosphere that reflected our view of Asheville. We chose ivory and blush as our color palette with accents of rose gold and used bistro lights along the wooden ceiling beams and candlelight to further enhance the romantic setting of the venue.

The favorite memory for both Nitesh and me was our ceremony in the courtyard of the venue. We were blessed with perfect weather and even had some chirping birds join in during our vows. It was such a special moment for us to have all of our family and friends in one place to witness our vows to each other.

During the planning process, one of the most important choices for me was a photographer for the day. After speaking with other brides, they emphasized the importance of having the best photographer to capture the day because photos would be the most lasting, tangible mementos. After scouring bridal magazines, online websites, and social media, I came across Simply Sarah Photography and immediately fell in love with the style and quality of their images. We were lucky enough to book Simply Sarah and could not be happier about our experience with Sarah and Will. From the communication prior to the wedding to the attention to detail and professionalism on the wedding day, it was perfect from start to finish. And one of the best parts of our experience was how friendly, relaxed, and comfortable Sarah and Will were! It was such a joy to have them be a part of our wedding day.

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

Wedding Dresses

Badgley Mischka

Spring 2014 Bridal

2014 Bridesmaids

Spring 2014 Accessories

View All Collections

Wedding Dresses

Augusta Jones

Best Sellers

View All Collections

Mountain Views Are Always a Good Idea

Majestic mountains are always a good idea for a wedding ceremony backdrop – just take a look at this Asheville celebration captured by Katherine Miles Jones. The team at Gather Together drew inspiration from the raw beauty of the setting, incorporating the colors and textures of the mountain range into everything from the invitations to the blooms by Floressence Flowers. So get scrolling, because this gallery is a breath of fresh air.

Colors

Seasons

Fall Weddings

Settings

Al Fresco

Styles

Rustic

Samantha, a pharmacology PhD candidate, and Josh, an energy engineer, were college sweethearts at Clemson University in South Carolina. They chose Asheville, their favorite vacation destination, for guests from the Midwest and South Carolina to come together and celebrate their wedding. The wedding became a bit of reunion for many of their closest college friends.

Samantha and Josh both experienced significant losses of family members in recent years. Through tragedy, they found home in each other, and on their wedding day, the spirit of their loved ones was felt in the stillness of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The couple wanted the best of both worlds: mountain views for the ceremony and a reception in downtown Asheville so they could go out and enjoy the town after the wedding. While we love the North Carolina mountains in the fall, our favorite time is when they’re still green, mid-September, when the heat is just starting to melt away.

Samantha’s style was classic and organic – everything from her dress to the flowers felt refined yet playful and fitting for the mountain atmosphere. Her embroidered illusion bodice Hayley Paige dress was absolutely breathtaking. Invitations featured rose gold foil and watercolored scenes reminiscent of the mountain setting. Ceremony details were designed to highlight the beauty and color of the mountains by pulling in organic textures and a cool color palette with fall tones. A floral drenched arbor stood at the end of an aisle framing the stunning horizon. Textured organza linens covered cocktail tables set on the porch and lawn before the ceremony, fluttering with every breeze.

The reception echoed the organic feel of the outdoor ceremony. Patterned linens and lush florals were brought into the cool downtown space, set in the heart of Asheville. A giant floral chandelier was a focal point in the room and extended across the entire head table. Their band was only four members, but they had the presence of an entire rock show. At one point in the night, they mixed Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd) into Country Grammar (Nelly) and the crowd went wild. From the calm serene mountains at the ceremony, to the luxe and upbeat reception scene, Samantha and Josh’s wedding was a celebration that felt like everyone was family!