North Carolina Weddings

Vow renewals are always one of our favorite moments to see grace our submissions, they serve as the most beautiful reminder of how your love story all started, and how it’s grown so much over the years. Today’s romantic vow renewal planned by Lake and Lavender features the most adorable family of 4, shades of pink, soft greens and yellows, delicate blooms by Mother of Wild Flower House, and golden hour shining through the spanish moss – it just doesn’t get any sweeter than this! See all the vow renewal inspo you’ll need at the full gallery, captured by Emily March Photography!

Inspired by the romance of Spanish moss and a Needle and Thread dress from BHLDN, this vow renewal editorial designed by Lake and Lavender and Emily March Photography showcases a real-life couple as their love has grown and highlights the magic of embracing the location of your special day. Wedding planning couples and married couples alike are invited to take inspiration from this modern classic shoot in a dreamy outdoor setting. 

Details:
I planned and designed this vow renewal editorial in collaboration with Emily Payne of Emily March Photography. We hope this editorial inspires married couples to renew their vows for another beautiful and unforgettable day in their lives while also inspiring wedding planning couples for their wedding day and beyond. 

With a growing love at the heart of this editorial, romance took centerstage as the underlying theme of the day. It was through this romantic lens that we were particularly inspired by the Spanish moss of Airlie Gardens and a Needle and Thread dress from BHLDN. The Florentina Ruffle Dress brought the romance with colors, details, ruffles, and movement. A colorful floral dress is a current trend for today’s bride and a perfect choice for a vow renewal. With their delicate embroidery, the romantic Claudia heels from Bella Belle Shoes paired with the dress shined as brightly as the setting sun. We wove shades of pink, soft greens and yellows, champagne and gold throughout the design to highlight our dreamy setting and remarkable dress.

The Norris family told our story. Their love was radiant and their children were a delight. Their stunning family portraits are now treasured keepsakes that mark this special moment in time. We played into the couple’s refined modern style with classic elements reminiscent of their wedding day. The story of our couple told through the stationery by Longest Time Design was as inviting and romantic as everything else with the deckled edges, soft floral details, and classically modern fonts in gold foil. Other details, like black and white photographs and a Bible, showcase the couple’s roots and the many seasons their marriage has seen over the last decade.

Incorporating classic roses with other delicate and dancing blooms in the modern and whimsical style of Mother of Wild Flower House told the color story masterfully and further carried the feel of the day. Crêpe myrtles for the ceremony provided a unique moment reminiscent of the season. And repurposing the ceremony flowers elevated the lounge and added an unexpected touch. 

Specialty rentals from Martha My Dear Rentals helped communicate many of the modern classic designs. And we love how their steeple arch framed the couple as the Spanish moss did. A patterned linen carefully chosen from Nuage Designs complemented the dress and echoed the sun setting against the Spanish moss. And the linen for the cake display highlighted the cakes and the surrounding Spanish moss, too.  Plates from Party Suppliers mimicked the movement of the ruffles in the dress. Tying two tones of ribbon around the napkins added texture and layers and was another way to connect the dress to the tabletop design. 

In the same way the setting sun is painterly as it sets behind the Spanish moss, the painterly cakes by Sugar Euphoria stood alone and reflected the flowers from the dress in a striking way. A toast to the happy couple with gold-rimmed coupes from Anthropologie at sunset was the perfect ending to this unforgettable day!

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Photography: Emily March Photography | Event Design: Emily March Photography | Event Design: Lake and Lavender | Event Planning: Lake and Lavender | Floral Design: Mother of Wild | Dress: BHLDN | Dress: Needle and Thread | Cakes: Sugar Euphoria | Invitations: Longest Time Design | Shoes: Bella Belle | Beauty: Teighla Norris | Film Processing: PhotoVision Prints | Linens: Nuage Designs | Location: Airlie Gardens | Models: The Norris Family | Specialty Furniture Rentals: Martha My Dear Rentals | Tabletop: Party Suppliers & Rentals

Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, what better way to kick off the season of outdoor events than with a pretty, al fresco bridal luncheon? Inspired by the feminine blue and white china she observed at a coffee shop, Drewe Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Focus on the Coast Weddings, worked together with Salt Harbor Designs and Theo Milo Photography to create a beautiful feminine fête at Airlie Gardens. Between the flowing gowns, summery menu, abundant florals, and romantic blue tablescape, this gallery will surely inspire all your summer soirées.

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From Drewe Smith… When I traveled to Chicago last spring for a girls’ getaway, I had just started planning the newest issue of Focus on the Coast Weddings. When I walked into The Allis one morning, I was more in search of an iced coffee than editorial inspiration. Little did I know, I would find both. One of the first things that caught my eye was the blue and white floral china my breakfast was served on; decidedly French and feminine, I knew I had to have it. Within a month, my new dishes had arrived, and with them, the beginnings of the photoshoot you see here.

I knew I wanted to feature a bridal luncheon in our newest issue, so as soon as I set foot back in Wilmington, NC, I contacted Theo Milo of Theo Milo Photography and Jennifer Rose of Salt Harbor Designs. We sat down together and envisioned a soft palette of blues and simple, classic details with a touch of romance. Airlie Gardens pergola was the perfect place to shoot, embodying the rustic formality of gardens in the French countryside, complete with a bubbling fountain (which Southern Bee Designs incorporated into the invitations).

The bridesmaids were dressed in flowing gowns of complementary shades from Tusc Boutique. The bride-to-be, outfitted in our signature blue, wore a delicate wrap dress that highlighted the refined jewels provided by Melissa Tyson Designs. Classic wedge shoes from Soul Shoetique completed the outfits. I wanted the theme of understated sophistication to be consistent, so we kept the bridal parties hair and makeup subtle. Beauty Bar Boutique did a fantastic job of channeling the effortless, French cool-girl look by using muted pink tones and giving our bride-to-be a messy chignon.

Choosing the food wasn’t a difficult task. What could be more French than baguettes, oysters, and macarons? Pinpoint Restaurant, one of our personal local favorites, crafted elevated dishes with floral embellishments on sterling silver serving platters and simple wooden cutting boards. Salt Harbor Designs brought the table to life with their arrangement of ranunculus, garden roses, delphinium, parrot tulips, lilac, and privet berry, channeling the color palette of the afternoon.

With the table all set and the glow of flickering candles illuminating the setting, the bridesmaids sat down to celebrate the bride-to-be and their longtime friendship, surrounded by the simple, beautiful things in life. Staying true to our classic theme, Theo Milo used film to capture the essence of the day. C’était magnifique!

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Event Design : Salt Harbor Designs | Floral Design: Salt Harbor Designs | Cake: PinPoint Restaurant | Invitations: Southern Bee Designs | Shoes: Soul Shoetique | Jewelry: Melissa Tysons Designs | Catering: PinPoint Restaurant | Hair: Twist & Pin | Hair and Makeup: Beauty Bar Boutique | Venue: Airlie Gardens | Concept + Model Styling: Drewe Smith | Dresses: Tusc Boutique | Fashion Consultant: ADG Fashion Styling | Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab | Models: Christie Doolittle, Kayleigh Winslow, Kenzie Hansley | Produced for: Focus On The Coast Weddings | Rentals: En Vie Interiors

This palm inspired Wilmington wedding at Bakery 105 just made my day. The pop of green on the pretty stationery, the velvet ring box, and the bridesmaids’ palm frond bouquets give a modern, summery vibe that’s hitting all the right notes in my book. And those getting ready robes! Seriously chic. Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography captured it all brilliantly – despite the rain! – so dig into the gallery right here.

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From Olivia Suriano of Nancy Ray Photography… When Laura and Eric’s wedding day called for rain, I was not one bit worried. With Eric’s easy going personality and Laura’s exquisite taste and talent for interior design, I knew these two would take the rain and make something incredible out of it!

Their combination or personalities went together seamlessly at their wedding. Eric looked extra dapper in his white dinner jacket, and Laura stole the show in her Sarah Seven gown. Even with all of the beautiful details, these two were so smitten with each other you couldn’t help but just stare at them the whole day. From the beginning of the wedding planning to their big day, Laura and Eric made each of their vendors feel like close friends, and it was such an honor to capture their day!

Photography: Nancy Ray Photography | Event Coordination: 128 South | Floral Design: Eco Chic Blossoms | Wedding Gown: Sarah Seven | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale | Catering: 128 South | Hair and Makeup: Harbour Club Day Spa | Lighting: Event Excellence | Band: Special Occasion Band | Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company | Venue: 128 South | Bridal Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Film Processing: Indie Film Lab | Tent and Dance Floor Rentals: L L Rentals

When this couple approached Salt Harbor Designs to plan their big day at The Atrium in Wilmington, they shared their priorities were to embrace “food, family, and fall” – and that’s exactly what they achieved! They served a delicious, family style dinner and tons of desserts (including both cake and pie!) at long, communal tables featuring floral arrangements in classic, autumnal hues. Theo Milo Photography tells the story of the day from behind his lens, and we have it all for you in the Vault.

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From Salt Harbor Designs… When Bret and Brooke decided to plan their wedding in Wilmington, they wanted an event that embraced food, family, and fall. They were married and celebrated afterwards at The Atrium in downtown Wilmington. Brooke is part of a traditional Italian family, so the couple decided to serve their guests a huge family-style dinner and more dessert pies than their guests could ever eat. Guests dined at two long, communal tables that were filled with candles and vases of orange and burgundy flowers. After dinner, the family danced and sang the night away, ending the evening with late night hot dogs before parading to their after-party a few blocks away. Brooke is a well-know patron of misfit animals, volunteering at shelters and serving as a foster parent for many abandoned pups. Rather than favors, the couple gave a donation to their local animal shelter.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Event Planning: Salt Harbor Designs | Floral Design: Salt Harbor Designs | Catering: Pine Valley Market | Hair and Makeup: Melissa Kinnamon | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Cake and Desserts : One Belle Bakery | Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals

A garden wedding is always a good idea and when the Bride is as stylish as this one, it gets even better (I mean, just check out those earrings!). She was positively glowing and made sure to spread her style secrets to her bridesmaids, decked out in Jenny Yoo. Theo Milo captured all the looks and Light Cannon Films got in on the live action – see their clip below and all the pics in our Vault gallery right this way!

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From Theo Milo… When your friends and family are willing to travel great distances in hurricane-force weather, you know you’ve built some great relationships. And their guests could back that up – there were many testimonies given in the speeches and the more intimate moments of the times that Camille and Josh put others first, made time for family, and prioritized the important relationships in their lives. Even when Camille moved to New York to pursue her acting career, and even when Josh began to pursue Camille (a worthy pursuit, if you ask us!), they never forgot their roots, and the people that got them there.

Amidst the lavish Spanish moss and live oaks of Airlie Gardens, and the understated brick walls of Bakery 105 in historic downtown Wilmington, all of those lasting friendships and family ties came together for one beautiful celebration. The gorgeous details, signage, candles, garlands, and sweet details were no less extravagant than what this occasion deserved, and provided the perfect twinkling, effervescent backdrop suitable for such a romance.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Cinematography: Light Cannon Films | Event Planning: Kickstand Events | Floral Design: Kickstand Events | Wedding Dress: Amsale | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Airlie Gardens | Reception Venue: Bakery 105 | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Groom's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Officiant: Ron Greer

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
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Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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Whether you’re starting out the new year newly engaged, just now jumping into your wedding planning or are obsessed with weddings in general (we hear ya), the annual Courtyards & Cobblestones event is one that we always recommend.  It’s the coolest way ever to meet the best wedding vendors in Southeastern North Carolina and you’ll even get to peruse eight mock weddings on a walking tour of downtown Wilmington. It’s awesome – and so is their amazing giveaway that includes tickets AND a hotel stay. Check it out below.

When it comes to wedding shows, Courtyards & Cobblestones, A Walk Through Wedding Row reigns supreme. Why? Because this isn’t just any old grouping of wedding vendors – it’s a hand-picked selection of amazing creatives showing off their stuff with eight mock weddings (ceremony AND reception) that will keep the inspiration flowing in a relaxed environment. You’ll love walking through downtown Wilmington, browsing the gorgeous details and soaking in the live music, table settings, flowers, cake tastings, yummy samplings and incredible giveaways. But the best part? Meeting the vendors that put it all together. These are the talented people that will work tirelessly on your wedding – staying up late into the evenings, taking your phone calls and collaborating with you to build that day you’ve always dreamed of. They’re the best of the best… and all in one amazing place. Oh, and we mentioned you can win tickets AND a hotel stay, right?

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Ready to get inspired and start planning your big day? The Courtyards & Cobblestones Venue Tour is happening on January 13th with the Courtyards & Cobblestones Mix & Mingle Brunch on January 14th. Trust us, you’ll want to mark your calendars for this one – it’s definitely an event that will bring your entire planning process together. Start planning your nights out with your loved ones and purchase tickets here, and be sure to enter the giveaway below for two tickets to both events, plus a one night stay at Courtyard by Marriott Historic/Downtown in Wilmington!

What: Courtyards & Cobblestones is giving one lucky reader two (2) tickets to the Courtyards & Cobblestones Venue Tour on January 13th and two (2) tickets to the Courtyards & Cobblestones Mix & Mingle Brunch on January 14th, plus a one night stay at Courtyard by Marriott Historic/Downtown in Wilmington, NC.

How: To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us what you are looking forward to the most at Courtyards & Cobblestones! (Ex: I can’t wait to find the florist of my dreams!)

Who: One lucky winner, chosen completely at random, will be announced on Monday, January 8, 2018. Good luck!

Photography: Susie Linquist Photography | Videography: Philip James Films | Makeup: meraki beauty | Hair: By Melissa Kinnamon | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | Ceremony Music: Maura Kropke | Ceremony Music: Benny Hill Music | Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Historic District | Venue: City Club of Wilmington | Wedding Venue: 128 South | Wedding Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Wedding Venue: Bakery 105 | Wedding Venue: City Club of Wilmington | Wedding Venue: Station No. 2 | Wedding Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Bridal: Coastal Knot | Bridal Suite & Venue: Belle Vue Wilmington | Cake & Sweets: Sweets Bakery & Confectionery | Calligraphy & Paper: Southern Bee Designs | Design & Floral : Port City Event Planners | Event Furniture: Pomp Event Furnishings | Jewlery: Reeds | Linens & Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Stylist: ADG Fashion Styling | Wedding Planning Event: Courtyards & Cobblestones

A lovely grey number that would a perfect addition to your Pinterest boards, we’ve got Ivy Robinson Events to thank for this undeniably beautiful wedding in The Vault! Millie Holloman Photography was on hand snapping every detail and we’ve even got the sweetest film from Heartstone Films below.

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From Ivy Robinson Events… Modern flair and back yard soiree merge on the coast of Wilmington, NC. The branding started with a grey and white pattern introduced in the save the dates and carried throughout from the invitations printed on metal, yes metal and mailed in a box. The napkins, custom linens, tent boarder, welcome bags were all branded with this pattern. The wedding day kicked off with pre ceremony cocktails in a lounge area on the property. Guests sipped on Salted Meyer Lemon-Sage Presse (non alcoholic), A Shade of Gray Cocktail and Sparkling Cava. They then shifted to the point of the property were ghost chairs and huge arrangements greeted guests with the tunes of an acoustic guitarist. Cocktail hour followed the ceremony where guests found their metal escort cards prior entering the tent for a sit down dinner. Orchids, mirrored table tops and mirrored chandeliers adorned the tent. The pool was covered with a clear top and turned into a dance floor. Simply Irresistible Band kept the floor packed all night. Guests dined on the following and the cake was also hand designed to match everything! We even drained the hot tub and put fam mixologist Bob Peters in there shaking up cocktails.

Photography: Millie Holloman Photography | Cinematography: Heart Stone Films | Floral Design: John Lupton Events | Cake: Art Of Cake | Invitations: Atheneum Creative | Catering: Mitchell’s Catering & Events | Lighting : Wink Lighting | Band: EastCoast Entertainment | Transportation: Event Shuttle Service | Tent: Party Reflections | Bridal Hair: Sage Salon & Spa | Bridal Makeup: Amanda Flint | Ceremony Musician: Guitarist Trey Hamlin | Chandeliers: Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events | Custom Linens + Tent Draping: Party Tables | Escort Cards + Menus + Calligraphy: Bohemian Ink | Event Designer + Event Planner: Ivy Robinson Weddings & Events | Ghost Chairs + Reception Tent Lounge: Eventful Furniture | Mixologist: Bob Peters | Pre-Ceremony Lounge Furniture: Afr | Restroom Trailer: Royal Restroom | Valet: Port City Parking

It’s Monday and let’s be real… none of us feel like doing a whole lot right about now. We’re still setting into the day, drinking that (3rd) cup of coffee. And take your time, there’s no rush. Because we got a gem of a wedding video for you to help further procrastinate with. Thanks to Light Cannon Films, let’s transport ourselves to the beautiful North Carolina coast and fall in love with these cuties. Monday just got much better, didn’t it?

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From Light Cannon Films… Thank goodness for sunny Novembers here on the North Carolina coast! Thomas and Chelsea’s wedding was so warm that the fuzzy blankets they had bought for their guests in anticipation of wintry weather ended up just being sweet favors for everyone to bring home for colder days.

From the start of the day, getting ready at a picturesque Figure 8 Island beach house, to their vows under a breathtaking sunset on the Intracoastal Waterway, there wasn’t a second of the Jones’ big day that wasn’t perfect… but their adorable personalities and quirky moments were what really made the day. Thomas missed his “I do” (by just a hair), and they might have slightly lost their balance while enraptured in their first kiss – those things are technically things gone wrong, but they make the whole picture oh, so much more right!

More wonderful wedding videos here!

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Cinematography: Light Cannon Films | Floral Design: Kim Fisher Designs | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Makeup: Rhiana Amber (bdesign) | Hair: Beauty Bar Boutique | Ceremony Dress: London 1912 Ellis | Reception Dress: BHLDN

Wilmington is made for marrying, there’s no doubt about that.  So when a group of seriously fabulous, hand-picked creatives team up for a walking tour meets mock wedding extravaganza known as Courtyards & Cobblestones, it’s what we call a can’t-miss event. Think a beyond brilliant evening of yummy food, drinks and never-ending inspiration.  This is going to be sooo much fun, my friends.

Taking a beautiful stroll through downtown Wilmington is always amazing, but add in the most innovative wedding professionals that Southeastern North Carolina has to offer and it’s an entirely new level of awesome.  I’m talking SEVEN fully styled venues from a team of industry geniuses that know everything there is to know about throwing a fabulous wedding.  It’s an experience like none other, complete with live music, table settings, florals, lighting, cake tastings (yum), cuisine samplings, beverages, photo booths AND fabulous giveaways. That’s a lot of awesome for one event.

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Whether you describe yourself as engaged or simply soon-to-be, grab your nearest and dearest and make plans NOW to attend Courtyards & Cobblestones, A Walk Through Wedding Row on January 16th AND the Mix & Mingle Brunch on January 17th!  Tickets are available here.  Happy planning, lovelies!

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Videography: Blueberry Creative | Catering: Culinary Creations | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Bar Boutique | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | Transportation: Event Shuttle Service | Beverage: The Beam Room | Design, Floral + Paper: Kickstand Events | Dessert: Nyes Cream Sandwiches | Farm Tables, Linens, Place Settings + Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Guitarist: Guitarist Trey Hamlin | Lounge Furniture + Chairs: Eventful Furniture | Photobooth : Theo Milo Photography | Wedding & Reception Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Wedding Event: Courtyards & Cobblestones

You know what we all need on a weekly basis? A classic Southern wedding, full of sweet kisses,
adorable charm and good old-fashioned fun, and Light Cannon Films so described this Wilmington wedding as just that. They captured it all, as these cuties said “I do” in a gorgeous basilica and danced the night away at 128 South. So here’s your dose of Southern love for the week and I promise it’s a good one!

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From Light Cannon Films… The wedding day started out in a cottage on a quiet cobblestone street, where the only sounds that could be heard were the laughter of the bridesmaids and the clinking of their tea cups. In a whirlwind, a classic white limo whisked everyone away to a majestic basilica, where the high ceilings echoed Olivia and Henry’s emotional vows. And in Act III, we found ourselves on a lively trolley, exploring the town with the wedding party and dancing the hot August night away.

Everything about this wedding epitomized Southern tradition: historic charm, breathtaking grandeur, and good, old-fashioned fun.

Watching this film will make you wish for summertime and long days, and it will make you fall in love with the Johnsons, the classiest couple you could dream up. Their genuine kindness, intellect, and timeless looks will take them to the top. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.

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More wedding films here!

Photography: Eric Boneske Photography | Cinematography: Light Cannon Films | Floral Design: Beautiful Flowers By June | Cake: Whole Foods Market Preston | Ceremony Venue: Basilica Shrine Of St. Mary | Reception Venue: 128 South | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Hair + Makeup: Silver Ceiling | Groomsmen's Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Transportation: Cape Fear Limo | Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company | Bridal Boutique: The Wedding Dress Shoppe

This Bride. She glows. Wrapped in lace and her rich locks in a low loose bun, it makes me want to get dressed up for my wedding day all over again. Every single snap of this day from Ashley Bosnick does, including the cozy candlelit reception at 128 South. Thankfully, THE VAULT gallery is at my fingertips so I can click my way through every bit.

From The Bride…I wasn’t really ever the one who thought about her wedding day since she was a little girl, but when my family took me to Italy for my 16th birthday I absolutely fell in love. When Chris proposed a few years later I knew I wanted that simple, yet romantic Italian country side feeling for my wedding day. I was so blessed to be able to get married in the same church that my parents and grandparents had gotten married in years before me, and 128 South right down the street was the perfect place for our reception. It had that perfect exposed brick, warm and romantic Italian feel we were looking for and Design Perfection did a wonderful job bringing my vision to life with my favorite peach Juliet roses and beautiful lush greenery surrounded by hundreds of romantic candles. I may be biased but it was the most beautiful and fun wedding I have ever been to! I pictured myself wearing something completely different on my wedding day but when I found my dress I just knew my grandpa, who passed away not long before the wedding, would’ve loved it and that was so important to me. I am so thankful for my parents who did so much and made our perfect day possible. Our wedding day, surrounded by our closest friends and family, was easily the best day of my life to date. I am beyond lucky to have found the one who will forever be my always and to have married my soulmate. I believe God thought of me when he made Chris, we are absolutely meant to be. We look forward to many more adventures together and can’t wait to see what the future has to hold. 

Photography: Ashley Bosnick Photography | Cinematography: Hesman Productions | Event Planning: Design Perfection | Floral Design : Design Perfection | Wedding Dress: J.Crew | Cake: Apple Annie's | Ceremony Venue: Trinity United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: 128 South | Jewelry: Kate Spade | Bridesmaid's Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Makeup: Chelsea Sule | DJ: Absolute Best DJ | Getting Ready Venue: The Loft On Front

This wedding looks straight out of a movie. The abundance of peonies, roses and hydrangeas paired with the Bride’s gorgeous Anne Barge ballgown and the pretty pink Jenny Yoo bridesmaids’ dresses create the kind of wedding every little girl dreams of. And the historic feel of Bakery 105 and beautiful photos from Theo Milo Photography are the perfect finishing touches. Fall in love in THE VAULT!

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From Theo Milo Photography…A lovely couple who currently lives in NYC. They have great style and incorporated a ton of florals into their wedding. The venue is in historic downtown Wilmington NC (see more about it in her description). There is a video as well!

From The Bride…When my husband, Mike, and I got engaged, we knew we wanted to have our wedding in the Carolinas. While we were both from the Northeast and lived in NYC, North Carolina was where we had fell in love. We met at Wake Forest University and spent a few years living together in Charlotte, NC before moving to NYC. My parents had recently retired and moved to Wilmington, NC and we spent a weekend looking at wedding venues around the historic, riverfront town. We both fell in love with Bakery 105 as soon as we saw it, and knew it was the perfect place for our special day. Since the venue was an old warehouse, it had gorgeous exposed brick and beamed ceilings, plus a perfect outdoor courtyard that used to be the old loading dock. We decorated the outdoor courtyard with a gorgeous floral arbor for our ceremony and also had our cocktail hour in the same location. Later, the party seamlessly transitioned to the indoor reception that was decorated with long farm tables that had floral garlands and lush centerpieces filled with white and blush garden roses, accented with greenery. Our wedding designer, Design Perfection, also built gorgeous planters that were filled with lush greenery and matched our bar. The reception was completed with edison bulbs and more greenery hanging over the dance floor and bar area.

I truly loved how I felt the day of our wedding, I wore a gorgeous Anne Barge bridal gown. I only went to one store and tried on about 5 dresses before finding “the one.” It had intricate lace detail along the bottom and sweetheart neckline, as well as a dramatic train. I wore BHLDN earrings and a crystal Jcrew hair pin to add a little sparkle to the look. I also carried a blue-rimmed handkerchief that my great-grandmother had sewn to blot away any tears throughout the day and had my late grandmother’s broach clipped into my bridal bouquet. My husband wore a very classic Zegna tuxedo and my bridesmaids wore stunning blush Jenny Yoo gowns that perfectly matched our decor. My goal was to find dresses that were pink, but not “too pink” and I was so happy with how beautiful the girls looked in their dresses.

For my husband and me, the most important part of our wedding was making sure we and our guests had a fantastic time! We kicked the weekend off with welcome drinks and ended the weekend with a beautiful brunch at my parents’ home. Everyone told us they had such a fun time and the dance floor was full the entire night, with our 10 piece band playing a perfect mix of Motown and Top 40, with just a little bit of country in the mix. We had a wonderful time dancing the night away with our family and closest friends and couldn’t imagine a better celebration of our marriage.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Cinematography: The Good Life Film Company | Floral Design: Design Perfection | Wedding Dress: Anne Barge | Cake: Aunt Cake's Cookies | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Makeup: Maari Wohlhueter | Band: The Adrian Duke Project | Groom's Attire: Z by Zegna | Venue: 128 South | Bridal Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal | Bride's Earrings: BHLDN | Hair Accessories: J.Crew

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

Bridesmaid

Jenny Yoo

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When one of our very own Blogger Brides gets married we kinda lose our cool. Rightly so, because when said Bride is Angela of Saffron Avenue, you better bet every. darn. detail. is DIY goodness. And if you thought her tips were the only take home, get ready because her wedding captured by Eric Boneske is ah-mazing [inserts heart emojis here]. It’s the ultimate grand finale complete with Salt Harbor Designs that we’re grateful to share in THE VAULT, and you can peek all the pretty below!

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From Angela of Saffron Avenue… Kiley and I met in college and dated for almost 8 years before he proposed. During a portion of that time I had moved to Wilmington, North Carolina for a couple years to pursue my wedding planning and design career. The first time I explored my new home in downtown Wilmington I discovered The Atrium by Ligon Flynn and I absolutely fell in love! From that point forward, I told myself that no matter what happens I will get married there. Fast forward 3 years and that moment has finally come as we were about to plan our little North Carolina wedding.

The best part of the planning process was that I’ve been waiting for this moment for years, as I’m sure most brides have been. I was actually a wedding planner (which was my dream job since I was 13) prior to starting my graphic design company. Not only that, but a friend and I even created a company that specialized in wedding and event branding. So it was no secret that my love of weddings, paper, and design has always been a part of my life. To say I was excited to plan our wedding was an understatement…because really I’ve been planning it for years.

I am a very budget friendly and DIY type of person and I knew our wedding would reflect that. After booking the venue I wanted to blend that urban garden party feel that The Atrium has with my love of Mid-Century Modern. With our smaller budget I was able to splurge and save on certain items. I splurged on the five farm tables, but used the benches from the ceremony for seating. I also borrowed a couple Eames chairs from a friend, sewn my own palm print pillows, and made my own gold urchin/sputniks for decor. And since our wedding was so small we didn’t have a DJ or a wedding cake, which saved us a lot of money. Instead we played our own music and a couple girlfriends and I made banana bread in mason jars for dessert.

Naturally, I wanted to create my own wedding invites and paper pieces. Once I created the color palette and logo I designed our wedding website to really set the tone for our guests. From that point forward each piece blended perfectly. From the pale blush tones and watercolor palm leaves to the mid-century modern elements and custom calligraphy, it all blended perfectly into our style. During the design process I wanted to make sure that the wedding reflected the both of us. Because Kiley has a love of competition and games I made gold darts for our name cards as well as a custom crossword puzzle for our guests, which they filled out with DIY gold dipped feather pens (to play into the style of my wedding dress).

To save on the table design we decided to use various white vases with different leaves and greenery. Salt Harbor designs executed it perfectly and brought my vision to life. For the our flowers and bouquets I used FlowerMuse and ordered a couple bunches of my favorite tulips. The morning of our wedding my bridesmaids and I all created our bouquets, not only was it budget friendly but also fun and therapeutic.

For my dress I knew I wanted something different and a bit out of the norm. It was either going to have a plunging neckline, a unique print/pattern, or plenty of sparkle. I never found ‘the one’ but I really couldn’t be happier with my decision. I chose a dress with a beautiful low back, amazing beadwork, and plenty of little feathers! The best part is that the dress in the bridal shop was $4,000 and was able to find it pre-owned online for a portion of the cost!

Besides a bit of rain on us during the ceremony (and a music glitch) it was absolutely perfect. From the sun shining, the food, the laughter, and the love…it felt so magical. Although we waited quite a while before we got married, I am so happy we did. It was because we waited we were able to have the wedding I always envisioned, in the location I’ve had my eye on for years. I definitely wouldn’t change a thing and only wish I could do it all over again, year after year!

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From Blogger to Bride, see Angela’s Journey Down the Aisle:

Meet Angela! | Cozy Engagement Session | Unique Registry Tips | Calligraphy Bridal Shower | Wedding Dress Shopping Tips | DIY Envelope Liner | Bridesmaids’ Dress Shopping |Signature Cocktails Printables | DIY Groomsman Box | How to Discover Your Wedding Style

Photography: Eric Boneske Photography | Event Planning + Design: Saffron Avenue | Floral Design: Flower Muse | Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara (UMA) | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Brideside | Catering: Middle Of The Island | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | Wedding Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Bridal Boutique: PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com | Stationery Design + Photography + Calligraphy: Saffron Avenue | Table + Bar Rentals: Harborside Event Rentals | Table Decor + Design: Salt Harbor Designs

I do believe we just found our new favorite thing for fall, and it’s all thanks to the styling geniuses at Pressed Cotton and the talented lens of Millie Holloman. Ladies and gents, let me introduce you to the Mountain Pie Party. One part delicious, one part pretty and all parts fun, this little shindig needs to find its way on your social calendar asap.

We love when the cool weather sets in and we can dig out our sweaters and scarves and gather around the bonfire for dinner and drinks. A mountain pie party is one of our favorite ways to entertain guests in the fall! We have put together an assortment of fun products to make your own mountain pie party a success, as well as grocery lists and how-to’s.

What you will need:

Grocery list for dinner pies:

Our favorites combos:

How to make a Mountain Pie:

1. Spread butter on two slices of bread
2. Open the pie iron and place one slice (butter down) on one side of the pie iron.
3. Fill with your favorite filling (savory or sweet).
4. Top with the other slice of bread (butter up) and close the pie iron securely.
5. Scrape off the excess bread with a butter knife.
6. Place the iron into the hot coals.
7. Test the pie periodically by opening the iron very slowly.
8. When the pie is toasted on each side, remove and enjoy!

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Can you believe this stunning engagement and wedding inspiration shoot were designed and created by the inspired minds of Salt Harbor Designs and 128 South Events for the annual wedding concept competition, Courtyards and Cobblestones? It’s hard to believe they’re not real! Millie Holloman Photography captured all the rustic magic for us in the gallery here, and we’re swooning at every click!

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From Millie Holloman Photography…Every January, wedding professionals in Wilmington, NC gather together to host a wedding expo like no other–Courtyards and Cobblestones. The professionals are grouped into teams and assigned a wedding venue. They work together to design and create a mock wedding reception complete with all of the essentials of a real wedding day. The photos here are a collection of images from one of the teams, headed up by Salt Harbor Designs and Millie Holloman Photography. They decided to stage not only the space, but also an engagement session, wedding day couple, and inspiration shoot ahead of time. Videographer, Green Hope Productions, also joined in to shoot an inspiration video. The result became a collection of details inspired by autumn and copper, bluegrass music, and the architecture of downtown Wilmington.

Photography: Millie Holloman Photography | Videographer: Green Hope Productions | Reception Venue: 128 South | Catering: 128 South | Makeup: meraki beauty | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | Band: The MidAtlantic | Grooms Suit: Cape Fear Formal Wear | Bride's Hair: Blush Haus Of Beaute | Cake and Dessert Bar: One Belle Bakery | Design Accessories: Pressed Cotton | Design, Paper & Florals: Salt Harbor Designs | Photobooth: Millie Holloman Photography | Specialty Rentals: Pomp Event Furnishings | Tables, Chairs and Place Settings: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Wardrobe Styling for Groom: TJ Dunn Style Consultant

The team at Light Cannon Films has a way of melting our hearts around here. They take a wedding day and turn it into a beautiful story, dotted with traditions, moments and smiles galore—like this modern fete at St. Thomas Preservation Hall. A stunning Bride in an Oscar De La Renta dress accented with robin’s egg blue stands at the center of it all. Press play to be wowed!

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From Light Cannon Films… Diana and Robert are such a unique couple and their wedding day reflected that perfectly. Diana’s stunning gown with accents in robin’s egg blue matched her serene countenance. The clear sky and warm sun in the middle of January resembled the glow from Robert’s smile. The breathtaking hydrangea wall that stood as the backdrop to their altar added to the distinct freshness in the air. Their simple, uncomplicated decor showed that they focus on the things that matter.

These details mixed with culture from two special families made for a gorgeous day that was unlike any other. That’s the best part of filming weddings – seeing all the traditions of a wedding transformed to the tastes and values of two people starting a new life together.

Videography: Light Cannon Films | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Catering: Milner's Cafe & Catering | Hair: Beauty Bar Boutique | DJ: Brian Hood | Officiant: Leap Of Humanity - Han Hills | Ceremony & Reception: St. Thomas Preservation Hall | Decor: Design Perfection

Just when I think I’ve seen the most beautiful wedding to ever grace our screens, a wedding like this North Carolina stunner from Blueberry Creative pops up and leaves me utterly speechless. Effortlessly elegant, every detail just embodies this couples’ personal style, and it’s safe to say they’ve got lots of it. See even more here.

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Once their wedding day arrived, we were completely overwhelmed by the generosity of their family and friends and how welcome they all made us feel. The day was filled with heartfelt sentiment. Both the bride and groom are writers and their vows are some of the most eloquent we’ve heard. (We used them for the main story in their wedding film.) The toasts given by Parisa’s brother and sister had everyone at the venue in tears and, if they weren’t already, surely the song Jeremy wrote and performed did the trick. 

Photography: Blueberry Creative | Cinematography: Blueberry Creative | Event Planning: Design Perfection | Floral Design: Design Perfection | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Ceremony Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Reception Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Catering: Milner's Cafe & Catering | DJ: Brian Hood | Transportation: The British Taxi | Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company | Designer: Design Perfection | Musician: Justin Lacy | Photo Booth: Theo Milo Photography | Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Rentals: CE Rentals

Overflowing gardens make me so happy; add in a gorgeous wedding and I’m downright giddy. This garden themed Southern celebration is bursting with beautiful blooms by Salt Harbor Designs and the ceremony alone at Airlie Gardens captured my heart… and got my Pinterest habit going once again. Theo Milo snapped every perfect petal and these photos are a breath of fresh air during these winter months.

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From Theo Milo Photography… Beautiful garden themed wedding! Her veil was a family heirloom. Her father is a 2 star general for the military. Lots of pretty floral detail and an invitation suite that is breathtaking!

From The Bride… Wes has always planned incredibly classy dates. On our third date, we went to Airlie Gardens for a jazz concert under the Live Oak tree. From then on, Airlie was a special place for us. We went back regularly for a picnic or just a stroll. So when we got engaged, the Pergola Garden at Airlie was the obvious venue choice for our ceremony. When we started looking for reception venues, we wanted to find somewhere with just as much meaning to us. It was interesting how easily the Brooklyn Arts Center fit in with our vision. Not only did the venue have the classy yet rustic look to it that we wanted, but it was located three blocks from where Wes lived when we started dating and was the location of another date!

After choosing our venues, we decided on a garden themed wedding to tie Airlie Gardens in throughout the entire day. Since we had over a year and a half to plan our wedding, we opted to do all of the planning ourselves and stick with just a day of coordinator (I say “just” but she was phenomenal!). Initially we wanted to incorporate a lot of DIY projects, but found it to be logistically difficult since we were planning from New Orleans. Still, my mom made the cotton lace linens, my sister painted our seating chart, and we hand picked many of the antique decorations. We put a lot of thought into buying things that worked for the wedding and that we could reuse afterwards. It’s so nice to see the wedding decorations in our house now. The most special decorative piece was the veil I wore. Wes’s great grandma’s sister first wore it in 1927. Since then his great grandma, grandma, and mom have worn it.

The wedding day itself was incredible. A harpist played during the ceremony and cocktail hour. Hearing some of our favorite classical music in the gardens leading up to the wedding was so magical. I walked down the aisle to Clair de Lune, a song that has been meaningful to Wes and I for a long time. It was one of those surreal moments that literally took my breath away. Laughing with my dad as we walked down the aisle was one of my favorite moments from the day. I always thought I would be a crier! A second favorite moment for Wes and I was walking into the Brooklyn Arts Center for the reception. The roar of all the people we loved combined with the faint floral aroma was so memorable.

To us, the aspect of wedding planning that made our wedding the most special was the integration of flowers, music, and smells that will always bring us back to that day. We can’t look at peonies and garden roses, smell confederate jasmine, or listen to Clair de Lune without being swept back into a wedding memory.

Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Wedding Coordinator: Kickstand Events | Florist: Salt Harbor Designs | Wedding Dress: Amy Kuschel | Cake: Imaginary Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Airlie Gardens | Reception Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Monique Lhuillier | Makeup: Chelsea Sule | Hair: Jennifer Schoff | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Tux: J.Crew | Harpist: Christina Brier | Rentals: Rent A Tent | Wedding Dress From: Wedding Belles

Fact: if you’re tying the knot in Wilmington, NC, I am sooo jealous.  And not just because Wilmington happens to be a place known for magical + oh-so beautiful I do’s.  Nope, it’s also the home to the fab Courtyards & Cobblestones event, a walking tour through several downtown wedding venues.  It’s a glamour-filled night of good food, yummy drinks, amazing vendors and a whole lot of inspiration.

At Courtyards & Cobblestones, you can leisurely stroll through all that downtown has to offer, making it that much easier to select a wedding venue.  And your self-guided tour doesn’t just include fabulous locales, you’ll also be meeting some of the finest wedding professionals Wilmington has to offer, from awesome photogs to cupcake masters to floral pros that will take your breath away.  Soak in each space that has been meticulously crafted by an amazing Wilmington designer, and munch on the yummy samplings from some seriously talented caterers.  Oh, and did I mention the live entertainment?  Sooo awesome.  Call it date night or even a girl’s night out, but seriously don’t forget to mark your calendar for January 17th, 2015 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Tickets are $18 online or $25 at the door.

For day to day updates go to the Courtyards & Cobblestones Facebook page… and don’t forget to check out the amazing film below!

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Photography: Susie Linquist Photography | Photography: Theo Milo Photography | Photography: KMI Photography | Photography: Scott Piner Photography | Photography: Millie Holloman Photography | Videography: Life Stage Films | Videography: Seven Season Films | Videography: Light Cannon Films | Videography: Philip James Films | Videography: Green Hope Productions | Videography: Blueberry Creative | Event Design: Kickstand Events | Event Design: Fiore Fine Flowers | Event Design: Design Perfection | Event Design: Lily Belles Event Design | Event Design: Social Butterfly Events | Event Design: Salt Harbor Designs | Floral Design: Eco Chic Blossoms | Floral Design: Beautiful Flowers By June | Cake: One Belle Bakery | Cake: Alison's Cakery | Cake: Imaginary Cakes | Cupcakes: Coastal Cupcakes | Reception Venue: The Loft On Front | Catering: 128 South | Catering: The Beam Room | Catering: The Balcony on Dock | Catering: Pine Valley Market | Catering: City Club At De Rosset | Catering: Culinary Creations | Invitations & Calligraphy: Southern Bee Designs | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: Active DJ Entertainment | Transportation: Wilmington Trolley Company | Transportation: Event Shuttle Service | Transportation: The British Taxi | Beverages: Wilmington Wine | Ceremony & Reception Venue: City Club At De Rosset | Ceremony & Reception Venue: 128 South | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Bakery 105 | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Brooklyn Arts Center At St. Andrew's | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Balcony on Dock | Health & Beauty: ADG Fashion Styling | Health & Beauty: Makeupforyourday | Health & Beauty: Salon Fringe Wilmington | Health & Beauty: GoGirl Fitness | Ice Sculpture: Ice Sensations | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Live Music: The MidAtlantic | Live Music: Guitarist Trey Hamlin | Live Music: Possum Creek Bluegrass Band | Live Music: Maura Kropke | Live Music: Benny Hill Music | Photo & Video Booth: The Soapbox Photo & Video Booth | Photo Booth: Theo Milo Photography | Photo Booth: Millie Holloman Photography | Rentals: Eventful Furniture | Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals | Rentals: CE Rentals | Specialty Gifts: Reeds | Specialty Gifts: Pressed Cotton | Specialty Rentals: Harborside Event Rentals | Specialty Rentals: DP Etc. | Specialty Rentals: Pomp Event Furnishings | Sweets: Nye's Ice Cream Sandwiches | Wedding Event: Courtyards & Cobblestones | Wedding Publications: Weddings Unveiled Magazine | Wedding Publications: Southern Weddings Magazine | Wedding Publications: Southern Bride & Groom | Wedding Publications: The Knot | Wedding Publications: SALT Magazine

I think it goes without saying that I am kind of in love with weddings, but shoreline soirees have my heart wrapped around their little finger. One peek at the pretty below from Indigosilver and Bao Events, and it’s easy to see why. Romantic but with a warm and inviting feel, this gallery is sure to make all wedding-lovers gush. See even more here.

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Photography: Indigosilver | Event Planning: BAO Events | Floral Design: Bella Floral Design | Reception Venue: Atrium by Ligon Flynn | Catering: Thyme Savor | Hair And Makeup: Blush Haus Of Beaute | Lighting: High Performance Lighting | DJ: DJ Professionals | Arbor: Sweetwater Bamboo | Music: Chris Johns | Rentals: Rent A Tent