Heart of NC Weddings 2024

heartofncweddings.com

Your Carolina Wedding Guide

2024

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Molliner Photography

theupchurchvenue.com

Stephanie Alberse Photography

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Megan Kerns Photography

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Carly Hinson Photography

“A Place Like No Other” with acres of picturesque gardens and unparalleled sunset views.

Just 35 minutes from downtown Raleigh

VisitRoseHill.com

Krista Stevens Photography

Jaimi Bailey Photography

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252-459-4058

Krista Stevens Photography

Cooks Photo and Film

Java Rose Photography

Cooks Photo and Film

ABOUT THE COVER

Richard Barlow Photography captured UC Models’ Trevor Wilson and Andréa Watson in downtown Raleigh. Trevor wears a tuxedo from Bernard's Formalwear and Andréa a wedding gown from Gilded Bridal with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty. To view the entire fashion editorial, turn to page 136.

2024 • VOL 37

heartofncweddings.com Publisher and Editor Jenna Parks Executive Managing Editor Amanda MacLaren Managing Editor Renee Ambroso Editorial Assistant Leah Berry Editorial Shoot Creative Director Amy Plant-Perdue Director of Creative Operations Ashlin Acheson Contributors Harrison Brackett, Mollyann Russell, John Michael Simpson, Jessica Stringer, Morgan Cartier Weston and Anna-Rhesa Versola Editorial Interns Lauren Baddour, Alana Bleimann, Sinclair Holian, Avery Householder, Olivia Leonard, Mila Masckenic, Lena Miano, Haley Pineles, Susannah Richardson, Lauren Rouse, Katie Scherner, Liza Smith, Lucy Thomas and Catie VanSchaik Creative Director Kevin Brown Graphic Designer/Production Coordinator Lindsay Scott Graphic Designer Khadijah Weekes-Nolan Advertising For information, contact info@heartofncweddings.com Account Executives Melissa Crane, Sarah Davis, Chris Elkins, Lauren Phillips, Lucinda Poole and Dana Statkun

The reproduction of any photography, artwork, articles or copy prepared by Triangle Media Partners or Heart of NC Weddings and contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Editorial material may not be reproduced without written permission. We have sought to ensure accuracy of the content herein, but Triangle Media Partners does not assume responsibility of any errors, inaccuracies or omissions. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.

VISIT OUR LOCAL RESOURCE GUIDE ONLINE AT

heartofncweddings.com

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR LOCAL WEDDING NEWS & INSPIRATION

@HeartofNCWeddings 

President, Triangle Digital Partners Rory Kelly Gillis Founder/Chairman Dan Shannon President, Triangle Media Partners Ellen Shannon Vice President of Finance & Administration Amy Bell Creative Director, Triangle Digital Partners Sally Scruggs Search Marketing Manager Lizzie Jones Digital Operations Manager Brian McIndoo Accounting Assistant and Administration Manager Cassady Orsini Distribution Matt Bair and Tim Shaw

Heart of NC Weddings is published by Triangle Media Partners (formerly Shannon Media Inc.) 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 tel 919.933.1551

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

he year is 1973. My parents – fueled by romance love story, shared interests, preferred clothing comforts, dietary and plans for a cross-country trip – exchange restrictions and cultural backgrounds continue to be prominent. wedding vows at Saint Michael Catholic Church in Big-impact items such as custom signage, specialty rentals and Gastonia, North Carolina. Dad’s amateur photographer bonus entertainment – formerly considered splurges – are now the brother poses the handful of family witnesses for portraits norm (it’s easy to see how the per person price point has grown before they celebrate with wine and nosh at a casual house party. even as guest count averages have shrunk). Self-written vows are a These few faded snaps are the only evidence our family has of my given. And the “Style Me Pretty” era of uniform pastel palettes has mother’s whimsical daisy crown. happily passed on. We’re not hating Fast forward 50 years, and on neturals – our sophisticated things look a little different – or black-and-white styled feature at do they? Yes, my mother – the The Carolina Inn on page 102 then future founder of North walks the line of timeless and Carolina’s first, and now longestultra-modern. Still, we’re over the running, wedding magazine – had moon that vibrant color palettes a simple wedding, especially by have popped up in every color of the today’s standards. But, in the year rainbow (see our styled wedding at of my parents’ golden anniversary The Durham Hotel on page 88). (read my mama’s marriage tips on Rules are out the window across page 56), a distinct nod to the past the board, evidenced from the way has surged in weddings, both in couples mix up wedding party attire attitude and in styling. to who walks them down the aisle.

It’s no surprise that in this The common thread is increasingly restless post-pandemic a re-centering on the eternal world, quick turnaround weddings purpose of the occasion: a are at an all-time high. Many couples celebration of a couple’s unique don’t want to wait 18-24 months for a relationship and their personal wedding venue; they want to seize the commitment to each other. As it moment! The expeditious engagement turns out, my parents’ unpretentious phenomenon is true regardless of nuptials remain a timeless classic guest count – and, fortunately, the (although I do wish they’d had a wedding pros have adapted. (We still professional photographer). recommend managing expectations So, congratulations to all the if you want a speedy engagement, but lovebirds who are planning a it helps that several top-notch North wedding this year! As always, Carolina venues have opened in the Heart of NC Weddings’ mission is to past couple years – see our “What’s connect you with talented vendors New With Venues” roundup starting who can design and deliver a Photo by Richard Barlow Photography on page 70 for the latest.) wedding that articulates your story.

Our “AI generation,” despite the inundation of new We hope the resources we’ve assembled in this book help make technologies, is embracing simpler times when it comes to style planning easy, because you deserve to savor your engagement. trends … the Gen Z cool wedding roster includes candid flash Whether you’re hosting an intimate party with a handful of your photography, uber classic traditions such as the piped-icing cake closest kin or a massive bash for hundreds, we remain honored to smash and bouquet toss, audio guest books, disposable cameras, be your local guide. cathedral veils, retro fashion accessories and getaway gowns.

Without the added TikTok content, you might think weddings Warmest wishes, have stepped back in time a few decades. We leaned into this nostalgic trend in this issue’s fashion editorial (page 136).

Luxury weddings are boldly back, but the term is redefined.

We’re seeing weddings continue to evolve and elevate even as past  @JennaLovesLocal  jenna@heartofncweddings.com traditions return. Personal touches that showcase the betrothed’s

JENNA PARKS

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RIGHT The Carolina Inn’s Heidi Werner; The Upchurch’s Cara Powell; The Maxwell’s Chelsea Hand; Kristen Leen, venue consultant and owner of Event Sales Pro; Dana Kadwell of The Bradford, C&D Events, Anthem House and Hustle & Gather; Sugar Euphoria’s Randi Smith; and Mark Maya Films + Photography’s Mark Maya take a selfie before presenting a panel on wedding marketing strategies during a Heart of NC Weddings event. Photo by Richard Barlow Photography BELOW Heart of NC Weddings’ Jenna Parks documents florals by Sweet Love Blossoms. Photo

by Richard Barlow Photography

Behind the Scenes

By Jenna Parks and Renee Ambroso

e at Heart of NC Weddings have the privilege of collaborating closely with talented wedding professionals who approach their creative endeavors similar to a work of art. The love stories, editorials, photography and advice you’ll find throughout these pages are the expressions of dozens of real couples and hundreds of dedicated vendors.

Our mission in this magazine is to provide you with useful planning tips and inspiring ideas. Most of all, among all the exceptional local vendors that help bring this content to life, we hope you’ll come across a few that you’ll consider working with on your own special day.

While national brands and blogs tout “vetted” vendors, this label is often, unfortunately, equated with a certain price tag and has little to do with the real talents of wedding pros. Our local guide seeks to provide quality recommendations. We’ve built personal relationships with these businesses. We partner with them for events and styled photo shoots, attend their tours and openings, bump into them at open houses and networking meetings, and keep up with one another’s successes and hurdles. We share values 8

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RIGHT Heart of NC Weddings’ Editorial Shoot Creative Director Amy Plant-Perdue oversees photographer Richard Barlow and a couple from UC Models during our annual fashion photo shoot in downtown Raleigh.

BELOW RIGHT A customized organic truffle party favor created by Paige Patisserie.

Photo by Fancy This Photography

ABOVE Sweet Love Blossoms founder Justine De Angelo places an arrangement on a table at The Cannon Room in preparation for a photo shoot.

RIGHT Alex Ross and Ariel Mason of Ariel Kaitlin Photography capture a styled wedding at The Durham Hotel.

share the love

Feeling a little FOMO browsing these behind-thescenes shots? We love to feature local couples, and often invite community members to take part in editorials as models. Scan the code to submit your wedding or engagement story. heartofncweddings.com

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of diversity and inclusivity, and believe that love is love – and that all love deserves to be celebrated!

Unwrapping the very first advance copies of each new print edition is, hands down, the most exciting day around our office. There’s just nothing like flipping through the pages of sleek features, colorful articles and what represents months of meticulous work.

We also encourage you to connect with us via social media, and to browse our website, digital vendor directories and blog, which are designed to support every step of your planning journey.

Heart of NC Weddings Editorial Shoot Creative Director Amy Plant-Perdue adjusts Chermere McAllister’s hair as Heart of NC Weddings’ Jenna Parks snags a photo during a styled shoot at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Photo by Fancy This Photography

get the scoop

We connect couples with area events, open houses, tours and tastings, plus special offers just for our readers.

Scan the code to sign up for our e-newsletters to stay in the loop!

Use #HeartOfNCWeddings to share your wedding planning adventures with us.

get connected EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEKS OPEN HOUSES & EVENTS VENDOR SPOTLIGHTS GIVEAWAYS

EXPERT ADVICE & MUCH MORE!

@heartofncweddings

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u n pa r a l l el ed el ega n c e. exquisite cuisine . artful am biance .

Learn more and request information at ncartmuseum.org/weddings photo, top: kivus & camera | photos, left to right: aj dunlap photography, kivus & camera, briana brough photography

Spring Lake, North Carolina

Left: Kaitlyn Blake Photography, Middle & Right: Morgan Caddell Photography

Matthew Wonderly Photography

RUSTIC EL E G A N C E

and

SOUTHERN CH A RM

CarolinaBARN.com and book your tour, today.

Visit THE

CONTENTS

88

Departments

6 Letter from the Publisher 8 Behind the Scenes 307 Venue Guide 311 Directory of Resources

Chapters

24 Venues 28 Piedmont Planning Tips 34 Local Love 40 Micro-Luxury 46 A Night at the Museum 56 A Golden Anniversary 64 Hallowed Ground 70 What’s New With Venues 88 Modern Love 102 Contemporary Classic 114 Eastern & Western Planning Tips 116 Mountain Microwedding 122 Coming Up Roses 132 Travel 136 Fashion & Beauty 138 2024 Fashion Editorial 156 The Perfect Fit 164 Accessories Guide 168 Best Dressed 172 Time to Shine 176 Fresh Faced 180 Wedding Planners 182 Meet the Planners

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116 14

heartofncweddings.com

Krystal Kast Photography

100 years of making dreams come true

211 Pittsboro St. Chapel Hill, NC 27516 • 919.918.2715 • carolinainnweddings.com

210 Photo & Motion 212 Behind the Lens 215 Photography Timeline

258 Reception 260 Let’s Eat 270 Global Gastronomy

232 Paper & Gifts 234 You’ve Got Mail 240 Gift Guide

278 Cakes & Desserts 280 Meet Your Local Bakers

242 Flowers & Decor 244 Sunset Stems 246 Wildly Whimsical 248 All Together Now 254 Rentals & Signage

290 Entertainment 292 Unforgettable 300 Sip, Sip, Hooray!

303 Getaway Car 306 Post-Wedding Checklist

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Real Weddings 186 Zachary Bernstein

204 Nishant Patel

190 Terrell Garrett

208 Cody Martin

192 Cort Hastings

218 Kendra Klein Cross

196 Theodore Law

222 Anirudh Kumar

198 Zach Davis

226 Nell Fortune-Greely

202 Ken Jones

230 Celia Coats

& Kelly Watson

& Crystal Henderson & Catherine Wilsnack & Tearrieny Miller & Brandi Marlow

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(Credits, counterclockwise from top left) Page 14: The Durham Hotel photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography; couple photo by Mark Maya Films + Photography; Oxbow Estate photo

by Michelle Elise Photography; Page 16: Carolina Inn photo by Joe Payne Photography; couple photo by Richard Barlow Photography; Wilkinson Creative Co. stationery photo

by Rae Marshall Photography

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& Randi Towns

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& Meredith Price & Mark Radin & Hailee Lilly

& Sarah Paramore & Clevie Selengbe & Alexis Mascaro

J UST GOT E V EN BE T TER T EN TS • TA B L ES • CH A I R S • TA B L E TO P

THE BRADFORD EST. 2014

INTENTIONALLY DESIGNED

to embrace the countryside of Europe

EFFORTLESS ELEGANCE

meets approachable luxury

IT'S NOT JUST A DAY OR A MOMENT it is a uniquely tailored experience

523 PEA RIDGE ROAD, NEW HILL, NC INFO@THEBRADFORDNC.COM (919) 542-2467 Luxe & Pine Photography

SOU TH ER N. M O D E R N. I N DU S T R I A L.

Jessi Caparella Photography Jim Trice Photography

Taylor Cline Photography

estled on 60 acres of rolling hills, Board & Batten is a wedding and event venue near High Rock Lake, NC. From the moment you book an event you will be treated like family.

Hospitality is at our heartbeat, so we take care of every detail in order for you to enjoy an enchanting evening that you and your guests will remember for years to come. boardandbattenevents.com 336.793.1155

964 Marvin Hedrick Road Lexington, NC 27292

VENUES

Venues

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COST

North Carolina venue rentals vary in cost based on many factors, including popularity, location and time of year. The biggest determinants of price are guest count and date. Be sure to finalize your budget before touring venues. Remember that peak dates (Saturdays in spring and fall) will cost more than non-peak dates or weekdays. Room or venue rentals may cost between $4,000 to $12,000.

CONSIDER

Your venue should be one of, if not the first vendor you book. As the backdrop of your nuptials, we believe in splurging on your dream location.

But we don’t recommend breaking the bank on a venue and regretting it later.

Consider the in-house inclusions or add-ons that might be available, like overnight accommodations, catering, bar packages, rentals and more. All-inclusive venues range from $10,000 to $30,000, but may save you money overall – see page 64 for more details.

Ask about vendor-specific policies (including preferred vendor lists), payment schedules, cancellation protocols, overtime fees, insurance, liquor policies and add-on costs.

A ceremony setup at Melrose Knitting Mill.

Photo by The Axtells: Wedding Photography + Films Additional Vendors Southern Oak Events; Meristem Floral; Curated Events Raleigh

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VENUES

An open house at The Cotton Room in Durham with rentals and floral design

by Petal & Oak. Photo by Juan & Emily Photography

Planning in the Piedmont he central region of North Carolina offers numerous attractions, fair weather and top-notch cuisine, making this part of the state an ideal place to tie the knot. Whether you’re a local, a graduate of one of the region’s universities or new to the area, you’ll find an incredible array of options when it comes to wedding vendors. Getting started on planning your celebration might seem daunting, but settling on a region and gaining some insider knowledge is a great place to start. Keep these expert tips in mind when it comes to events in the North Carolina Piedmont.

THE LAY OF THE LAND

Central North Carolina is composed of four regions: the Triad, the Triangle, the Sandhills and the Charlotte Metro area. Each offer fantastic options for weddings, with venues ranging from refurbished 28

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urban warehouses to handsome barns and farms, classic country estates and modern art museums. Whether you envision your wedding weekend taking advantage of all the entertainment and convenience of an urban cityscape or within the serenity of a private estate tucked in the countryside, most couples can find a venue match within central North Carolina.

WEATHER WISDOM

Our state boasts gorgeous natural beauty that easily lends itself to stunning alfresco events. While the central part of the state offers milder weather than the mountains or the coast, this region of North Carolina still experiences four true seasons, each with distinct charm. It’s a no-brainer that spring and fall offer ideal temperatures, especially for partial or fully outdoor weddings, but remember that vendors often book dates rapidly and far in advance for these peak

Venues

A wedding reception at The Maxwell in Raleigh.

Photo by Aline Botti Photography

The Triad

The north-central part of North Carolina is composed of three cities; Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point.

The Triangle

A common shortened nickname for the Research Triangle, a metropolitan area in the Piedmont anchored by three major research universities: N.C. State University in Raleigh, Duke University in Durham and UNC in Chapel Hill.

months. Also keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable any time of year, so it’s best to be prepared for inclement weather regardless of the season. Always have a backup indoor space for an outdoor event, and make a rain plan with your planner. Don’t stress if your dream venue is booked up during May or September – you’ll likely pay lower rates and may still enjoy moderate weather outside of peak months.

SAVE THE DATE

Having a general idea of the season you’d like to tie the knot during is important as you begin planning, and picking a few desired dates is also helpful when it comes to booking a venue. Keep in mind that Piedmont cities are home to several universities, and avoid dates that fall on a major sporting event or graduation weekend to minimize hotel and travel costs for your guests.

SOUTHERN COMFORT

If you’re going to plan a wedding in central North Carolina, we recommend taking full advantage of our state’s unique culinary traditions. Give your guests a taste of Southern cuisine for dinner, or incorporate regional delicacies and locally sourced treats in welcome gifts. The Piedmont is home to a thriving craft brewing and distilling scene, too, so why not showcase local libations throughout your bar menu? – by Renee Ambroso

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Emily Baucom Photography

Bow Tie Collaborative

Adelyn Boling Photography Boonetown Story

Events + Floral Design www.barnofchapelhill.com

U N M ATC H E D D o w n to w n vi e ws Celebrate your Big Day—and all the days leading up to it—in our rooftop ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and exceptional customized catering.

PHOTO: RICHARD BARLOW

Rehearsal Dinners | Wedding Welcomes Day-of Events | Group Room Blocks

Fancy This Photography

PHOTO: FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Inside AC Hotel Raleigh Downtown thewillardraleigh.com

VENUES

Local Love

By Avery Householder

hen it comes to booking your vendor dream team, we highly encourage you to shop local. Not only does this benefit the North Carolina towns and cities where wedding vendors are located and that hundreds of guests may visit, but hiring vendors in your area often results in a less stressful planning process and fantastic results.

Since many vendors go above and beyond to create exceptional events, there’s a few etiquette guidelines we suggest you follow when vendor shopping and throughout your relationship with the wedding pros you hire.

can provide the services they need, who may offer package bundles because of their close working relationship.

In general, shopping locally will give you the best value for the cost.

Planning a local wedding will help to strengthen your relationships with vendors, Chelsea Hand, owner of The Maxwell in Raleigh, notes.

Think about sitting down for a face-to-face chat rather than a Zoom meeting. While online communication and vendor research has become the norm in recent years, and is certainly a great place to start, it shouldn’t be the finish line. It’s a no-brainer that it’s easier to build a relationship with vendors when you live in the same state or city.

SHOP SMALL When it comes to venues, Cara Powell, owner of The booking from out of state can Upchurch, a wedding venue be tricky. Booking an event in Apex, notes that booking space in your area means that local vendors can be beneficial you can attend open houses, in two aspects: ease and giving you a true feel for the efficiency. “You really want to venue and how it can be used have that team mentality of for your own event. vendors that are familiar with As you begin to establish The Upchurch wedding venue in Apex, North Carolina, opened each other, and I think it leads relationships with local in 2021 after The Upchurch-Williams House (pictured above) underwent renovations to be used as an event space. to a more cohesive wedding day vendors, you may find Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography for the client,” Cara says. opportunities to book with Not only does familiarity them again, such as revisiting among vendors who often work in close proximity to one another a venue for a public event, hosting a vow renewal, booking your add ease to the big day itself, it can be more cost efficient. Cara wedding photographer for family sessions or employing your mentions how vendors will refer clients to other vendors that caterer or florist for a party.

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MEET & GREET

When approaching a meeting with any vendor, Cara suggests having three things set in stone: your budget, your desired aesthetic and your guest count. Knowing your budget can help save time early in your search, as it can eliminate vendors entirely if their prices do not fit your desired range. Plan your budget based on reality in terms of local market pricing and the size of your event (see page 24 for venue pricing information).

Clarity on your desired aesthetic can also keep you from inquiring with vendors that don’t fit the vibe you’re looking for, which can be a waste of both your time and the vendor’s.

Dana Kadwell, co-owner of The Bradford wedding venue and planning collectives C&D Events and Anthem House, and wedding podcast Hustle & Gather, recommends bringing a few priorities to the table when meeting with a venue or vendor.

Do you want your wedding to feel like a big family reunion? Do you want to have a multi-course, gourmet meal?

Do you want a dance party that guests will remember for years after? Getting clear on where your priorities are helps vendors understand how to best meet those goals, Dana says.

often wish clients would have more patience for the speediness of responses. During busy seasons and on weekends, vendors are likely to be working on weddings and may not be able to immediately answer emails, calls or texts.

“We know that you need answers immediately, and we try to get back as soon as we possibly can,” Chelsea says. “But every once in a while, somebody will call and then double call, triple call and then stop in while we’re in the middle of somebody’s wedding. We have to tell them ‘We would love to give you this information, but right now we’re about to send somebody down the aisle.’” While vendors are generally glad to maintain open dialogue, remember that they are managing multiple clients at once and may not always be able to answer right away.

FRIENDLY FEEDBACK

Leaving feedback with vendors is an essential part of wedding etiquette. It is common courtesy to follow up with vendors who you interview with, even if you choose not to use their services.

Our rule of thumb: if you have had a phone call or meeting with a vendor, a response is necessary. If you have feedback on why you went elsewhere, that’s helpful information as well.

“I think a lot of couples are afraid MIND YOUR MANNERS to upset somebody by saying ‘We’re Planning a wedding requires meeting not moving forward with you,’ but with a variety of professionals that it’s more helpful and beneficial for may all have different price points, us to know the reason why,” Chelsea pricing structures and services. For says. This feedback also allows the The Upchurch owner Cara Powell added landscaped that reason, Cara suggests taking vendor to keep their calendar open for lawns and a 4,200-square-foot reception space detailed notes while meeting with other clients or adjust their offerings to the property. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography each to help you compare later on. if need be.

Vendor shopping can often feel like After you’ve worked with a vendor information overload. Therefore, taking note of the essential from start to finish, consider sharing the love. Positive reviews points of your conversations with vendors can help you be benefit vendors tremendously. organized and decisive.

“Reviews are worth their weight in gold,” Chelsea says.

Dana advises couples against sharing proposals among Whether you provide direct feedback or leave a review on their prospective vendors. If you talk with someone who creates a mood website, Google profile or elsewhere, positive testimonials board or mock-up display for you, but you don’t end up utilizing help vendors as well as other couples in the midst of planning their services, it’s best practice not to share those materials with who are seeking quality professionals. These vendors work hard another vendor. Not only does this create unnecessary competition to make events possible, often giving up their weekends in among vendors, it also infringes on a vendor’s intellectual service of others. We highly encourage you to make the effort property. While there is no problem with sharing similar ideas or for those who are stand-outs during your planning journey and inspiration, be wary of asking vendors to copy another’s work. on the big day!

Of course, we encourage you to leave a tip for service GIVING GRACE vendors and consider a gift for any who go above and beyond Many vendors have an open-door policy when it comes to expectations – find a few ideas to spark your imagination in our communication with clients, but Chelsea notes that vendors gift guide on page 240. heartofncweddings.com

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T I M E L E S S B E AU T Y • Beautiful ballroom space • Glowing natural light • Panoramic views of downtown Raleigh • Versatile ceremony & reception options 984.212.4708 CANNONROOMRALEIGH.COM 16 W. MARTIN ST RALEIGH, NC EXCLUSIVELY CATERED BY:

PHOTOS: JORDAN MAUNDER PHOTOGRAPHY

RESTORING SOUTHERN CHARM • Classic ceremonies & receptions • Bridal suite & lounge • Restored elegance & beauty • Vintage decor amenities

919.850.2340 CROSSANDMAIN.COM 201 E. MAIN ST YOUNGSVILLE, NC EXCLUSIVELY CATERED BY:

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PHOTOS: RAQUEL BAXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

MODERN CHARM

VERSATILE WEDDING & RECEPTION SPACE • 200-seat beautifully landscaped outdoor space • On-site ceremonies & receptions • Separate cocktail & bar area • In-house tables & chairs • Gorgeous bride & groom suites

919.850.2340 1705EAST.COM 1705 E. MILLBROOK RD RALEIGH, NC PHOTOS: STORY AND RHYTHM, DONNELL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY, MAGGIE MILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

EXCLUSIVELY CATERED BY: heartofncweddings.com

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Kathleen Nolis Photography

VMA Studios

First Impression NC

VMA Studios

Your Day Your Way P la n yo u r we d d i n g w i th the new S he rato n C ha p e l Hill 1 68 Gu e st Ro oms & S uite s | 2 0,000 sq ft of Ou td o o r a n d I nd o o r event sp ace One Europa Drive, Chapel Hill, NC | sheratonchapelhill.com Kathleen Nolis Photography

Photo by Brynn Gross Photography

Rustic Charm. Timeless Elegance.

Photo by Brynn Gross Photography

Photo by Tiffany Johnson Photography

Photo by Cameron Thompson Photography

✉ events@oaklandfarmvenue.com • 919.352.8247 • oaklandfarmvenue.com • oaklandfarmnc heartofncweddings.com

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VENUES

Ashlyn Perkinson and Chandler Couillard pose in a styled shoot at The Matthews House in Cary, North Carolina.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

Micro-Luxury

Curate an unparalleled experience for your closest loved ones

y now, it’s clear the pandemic permanently shifted how we celebrate. With it rose the popularity of microweddings – events that typically have fewer than 50 guests – and elopements, which are generally even smaller. The way couples approach planning these intimate events has continued to shift.

“Truthfully, what we have seen a lot of is what we call ‘micro-luxury,’ which are smaller weddings that [might cost] similar to what a 200-person wedding would, but it’s really [being spent] to go all out for guests,” says Dana Kadwell, co-owner of The Bradford, C&D Events and Anthem House.

Microweddings aren’t inherently less expensive than larger weddings since some costs, like the rate for your venue, photographer, videographer and entertainment isn’t based on guest count. However, cutting down your guest list can save you money elsewhere, such as food and beverage expenses. Yet, many couples are prepared to spend more in certain areas to provide a truly elevated experience, Dana says.  40

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hy ra p og ot Ph ak e ps Pe e

Peepsake Photography

Chrisman Studios

Peepsake Photography

downtown chapel hill’s

Jake Kiser Photography

LUSH GARDEN PATIO FOR WEDDINGS, REHEARSAL DINNERS, ENGAGEMENT PARTIES, LUNCHEONS, AND POST WEDDING BRUNCH laresidencedining.com | 919.967.2506

Venues

“Smaller weddings can afford couples so many opportunities,” says Heights House Hotel Events Manager Claire Mansfield. “To-be-weds have the ability to take almost every aspect of their wedding to another level of luxury, whether that’s creating dream floral arrangements, personalized mocktails at each seat, or an overflow of appetizers and late-night bites for guests to enjoy,” she says. Upscale microweddings also open the door to creative ceremony and seating arrangements, which your vendor team can help to conceptualize and execute. “Some of the most beautiful [results] have come from our couples and vendors tossing ideas back and forth in order to create something new and unexpected just for them,” Claire adds.

To truly customize your microwedding, Claire recommends seeking out a venue that is flexible enough to accommodate your vision. “Couples should look … to tailor that venue specifically to [their needs]. Microwedding spaces can serve multiple purposes, which is extremely helpful.

Here at Heights House, our couples have the unique opportunity to hold their rehearsal dinner, ceremony and farewell brunch all at one location, while utilizing our spaces in a different way for each one.”

Amber Fuqua, sales and catering manager at The Mayton in Cary, explains that the boutique hotel offers a “package specifically designed for microweddings of 40 or less guests, in which dinner is served in an intimate family style. The Mayton offers two outdoor ceremony locations … with the North Terrace [being ideal for] less than 40. Each of our packages include perks such as a passed Champagne toast and complimentary wedding night suite.”

Amber adds that “the most important factor to consider when choosing a microwedding venue is finding one with dedicated staff. Smaller events allow for longer conversations [among couples and vendors], personable interactions, more thorough attention to detail and an overall more memorable experience.” – by Renee Ambroso

From Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Ceremony & Reception to Guestrooms, Our Hotel Features 24,000 sq ft of Versatile Event Space to Accommodate 20-450 Guests.

Photo Credit

Photo Credit

Photography by Southern Belle Photography

336.387.8004 | susan.hartle@marriottsales.com | marriott.com/gsodt 42

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY THREE REGION PHOTOGRAPHY

Historic, all-inclusive event venue in downtown Durham featuring wedding suites, craft cocktails, and Southern inspired dishes

tchospitalitygroup.com

A Night at the

MUSEUM

By Renee Ambroso | Styled by Amy Plant-Perdue

T

he winding path leading to North Carolina Museum of Art’s West Building offers glimpses of the dozens of sculptural installations peppering the gently rolling hills and walking trails of the museum’s 164-acre park. A shining 46-foot-tall stainless steel tree, dubbed “Askew” by artist Roxy Paine, greets visitors near the building’s entrance, a bold emblem of the intersection of art and nature that’s a recurring theme throughout the museum’s spaces and the design of this styled wedding.

Guests arriving at the West Building step into the reimagined galleries of the People’s Collection – the state art collection that belongs to the people of North Carolina, which was reinstalled alongside an update of the West Building’s cafe and lobby areas in 2022. 

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors Venue North Carolina Museum of Art | Photographer Fancy This Photography | Paper & Signage Revel NC | Cake Sugar Euphoria Videography Mark Maya Films + Photography | Florals Bloom Works | Catering and Bar Catering Works | Dress Gilded Bridal Hair & Makeup Pinup Studio | Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear | Jewelry Diamonds Direct | Tabletop Rentals + Linens Curated Events Raleigh Bar + Additional Seating Greenhouse Picker Sisters | Photo Booth + Audio Guest Book ZimZoom Photo Booth | Entertainment Stylus S.E. Additional Vendor Gloves & Earrings Hushed Commotion

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RIGHT Chermere McAllister shows off this stunning Bloom Works bouquet in the North Carolina Museum of Art’s Rodin gallery.

BELOW LEFT Guests can leave sweet messages on ZimZoom Photo Booth’s “Lovephone” audio guest book.

BELOW RIGHT Handpainted menus and rattan place cards by Revel NC, with china and gold flatware from Curated Events Raleigh.

“Galleries in West now offer thematic and interpretive art experiences; additional major loans from North Carolina and from national and international museums; and new, sitespecific commissioned works alongside visitor favorites presented in new ways,” says Nicole Flynn, marketing director for Catering Works, the museum’s exclusive caterer.

This is the backdrop for an elegant and refined styled wedding created by a group of exceptional local vendors under the guidance of Heart of NC Weddings editorial shoot creative director Amy Plant-Perdue. “We leaned into materials, textures and shapes to create interest, rather than going for a lot of color, which some might expect for an art museum wedding,” Amy describes. It also helped that the building’s exterior is largely encased in glass, allowing natural light to sweep through its 127,000 square feet.

An unconventional ceremony backdrop surrounded by potted plants and twisting branches creates a “submersible vignette,” 48

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says Bloom Works director EW Fulcher.

The organic shapes of leaves and petals contrast with the sculptures and bright, interactive digital displays of the West Building’s galleries, visible just beyond the ceremony display. A few unexpected magenta scabious and allium flowers deliver restrained, sophisticated pops of color amid ample greenery.

Model Chermere McAllister and her real-life husband, TJ McAllister, pose at the faux altar, Cher wearing a chic, strapless dress from Raleigh boutique Gilded Bridal, and TJ in a classic black tux from Durham’s Bernard’s Formalwear. “We wanted the styling of the models to tie into our modern yet artful feel, so we selected a beautiful gown from Gilded with a clean, classic silhouette and an interesting paneled construction,” Amy says. Adorned with earrings and embellished gloves from Hushed Commotion, along with an emerald-cut Diamonds Direct engagement ring and delicate wedding band, Cher’s slicked-back bun and natural makeup by Pinup Studio complete a timeless bridal look.

Cher carries an elegant bouquet of pitcher plants, pepper grass and various eucalyptus, presenting a “modern natural” option, EW says. Similar blooms decorate an understated three-tiered cake by Raleigh-based baker Sugar Euphoria.

The museum’s permanent cafe naturally lends itself to cocktail hour. It got a face-lift during the People’s Collection reinstallation, including added seating that extends out into the lobby area; a new, stationary bar; and an expanded sound system and screens to support events. Still, the curled branches of Patrick Dougherty’s “Out of the Box,” a 75-by-15-foot installation of red maple saplings, remains the most recognizable feature of the cafe and provides a textured, dynamic backdrop for portraits.

Returning to the spacious main hall, an elegant head table draws together natural elements and polished rentals. “We wanted our shoot to mirror the art museum – it’s a beautiful, neutral palette that allows the art in it to shine,” Amy says.  heartofncweddings.com

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“We, in the same way, used neutral bases (in the linens and rentals) to allow the art of the floral design and stationery to shine.”

The subtle, light linens and fine tableware from Curated Events Raleigh allow overflowing florals and Revel NC’s rattan and acrylic table numbers, place cards and menus to take center stage. “We used NCMA’s water features as our main inspiration – we wanted it to feel as though we carried those ponds inside, which you can see in the tablescape designs,” Amy says. Centerpieces composed primarily of greenery and stone mirror the lotus pond, trees and sculptures in the outdoor space adjacent to the West Building’s galleries.

“Couples utilize the North Courtyard as the primary ceremony destination, weather permitting,” Nicole says. While it drizzled on the day of this styled wedding (let that serve as a reminder to always, always have a rain plan!) Fancy This Photography founder Nikki Whitt Belch patiently waited for a break in the weather to arrange a brief photo session in the courtyard, and, alongside videographer Mark Maya, made good use of the Rodin sculptures and other galleries as the backdrop for couple portraits.

The dreary weather didn’t drive away a festive feel as Catering Works staff prepared an overflowing grazing table, serving stations and bar for our annual vendor mixer following this styled wedding. Of course, taking to the dance floor with DJs Spencer McAvoy and Jason Huggins of Stylus S.E. always lifts the mood, too!

CAUGHT ON FILM

See the full styled shoot and Mark Maya's video coverage as well as footage from our annual vendor blender on our blog.

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Celebrating 10 Years of Cultivating Award-Winning Weddings 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road, Summerfield, NC 27358 events@summerfieldfarms.com

336.643.2006 x. 3

F a c e b o o k @summerfieldfarmsnc

www.summerfieldfarms.com/weddings

I n s t a g r a m @summerfieldfarmsevents

ERIC KNISLEY, NCMNS STAFF

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, why not make it one that your guests will never forget?

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is the perfect place to celebrate your love in a truly unforgettable way. With indoor spaces that are able to accommodate up to 2,200 people between both wings and custom chef-prepared dining options

by Rocky Top Catering, this venue suits your needs for a wow-factor wedding.

SOUTHERN LOVE STUDIOS BRIAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

TRACY ARNEY PHOTOGRAPHY KENDALL LYNNETTE PHOTOGRAPHY

naturalsciences.org/rentals 919.707.9403

Discover a venue that’s as unique as your story and as flexible as your dreams.

Indoor or Outdoor Ceremonies, On-Site Catering Option, and Over 32 Acres of Mills and Woods

Kelsey Ficke Photography

Annie Timmons Photography

Weave your love story into the fabric of history at Forest Hall

Annie Timmons Photography

Ally & Bobby

Samantha Couick Photography

Reject the ordinary for your extraordinary day. Schedule your Tour today.

480 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC | 919.533.0145 | foresthallatchathammills.com

Your forever starts here.

Photography by VMA Studios

Discover a stylish, upscale setting for your Raleigh wedding.

Located on the 28th floor of the Wells Fargo building and offering stunning downtown views, City Club is Raleigh’s most celebrated and stylish wedding venue.

We offer vibrant spaces, world-class cuisine, expert planning and a collection of customizable spaces.

150 Fayetteville Street, Suite 2800 Raleigh, NC 27601

Laurie Janzen, Event Sales Director Laurie.Janzen@invitedclubs.com

A Golden Anniversary

Heart of NC Weddings founder Donna Parks reflects on 50 years of marriage and shares tips for a successful partnership

n the year of our 50th wedding anniversary, our daughter and Heart of NC Weddings publisher, Jenna Parks, imagines that her dad and I possess some successful marriage tips worth sharing. Wouldn’t it be nice if I, or anyone, really, did have a formula or even a secret to share? Rick and I will accept the congratulations and offer a few ideas that we believe have eased our marriage along and healed some tangles over the years.

Rick was a high school teacher, and I was in my first job after college when we fell in love and began saving money for a van trip together across America. Much of our time was spent mapping out our adventure to favorite cities and national parks, and outfitting our vehicle. In a conventional turn about before leaving, we decided we were ready for the lifetime commitment of marriage. Our intimate church wedding with a few friends and family preceded our extended “honeymoon” journey just days before our departure in the spring of 1973. Our free-spirited mindset did not include long-term life planning.

Yes, we made it! No, I’m not recommending this path. 

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MODERN ELEGANCE

meets C L A S S I C L U X U R Y

og ra ph y lem an Ph ot Ca rr ie Co

ELLIE MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

FOUR MILES FROM THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN

THEMAXWELLRALEIGH.COM

919-213-0059

330 GIDEON CREEK WAY RALEIGH, NC 27603 heartofncweddings.com

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TIP NO. 1 Discuss your personal and shared life plans and dreams –

often. Rick and I skipped this step. We had to (somewhat painfully) regroup and tackle the question, “Where do we move and start a real career?” after a year-and-a-half of excitement on the road.

Instead, I advise sharing your true feelings regarding career goals, areas you prefer to live, if and when you may want to start a family, and holiday traditions. Express how flexible you believe yourself to be individually and as a couple. After all, you can’t plan nearly everything in advance. Compromises from each partner will be needed many times to stay on a path together. That does not mean that either mate ever compromises their goals or values.

TIP NO. 2 The two of you are

now a family unit and should combine resources to make a budget with necessities factored in before entertainment, travel and future goals. That doesn’t mean you have to lose all your financial independence. You might both put a portion of your earnings into a single account for household expenses and into a shared savings deposit. Each spouse may also keep funds for their own needs and hobbies.

I personally feel that if one partner makes considerably more salary, the word “split” goes out the window and should be replaced with a commensurate percentage toward expenses and savings, or the higher earner takes on more of the living expenses. The person with a more lucrative income may change more than a few times during a lifetime marriage. A good prediction of a lasting marriage is a couple who supports each other through hard times, new career ventures and shared financial goals.

TIP NO. 3 Children “to be” or

“not to be” is a natural premarital conversation, but if those feelings or timelines change, be open and honest right away. With the average age of marriage considerably older now than it was 50 years ago (we were 22 and 25, whereas, in 2022, the national median age at first marriage was 30.5 for men and 28.6 for women), I suspect that the desire for children together is even an incentive in many marriages today. Don’t forget to discuss child-rearing ideas as well! If one of you wants six kids and the other wants two, hash this one out well before the wedding.

The birth of our daughter came after some postponing, and then quite a while trying. We decided together that I would get to be a 58

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full-time mom for most of the first three-and-a-half years.

We remained partners in the home and were both happily child-focused. There’s no best way in parenting, but it works great when both spouses are all in!

TIP NO. 4 If a shared interest isn’t what created your initial spark,

work to develop an activity that you both love to do together – and make it part of your lifestyle. It may be your faith and related activities, cooking, gardening, art, music, a sport or traveling the world! Having only shared retirement with my husband for the past four years, it is splendid to still have my best friend as my cohiker, an activity that we embraced at the beginning of our marriage.

We still enjoy hiking or a nice walk nearly every day (usually along the Eno River). Vacations that involve national parks and outdoor exploring have remained a regular part of our lives. In retirement, as always, we also give each other space to do our own things, but the shared hobby nurtures our connection.

TIP NO. 5 Show some extra love

every day! The little gestures count big: It’s as easy to make two cups of tea as one. You can never go wrong with hugs and compliments. Date nights are a must – forever. Part of love is showing focus and attention on your spouse. That means attentively listening and sharing feedback when asked, as well as learning your partner’s nonverbal cues and giving them space when they need it. When inevitable arguments arise, saying and showing you are sorry goes a long way.

MY TOP TIP Our marriage

started out based simply on loving each other and sharing an adventure, but Rick and I have always had a reverent conception of marriage for life, and we were willing to work out whatever came our way. You must both want and choose daily to be in a partnership. We are only human, and most of us change quite a bit through the decades in our activity levels, interests or careers, and sometimes even in our personal philosophies. Remember to be flexible with this person you love, and keep your communication open. One thing I can share as a marriage veteran is that sustained connection comes from kindness, honesty and openness – with that, you can get through almost any challenge!

T R U L Y

M I D T O W N .

T R U L Y

R A L E I G H .

T R U L Y

R E N A I S S A N C E .

In His Image Photography

f8 Photo Studios

Megan Kerns Photography

4100 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh, NC 27609 (919) 571-8773 renaissanceraleigh.com

Downtown Raleigh’s largest historic wedding venue surrounded by the charming cobblestone streets and lights of City Market. Providing a full service menu for weddings of 100 to 400 guests. Featuring two separate ceremony & reception rooms, an outdoor covered patio and two onsite dressing suites. All within walking distance of hotels & nightlife!

T WO HIS T ORIC, C HARMING V ENUE S

984-232-8661 • historicmarkethall.com • 214 E Martin St. Raleigh, NC 27601 PHOTOGRAPHY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: RILEY MCLEAN, CHRIS NIETO, ANCHOR & VEIL, F8 PHOTO STUDIOS, CHRIS NIETO

L O C ATE D I N D OWNT OWN R A LEIGH

The Grove at City Market is downtown Raleigh’s newest Wedding & Rehearsal Dinner Venue! This historic, speakeasy inspired venue is nestled among romantic cobblestone streets featuring separate indoor ceremony and reception rooms plus an expansive outdoor ceremony & cocktail hour patio. It is an ideal venue for 50-100 guests! Exclusive onsite catering served by Executive Chef Chris Hill who dishes up fresh, elevated Southern favorites for a full service experience!

984-254-3727 • thegroveatcitymarket.com • 208 Wolfe St. Raleigh, NC 27601 PHOTOGRAPHY CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JME PHOTOGRAPHY, RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY, RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

rentals@lifeandscience.org @lifeandscienceevents @museumoflifeandscience Ariel Kaitlin Photography

Where your DAY turns into your WEEKEND and your Memories last a lifetime IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Kate Pope Photography

SHERATONRALEIGH.COM | 919-256-1456 | SALES@SHERATONRALEIGH.COM | @SHERATONRALEIGHHOTEL

heartofncweddings.com

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VENUES

Hallowed Ground

Charlotte Wray and Ivy Johnson tied the knot at The Cookery on Aug. 21, 2022.

Photography by Joanna Sue Photography

ou’ve found your soulmate. (Congrats, lovebirds!) Now it’s time to seek your perfect match in a venue. A place to say “I do” is one of the first elements you’ll settle on for your wedding, and the one you choose will not only set the tone for the entire event, but also determine which additional vendors or services you’ll need to seek out.

It’s important to keep in mind that most venue rental packages can’t be compared directly to one another. It can get confusing when comparing all-inclusive options to stand-alone venue rentals. Even pitting one inclusive package against another can get complicated when the amenities that are tacked on differ greatly. With some context and the help of your wedding planner (meet our trusted vendors starting on page 180), it’s possible to stick to your budget and find the rental option that fulfills all your needs. 

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A classic V E N U E F O R T H E modern C O U P L E

Managed by Chad Biggs Event Planning & Design TheDistilleryNC.com

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919-391-8350

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I n fo @ T h e D i s t i l l e r y N C . c o m

Photography by Alaina Ronquillo Photography

Venues

INCLUSIVE VS. NON-INCLUSIVE

First, it’s important to know the difference between full-service and blank-slate venues. Simply put, an inclusive venue may offer services like catering, florals and bar packages built into its pricing structure, whereas a stand-alone rental will not. Some venues include the use of tables, chairs, linens, tents or other rentals (however, you likely won’t have many color or style choices among what’s provided).

At a blank-slate venue, you’ll pay to bring these elements into the space separately, rather than have them included in your rental. Couples may choose to add specialty rentals even when some items are included to upgrade the tabletop look or add flair to the space.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN

Because of the range of services that may or may not be included in your rental contract, it can be tough to figure out which venue best aligns with your budget. Dana Kadwell offers her unique perspective as co-owner of The Bradford – a wedding venue in New Hill, North Carolina – and wedding planning collectives C&D Events and Anthem House.

“Let’s say [an all-inclusive venue] has a $25,000 food and beverage minimum,” Dana posits. “That doesn’t mean that’s what you’re going to spend … often couples end up spending way more than the minimum. Look at the cost for all-inclusive by understanding what the cost per person is, including extra service fees and gratuity. Use that number to compare to the cost of a blank-slate venue. What you’ll often find is that [the two are] pretty comparable. Where you save the most with all-inclusive is the rentals.”

Your planner can help to clarify how the overall fee you’re quoted for a full-service venue breaks down into costs for alcohol, food and other items, Dana says.

“What I suggest for couples [interested in an all-inclusive venue] is requesting an out-the-door cost,” Dana says. “… I want [to see] what a proposal for 100 people would look like at that venue. Then I can estimate what catering costs or what rentals cost, and create an apples-to-apples quote there.”

Dana notes that many planners provide budget consults independently, or as part of event management packages, in order to help couples get started on the right foot.

HANDS-OFF VS. PERSONALIZED

The reality is that finding a venue match is dependent on your attitude toward planning your wedding. Do you want to be 66

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involved in every little detail and already have specific vendors in mind? Or would you prefer for most of your vendors to be selected for you? Consider how hands-on you hope to be.

Katie Horn, general manager of The Cookery in Durham, suggests booking a blank-slate rental if you want a deeply personalized wedding planning experience. This allows you the freedom to assemble your own vendor team, ensuring each decision reflects your distinct preferences. “The main thing that you get when you book a rental space only is the opportunity to be more hands-on about what exactly you want,” Katie says. “Whereas with an inclusive package … there’s going to be a [set process] that they follow. There’s going to be a specific set of menus, a [consistent design], and you really have to want that look. You’re going there for a sort of one-stop shop.”

This can be ideal for couples who don’t have as much time to plan, who are booking a venue from out of state or who simply want to offload more of the planning work. Communication can be streamlined in working with one primary vendor rather than many.

Note that plenty of venues still operate with preferred vendor lists regardless of pricing structure. Many of the vendors you find in this magazine are favorites among our venues, too, so we hope to be a great resource in this department as well!

MAKE YOUR PICK

Selecting a venue isn’t a cut-and-dry process, and neither is the cost for hosting your wedding there. “It’s very nuanced,” Dana says. “At The Bradford, we have five full-time staff who [receive paid benefits], and those costs are wrapped up into [your rental fee], as well as the cost to actually operate the venue,” Dana says.

“We value hospitality and service, so we [invest in] our staff to make sure that clients feel that hospitality.”

Dana advises reflecting on the initial attraction that led you to the space when assessing its worth – you may well have found the historic chapel of your dreams, or the farm that offers sprawling space for your hundreds of guests – but emphasizes that there’s also more to consider: Identify the value you’re gaining, which could be as simple as feeling connected to the salesperson and venue staff, ensuring excellent care. “That’s a huge value,” she says.

“You can’t look at it only in terms of dollars and cents.”

– by Avery Householder

Weddings CHAPEL HILL COUNTRY CLUB

Duffy Healy Photography

Jessica Leigh Photography

Chad Winstead Photography

Morgan Cadell Photography

CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY WITH THE WARMTH OF SOUTHERN CHARM IN THE HEART OF NORTH CAROLINA 103 Lancaster Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27517 | (919) 932-2851 | www.chapelhillcountryclub.com

M a d e l i n e G l e n n J o n e s P h o t o g ra p h y

Our venue is a blend of unique event space with customized, historically-inspired dressing suites. The Lincoln on Geer’s vast interior allows our guests to adapt the space to suit any occasion.

Unique and charming details will help you create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Our team can guide you through the entire process so that you can utilize the venue to its best potential.

Start planning your

dream wedding by contacting us today!

M i d d l e a n d B o t t o m P h o t o s b y S a m u e l H o l t P h o t o g ra p h y

l i n c o l n o n g e e r. c o m

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919.228.9279

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i n f o @ l i n c o l n o n g e e r. c o m

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@lincolnongeer

Jennifer B Photography

Allison Martin Photography

Lavendar and Light Photography

Kate Overton Photography

Whitney Duggins Photography

Classy Southern Elegance, Timeless in Every Way 1851 Avents Ferry Rd Sanford, North Carolina 27330 | danielsridge.com | 919.770.3041

VENUES

What’s New with Venues Discover newly opened venues and learn about recent updates to established event spaces across our state

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

Melissa McPeake spent 17 years

Other features include a fully equipped bar, a conference room, a groom’s garage, a bridal pavilion, a kids room and a vendor lounge. Melissa celebrated Village Pine’s grand opening on Aug. 25, 2023, and the venue’s first public event took place a month later.

in hospitality, working with rental properties and tenants, hosting tours and organizing rental contracts. The experience helped her seamlessly transition into the wedding industry. In April 2021, Melissa set out to build something that she felt the Pinehurst, North Carolina, area needed: a versatile venue that could A former private residence is now accommodate wedding ceremonies, Oxbow Estate, a sophisticated receptions and other events all in countryside wedding and event one place. Two months later, she venue. Created in partnership found the property that would later with real estate development become Village Pine Venue. The team Golden Hour Collective land, located in Moore County, and Raleigh-based entrepreneur was a manageable 8 acres with a and event industry veteran 1950s-era house and sprawling Priscilla Walls, the luxurious outdoor space. venue is situated on 10 acres “I knew what I wanted to do bordering the Neuse River in immediately,” Melissa says. The Clayton, North Carolina. Priscilla house was renovated into a spacious has worked in the Triangle for getting-ready suite with two hair 15 years as a wedding planner and makeup rooms, a changing and a venue manager; as COO room, a kitchen and living room. of Oxbow Estate, developers Next, a main event hall with four leaned on her for guidance in garage-style doors that open to a conceptualizing the property 2,500-square-foot courtyard patio as an event venue. Priscilla was within a lush garden was added. An drawn to the estate, she says, amphitheater was positioned across because she saw its unique Inside Village Pine Venue’s main event space. the property’s pond as an additional potential compared to other local Photo by Jennifer B. Photography ceremony site. Melissa says she venues. “It doesn’t fit any mold,” wanted the venue to be versatile, vendor friendly and practical. The Priscilla says. Its sophisticated, European ambiance appeals to garden was designed with synthetic turf for year-round use, perfect couples with refined, classic tastes. “We offer top-tier customer for photo ops in any season. Village Pine’s classic brickwork – inspired service and a personalized experience from start to finish, with

by Charleston, South Carolina – yet clean, modern interior enables the utmost attention to detail,” Priscilla says. The venue also the venue to adapt to couples’ preferences. “We can be fancy, or we adopts an open vendor policy, allowing couples to enjoy a high can be [as relaxed as a] barn,” Melissa says. degree of personalization for their event.

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Oxbow Estate features an expansive 8,000-square-foot main house with an encircling open-air veranda, a getting-ready suite and accommodations for overnight guests. It offers multiple event spaces, including a spacious paved patio that can accommodate 700 seated guests. Additional facilities include multiple cottages for overnight stays, a private groomsmen suite, an equestrian-themed reception area and an extra reception lawn. The venue’s grand feel also lends itself to an upscale intimate gathering. “We can host an elopement or a large event,” Priscilla says. The grand opening took place in late 2023, and every detail was carefully chosen, with many materials, such as the main house’s gold trim, staircase, floor-to-ceiling marble foyer and 24-karat gold plumbing fixtures, imported from Europe. “I’m very excited … to be able to take something that is already at such a high level and elevate it,” she says.

The Carolina Manor House, located

off Main Street in Franklinton, North Carolina, held its grand opening on Oct. 21, 2023. The Queen Anne-style structure, originally the Dr. J.H. Harris House, was built in 1902 and finished in 1904. Dr. Harris treated patients and delivered babies in the house for 20 years. Mason Street Partners developed the property – its 25th in Franklinton – as the culmination of three years of development along Main Street. The renovated house is nestled on a 10-acre lot and now accommodates events inside and out thanks to a landscaped amphitheater that can seat 800 to 1,000 people, a grand hall that can hold 200 guests, a wine cellar and four treehouses that can sleep four guests each. Home to a number of trees that are more than 200 years old, the venue is rich in history and natural beauty.

“The wedding hall looks very much like it goes with the house, but it could also look like a modern farmhouse,” says Joe Farrell, managing partner of Mason Street Partners. His wife, Stephanie Farrell, oversaw the interior design of the property. 

ABOVE Oxbow Estate’s main event space. Photo by Michelle Elyse BELOW The Carolina Manor House before and after renovations.

After photo by David Howell Photography

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Stunning English estate for hosting weddings in the country manor style. Tucked away on 80 acres of lush gardens and majestic landscape views.

Welcome to Britton Manor!

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the sublime beauty and timeless elegance of Britton Manor, eastern North Carolina's premier wedding venue. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, our manor boasts unparalleled charm and a rich history that will add a layer of enchantment to your special day. Our home page is your gateway to begin a magical journey, your first glimpse into the awe-inspiring destination that will play a backdrop to the beginning of your happily-ever-after.

Chase Collective

Rae Marshall Photography

Rae Marshall Photography

Host your guests in a

luxury-inclusive experience,

creating a weekend to remember in a top East Coast destination.

Ally & Bobby

brittonmanor.com | hello@brittonmanor.com | @brittonmanornc

Samantha Couick Photography

The Reeses

MERRITT CHESSON PHOTOGRAPHY

A family run wedding venue nestled in the beautiful countryside of Chapel Hill.

L’ A M O U R F OTO

MERRITT CHESSON PHOTOGRAPHY

events@uniongrovefar m.com

uniongrovefar m.com

MERRITT CHESSON PHOTOGRAPHY

L’ A M O U R F OTO

/ uniongrovefar m

ABOVE Britton Manor exterior and gardens. Photography by Blue Note Weddings BELOW The lobby at Aria. Photo by Faraneh Photography

Picturesque Britton Manor, set on 80 acres in La Grange, North Carolina, held its grand opening in April 2023.

Owner Stephen Hill fused his love for history, grandeur and Old World charm in designing his “Pride and Prejudice”-inspired estate in 1990. Stephen partnered with Kandis Harvey, founder of Blue Daphne event planning and floral design, to open the property for events after each of his three daughters tied the knot on the property.

“His daughters were what really inspired Stephen to turn it into a wedding venue,” Kandis says. “That’s where I came into the picture.”

Kandis led a renovation and upgrade of nine of the home’s bedrooms in addition to removing some of Stephen’s personal belongings without sacrificing the aesthetic he’d created. “We want to keep the essence of his design,” Kandis says.

Britton Manor’s classic European ambiance extends throughout its vast outdoor space, including a pond and elaborate gardens, which are ideal for elegant alfresco ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions for up to 200 guests. In addition to overnight accommodations, the manor house offers two getting-ready suites, a pool table room and a grand foyer for welcoming guests as they enter.

Kandis and Stephen look forward to the impact the business could have on the economies of La Grange and nearby Kinston, North Carolina. “Stephen’s main vision is to invest in this area, to see it grow and continue to come back to life, and to make it a destination people are excited to come to,” Kandis says.

Aria Events and Catering has operated in Durham,

North Carolina, since July 2023. The venue is owned

by Giorgios Hospitality & Lifestyle Group, the same hospitality professionals behind Parizade and Rosewater Kitchen & Bar, among many other topnotch Triangle eateries. As such, Aria’s Mediterraneaninspired fine dining and bar menus are a highlight of what the venue has to offer. Aria features five 74

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sophisticated event spaces in total, each providing a unique and distinctive experience for any soiree.

The Grand Ballroom is Aria’s largest space, with the capacity to seat 250 under sparkling chandeliers. The lobby features unique, elegant floral murals, and The Crystal Ballroom’s modern, bright aesthetic suits slightly more intimate gatherings. An additional garden space accommodates 200 seated guests for an outdoor ceremony.

Downtown Raleigh welcomed La Terrazza on the rooftop of The Dillon in late fall 2023. Owner Samad Hachby of Umbria Hospitality Group added the

restaurant to his portfolio of Raleigh spaces, which also includes wedding venue Melrose Knitting Mill, located on the third floor of a renovated textile mill that also houses Umbria’s Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar. A private indoor space and balcony with a covered bar area is available for weddings and cocktail hours. Couples may book a full buyout of the restaurant plus the balcony, if desired, to serve as additional dining and cocktail hour space, says La Terrazza’s event manager Jessica Tilton.

The restaurant has a modern, industrial feel with “some interesting pops,” Jessica says. The main dining room’s chairs are upholstered in brightly colored fabric, while more industrial seating is set in the primary event space. Two walls of the event space feature floor-to-ceiling windows and also showcases a tiled wall decorated with jeweltoned floral designs. The open-air balcony looks over the bustling heart of the City of Oaks. “To me, we have the best view of downtown Raleigh,” Jessica says.

ABOVE La Terrazza. Photo by Lauren Memory BELOW The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport at Brier Creek.

The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport, located three miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in the heart of Brier Creek Commons, opened April 27, 2023.

The hotel is the brand’s first presence in the area, offering 236 guest rooms and suites with blocks of rooms as well as multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces to accommodate weddings of multiple sizes. The property’s Grand Ballroom boasts more than 6,461 square feet of space, with chandeliers and seating for heartofncweddings.com

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W E D D I N G S | C O R P O R AT E E V E N T S | C AT E R I N G

2609 N. D U K E S T, S U I T E 700 D U R H A M , N C , 27704 984.888.0123 ariaeventsdurham.com

EVENTS & CATERING

RAE MARSHALL PHOTOGRAPHY

FORREST MASON PHOTOGRAPHY

REHEARSAL DINNERS | CEREMONIES | RECEPTIONS MEGAN MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY

MEGAN MORALES PHOTOGRAPHY

2200 W. M A I N S T, D U R H A M , N C 27705 919.286.9712 | parizadedurham.com

ABOVE Donovan Manor. Photo by Joe Payne Photography BELOW Durham Exchange at ReCity. Photo by Nuni’s Photography

up to 330 guests. The Halcyon Rooftop provides an indoor/outdoor event space that overlooks the pool and city, with room for 30 guests seated or 125 reception style, suitable for cocktail hour or receptions, weather permitting. A 2,300-square-foot covered terrace space can accommodate up to 100 guests seated or 150 reception style, ideal for farewell breakfasts, rehearsal dinners and welcome parties. The hotel’s promenade is a curated pre-function space of more than 4,000 square feet that flows into the terrace.

Durham Exchange at ReCity was developed as a partnership among the managers of existing venue The Durham Exchange and

ReCity, a hub where nonprofits, businesses and faith-based groups collaborate on projects to benefit underserved Durham residents.

The new 3,500-square-foot industrial event space, located just a few minutes from downtown Durham, opened in April 2023, features white brick walls and large windows, and can comfortably seat 160 or host 175 standing. “[This] collaboration ... is about more than just shared space,” says General Manager Madeline Bailey. “It’s about creating a place where people can work together to build a better future for everyone in our community.”

Jill Donovan led a complete renovation of Donovan Manor’s

handsome main house, set on 15 lush acres in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, over the course of 2023. With more than a decade of experience operating catering business Donovan’s Dish, Jill 78

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envisioned and realized the dream to open a venue, stating that the venture “just feels like a natural progression” of her experience serving others.

Jill searched for an estate property with specific qualities: “Something that would wow people when they pulled in; [a space] that’s traditional, yet still relevant and modern.” She found exactly what she’d pictured in the former private property located 10 miles from downtown Raleigh, and has worked to add extensive rose gardens; a permanent indoor/outdoor bar that opens to a courtyard and patio; and renovations to the main space. A new 11,000-square-foot ballroom is slated for completion by September 2024, and Donovan Manor is currently booking events for October 2024 and later.

Couples enjoy use of the entire manor house on their wedding day, including two gettingready suites (each more than 1,200 square feet), a ballroom large enough to seat 299 guests and an adjacent lounge that can seat an additional 200 people or be kept separate for cocktail hour. Tents set up throughout the expansive gardens and lawn can play host to even larger events.

The Lincoln on Geer opened in downtown Durham in late 2023,

offering event space for more than 300 at its 7,500-square-foot refurbished industrial warehouse. Built in 1948 to house the Weeks Motor Company, the building was later occupied by Hutchins Auto Supply and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The venue pays tribute to the site’s storied past, highlighting original steel trusses and windows. Updates include two getting-ready suites and a private lounge attached to the main space, which also features an 800-square-foot mezzanine.

UPDATES AND RENOVATIONS

The Cornealius Properties owners Don Neal and Joann Neal acquired the Lewis-Atkinson Home in Princeton, North Carolina,

in late spring 2023, hosting the property’s first wedding that October.

The historic two-story house was built in 1820 by William Atkinson.

The Lewis-Atkinson Home, before and after renovations.

After photo by Megan Morales Photography

At nearly 150 years old, the home was in disrepair when it was purchased by Judy Lewis and her husband, Marshalle Lewis, and was restored by the couple in the 1970s. Don and Joann knew Judy through Rosewood First Baptist Church, and Judy approached the couple about selling her long-time home to them.

The Lewis-Atkinson features front porches on both stories and a lawn bordered by magnolia, holly, pecan and oak trees. Walkways and a four-tiered fountain in the backyard add an air of elegance to the grounds. The house itself features a curved stairway and a back patio with string lighting that’s ideal for entertaining.

The Neals painted, refinished floors, added chandeliers to the getting-ready suites and a pavilion over the back entrance, and reworked the wine cellar with space to host tastings in preparation to open the home as a venue. The family also converted a small nearby country store into an additional gettingready space, and Emma’s Place, a former kitchen building on the grounds, into an office and vendor space.

The property’s evolution is far from complete – the Neals began construction of a climate-controlled grand reception hall in fall 2023, which will total 4,482 square feet to accommodate 200 people. The hall is expected, as of press time, to be operational in early 2024.

Brandi Strickland and Bret Strickland bought The Jarvis at 220

in New Bern, North Carolina, in December 2022 and made several updates to the former bed-and-breakfast and event space. The Jarvis now operates solely as a wedding and event venue, giving couples the option to book a weekend with exclusive private access to the historic mansion from Friday to Sunday or beyond.  heartofncweddings.com

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fine food + drinks with panoramic views of Durham Walters & Walters

Fancy This Photography

Bottom Row: Halftone Studios

located in the penthouse floor of the University Tower U N I V E R S I T YC L U B N C . C O M | 9 1 9 . 4 9 3 . 8 0 9 9

The Stricklands added The Gleason Honeymoon Cottage in August 2023. Named in honor of previous owners Denise Gleason and Michael Gleason, the

800-square-foot romantic and intimate space features a full kitchen, cozy living room, electric fireplace and a primary bedroom, bathroom and laundry closet. The venue now offers five luxury bedrooms with the ability to accommodate up to 10 overnight guests.

Daniel’s Ridge in Sanford, North Carolina, welcomed

ABOVE The Jarvis at 220 and interior of The Gleason Honeymoon Cottage. Exterior photo by Mashal Smith Photography BELOW Lacy Rose Chapel at Daniel’s Ridge.

new additions including an 800-square-foot getting-ready suite where celebrants and wedding parties can enjoy prepping for the big day. The space, which was completed in August 2023, features a large makeup area complete with four salon chairs and more than 20 feet of quartz countertops, as well as a lounge area with a sectional sofa and a kitchenette equipped with a fridge and four bar stools.

Daniel’s Ridge also anticipates the completion of the Lacy Rose Chapel by the end of 2023. A short walk from the main space, the 3,380-square-foot open-air chapel can seat 200 guests, with cathedral-style windows in the front and back of the chapel and open arches on each side.

The building will also feature bright white walls as well as two climate-controlled changing rooms for couples to utilize during inclement weather.

Union Grove Farm added a refurbished 306-square-

foot rustic cabin to its barn venue in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, in spring 2023. Couples can enjoy getting ready amid the tranquility of nature in this historic hideaway, which was built in the late 1800s.

Inside, a cozy fireplace creates an intimate space where guests can relax with their close friends and family.

Also new to Union Grove is an additional 289-square-foot getting-ready suite and game room featuring an array of arcade games and a foosball table.

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ABOVE AND LEFT Union Grove Farm and its refurbished cabin.

Photography by Sarah Sekaly Photography BELOW Traine at Seaboard Station’s patio.

Photo by Caroline Betten Photography

Richelle Norman assumed ownership of downtown Raleigh wedding venue Traine at Seaboard Station

(formerly known as The Dock at Seaboard Station) in April 2023. The 4,500-square-foot space is nestled within the historic Seaboard Railroad Station, a former train station that served passengers from 1941 to 1958.

“I’m in love with the charm of this space,” Richelle says. “It’s a big deal to me to be part of a place with so much history and innovation.” Richelle has worked in the hospitality industry since 2001; after moving to North Carolina in 2015, she visited more than 60 wedding venues during her first year as a sales manager for Pour Bar Services and found herself enthralled with the world of weddings.

Richelle completed updates to Traine’s getting-ready suite over the past year; the space was originally divided into two rooms, with one designated as a groomsmen suite.

Since many grooms prefer getting ready off-site or hanging out at Hunky Dory, a record store two doors down from the venue, Richelle converted part of the suite into a speakeasy Champagne bar that can be accessed through a door disguised as a bookshelf. The facade of the venue was also repainted an antique white shade to match the historic Cotton Mill condos nearby. – by Leah Berry heartofncweddings.com

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PHOTOS BY JENNIFER B. PHOTOGRAPHY

Village Pine Venue is a BRAND NEW Charleston-inspired dream brought to reality and located just outside the world famous golf town of Pinehurst, NC.

910-639-1730

villagepinevenue.com

@villagepinevenue

Have the wedding of your dreams with us!

Our beautiful venue can accommodate wedding parties large and small and can be set up according to your specifications. Make it easier on your guests by having the wedding and reception in the same venue. We want to make your day as stress-free as possible, which is why we also offer in-house catering. We will do all the set-up and tear down, as well as keep your guests happy and fed.

This a day for you to enjoy yourself.

Halifax Hill Studios

The Rocky Mount Event Center has everything you need under one roof for your big day: • In-house catering with customizable menu options • Rooms for wedding ceremony and reception • Rehearsal and bridal shower hosting options • Bar services • Tables and chairs • Team to set-up and tear down Scan to contact us today to make the wedding of your dreams come true!

rockymountevents.com | 252-231-3490 | info@rockymountevents.com | @rockymountevents

A hand-crafted Victorian home with a modern elegant feel. Original architecture including carved wood floors, ceiling beams and cabinetry. Escape reality with this secluded oasis, full of enchanting gardens, lush greenery and natural light which creates an elegant backdrop to show off your romantic, timeless event.

We believe every couple has their own story to tell We invite you to embrace yours and dream big.

Megan Allred Photography

The Chase Collective

Luxe and Pine Photography

covingtongardens.com | 336-209-0460 | covingtongardensnc@gmail.com | @covingtongardens heartofncweddings.com

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new

Our venue can hold up to 160 Seated Guests

Anslei Foster of Iconic Visual Studios

DurhamExchangeatReCity.com | ReCity@DurhamExchange.com | 919-251-6197

The perfect blend of

intimate industrial and

VMA Studios

The Durham Exchange can hold up to 80 Seated Guests

Amy Babo Photography

DurhamExchange.com | Hello@DurhamExchange.com | 919-251-6197 Both venues have an Open Vendor Policy, Payment Plans Available, and Onsite Parking

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The Perfect Partnership Now open in Brier Creek, we are the Westin brand’s first presence in the Triangle.

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Exceptional service and extraordinary cuisine from our on-site restaurant Il Falò Wood-Fired Kitchen

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Guest accomodations featuring Westin’s restorative amenities, like the Heavenly Bed™ and workout suites

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Flexible event spaces ready to host your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, brunches, showers, and more

Rooftop Pool • Events Up to 320 • 236 Guest Rooms • 11 Suites THE WESTIN RALEIGH-DURHAM AIRPORT 3931 Macaw Street • Raleigh, NC 27617 • 919.224.1400 • marriott.com/rduwr

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By Leah Berry | Styled by Amy Plant–Perdue

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors Venue The Durham Hotel Photographer Ariel Kaitlin Photography Dresses White Bridal Boutiques Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Bridesmaid Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh Jewelry Jewelsmith | Signage & Place Cards Revel NC Rentals Best Tents & Events | Hair & Makeup The Bardot Cake S. Richardson Cakes | Florals KatieDid Florals Stationery Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique

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teps away from downtown Durham’s premiere entertainment venues, nightlife and eateries sits The Durham Hotel, a reclaimed circa 1968 building that provides an ultra-modern, utterly chic, polished location for the not-quite-so-traditional couple. With a rooftop overlooking the Bull City’s bustling downtown, 53 guest rooms and seasonal menus, The Durham hosts intimate weddings along with rehearsal dinners, welcome receptions, farewell brunches and showers. The boutique hotel retains much of its ’60s charm and original details, including its recognizable mid-century facade. 

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Durham-based baker Stephanie Richardson often incorporates fresh flowers into her elegant cake designs for added pops of color, dimension and texture.

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“If you want to give your guests a true Durham experience, you couldn’t get better than The Roof at The Durham,” says Amy Plant-Perdue, Heart of NC Weddings editorial shoot creative director. Best suited for gatherings of 60-80 guests, the rooftop has three flexible areas: an openair patio, a covered seating area and an indoor bar. Larger receptions of up to 125 guests are easily accommodated at the ground-floor restaurant and coffee bar.

And if the view wasn’t enough of a draw, the hotel’s convenience comes in at a close second. Guests can stay on-site, and a 1,050-square-foot penthouse suite features a private mini terrace adjacent to the main rooftop area, creating the ultimate honeymoon suite.

Here, couples can enjoy a spacious living room, butler bar and double vanity bathroom, ideal for wedding party prep that’s just steps away from the ceremony site on the big day.

To capitalize on the rooftop’s expansive view, Amy worked with the hotel’s expert staff to utilize spaces in a way that reflects the best flow and guest experience during events. “The design was fun, modern and vibrant,” Amy says, “and balance and interest was created through juxtaposition – the bright colors of the florals with the deep blue of the table linen; the leather, wood and black details with flowy bridesmaid dresses and a velvet linen for the cake table; the detailed and heavily embellished bridal gown with a clean chignon hairstyle.”

Katie Thomas of KatieDid Florals chose a contemporary and bright palette of yellows, mauvy pinks and chartreuse to enhance the hotel’s mod aesthetic in a fresh, new way. Katie leaned into an airy design with plenty of texture and a romantic feel that embraces her signature whimsical style. The dahlias, amaranths, lisianthuses, zinnias and much of the greenery were sourced from growers near KatieDid’s design studio in Danville, Virginia. Katie plays up the roof ’s industrial elements with greenery that climbs the railings surrounding a delicate ceremony setup, which seems to grow out from the patio’s floorboards, all without obscuring the rooftop’s unmatched sightline. Blooms similarly emerge from the backs of The Durham’s stitched leather chairs at the head table, adding to the eclectic look.

Tabletop rentals from Best Tents & Events further tie together the funky and modern aesthetic. Organic, deliberately uneven stoneware paired with timeless glassware and brushed gold flatware holds up against luxurious linens in deep blue and ivory velvet. Leather place cards from Revel NC provide additional texture.

Durham baker S. Richardson Cakes crafted a monochromatic three-tier cake decorated with molded arches and fresh florals to align with sunny stationery from Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique.

Real-life couple Lillie Brown and Daniel Pan, who are pictured throughout this editorial, sip craft cocktails under the covered patio – which can be enclosed and heated for year-round use. The Durham’s in-house catering team works to tailor catering and bar menus for each event, with a focus on elevating seasonal ingredients.

This love story was captured by Ariel Kaitlin Photography’s Ariel Mason, who managed photographing in direct sun with the added challenge of spotty clouds and a breezy day by using a diffuser to soften the overall look of the rooftop portraits. Ariel further embraced the midday sunlight, playing with silhouettes created by rays and shade, which added a “funky twist on everything,” she says. Inside, on the mezzanine overlooking The Durham’s colorful restaurant and lobby, Ariel harnessed as much of the natural light flowing in from the building’s original two-story, floor-to-ceiling windows as possible. She utilized direct flash for a few playful elevator shots, adopting a photography style that’s steadily growing in popularity.

Lillie and Daniel model a beaded lace, fit-and-flare Luna

by Colby John gown with detachable, flowy organza sleeves and a plunging neckline, and a classic suit from Bernard’s Formalwear, respectively. Lillie’s short, embellished Dany Tabet reception dress shows off a playful, trendy option.

“Both dresses from White Bridal Boutiques are so

Lillie models an unconventional yet fabulous ring stack from Jewelsmith.

Five bands layered together feature diamonds in various cuts and settings.

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Garden-like arrangements by KatieDid Florals flow through the ceremony and reception areas.

Paired with petite black bud vases and leather place cards

by Revel NC, an offbeat tablescape with rentals from Best Tents & Events mimics the florals' loose, organic feel.

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elegant, and the short dress made me feel so American sweetheart chic … I loved it!”

Lillie says. “I just wanted to bop around and twirl all day.”

Lillie’s tousled updo by Britnye Shore of The Bardot was the perfect choice for a breezy day at the rooftop and reflects a growing trend for weddings today. “For the longest time, updos felt like a 1990s prom … but they’re becoming more common,” Britnye says. “They allow brides to feel beautiful and like themselves.” Lillie’s makeup reflects a youthful vibe with a natural glam finish. An edgy eye with rose gold eyeshadow, bold lashes and liner makes her blue eyes pop.

Lillie wears a stack of five wedding bands in mixed metals – a fresh, nontraditional option. “Having a set of coordinated rings allows the [wearer] to incorporate family diamonds of all different sizes, which can be challenging if [a client is custom] designing just one ring,” Jewelsmith’s Katherine Nielsen says. “It’s also a great choice for someone who works in a field that requires latex gloves, since there isn’t a large gem sticking up.” Daniel wears a hammered gold band, cushion-shaped meteorite cufflinks and an abstract octagon lapel pin handcrafted by Jewelsmith’s Bon Cho. Maria Oviedo wears a Jenny Yoo pebbled crepe dress in a muted chambray shade while Andreana Assimos models a flowy Dessy Group jumpsuit, both from Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh. Maria wears pearl stud earrings and a South Sea pearl necklace from Jewelsmith while Andreana dons a matching Mountain Laurel earring and necklace set that is part of Jewelsmith’s Eno River Collection – which, fittingly, is inspired by and helps support one of Durham’s treasured natural resources through the Eno River Association.

“Dressed to the nines and taking part in the photo shoot, it became clear why so many people choose this location for their special day,” bridesmaid model Maria says. “This venue holds a special place in the heart of the Durham community, and as soon as you step inside, you can sense a palpable shift in the atmosphere.”

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T H E R E ’ S A P L AC E I N C A RY where you’ll always feel welcome...

Make memories of a lifetime on our Terrace, dance the night away in our private event space, and enjoy connecting with family and friends in our 44 guest rooms and suites located in the heart of historic downtown Cary.

Sincerely,

THEMAYTON.COM

MEGAN MORALES

ART BY COURT WINTER

KIM TADLOCK

SHOOT WITH BLISS

daytime rooftop weddings & brunches • mid-century design in downtown Durham seasonal food & drink highlighting local ingredients • 53 guest rooms • thedurham.com

Carly Hinson Photography

Industrial-Chic, Warehouse Event Venue along the Tar River

Carly Hinson Photography

Once Like a Spark Photography

252-801-6528 | thepowerhousenc.com | @thepowerhousenc

In His Image Photography

Contemporary hotel•Finely appointed guest rooms•Elegant event space•One-of-a kind experiences 4500 Marriott Drive Raleigh, NC 27612 raleighmarriott.com | 919-571-5345 | @raleighmarriottcrabtree Top: Caroline Elite Events, Bottom left: Ellie McKinney Photography, Bottom right: Mina von Feilitzsch Photography

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T I M E L E S S

C H A P T E R S

in your life

WEDDING RECEPTIONS • CELEBRATIONS • CORPORATE EVENTS • BAR & BAT MITZVAH’S • CELEBRATIONS OF LIFE

Venue Capacity of 350 with 3 Levels including Ballroom, Rooftop, Game room and elegant Bridal Room All caterers welcome •

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CONTEMPORARY

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By Morgan Cartier Weston | Styled by Amy Plant-Perdue

he Carolina Inn has stood as a symbol of Southern hospitality since opening its doors on

the edge of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill campus in 1924. The interior common areas and guest rooms have undergone a transformation in commemoration of its centennial, but decades of Tar Heel stories can still be felt in its hallways, inviting modern couples to add their wedding memories to the venue’s rich history.

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors Venue The Carolina Inn | Photographer Joe Payne Photography | Florals Wild Flora Flowers | Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Hair & Makeup Pinup Studio | Wedding Party Attire Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh | Rentals American Party Rentals | Paper Goods Ashley Triggiano Cake Ruth Drennan Cakes | Transportation Triangle Corporate Coach

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The inn’s meticulously preserved Georgian-style architecture evokes a sense of quiet grandeur that transports treasured guests to a bygone era. Towering oaks flank the sprawling brick building and provide a warm contrast to the white-columned façade, a perfect backdrop for a timelessly elegant ceremony with modern, masculine touches for models and real-life spouses Ahmad Alston-Simpson and Julius Alston-Simpson.

The inn’s iconic checkered tile floor inspired the color palette. “We used black and white, focusing on texture, pattern and luxurious materials instead of color,” says Heart of NC Weddings Editorial Shoot Creative Director Amy Plant-Perdue. “My favorite elements were the blind embossing on the paper products by Ashley Triggiano and the all-white wedding party dresses from Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh.”

The grooms were likewise outfitted in coordinating white jackets from Bernard’s Formalwear. The Wild Flora Flowers team followed suit, keeping to a monochromatic palette that incorporated branches into the ceremony florals, resulting in a bold yet elegant backdrop. 

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ABOVE “With this couple in mind, our design goal was to balance the opulence of the venue with an earthy, natural feel,” says Christine Wilkinson, creative director at Wild Flora Flowers.

“A prominent part of this ceremony design is the bare wisteria vine that runs along the columns, which complements the elegant pillars.”

RIGHT Each place setting from American Party Rentals is accented with a personal mini cake from Ruth Drennan Cakes, inviting guests to join in the ceremonial act of cake cutting.

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Simplicity and leaning into nature were key to balancing The Carolina Inn’s detailed features.

Stepping through the inn’s doors, guests are greeted by a breathtaking foyer adorned with crystal chandeliers and polished floors; beyond, the enchanting Anne Hill Courtyard – one of the venue’s most cherished features – offers an inviting ceremony space.

Lush greenery embraces the courtyard, providing a natural canopy for open-air vows. The fragrance of blooming flowers mingles with the gentle rustle of leaves. As sentiments are exchanged beneath a Carolina blue sky, photos by Joe Payne Photography capture an undeniable sense that nature itself is part of the celebrations.

A formal reception takes shape in the Bryan Courtyard, with cream and white linens, tabletop rentals and chairs from American Party Rentals.

Each guest is treated to a personal miniature cake

by Ruth Drennan Cakes at their place setting.

“The idea was the guests would get to participate in the tradition of cake cutting by cutting their own individual cake while the grooms cut their cake,” Amy says. “Another fun way to make your wedding your own!” 

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“Weddings should be about including the people you care about,” Amy says.

“Don’t hesitate to include friends and loved ones in your wedding party regardless of gender, rather than traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen.”

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“I’m thrilled when my clients want individual cakes,” says Ruth Drennan.

“For this styled wedding, I was inspired by the beautiful venue and wanted to create both display and individual cakes that stood out, but didn’t compete with the decor. Simple doesn’t mean boring.”

Balancing these kind of decor elements with the venue’s features is necessary for a timeless look. “To achieve this, you don’t want to lean too far into current trends or a particular theme,” Amy says. “I am always trying to balance organic with clean lines, romantic with modern, for a look that feels classic and current all at the same time.”

As day turns to night, the celebration continues. The inn offers a selection of elegantly appointed private event spaces, such as the Old Well Ballroom, with its exquisite wood paneling and graceful chandeliers that exude an air of sophistication fitting for a stunning reception. The Hill Ballroom provides an opulent backdrop for a grand celebration for larger guest lists.

As the evening draws to a close, the wedding party wishes the couple well under a shower of white rose petals, their hearts filled with the magic of the day.

For couples seeking a wedding venue that seamlessly blends history, elegance and contemporary luxury, The Carolina Inn stands as the quintessential choice.

ABOVE Ahmad and Julius wear coordinating black and white jackets that prove a classic color palette can still be showstopping.

BELOW The Carolina Inn boasts grand architectural features like these majestic columns that make for beautiful, timeless photos from first look to send-off.

See More

Scan the code to view more of the gallery from Joe Payne Photography on our blog!

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Photography by Sarah Hinckley Photography

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES ♦ TIMELESS TRADITIONS ♦ SIGNIFICANT SERVICES

919-489-6565 | www.hvcc.org | 3803 Dover Road, Durham NC

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Come experience this unique, picturesque venue with classic elegance

Photography by Anna Fletcher Photography

919-359-9090 | portofinoequestriancenter.com | portofinoequestriancenter@gmail.com

Seal It With a Kiss On Our Famous Forever Bridge Experience Southern Charm and Timeless Elegance On Stunning Lake Trace Centrally Located to Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, Raleigh, Durham, and Southern Pines

919.499.5121 | carolinatracecc.com | events@carolinatracecc.com 2100 Country Club Dr, Sanford, NC

VENUES

Eastern & Western Planning Tips Destinations from the mountains to the coast

orth Carolina’s coastal plains and mountains each offer pristine natural beauty that draws couples from the Triangle and even surrounding states. The pastoral scenery of many venues in these areas means that you’ll likely have a stunning backdrop for your big day regardless of how much you spend on florals, rentals and other decor. From vineyards and mountain lodges to waterfront chapels, there’s a venue option for any size or style of event outside of the Piedmont.

COASTAL PLAINS & OUTER BANKS

Most beach access points along the Outer Banks are public, so you’ll be contending with beachgoers for space, although you can invite an unlimited number of guests. We highly recommend booking a venue like Oceanic at the Crystal Pier, which offers a private pier and beachfront area, ensuring privacy and comfort. Also consider weather (hurricane season runs roughly from June Wedding guests enjoy the Riverfront Convention Center through November). of Craven County’s veranda overlooking the Neuse River in The Inner Banks are home to New Bern, North Carolina. The venue offers a 12,000-square-foot ballroom and additional event spaces for large gatherings waterfront towns like Edenton, of up to 1,000. Photo by Brad Poirier Photography & Video HEADING WEST situated on the Albemarle The Blue Ridge Mountains’ Sound, and New Bern, where undeniable beauty shines in spring, summer and fall. Higher “streets lined with Spanish moss and 180-degree views of [the elevations provide a perfect venue for outdoor celebrations to Neuse and Trent rivers] create the perfect wedding backdrop,” says avoid the sweltering temps the Piedmont experiences in July Visit New Bern Executive Director Melissa Riggle. and August. However, be aware that winter in the mountains River Landing’s clubhouse is located within a residential can be harsh, making outdoor events and transportation tricky community and golf course in Wallace, North Carolina, “almost or even unmanageable. Fall is peak leaf-peeping season, of [equidistant] from Wilmington and Raleigh,” says Director of course, bringing many tourists to the area, meaning higher Sales Tabatha Walsh. River Landing offers a ballroom, veranda rates and lower availability. and, among other spaces, a seasonal lodge overlooking the Cape In the western portion of our state, you can take your pick Fear River. “We’re definitely in a rural area … what we offer is very among charming small towns like Banner Elk and Blowing affordable compared to the cities that we’re [between],” Tabatha says.

Rock, or metropolitan hubs like Asheville. Historic inns, In Oriental, River Dunes is an event facility and community that lodges, mountaintop barns like Hidden Hill Venue, chapels, boasts 14 miles of coastline and, similar to River Landing, provides downtown warehouses and other unique venues can be found overnight accommodations and spaces to gather, mingle and recreate, in this region. all encompassed by the beauty of our state.

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Photos by Reg & Kala Photography

On 11 acres of hillside, Hidden Hill Venue creates an intimate setting among the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountains. Located centrally between Asheville, Charlotte, and Boone Hidden Hill offers unparalleled views of western North Carolina’s picturesque landscape. Our multiple outdoor ceremony sites will create a breathtaking experience that you and your family will talk about for years to come. The elegant interior is something you would expect in a southern mansion with white walls, glamorous lighting, and panoramic views from every window.

Our rustic, yet elegant venue is the perfect place to create memories that will last a lifetime.

HI DDENH IL LV E N U E . C OM | H ID D E N H I L LV E N UE @G MA I L . C O M | @H I DDE N H I L LV E N UE

VENUES

Mountain Microwedding

By Lucy Thomas

melia Schuch

and Sean O’Reilly’s wedding was a relaxed, hot dog and hamburger on the grill kind of event.

The two are among the many modern couples embracing small-scale events. This trend grew from necessity during COVID-19 and now continues to remain a popular style of gathering for various reasons. For this particular pair, the decision to slice their guest list came down to their shared perspective on marriage.

“Personally, we felt that getting married shouldn’t be about anyone else but the two people exchanging vows,” Amelia says. “Why waste such an important day worrying about seating arrangements, random guests’ picky requests or spending your whole night making small talk instead of spending it with the person you just married?”

Deciding what you want to get out of your wedding is arguably the most critical step of the planning process, and for this couple, photographer and videographer Mark Maya made that simple. He was the first vendor Amelia and Sean booked after getting engaged.

“When we saw his work, we knew he was the one we wanted to capture our special day,” Amelia

Heart of NC Weddings Vendor

Photographer Mark Maya Films + Photography

says. “His work speaks for itself. It is so unique from every other photographer.

He stays away from awkward cookie-cutter poses and [on our day] made us feel so comfortable and relaxed, even while trying out new and different ideas.”

After booking Mark, other pieces of the puzzle fell into place. Mark offered Amelia and Sean insight based on his wealth of experience photographing intimate elopements and destination events. “He helped us decide on a date and general location,” Amelia says.

Keeping the wedding small meant that the pair could plan without added stress and make intentional decisions without feeling rushed.

When your guest list only includes parents and siblings, it’s essential that your vendors are the right fit. Unlike larger weddings, where the hustle and bustle can overshadow the subtle moments, every interaction and service vendors provide is magnified throughout a small gathering. “[Mark] is so easy to get along with and fit right in to our intimate group,” Amelia says.

Mark was attentive to Sean and Amelia’s wishes and customized their photo gallery and video accordingly. “Everyone who has watched our video

Additional Vendors Airbnb; New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar; David’s Bridal; StudioSuits; Brushes and Braids; Short Street Cakes; Rustic & Main; Niamh Designs Embroidery

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has cried,” Amelia says. “It’s beyond beautiful. The drone Mark uses adds such a unique perspective.

We’re able to watch it and relive the best day of our lives over and over again. I can’t thank him enough.”

Sean and Amelia hosted their nuptials at an Asheville Airbnb. “It felt like every part of our wedding was personal because it was so unique,” Amelia says. “I was able to take my time making decisions and choosing exactly what I wanted.”

The couple incorporated references to their love story and customized details in every aspect of the day, from Amelia’s custom leather jacket to their vegan hummingbird cake from Short Street Cakes.

Sean’s father, Bill O’Reilly, officiated the ceremony and personalized his script for the couple.

“Eloping with your closest people – in our case, parents and siblings only – really allows you to focus on the main goal – committing yourself to the love of your life and integrating your core family,” Amelia says. The couple later hosted a party to celebrate with friends in their hometown of Chicago.

Love on Film

Scan the code to view the full gallery and video Mark created on our blog!

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Birdsong Chapel at

Lewis-Atkinson Home

Lafayette-Sasser Home

Inspired by a girl on her granddads tractor...

Brooke's Fresh Cut Flower Farm

at

beautiful natural areas with garden and woodland backdrops

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personalized wedding planning and services Inviting areas for guests to gather

thematic Decor large areas for parking or additional features

read our blog!

separate ceremony areas

Photo by Mindee Bachenberg

Featured Venue: The farm on cotton

broso

By Renee Am

Griggs, er and Anne Christa Tarv o du n to sig s de or l and flora notch vend ding planning a group of topents, rallied he seasoned wed Ev ee B ch t.

The Fren oto shoo se in New Bern, ed wedding ph who partner as oduce this styl Anne’s home ba pr d d an an a e ist iz hr al C tu ing it the concep scenes is ed in 1710, mak these romantic ish r bl fo ta g es in tt as se w e at Th ern is a highly e coast th e state. New B a, a city near th th in in ol n ar w C to ent rivers, th al or ni N settled colo e Neuse and Tr n th ea of op e r ur nc E ue t es nfl a perfect spot fo d at the co second-old ews. “It is really r events; situate vi fo t ea .” on ar re fr er he er at ft es w -a sought and venu r as well as azing vendors storic characte e have some am “W the city offers hi . ys sa e nn edding,” A a destination w Heart of NC Weddings Vendors Planner, Floral Design & Drapery The French Bee Events | Rentals The Carolina Refinery Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty | Dresses & Jewelry Thornbury Brides | Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Additional Vendors Photographer Cynthia Rose Photography | Cake Famous Restaurant & Baking Company

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New Bern offers myriad venue options for hosting weddings, from mansions like The Jarvis at 220 to the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County, which can easily accommodate hundreds and offers stunning views of the waterfront.

Tryon Palace, the former home of Royal Governor William Tryon that was constructed in 1770, also caters to weddings across its grounds and extensive gardens.

Another draw is New Bern’s bustling downtown area, which has no shortage of architectural charm as well as restaurants, cafes, antique shops and galleries to explore. “Guests love to come stay in the historic part of town and walk around during the day and poke into shops,” Anne says. “We have a big selection of golf courses, or maybe a boat outing is on the menu,” she adds. What is certain is that wedding guests will find varied entertainment options to explore throughout their stay.

Anne and Christa made use of a weathered warehouse as the backdrop for this particular styled wedding, showcasing a warm, romantic design in addition to New Bern’s picturesque waterfront.

Soft yet colorful blooms create an impressive display that stems from Anne and Christa’s vision of a hopelessly romantic, fairy tale scene. The French Bee’s aspiration “is to make florals look as Mother Nature intended them to,” Anne says, which is achieved in part through “grouping similar flowers together – in a garden you normally will not find one delphinium blooming all by itself, but within a group.” In keeping with this principle, clusters of Moab, Candlelight, Gobi peach, Moonstone and Pastella blush roses emerge from natural greenery that Anne sourced locally. “I find that incorporating things that grow around us gives the flowers a much more natural look and lends a lot of interest,” she says.  heartofncweddings.com

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These overflowing floral arrangements accompany flowy drapery, creating a cozy, welcoming feel in the industrial space.

Anne emphasizes that multiple decor elements tie together the overall theme of a celebration and are necessary to transform any location into an elevated setting. “I don’t just design one aspect of an event,” Anne says. “I think about how all the different elements – such as drapery, linens, rentals, lighting and florals – will help me create the entire look or feel.” A grand floral installation perched on a ceiling beam helps to balance the scene, Anne says, while rosy linens, lanterns and plush seating from The Carolina Refinery further cushion the venue.  124

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New Bern's unique location at the confluence of the Trent and Neuse rivers means that waterfront views can be found at many venues.

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In the warm glow of candlelight,

Kate McMillan models a Reign gown

by Kelly Faetanini with a cascading skirt of blush ombre tulle (as seen on page 123) from New Bern’s own Thornbury Brides.

“Kelly Faetanini is classic with a twist,” says boutique owner Nell Todd. “We were looking for a romantic, soft look with the rustic surroundings.”

Paired with a tousled updo and peachy makeup by Reign Beauty, Kate looks radiant next to her make-believe partner, George Zaytoun III, dressed in a navy suit from Bernard’s Formalwear.

After their imaginary nuptials, the couple heads outside for portraits during golden hour, as the sun gently slips toward the horizon. Kate shows off a strapless lace Eddie K dress, another option from Thornbury Brides perfectly suited for a mild, late-summer date. Gazing out across the water as it catches golden rays, it’s clear that New Bern’s enduring charm will continue to capture the hearts of couples for years – perhaps centuries – to come.

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the

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529 South Front St. New Bern, NC 252-639-3517 tryonpalace.org/weddings

Photo credits Emily Saunders Photography Melissa Blythe Photography Cynthia Rose Photography

Claudia Del Photography

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T R AV E L Danielle Siansky and Dan Murray with their guests in Cancun, Mexico. Photo by Vida Linda Photography

Jet Set

Meet the mother-daughter team passionate about planning destination events and honeymoons

auren Doyle has more than a decade of experience helping couples and families plan honeymoons and trips across the globe. She learned the ins and outs of travel planning from her own mom, Jennie Mechanic, who founded The Travel Mechanic after decades of working for travel agencies. Jennie and Lauren, together with a team of other travel agents, now help clients plan everything from family vacations and destination weddings to Disney cruises.

When it comes to international weddings, Lauren says, “the biggest pro is that it can be a fraction of the price of a stateside wedding. When you pick a venue or resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, your money goes a lot further than it would in the U.S.” Lauren adds that destination weddings allow you, Additional Vendors Hyatt Ziva Cancun; Francisco Suavo; Gavin Christianson Bridal; Mejuri; Sara Tomago; Rocio Juarez; K'ndy Flowers; Freebird City Design

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your partner and your loved ones to spend a lot more time together than you likely would otherwise. “You spend all this time planning and [a normal wedding will] go by in a flash. A destination wedding is a wedding weekend,” she emphasizes.

This sentiment describes what Danielle Siansky and Dan Murray concluded when they set out to plan their big day. “We looked at seven venues in Raleigh and fell in love with two.

We were about to make a deposit on one of them when I realized that if we were going to ask our friends and family to travel from all over the country, we might as well ask them to travel to a tropical, beautiful destination where we could all celebrate together,” Danielle says.

“The plus side to a destination wedding is getting to spend extra time with all of your guests.

Typically when we go to a wedding, it’s over within six hours. Our wedding lasted four days!”

Danielle and Dan tied the knot at Hyatt Ziva resort in Cancun, Mexico, on Jan. 2, 2023.

The couple leaned on Lauren’s expertise to help organize their plans and their guests’ bookings.

The Travel Mechanic offers each destination couple the use of a website platform to help relay essential travel information to guests, and they can even book their rooms through the portal. “The key is to have all of the travel information [easily accessible for guests] … it takes the stress off the couple,” Lauren says. “We try to streamline [planning] and prepare each guest fully for whatever destination they’ll be traveling to.”

Of course, not every guest you invite will be able or willing to make an international trip, which can be a pro or con, Lauren says. For some, this can alleviate the pressure of feeling obligated to host a crowd of hundreds, allowing for a more intimate celebration with the loved ones who attend.

“After the ceremony we took a group photo, and realizing that 80 of our friends and family flew to Mexico to celebrate us, we both felt so loved – and we both cry every time we talk about it,” Danielle says.

These are just a few reasons Lauren says destination weddings continue to grow in popularity, even though they’re not the right fit for everyone.

If you go this route, be prepared to work closely with your planning team. “You’re going to have to trust your wedding coordinator and your travel specialist (like myself ) to help guide you through the process,” Lauren says.

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COST

Wedding gowns can range anywhere from $800 to $20,000, but cost around $3,000 on average.

Formalwear rentals start around $190 or more for a designer suit or tux, and typically include a coat, pants, vest, shirt, tie and shoes. Purchasing formalwear or commissioning a custom suit is significantly more expensive. Don’t forget to budget for shoes, accessories – including headwear, veils, belts, socks and more – and jewelry.

Bridal hair and makeup can cost anywhere from $120 to $600 with a trial run. Hair and makeup for wedding party members typically costs $95 to $250 per person. Remember to budget for services like nails and skin care, or spa treatments.

CONSIDER

Wedding dresses typically take four to seven months to arrive after ordering, so start shopping 10 months to a year in advance of the big day. Aim to purchase or rent your formalwear no later than 90 days in advance. Look to book your hair and makeup team about 9 months in advance of the wedding, and complete a trial run about 90 days out.

UC Models’ Kleo Carter and Andréa Watson model a Dany Tabet pleated silk ballgown and a Rivini by Rita Vinieris lace gown from White Bridal Boutiques, respectively, at the Cannon Room, with hair and makeup by Reign Beauty.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography Additional Vendors UC Models, styled by Amy Plant-Perdue

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Venue Cannon Room Photographer Richard Barlow Dresses Gilded Bridal Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty

Additional Vendor Earrings Hushed Commotion

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Fashion & beauty

he Cannon Room, the gem within the penthouse of Raleigh’s Capital Club, features exquisite art deco details atop the circa 1929 high-rise – a fitting backdrop for delicate tulle, shimmering satin and the intricate embellishments that are trending this season.

UC Models’ Andréa Watson wears an ethereal Daalarna Couture dress from Raleigh boutique Gilded Bridal. “Daalarna is a true European atelier based in Budapest, Hungary, where all gowns are produced by hand in its studio,” says Gilded Bridal owner Susan Langford. “This dress brings on-trend, over-the-top shoulder bows, and a delicate fabric overlaid on a bustier-style bodice. Bustiers are the No. 1 trend in bridal this year.”

A fitted bustier similarly adds structure to the Truvelle ballgown, also from Gilded Bridal, worn by UC Models’ Kleo Carter. The Canadianbased designer is beloved for its use of unique fabrics, like the textured, floral Jacquard of this gown. “Truvelle is committed to ethical fashion, both in production and in its impact on the environment,” Susan adds. “We love the on-trend slit in this skirt, and the boning in the bodice – a nod to a vintage fit a la ‘Bridgerton.’” In fact, this kind of visual allusion to corsetry isn’t the only element of regencycore continuing its reign over bridal fashion.  heartofncweddings.com

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Elegant ballgown silhouettes with voluminous skirts and flowing trains bring the drama, much like our favorite “Bridgerton” cast members. Kleo models a strapless Rivini

by Rita Vinieris dress with exposed boning and a full skirt in liquid shimmer satin – a radiant example of a look many to-be-weds are currently seeking, according to Michelle Jarrett, director of sales for White Bridal Boutiques. The addition of delicate mesh gloves with pearl clusters and coordinating earrings completes the ensemble. 

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dress & Accessories White Bridal Boutiques Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear

Additional Vendor Capital Club 16 Restaurant and Bar

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Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Venue Cannon Room Photographer Richard Barlow Dresses & Jewelry White Bridal Boutiques Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear

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Fashion & beauty

UC Models’ Trevor Wilson looks dashing in an Ike Behar tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear. “After an extended period of outdoor weddings that

were somewhat less formal, we are seeing events trending back to black-tie formal,” says Bernard’s Operations Manager Keith Smith. “The slimmer, more fitted versions of these classic tuxedos offer simple elegance,” Keith adds.

Andréa wears a Rivini by Rita Vinieris fit-and-flare gown with a delicate detachable wrap, and Kleo keeps with the fitted bodice styling in a Dany Tabet pleated silk ballgown, both from White Bridal Boutiques.

Reign Beauty highlighted Kleo’s natural curls in both a French twist and a second, looser style. “Each year, we are getting more requests from brides with natural hair searching for artists who are knowledgeable about their hair type,” says Reign Beauty CEO and founder Marissa Davis. “So it was important to us this was represented in the final look.”  heartofncweddings.com

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dress Gilded Bridal Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear

Reign’s team also transformed Andréa’s polished updo into a retro, half-up style inspired by ’60s glam and Brigitte Bardot. Andréa wears an asymmetrical Alyssa Kristin dress from Gilded Bridal, styled at times with chic pearled gloves, hoops and a clear belt from Durham-based jewelry and accessory studio Hushed Commotion, also available at Gilded.  Additional Vendor Hushed Commotion

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dress Gilded Bridal Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Glasses BeEverthine

BELOW Dress White Bridal Boutiques

Additional Vendor Earrings & Veil Hushed Commotion

Richard Barlow Photography snapped a mix of high-fashion, polished photos as well as candid scenes with flash, embracing a trend that’s taking weddings by storm. “I had the original concept for the session to be a retro-style shoot involving an ’80s Mercedes that a friend of mine owns,” Richard says. “... One day, I was scrolling through social media and stumbled across a photo shoot that Ana de Armas modeled in for a French magazine using a vintage car; that was where I drew inspiration. Combined with the much-requested look of on-camera flash, or ‘Polaroid flash,’ this concept was born.” 

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dresses & Earrings White Bridal Boutiques Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Veil BeEverthine

RIGHT Dress Gilded Bridal Glasses BeEverthine

Mini getaway gowns and oversized bows take the place of more formal attire, shifting the couple into afterparty mode. Retro pearl glasses and hair accessories from online bridal apparel and gift retailer BeEverthine allude to fashions of decades past.

Additional Vendor Earrings Hushed Commotion

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Fashion & beauty

“This style of photography is ... a blast to shoot, because it requires a lot of movement, expression and playfulness from both the photographer and the subject in order to be authentic,” Richard says. 

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A heart-shaped cake from Raleigh bakery Sugar Euphoria is piped generously in a Lambeth style. “The more people see this style, the more elaborate it’ll get over time,” says Sugar Euphoria founder Randi Smith.

“We’ve definitely noticed a resurgence of this nostalgic style as people are going through their grandparents’ or parents’ [wedding albums].” A playful smash with Champagne coupes completes the fanciful evening. 

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Fashion & beauty

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dress & Accessories BeEverthine Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Cake Sugar Euphoria

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Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Dress & Headband BeEverthine Photographer Richard Barlow Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear

RIGHT 1 Tote and pearl glasses from BeEverthine 2 Earrings from White Bridal Boutiques

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1

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“...it is simply necessary to love.”

Fabiana Skubic Photography

~Monet

bernard’s F O R M A L W E A R

Tuxedos & Suits See NC's best formalwear options at one of our family of stores or online at bernardsformalwear.com Bernard’s Formalwear 734 Ninth St Durham, NC 919.286.3633

Bruce’s Tuxedos 200 S Main St Lexington, NC 336.249.1977

Cape Fear Formalwear 412 S Colllege Rd Wilmington, NC 910.228.5024

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y

At The Durham Hotel, Maria Oviedo (left) and Andreana Assimos (right) model attire from Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh, while Daniel Pan wears a Bernard’s Formalwear suit and Lillie Brown a White Bridal Boutiques gown with hair and makeup by The Bardot and flowers from KatieDid Florals. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography

The Perfect Fit

Shopping for wedding party attire made simple

f you’ve been asked to be a member of the wedding party of your close friend or relative – congratulations! It’s an honor to take part in the nuptials of a loved one, and the invitation means you’ve likely impacted their life greatly in a positive way. Now, 156

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Cynthia Rose Photography

233 Middle St., New Bern, NC 28560 • info@thornburybrides.com • 252.631.5140 • @thornburybrides

Book an Appointment Online at ThornburyBrides.com

Fashion & Beauty

Sarah Swindell poses with her wedding party – all wearing Alfred Sung dresses from Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh – at Oakland Farm, with flowers by KatieDid Florals.

Photo by Brynn Gross Photography

you’ll provide emotional support as they enter into a new phase of life. What you’ll wear while doing so is, traditionally, up to the celebrant.

For bridesmaids, there may be more freedom to choose your own attire than ever before according to Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh owner Rachel Harrell. “With the increase in mix-and-match styles, [to-be-weds] are having their wedding party pick silhouettes they’re most comfortable wearing,” she says. Many celebrants are opting to have their wearing parties dress in different yet intentionally coordinating colors, materials, styles or patterns. The added benefit of this look over identical attire means that each wedding party member can choose what they feel most comfortable, confident and happy wearing! Just be sure to adhere to the guidelines set forth by your friend or family member – after all, it is their wedding.

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When it comes to bridesmaid dress shopping, it’s essential to start your search a minimum of several months before the wedding, Rachel adds. “A dress can take anywhere from 2-6 months to arrive depending on the designer, and we want dresses to arrive at least a month before the wedding to allow for alterations.”

In addition to mismatched styles, Rachel says lots of texture is playing a big role in many upcoming weddings. “The addition of texture by way of tulle, 3D florals or a tiered design adds a fun element to the bridal party.”

SUIT UP

If you’re in the position of selecting formalwear for yourself and your wedding party, consider how you’ll want to differentiate your look from theirs. A different lapel style, material like satin or velvet, or color

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Fashion & Beauty

Joshua Homes wears a custom suit from Liles Clothing Studio. Photo by Preston Smith Photography

can help you stand out. Also consider the use of unique accessories like colorful bow ties, lapel pins, pocket squares or boutonnieres to make the look your own.

Currently, wedding formalwear is trending in two opposing directions, says Bruce Liles, owner and president of custom clothier Liles Clothing Studio, located in Raleigh’s North Hills neighborhood. “We see two major trends happening: formal weddings and destination weddings,” Bruce says. “Formal tends to call for black or midnight blue tuxes, and even full dress cutaway. Destination events at tropical or resort settings [are a good fit for] linen suits or off-white dinner jackets.”

Bernard’s Formalwear Operations Manager Keith Smith agrees that an increase in the popularity of formal weddings is calling for sophisticated silhouettes and fabrics, and a return to elegant tuxedos. Keith encourages anyone wanting this look to test out each tux style before settling on one. “Classic tuxedos come in three basic lapel styles – that’s it.

Come in and try on all three to confirm your favorite,” Keith says. “That’s really the only way. Online dealers won’t let you do that, and big box stores can’t [offer try-ons] right on the spot the way a local warehouse like Bernard’s can.”

If you and your wedding party are renting formalwear, Keith advises choosing styles and colors at least 90 days in advance, and he recommends wedding party members supply measurements about a month prior.

If you’re going the custom route, formalwear will vary in price depending on the fabric, style and details you choose, but allow for a one-of-a-kind design that you can personalize with details specific to your preferences. If you’re having trouble parsing through all the options available, lean on the expertise of an experienced vendor. “We guide [you] to styles that flatter, a design that’s timeless and a fit that’s perfect,” Bruce says.

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FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y

The Finishing Touch

By Lena Miano Styled by Amy Plant-Perdue Photography by Rae Marshall Photography

he beauty of accessories is that the way you pair and style them shows your personality and spirit,” says BeEverthine founder Eileen Schilly. “Many people can wear the same dress, but what will make your look stand apart is how you style it.”

BeEverthine stocks an array of accessories, bachelorette gifts, apparel and other items for distinct bridal looks.

“If you, like me, have FOMO and want to include all the accessories, then curate multiple looks,” Eileen suggests.

“There are so many ways to do this. If it’s in your budget to have a second dress, fantastic! If it isn’t, you can give the illusion of a second look

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by changing up your accessories.” Eileen recommends opting for more traditional accessories like a veil or sleeves for your ceremony, then changing into more playful adornments like bows and embellished gloves for a reception or send-off look.

You can also play with trendy beaded clutches, a pair of flashy pearl-rimmed sunnies or even a fringed jacket for your bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, bridal brunch or honeymoon attire.

DAY-OF JEWELS Diamonds Direct marketing and merchandising manager Tessa Kitko

recommends pairing one showstopping piece of jewelry with understated or delicate pieces to ensure you and your attire remain the center of attention.

“For wedding day jewelry, it’s a great idea to play off the details in your engagement ring,” Tessa adds. Consider similar shapes, diamond settings and the overall vibe of your ring – such as vintage elements or colorful stones – to bring your look together.

Leanna Norris, Jewelry Authority’s content coordinator and marketing specialist, agrees that any statement pieces you plan to wear on your wedding day don’t have to match perfectly, but should have a cohesive theme. “An easy guideline to follow is for your jewelry to have one aspect in common,” Leanna says. She suggests selecting

OPPOSITE PAGE Beaded clutches from BeEverthine recall vintage designs yet play up modern trends through cutesy wording.

LEFT A hair bow from BeEverthine.

ABOVE White gold diamond drop earrings; a 14-karat white gold necklace with blue sapphires and diamonds; an 18-karat white gold Christopher Designs wedding band; and an 18-karat white gold Christopher Designs engagement ring, all from Diamonds Direct. heartofncweddings.com

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accessories that incorporate the same metal, stone color or design era.

“The most important tip for choosing your wedding day jewelry is to select pieces that are meaningful to you,” Leanna adds.

“Perhaps estate heirlooms, a gift from your significant other engraved with your anniversary or a custom piece you designed to pass down to future generations.”

BALLETCORE

“French influences and bows are really coming into play,” Eileen says. Bows bring a lighthearted feel to any look, whether as dainty embellishments on a dress or as a bold, oversized hair accessory in lieu of a traditional veil. Opting for simple and relaxed fabrics give bows a chic feel.

MIX AND MATCH

ABOVE RIGHT A gold wedding band, bezel-set engagement ring and diamond wedding band, and graduated bezel-set diamond necklace from Jewelry Authority.

ABOVE Cushion-cut meteorite and sterling silver cufflinks from Jewelsmith. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography LEFT A 14-karat rose gold Henri Daussi baguette-cut diamond eternity band and matching 14-karat rose gold Henri Daussi diamond band with a 2023 Rolex Datejust 36 in stainless steel and rose gold, all from Diamonds Direct.

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Pearls, ruffles, embroidery – more is more when it comes to trending bridal accessories.

Eileen recommends pairing these textures carefully. “If you’re loving pearl gloves, opt for a simple tulle veil but keep the pearl jewelry,” she says. “You want to match, but not be matchy-matchy.” If your gown is clean and minimal, explore embellished veils, beaded gloves or chunky jewelry for a balanced look.

FOR THE GROOM

Modernize his formalwear with a snazzy watch, lapel pin and a pair of unique cufflinks. Also consider selecting a tie or bow tie, suspenders, socks and shoes that will differentiate the groom’s look from the rest of the wedding party.

from here to “I DO” we’ve got you SHOP ALL THE TRENDS BACHELORETTE BRIDAL MINIS GIFTS & MORE

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visit www.beverthine.com

FA S H I O N

Best Dressed

By Sinclair Holian Photography by Anagram Photo

or more than 11 years,

Mary-Kannon Jefferson

Mary-Kannon Jefferson with her parents, Boo Jefferson and Jay Jefferson.

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has dedicated her professional life to Kannon’s Clothing, which was opened in 1916 by her great-grandfather Isaac George Kannon. The store has remained family owned for more than a century, and now operates women’s and men’s stores in Raleigh’s Village District, stocking an array of elegant and formal attire perfect for bridal showers, engagement parties or rehearsal dinners, in addition to mother of the couple gowns and custom made-to-measure suits.

“We can dress you from the bridal shower to the wedding itself,” Mary-Kannon says.

Currently Kannon’s assistant manager and buyer, Mary-Kannon provides behind-the-scenes support for countless wedding looks. On June 3, 2023, she took the spotlight herself to tie the knot with Matt Gosnell. The pair met as college seniors while Mary-Kannon attended N.C. State University and Matt the University of Virginia, and after five years of dating, Matt proposed at Asheville’s Grove Park Inn. The couple held their summer ceremony at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Wendell, North Carolina, and reception at Carolina Country Club. The celebration carried a garden

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party theme inspired by Mary-Kannon’s love of summer flowers, particularly hydrangeas. A blue and white color palette informed floral arrangements, linens and bridesmaids’ Mestiza dresses.

Naturally, Kannon’s played a significant role in the big day. Matt, Mary-Kannon and their mothers all found their rehearsal dinner looks from the family business. And, after walking down the aisle in a gown from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, Mary-Kannon slipped into a yellow Badgley Mischka dress from Kannon’s. “My aunt bought me some yellow shoes, so I really started from the bottom up on that one. I love yellow and knew I wanted to incorporate the color somehow,” she says. “Even though I wanted to be in my wedding gown most of the night, I figured the A-line dress would be great for the send-off ! It was Brother the groom Scott Gosnell and mother of the groom Mary Ann Gosnell wear attire from Kannon’s Clothing.

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originally a gown that Kannon’s tailored into a tea-length dress.” Kannon’s offers in-house alterations, with full-time tailors on staff at both the men’s and women’s stores.

Kannon’s also provided wedding day attire for the mothers of the couple, formalwear, earrings for the bridesmaids and Matt’s tuxedo. “I was able to get a black tux off the rack and they ordered me a white dinner jacket,” Matt says. The whole process was “quick and seamless,” he adds.

The big day was a special one not only personally for Mary-Kannon, but also as a valuable professional learning experience. “It was great to work in the industry and then go through the process yourself,” she says. “Now I really know both sides and can honestly help my customers better because of it.” Mary-Kannon advises to-be-weds not to stress about sticking to white or any other palette when it comes to what you wear. “If you fall in love with a print or certain colors, wear what you love!”

Some of Mary-Kannon’s favorite memories of the day are dancing with friends and family during the reception. “Matt and I had a private dance at the end of the night, which was great,” she says. “My family is Lebanese so we danced a dance called the Dabke at the reception. It was so much fun!”

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Formalwear, Mothers of the Couple Gowns, Bridesmaid Jewelry, Reception Dress Kannon’s Clothing Rentals Curated Events Raleigh Rehearsal Dinner Venue Merrimon-Wynne House

Matt Gosnell (second from right) and members of the wedding party wear coordinating dinner jackets from Kannon’s Clothing.

Additional Vendors St. Eugene Catholic Church; Carolina Country Club; Alexia’s Bridal Boutique; La Fête Planning & Design; Reliable Jewelry; Wink Hair & Makeup; Siegel Films; Kelly Odom Flowers & Interiors; If It’s Paper; Sterling Calligraphy and Design; Sol Fusion; EcoStyle Transportation

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Shine Bright

By Haley Pineles

hen you’re buying an engagement ring, it can be difficult to know where to start.

There are seemingly endless options, from antique to modern and even lab-grown gems. Maybe a retro ring with heirloom qualities appeals to your style, or maybe you fancy creating an entirely custom design incorporating details meaningful to your love story. We compiled a handy guide to each style and asked three local jewelers to help explain their characteristics.

ANTIQUE

This category applies to any piece of jewelry at least 100 years old. Antique rings are typically dated from the Victorian (1837-1901), art nouveau (1890-1910), Edwardian (1901-1914) or art deco (1919-1939) eras and usually contain diamond cut variations popular during those periods, such as Old Mine or Old European.

VINTAGE

A piece must be 20 years or older to earn this label. There are many pros to selecting a vintage piece – historically, appraisal values for vintage rings have increased over time, especially those with natural diamonds. Shopping vintage can also mean more unique finds. If you’re looking into purchasing vintage or antique jewelry, Jewelry Authority in Greensboro is a fantastic place to start.

MODERN

Jewelry designed within the past 20 years is considered modern. Modern rings are less likely to need repairs and there are generally fewer overall structural issues than their vintage and antique counterparts. On the other hand, modern designs may be more expensive solely as a result of the quality and size of the stones. Some modern pieces may incorporate lab-grown gems to achieve a dazzling look at a more affordable price. 

An art deco diamond cocktail ring from Jewelry Authority.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

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7804 NATIONAL SERVICE ROAD GREENSBORO NC

JEWELRYAUTHORITY.COM (336) 886-4653

PERMANENT JEWELRY

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Gifts

Bridal Showers

goldngirls@jewelryauthority.com (336) 652-0427 @goldngirls_nc

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BY JEWELRY AUTHORITY

Fashion & Beauty

retain their inherent monetary value, unlike natural diamonds.”

Ultimately, the choice is yours.

“Our goal when working with a client is not to choose something CUSTOM for them, but rather to equip the New jewelry designed in collaboration customer with the knowledge, with the buyer may use a mix of modern tools and inventory to make that materials combined with vintage or determination on their own,” says antique, creating a truly unique final Diamonds Direct’s Leslie Phillips. product. Jewelsmith in Durham In addition to its exceptionally vast specializes in custom design. inventory, Diamonds Direct takes pride in offering thorough education LAB GROWN and helping clients to make Man-made gems cultivated in a informed choices on ring design laboratory. Just like natural gems, these and diamond shape. can also be given a certifiable quality The right jeweler will provide grade by grading institutions such as guidance throughout the process of the International Grading Institute purchasing your dream piece. “We begin and Gemological Institute of America every consultation by asking a series of based on inclusions, color and cut. Both questions to determine style, budget, technically and scientifically speaking, timeline and wish list,” explains Jewelry these are real gems – the only artificial Authority Custom Design Specialist aspect of them is their synthetic origin.

Hallie Young. “We even created an engagement ring buying guide for those WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY who don’t know where to start,” adds From left: a pear-cut halo engagement ring, a round halo engagement ring, an oval three-stone When you think of classic wedding Leanna Norris, the store’s marketing engagement ring and diamond tennis bracelets from rings, the image that pops into your specialist and content coordinator.

Jewelry Authority. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography head might be an antique diamond ring.

“The process of discovery often The value of an antique piece depends mimics the love story itself,” says on three main variables: the quality of the piece, its original condition Mary Coleman, designer and sales associate at Jewelsmith. and current trends. Note that antique rings may need repairs if not in “Maybe you saw the perfect ring and knew it good condition. was the one. Maybe it had to be tweaked “If kept in excellent condition, antique rings can be more expensive, and modified. Maybe you had the but this is not always the case,” says Jewelry Authority Owner Roger pieces all along and needed an outside Wilson. “It is always best to have antique and vintage rings evaluated perspective on how to reimagine them by a professional for the most accurate value.” for a new future. Our advice is to The biggest draw of commissioning custom jewelry is that you’ll enjoy the process and make your end up with a unique piece that truly reflects your desires. According jewelry dreams come true!” to the Jewelsmith team, the custom route can offer flexibility in budget since you get to select the elements most important to you.

Jewelsmith’s designers pay close attention to the desires of each custom client, taking into consideration how the new piece will be worn and what details of any heirloom jewelry can be preserved.

Gemstones cultivated carefully in laboratory conditions are an increasingly prominent alternative to mined gems.

“The main difference most customers notice [between natural Jewelsmith used the stones from a vintage and lab-grown gems] right away is the difference in price,” says ring, pictured left, to Diamonds Direct Store Manager Lev Shnaidman. “Natural create a romantic rose diamonds cost more than lab-grown diamonds because they are gold stunner, shown above. The delicate rare. Over the last decade lab-grown diamonds have flooded the milgrain and floral market and are readily available – which has driven the price details are a sweet nod down significantly. For that reason, lab-grown diamonds do not to the original design.

ESTATE

A ring from any time period that has seen some usage and wear qualifies as an estate piece.

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B E A U T Y & H E A LT H

Fresh Faced

Advice on prepping for the big day from skin experts

s you Texture can also be envision your addressed through laser wedding day, treatments and broadband it’s natural to light therapy. “Skin imagine looking and feeling resurfacing laser treatments your best. If your ideal picture are a game-changer in includes flawless skin, there’s terms of skin tone, texture quite a range of in-office and radiance,” Lisa says. procedures you can take Simply put, lasers employ advantage of. Dr. Lisa Ishii, a different wavelengths of board certified dermatologist light in order to reduce the at Aesthetic Solutions, appearance of wrinkles, acne recognizes the unique path and texture. There are many of each individual’s journey laser treatments, each of to the altar, stating that which target different skin “everyone is different, so there concerns like fine lines or isn’t a one-size-fits-all plan hyperpigmentation. to get wedding ready.” With Unlike lasers, broadband the help of a professional, it’s light treatments can penetrate possible to tailor a treatment deeper through the layers of plan to your specific needs your skin, stimulating collagen and desires, and ultimately regeneration, which reduces make your wedding day all the look of brown spots, the more memorable. freckles, redness and acne.

If you’re not sure where to However, Lisa notes start, consider non-invasive that “typically, injectable options that won’t require treatments (hyaluronic multiple in-office visits. acid-based filler and “Hydrafacials are our gold neuromodulators like Botox) standard for brides,” says are the most popular.” She Amy Costa, a licensed says these options offer the aesthetician at Finn Plastic most noticeable results in the Surgery. “This service shortest amount of time, and Lillie Brown wears a White Bridal Boutiques gown with jewelry provides a radiant glow therefore, like hydrafacials, are from Jewelsmith, hair and makeup by The Bardot and flowers from KatieDid Florals at The Durham Hotel. with no downtime!” suitable options for to-be-weds Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography Hydrafacials involve a few weeks out from the big exfoliating, cleansing and day. According to Amy, many hydrating the skin. Using a specialized device, your provider can brides are now taking advantage of new technologies like Finn’s remove impurities and infuse nourishing serums into the skin to SkinVive, an injectable treatment that helps the skin to retain lessen the look of pores, improve texture and leave the skin moisture for a hydrated, glowing look. Aesthetic Solution’s Brella feeling refreshed.

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UNPARALLELED ARTISTRY EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY

Finn Plastic Surgery is a comprehensive aesthetic practice serving patients seeking a variety of services, from minimally invasive treatments and physician-prescribed skincare to surgical procedures. In their fully accredited, on-site, surgical suite, Dr. Finn, Dr. Elkins-Williams, and Dr. Sowder perform a full complement of facial, breast, and body plastic surgery procedures. At Finn Plastic Surgery, only fully trained plastic surgeons perform injectable treatments like Botox® and fillers.

Voted “Best of Chapel Hill” 12 years in a row, Finn Plastic Surgery will help you look and feel your best on your big day!

1390 Environ Way, Chapel Hill, NC | 919.933.9522 | finnface.com | @finnplasticsurgery

COSMETIC SURGERY | INJECTABLE TREATMENTS | SKINCARE | LASERS

Beauty & Health

several months, may also be of interest for those tying the knot in the summer months.

Botox can be used to mitigate fine lines, to modify your facial profile or for other uses.

While light and laser therapies and neuromodulators may offer great results for many, it’s also common for people to look past the basics, Amy adds. “Medical-grade skin care is often forgotten, but can go a long way,” she says, adding that sunscreen should be the most important step of your skin routine. Maintaining sun protective measures and investing in quality skin care can increase the benefits from procedures if you do choose to get them.

The golden rule for aesthetic treatments before your big day is to give yourself more time to recoup than you think you’ll need.

“The last thing you want to do is try something new and intense too close to the big day.

Give yourself plenty of time to recover and rejuvenate so you can feel confident as you approach the wedding!” Amy says.

Lisa recommends developing a relationship with a dermatologist at least a year before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to establish clear goals and develop the perfect look for when your day rolls around. “Aesthetic dermatology is a marathon, not a sprint!” she says.

Injectables and laser treatments require adequate time to heal and reveal full results.

BBL and radiofrequency microneedling have a longer timeline because these interventions require multiple treatment sessions to achieve the desired results. If you’re interested in more invasive procedures like cosmetic surgery, consult your provider well before the wedding date. Finn offers both facial and body cosmetic surgical procedures.

Non-invasive hydrafacials and dermaplaning are ideally done two weeks before the wedding to promote glowing skin, but can be started 3-6 months in advance for optimal results. “These procedures will also result in your makeup appearing more airbrushed,” Lisa says.

No matter the timeline, Amy still recommends starting your treatment path early so that you’ll have plenty of time to work with your provider to create a customized plan and make informed choices.

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Founded by industry thought leader Dr. Sue Ellen Cox, Aesthetic Solutions is known for expertise in aesthetic medicine. Dr. Cox, Dr. Ishii and team pair proven products, lasers and devices with a highly skilled, compassionate team of healthcare professionals to deliver the very best in aesthetic care.

wrinkle-relaxers • dermal fillers • laser resurfacing fat reduction • muscle toning • laser hair removal chemical peels • medical-grade facials • skincare

2017-2023

Photography by HuthPhoto

919.403.6200 | @aestheticsolutionsnc | aesthetic-solutions.com

VENUES

Wedding Planners

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COST

Full-service planning and design costs can range from $6,500 to as high as $14,000. Some full-service planners will charge a base fee plus a percentage of your overall budget. Partial planning services range from $4,000 to $6,000, depending on the size and scale of your event. Month-of planning or coordination services costs typically range from $2,500 to $3,500.

CONSIDER

Decide whether partial- or full-service planning suits your needs. If you try to save money by planning yourself, you’ll likely end up spending a valuable commodity; time. Many venues require a wedding coordinator, so you’ll need to enlist a month-of planner at the least. If you do hire a professional planner, do so as soon as possible after determining your total budget, guest count and wedding month.

An experienced planner will help you map out where your budget will be spent, help you find fitting vendor matches and save you time and money in the long run. Keep in mind that planners vary in price based on level of experience. While many offer similar services on paper, each has a unique perspective and background – for instance, some are more designoriented, while others are more organizational.

Make sure your planner is a personality match since they’ll guide you through the planning journey and the big day. Remember to ask about any taxes or administrative, service or travel fees that might be included.

“When budgeting for a planner, the saying ‘You get what you pay for’ is true. That’s not to say the lowest priced planner isn’t a good one, but [the price] may reflect their years of experience. That experience can correlate to industry knowledge and vendor relationships. When you choose a well-seasoned planner, you have access to the tools to elevate the overall planning experience, thus, creating an event that is designed and executed flawlessly.”

– Diane Wolk, Bustled Events

A model wears a White Bridal Boutiques dress during a styled photo shoot at The Bradford planned by C&D Events with rentals from American Party Rentals.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography Additional Vendors Mood Fleuriste; Wedded Kiss

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Meet the Planners

By Sinclair Holian

ou’re finally engaged! A lifelong commitment is just around the corner.

Pulling together all of the details of the big day can be intimidating, especially when it may involve contracting more than a dozen vendors.

But, planning doesn’t need to be unreasonably stressful. Hiring a professional wedding planner is key to ensuring your day runs smoothly. Your planner will help manage your timeline and expectations, ensuring that costs remain within your budget and that your desired result is achieved. With a seasoned pro in your corner to connect you with local vendors, manage communication, attend meetings, create ceremony mock-ups, a day-of timeline and more, you’ll be able to focus on what really matters most: enjoying a celebration of your love!

Here, we’re shining a spotlight on our recommended wedding planners, who share their passions, creative processes and what they love most about their jobs.

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Dana Kadwell & Courtney Hopper C&D Events

isters Dana (pictured left) and Courtney’s complementary personalities are central to the effective planning strategies they’ve developed since founding C&D Events in 2006. Courtney’s easygoing, laid-back attitude is a perfect foil to Dana’s meticulous and detailed nature. “I think the balance of our two personalities is what has made us a successful duo for so long,” Courtney says. Together, the sisters have also become co-owners of The Bradford, a wedding venue in New Hill, North Carolina; C&D Events West serving the Triad and western areas of the state; planning collective Anthem House; as well as a podcast and consulting business, Hustle & Gather.

Their collaborative energy extends to C&D’s entire planning team. “We have multiple people on staff that are full-time planning professionals (not subcontractors) that are committed to making the planning process seamless and fun!” Courtney says.

Cultivating trust and open communication is key to each successful wedding day the team executes.

“We love it when our clients feel comfortable and welcome to share ideas and thoughts with our team throughout the planning process,” Courtney says.

April Pyatt of Socialite Events

Photo by Jordan Maunder

April does her best to treat clients as warmly as she would dear friends. A personal connection with every celebrant is central to April’s planning philosophy. “I tend to build close relationships with my couples, so that by the big day it feels like sending my own children down the aisle,” April says. She describes her planning methods as “high-tech meets high-touch,” combining her natural warmth and personableness with the focused, process-oriented approach that she would employ to plan a corporate project. April puts both her heart and analytical side into developing schedules, budget plans and timelines. “I take it personally how well your day goes and how happy you are,” she says. 

Amanda Honeycutt of Anthem House

Amanda became creative director of Anthem House in 2022 after operating her own planning business for over seven years.

“Anthem House is the next chapter of my story … It’s a space where my creativity and logistical skill sets will be reignited and challenged,” she says. “I like to think of myself as a creative innovator that is cognizant of what works.”

Anthem House specializes in luxurious multi-day events.

Amanda and her colleagues hand-select the vendor team for each event they plan, ensuring a harmonious experience for couples. “In the midst of what can feel completely chaotic, there is a calm that comes from knowing your team is going to go above and beyond to bring the design to fruition,” Amanda says. This creative group works tirelessly to plan highly curated experiences, with special attention to creating unforgettable moments that will stay with guests long after the wedding day has passed. “We believe all love should be celebrated and our clients seek an event that is a reflection of their unique journey,” Amanda says.

Photo by Elizabeth Ashley & Co.

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ngela prides herself in offering her clients organized, detail-oriented, strategic and professional guidance. Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate gathering or an extravagant event, she’s committed to a customized wedding planning experience based on your unique needs. For Angela, each journey with a couple is built on a foundation of open dialogue, trust and transparency. “At the beginning of a relationship, we discuss goals and needs,” she says. “From there, we can establish mutual expectations about the scope of the project, timeline, costs and communication preferences.” After meticulous planning and coordination, Angela says that witnessing the final result of her work is always fulfilling. “​​One of the most memorable experiences is seeing the joy and happiness in the eyes of a couple when everything goes according to plan and they are satisfied with the outcome,” she says. ot Ph

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Angela B. Cameron An Event Lady Production

Full-Service

Full-service planners are responsible for comprehensive management of your event from start to finish. Seek out a full-service planner as soon as possible after getting engaged to get the most from their guidance. Services can include managing your budget, event design, attending venue tours, recommending and booking any additional vendors you may require and so much more.

Partial-Service

An ideal option for couples who have made some progress in securing a venue or other vendors, yet need hands-on assistance in certain areas. Partial-service planners may still refer you to trusted vendors, but may not oversee the design of your event. This allows you to benefit from professional guidance but at a lower cost than full-service planning.

Event Design

Some planners offer event design as a stand-alone service or add-on that involves creating an overarching, cohesive design and helping to wrangle your ideas into a reality.

Month-of Coordination

Even if you’re comfortable planning most of the details yourself, most venues require an on-site coordinator, and we wholeheartedly recommend calling in a pro to manage all the moving parts the day of. In reality, there is no such thing as a day-of planner – many step in a few months ahead to manage vendor communication.

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Photos by Cynthia Rose Photography

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Christa Tarver and Anne Griggs of The French Bee Events

Christa (pictured left) and Anne built their planning business on a foundation of genuine friendship. Possessing a wealth of floral design expertise, Anne ensures that every visual detail is just so, while Christa is the mastermind behind the nitty-gritty logistics events require. “She never looks flustered or hurried,” Anne says. “She can run a wedding weekend as well as one of the best symphony conductors.” The results of Anne and Christa’s collaboration are seamless, personal events that draw upon their decades of combined experience. “We want to touch every aspect of the planning and design so that the end result is a smooth, cohesive look that tells the story of our couple,” Anne describes. “We both pour everything we have into our weddings, and we leave nothing on the table.”

Trent Crumpler and Ashley McElroy of Something Fabulous Weddings & Events

As best friends since their high school days, Ashley (pictured right) and Trent keep a fun and lighthearted attitude at the core of Something Fabulous. With the balance of their personalities – Trent is the more extroverted of the pair and Ashley a detailoriented introvert – their goal is to work together to build authentic relationships with clients. “The best memories we have from events is when the couple asks, ‘Can we still be friends?’ when it’s all said and done,” Trent says.

The duo aspire to plan weddings that let the personalities of each couple shine, and do so with the help of 10 additional team members. “Each event gets the attention of the group, making sure that no detail is missed … For full-service clients this means attending all vendor meetings, creating a custom planning timeline and also budget management,” Trent says. He and Ashley encourage thinking outside the “wedding norm,” he says, and embrace creative ideas, resulting in one-of-a-kind events. “Being true to yourself and bringing your unique personality to the wedding day always creates a lasting memory,” Trent says.

Terry Smedley of Bess + Beau Wedding And Event design

With more than 20 years of experience planning weddings, Bess + Beau owner and senior designer Terry (pictured seated left of Bess + Beau’s Kerri Green-Scott, with fellow team members Emma Jackson, Eva Green-Baysmore and Norma Sobczak) describes her crew as “fun, committed and easygoing,” with a focus on maintaining a low-anxiety environment in potentially high-stress situations. This team is divided into two groups; one that specializes in planning logistics and the other event design. Each wedding benefits from the collaboration of the team, meaning that couples feel exceptionally well taken care of.

With wedding advice and inspiration flooding social media, Terry says, she remains committed to helping her couples stay true to themselves when envisioning their dream celebration. She encourages couples to get in touch with what’s really important to them, rather than trying to please family members or fit in with trendy aesthetics.

Photo by Catherine Nguyen

Photo by Mylina Russell

Photo by Photos by Clay

Wedding Planners

Diane Wolk of Bustled Events

Armed with a passion for efficiency and getting things done, Diane describes herself as “being full of energy without any caffeine.” Similarly, her team is never idle during events. “We go above and beyond to make sure everyone has what they need, even if they don’t know they need it,” she says. Throughout the planning process, Diane focuses on looking ahead to anticipate any bumps in the road by creating a master planning document for clients to refer to at any time leading up to their big day and keeping meticulous notes from every meeting. “Open communication within a relaxed environment is my ideal relationship with my clients,” she says.

While Diane is serious about efficient planning, she still takes great enjoyment in every celebration she has the privilege of taking part in – so much so, she says, that her job doesn’t feel like work most of the time. “The perk of being a planner is being able to witness so many wonderful life moments of our clients,” she says.

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Anthem House

B E R N S T E I N + WAT S O N

F

or 2 ½ years, Kelly Watson and Zachary Bernstein lived 20 minutes apart in the Triangle without meeting.

A serendipitous moment brought them together over a shared love of pop culture and bar trivia. Six years later, Zach proposed during sunset at Holden Beach, North Carolina, after disguising the event as a family photo shoot.

The ceremony and reception took place at The Merrimon-Wynne House on Nov. 12, 2022. Officiant Ann McKenzie helped to ensure the ceremony respected both Kelly and Zach’s religious beliefs. They signed an interfaith ketubah, and their parents read prayers from their respective faith traditions.

“We loved the The Merrimon-Wynne from the moment we saw it, and everything flowed from there,” Zach says. “We locked down our amazing wedding planner Amanda Honeycutt, without whom none of this would have been possible.”

Kelly and Zach wanted a classic, timeless feel, and Amanda, creative director of Anthem House, delivered.

She guided the couple in choosing vendors including Curated Events Raleigh and tied together a polished fall color palette throughout the venue.

“Rocky Top Catering provided absolutely delicious food,” Zach says. “We still think about the passed apps we got in our to-go box at the end of the night.”

The couple’s favorite memories are of their first look and private vows. “It felt like a beautiful moment just for us before the happy chaos of everything that followed,” says Zach, who was “blown away” upon first seeing Kelly’s White Bridal Boutiques gown.

– by Catherine VanSchaick

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner Anthem House Rentals Curated Events Raleigh Venue The MerrimonWynne House

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Caterer Rocky Top Catering Dress White Bridal Boutiques

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“Amanda and her team answered all of our questions, soothed our every anxiety, picked out the most beautiful vendors and talked us down when a rare November hurricane threatened to roll through the day before our wedding.”

Photography by Jordan Maunder Additional Vendors Ann McKenzie; Laura Preshong; Indochino; Hathaway Floral Design; The Makeup Team; Bunn DJ Company; The Great Raleigh Trolley

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ANTHEM HOUSE Luxury Event Planning in NC + beyond.

Modern / Sophisticated / Intentional (919) 637-1387 anthemhousenc.com hello@anthemhousenc.com

Jillian Knight Photography

Jillian Knight Photography

C&D EVENTS Detailed logistics and elevated designs since 2006.

523 Pea Ridge Road, New Hill, NC info@canddevents.com (720) 280 - 8085

Annie Timmons Photography Once Gathered Florals

Real Weddings

C&D Events

GARRETT + HENDERSON

C

rystal Henderson and Terrell Garrett embody the notion that sometimes, beautiful things take time to unfold.

The two met in Washington D.C. in 2011 through a mutual friend, but didn’t start dating until nearly six years later.

For their fourth anniversary, Terrell surprised Crystal with a trip to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, where he got down on one knee in a beautiful salt cave.

The couple began planning with a venue search in Crystal’s home state of North Carolina. “We wanted a venue to accommodate our ceremony and reception and have a designated area for both of us to get ready,” Crystal says.

“Terrell actually found The Bradford [in New Hill, North Carolina,] and I immediately fell in love with the venue. It was a perfect fit for our style.”

The couple subsequently matched with C&D Events Event Planner and Designer Alexia Williams. “Crystal and Terrell wanted to be extremely handson,” Alexia says. “I assisted them along the way with all of the logistics such as floor plan creation, timelines, ceremony direction and vendor management.”

“Wedding planning was truly a group project for us and a stepping stone to marriage,” Crystal says. “We wanted to choose as many Black- or women-owned vendors as possible.”

The special day took place Sept. 4, 2022, following a rehearsal dinner at The Mayton in Cary. Crystal’s grandfather Bishop James C. Hash Sr. officiated, adding to the exceptionally personal feel of the day. “We wanted our guests to enjoy themselves and feel the love at our wedding,” Crystal says. The couple shared a family-style meal with their loved ones and posed for pictures with ZimZoom Photo Booth. – by Lucy Thomas

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Venue The Bradford Rentals Curated Events Raleigh

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Photo Booth ZimZoom Photo Booth Rehearsal Dinner Venue The Mayton

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Photography by Porshia Hernandez Additional Vendors Donovan’s Dish; Hayden Olivia Bridal; Suit Supply; Manolo Blahnik; DeMaris McIntyre of Tranzformations; Facing Paris B; Chaz Reid Films; Integrity Strings; Minted; Heatherly Event and Floral Design; The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery; DJ Mass Appeal; EcoStyle Chauffeured Transportation; Carolina Classic Cars

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Real Weddings

Bustled Events

HASTINGS + WILSNACK

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ort Hastings and Catherine Wilsnack are both UNC grads, but the pair didn’t cross paths until they met at a mutual friend’s wedding. A spark between them led to a long-distance relationship; Cort later proposed at the couple’s favorite park in Austin, Texas, where they’d moved in together with their dogs Bao and Miso.

Cort and Catherine married at Raleigh’s Market Hall on July 29, 2023, after a rehearsal dinner at Jiddi Space & Courtyard.

The pair hired Catherine’s childhood friend, Bustled Events owner Diane Wolk, to plan a day that honored their love as well as Catherine’s German and Chinese heritage.

“As soon as we got engaged, I called her,” Catherine says. “I knew that, culturally, she could execute our vision.”

Catherine chose a red dress that offered “a take on a modern qipao,” she says. She and her bridesmaids carried traditional Chinese fans in lieu of flowers.

Cort and Catherine, following Diane’s guidance, decorated Market Hall’s ballroom with hanging lanterns and parasols.

Guests enjoyed a Chinese takeout station provided by Market Hall’s in-house catering team, which, combined with the venue’s downtown location, drew the couple to book the refurbished warehouse.

A red silk cloth from Catherine’s grandmother, Ivy Lee, adorned the sweetheart table. The gift was signed by Chinese family members who weren’t able to attend Ivy’s marriage to Catherine’s grandfather, William Lee, which inspired Catherine and Cort to ask their friends and family to sign a similar cloth rather than a guest book. – by Olivia Leonard

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner Bustled Events Venue + Catering Market Hall Rehearsal Dinner Venue Jiddi Space & Courtyard

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Photography by Morgan Caddell Additional Vendors East Meets Dress; A Shear Perfection; Bunn DJ Company; Etsy; Abbie Dallin; Betts Videography; Nordstrom Rack; Minted; Grand Asia Market; Azazi

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We’re into your details bustledevents.com

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@bustledevents

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919.589.7244

Catherine Nguyen Photography

The Full Journey Begins with

We are a team of specialists with a knack for conceptualizing and executing breathtaking events throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and beyond. Our forte is in creating intimate and customized experiences that are both timeless and emotive.

With our expertise, your nuptial aspirations will come to fruition.

Photography Credit

Magdalena Stefanek Photography

One Vision Photography

919-414-9772 | info@aneventladyproduction.com | aneventladyproduction.com | @aneventladyproduction

Real Weddings

An Event Lady Production L AW + M I L L E R

T

earrieny Miller met Theodore Law in 2008 while they were stationed at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia. The couple dated for two years before both were deployed to Afghanistan. Upon return, they found themselves stationed at different locations, leading to a temporary separation before rekindling their romance over Facebook messaging in 2015. Theodore popped the big question about two years later while they were celebrating Tearrieny’s birthday in Las Vegas. “He called my three brothers and asked them for my hand in marriage,” Tearrieny says. “That meant the world to me.” The pair wed at a nearby chapel the next day.

On Dec. 4, 2022 – their fifth anniversary – the two held a vow renewal at the Grand Marquise Ballroom in Garner, North Carolina, to commemorate their partnership among loved ones. Tearrieny sought out a planner to help with all the details. “I didn’t want to be overwhelmed the day of, and since I’d never planned anything of this magnitude before, I felt a professional would be necessary to guide and assist me,” she says.

An Event Lady Production founder Angela B. Cameron orchestrated a design focused on burgundy, gold and champagne tones with rentals from Curated Events Raleigh. The reception prioritized sentimental moments, like dances with parents and a memorial table to honor late relatives.

“Don’t focus on impressing your guests,” Tearrieny advises other couples.

“You and your partner are the ones putting in the time, energy and money.”

In a full-circle moment, the pair now lives at Fort Gregg-Adams, where they first met. – by Haley Pineles

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner An Event Lady Production

Bridesmaid Attire Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh

Rentals Curated Events Raleigh

Cake Cake Couture Boutique

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Photography by Derrick Bryant of One Vision Photography Additional Vendors Grand Marquise Ballroom; Unforgettable Food Affairs; Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh Crabtree Valley; Ellaz Bridal; New York Bride & Groom of Raleigh; Aiandeva; Pin House Salon (Atavia Downer); Look in the Mirah Beauty; Vanity Beauty by Queen; Optikool Illusions; Brandon Mosley of JustBManNoDJ; Cool Receptions; Alfred Hart Jr.

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Real Weddings

Bess + Beau Wedding and Event Design DAV I S + M A R LOW

Z

ach Davis and Brandi Marlow’s fathers were co-workers, and Zach’s dad would often joke that their children would get married someday. That prediction became a possibility when Brandi and Zach started dating after they graduated from Appalachian State University. A few years later, Zach gifted Brandi tickets to Biltmore Estate and suggested they stroll through the tulip garden, where he proposed. The couple married on May 6, 2023, at Summit on Cross Mountain in Jefferson, North Carolina, overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Brandi says Terry Smedley and Kerri Green-Scott of Bess + Beau Wedding and Event Design made the wedding planning process feel seamless.

“There are not words to describe how amazing Bess + Beau is,” Brandi says. “Terry had every single detail covered and Kerri was unbelievably attentive to Zach and I on the day of and made us feel so special. The wedding went off perfectly. If there was a single hiccup, I was completely unaware of it … they are that good!”

After securing the venue, choosing decor was simple; Terry guided the couple to select subtle shades of sage, gold, cream and white that would allow Cross Mountain's breathtaking view and natural beauty to shine. “I wanted a timeless [feel],” Brandi says. “When we look back at photos 20 years from now, I wanted a theme that would [remain elegant].”

Terry also helped the couple match with the additional vendors they needed.

“She was pivotal in those decisions by showing us lots of options so that we could narrow it down to the ones that would fit our vision and budget,” Brandi says.

– by Lauren Baddour

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner Bess + Beau Wedding and Event Design

Rentals Curated Events Raleigh

Wedding Party Attire Bella Bridesmaids Charlotte

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Real Weddings

Photography by Waterhouse Studios Additional Vendors Summit on Cross Mountain; Seasoned Provisions; Mon Bijou Bridal; Hope Wyatt; Savvy Bride Boutique; Badgley Mischka; Helzberg Diamonds; The Jefferstone; Pretty n’ Pearls; Bon Viviann; Kathy Bell Peters; Donny Mosley; Stephanie Miller; Molly Kersey; Hope Wyatt; Empress Stationery; BBJ La Tavola Linen

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BUMBY PHOTOGRAPHY

We specialize in curating unforgettable moments for our clients and their guests. Our dedicated team brings your vision to life with meticulous planning and impeccable design, ensuring every detail surpasses your expectations. Experience the epitome of luxury and style on your special day. Contact us today to begin crafting the wedding of your dreams.

BESSANDBEAU.COM | HELLO@BESSANDBEAU.COM | @BESSANDBEAU

Elizabeth Ashley & Co.

Top right and bottom row by Fancy This Photography

Seamless event planning services for carefully curated experiences 919.576.9592 | YourSocialiteEvent.com | @SocialiteEventsNC

Real Weddings

Socialite Events JONES + TOWNS

K

en Jones was intrigued by Randi Towns’ unique sense of style when they met through a dating app in 2020, while Randi recognized her church logo on his shirt and wondered how they’d never crossed paths before. Messaging led to their first date at Humble Pie in Raleigh, the same spot where they got engaged two years later.

Ken and Randi got married at Carolina Grove in Hillsborough, North Carolina, on Oct. 13, 2023. They hired April Pyatt of Socialite Events to oversee their big day.

“From our first time meeting April, she was attentive to our needs and made it a priority to clearly understand our vision so that she could execute on our wedding day,” Randi says. “If there were any issues on our big day, April did an amazing job of keeping them off my radar. Thanks to April and her team’s help, I was able to relish in a state of bliss the entire day.”

April curated an elegant, sophisticated soiree with florals in shades of green and white with coordinating rentals from Curated Events Raleigh. In keeping with the garden party theme, the couple handed out flowers to a few special guests during the ceremony who then placed them in a vase, representing the unification of the two families and the creation and growth of a new family through marriage. “We concluded our ceremony with the jumping of the broom, a tradition within the African American community,” Randi adds. “As a couple jumps, they cross the threshold of matrimony, marking the start of their new life together. This action symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and welcoming in of the new.” – by Avery Householder

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner Socialite Events Catering & Cake Cake Couture Boutique Rentals Curated Events Raleigh

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Photography by Morgan Crutchfield Photography Additional Vendors Carolina Grove; RK Bridal; New York Bride & Groom; Hair Therapy by Janae; Fresh Affairs; DJ Harlem; Minted

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Real Weddings

The French Bee Events PAT E L + P R I C E

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eredith Price and Nishant Patel’s love story began when a mutual friend introduced them. They would later get engaged on the beach while vacationing in Cancun, Mexico.

The pair chose New Bern, North Carolina, to host a large, formal wedding. “There were so many moving parts to this wedding, and Anne Griggs and Christa Tarver from The French Bee Events did an excellent job making it all come together,” Meredith says.

Festivities began on June 9, 2023, with a traditional Hindu ceremony at Greenville Country Club. The following day, the couple exchanged rings from Diamonds Direct at Christ Episcopal Church of New Bern, followed by a reception at the Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County, a short walk from the church. “We chose [the convention center] because it was spacious enough to accommodate over 350 guests and provided a stunning view of the waterfront,” Meredith says.

Anne and Christa met with the couple multiple times to create a seamless itinerary honoring the cultural heritage of both celebrants. The reception combined Indian and American cuisines, music and traditional elements, such as a first dance, dances with the bride’s father and the groom’s mother, and Bollywood-style dances performed by friends and family.

White, gold and blush details matched flower arrangements by Anne, who has two decades of floral design experience. Added draping and a checkered dance floor created an elegant backdrop for dinner and dancing. – by Catherine VanSchaick

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner & Florals The French Bee Events Reception Venue Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County

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Rings Diamonds Direct Mother of the Bride Attire Kannon’s Clothing Hair & Makeup Reign Beauty

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“the challenge and joy of this celebration was bringing it together in a way that honored both the christian and hindu traditions ... it would have been impossible without [the french bee events].”

Photography by Jodi Gray Photography Additional Vendors Christ Episcopal Church of New Bern; The Chelsea; Alexia’s Bridal; Cinnamon Bistro Indian Cuisine; The Black Tux; David’s Bridal; Thomas Blake Films; Famous Baking Co.; Trent River Chamber Players; Rupesh Patel of RoopG Entertainment; ENC 360 Photo Booth; Persimmons Restaurant

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Photo by Cynthia Rose Photography

P r o f e ss io n a l l y p l a n n e d , P e r so n a l l y d e s i gn e d , E x p e r tl y e x e c u t e d

Wedding planners serving Eastern North Carolina and beyond

T H E F R E N C H B E E E V E N T S . C O M | 2 5 2 . 67 0 .1 6 51 | @ T H E F R E N C H B E E E V E N T S

Photography by Laura Memory Photography

As North Carolina wedding planners, we offer multiple services, from full event planning to event management services. Our goal is to curate extraordinary and unforgettable experiences that go beyond our clients’ expectations. We believe that every celebration should be a reflection of the couple’s unique love story and personal style. With meticulous attention to detail and innovative creativity, we strive to create wedding and event experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind.

Inclusivity•Authenticity•Creativity

919.222.9298 | somethingfabulousweddings.com | @somethingfabulousweddings

Real Weddings

Something Fabulous Weddings & Events MARTIN + RADIN

M

ark Radin and Cody Martin’s romance began in 2018 when they each relocated to North Carolina – Cody from Waterloo, Iowa, and Mark from New York City. On their first date, the couple chatted about Mark’s Ph.D. studies in environmental science and engineering and Cody’s pup, Ollie, and each knew a second date would be in their future.

Cody proposed to Mark overlooking a waterfall at the Ledges Hotel in Hawley, Pennsylvania, and brought family members along for the weekend to celebrate.

While venue searching, the couple fell in love with the Museum of Life and Science’s unique treehouse immersed in nature. The museum recommended Something Fabulous Weddings & Events, and co-owners Trent Crumpler and Ashley McElroy instantly hit it off with Cody and Mark. “With their guidance, we found all the vendors we needed,” Mark shares.

Trent and Ashley helped curate the pair’s vision of a joyful fete exuding whimsy, color and wonder for their June 2023 wedding. Guests were asked to wear colorful cocktail attire, tasteful sparkles and neons. A string quartet played pop music during the ceremony and an electric violin and keyboard during cocktail hour at the patio next to the museum’s Butterfly House. Guests sipped liquid nitrogen piña coladas while the couple performed a choreographed first dance.

Mark shares advice for readers: “This is a celebration of your joy and love, so embrace who you are and invite people into your world.” – by Olivia Leonard

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Planner Florals Something Fabulous Petal & Oak Weddings & Events Overnight Caterer Accommodations Rocky Top Catering 21c Museum Hotel Venue Museum of Life and Science

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Dessert SweetWater Ices

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Real Weddings

Photography by Azul Photography Additional Vendors Angelica Therese Films; Ralph Lauren; Paul Smith; Simons Says Dip This; Minted; Corda Entertainment; DJ Harlem; Party Reflections; Carolina Livery

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COST

Average wedding photography and videography packages range from $3,500 to $8,000. Rates for luxury photographers and videographers begin at $10,000. Elopement packages with shorter time frames cost less. Packages may or may not include engagement sessions, albums, video trailers and more, so budget for these add-ons if they’re important to you.

CONSIDER

Aim to book a photographer as soon as possible after you’ve set a date. Ask about contract policies, second-shooter packages and how quickly images or film will be turned around after the wedding day.

Peruse real wedding galleries and films on the vendor’s website or via gallery links so you can see how they capture the entire day, from decor and details to dance party, as opposed to basing decisions solely by scrolling through social media accounts.

Keep an eye out for how they’ve photographed events at your venue or during the season in which you’re tying the knot. It’s important to understand how the photographer shoots both outdoors as well as indoors, when flash is often necessary.

Laurel Brewington and Travis Marcinsky tied the knot in May 2023. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography.

Additional Vendors The Oaks at Salem; Southern Skies Events; Wedded Kiss; Carolina Bridal World; Ashby's Menswear

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Behind Lens Pro wedding photographers capture powerful and precious moments, each in their own way

Ashlyn Perkinson (wearing a White Bridal Boutiques dress) and Chandler Couillard pose at The Matthews House during a styled wedding with hair and makeup by Pinup Studio. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography Additional Vendors Evermore Events Co.; Thistle & Moon; Southern Vintage Rentals

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Erin Morris and Geoffrey Harris tied the knot at The Cotton Room in December 2022. Photo by Kivus & Camera

hotographs have the power to tell your love story time and time again. They’re the mementos you’ll look back on years in the future to relive the emotions of your wedding day. Yet, each wedding photographer has their own unique methods and style of capturing these big moments.

SOPHISTICATED & EDITORIAL

If you’re looking for avant-garde photographs like those you’d find in the pages of Vogue, this is the style for you. Rae Marshall, founder of Rae Marshall Photography, has practiced the art of capturing “magazine-worthy” moments. The process makes her a stylist and photographer at the same time; while shooting, she takes care to note small details like color coordination, location and framing “to create images that feel like you’re viewing the day through an elevated eye,” she says. Rae also gives special attention to posed portraits, making sure each detail from the draping of a dress to stray strands of hair are just so.

Sophistication doesn’t have to equate to stiffness or stuffiness.

“I like to get a mix of dramatic shots and fun, lighthearted ones, because that’s how we all are: multifaceted,” Rae says. She encourages clients to move naturally in front of the camera, rather than simply posing and holding a smile. “I place a specific emphasis on emotion. I’m looking for tears, laughter and big dance moves,” she says. “I just love finding the best parts of the human experience on a wedding day.”

BRIGHT & JOYFUL

This photography style floods galleries with saturated color. Whether you’re surrounded by the warm shades of fall or soft tones of spring on your wedding day, a colorful editing style will transport you back to happy moments.

Ariel Kaitlin Photography founder Ariel Mason is an expert in this realm. “My photography style strives to show a couple’s love in vibrant color with their joy emanating from the photos,” she says.

Coby Lynn Hall of JoLynn Photography works hard to maintain the right balance of rich color throughout her work. “Light and airy photographers can tend to have images that are not vibrant and are more muted,” she says. “I utilize natural light and how it affects each location to achieve a radiant glow within wedding images.” Coby focuses on documenting the “raw, real” moments throughout the day, she says, while capturing a few traditional poses as well.

COLORFUL & BOLD

“Love is fun and colorful. Your wedding photos should be, too,” says Elyssa Kivus, who started Kivus & Camera with her husband, John Kivus. A photographer with an eye for bold and unique shots will help immortalize your wedding day with all its quirks, personality and humor. “The Kivus & Camera approach is to document the joy of your wedding day with genuine moments, whether they be hilarious, emotional, some combination of the two or some other wonderful fraction of a second,” Elyssa says.  heartofncweddings.com

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If you want bold and playful photos of your big day, you already have everything you need: you! “My personal style of photography really leans into each unique couple,” says Fancy This Photography founder Nikki Whitt Belch. “It’s my job to document each couple, as their love shines in its own way.”

Elyssa agrees that being true to yourself is the best way to ensure your photographer captures all the emotion and personality of your celebration. “I encourage clients to think about who they are as a couple and incorporate that into engagement photos and their wedding day,” she says. “There are no rules! Embrace what makes you weird, and definitely embrace what makes the two of you an awesome couple.”

These are just a few examples of the range of photography styles, and whether your preference is for light

Photo by JoLynn Photography

Photo & Motion

and airy, documentary, film, flash or elegantly editorial, make sure to focus on building a positive, communicative relationship with your vendor. “Truly great photos feel emotional because of the vulnerability between the couple and their photographer,” Ariel says. “It’s so difficult to get genuine emotions on camera if someone is feeling uncomfortable, anxious or nervous.”

While searching for a photographer, consider whether their personality is a match as much as the beauty of their example galleries. “I would suggest finding a photographer that you really jive with on a personal level,” Nikki says. “You can love images of other weddings that you’ve seen all day long, but if you cannot mesh well with your photographer, you’re stuck with them the entire day during some of the most emotional moments of your life.”

– by Sinclair Holian

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PHOTO & MOTION

Your Wedding Photography Timeline t might seem obvious that you’ll want a professional photographer to document the emotions of your proposal, and of course, your wedding day. But, don’t overlook the value of booking a pro to capture other landmarks along your journey. You’ve put so much effort into detailed planning and gathering loved ones from near and far, so make the most of it!

ENGAGEMENT SESSION

by

Ki vu s&

Cam era

Your ‘last hurrah’ deserves a spotlight, too. It might seem natural to ask your friends to be your amateur paparazzi, but snapping pics on a phone probably won’t garner the results you want.

“If it’s something that can be carried out with a phone camera, then by all means – but I bet you it’s not,” says Richard Barlow of Richard Barlow Photography and Barlow Boudoir. The reality is that your loved ones likely lack the skill, insight and equipment that professional photographers possess to capture high-quality photos. For Elyssa, “photographing those moments as opposed to a friend or family member [allows celebrants] to be fully in the moment,” and everyone can rest assured the day is solidified as a keepsake that can be shared and reminisced upon years later. “Lean on the professionals to carry out your vision so you can relax and enjoy the experience,” Richard adds.

Don’t overlook the perks of having your photographer capture the intimate atmosphere of your rehearsal or welcome party.

“Photographs are also a way to share moments with loved ones who weren’t able to be present in the moment with us,” Elyssa says.

NEWLYWED SESSION

You’ve finally tied the knot! Commemorate this special time in your lives and use a newlywed photo shoot as an opportunity to experiment with attire or themes apart from those you chose for your wedding.

ou do ir

BACH PARTY

Traditionally, boudoir photos may be given as a wedding present to your soon-to-be spouse, but boudoir photo shoots have been reimagined by some photographers. “Sometimes the production quality is high, and sometimes it’s meant to look nonchalant. It’s this subtlety and nuance that requires a professional photographer, or at least someone with an eye for the aesthetic,” Richard says. With more than a decade of experience in boudoir photography, Richard possesses a knack for curating sensual, artistic scenes that empower and boost confidence for clients. Book a boudoir session just for yourself or with your fiance as a fun experience you can both enjoy.

REHEARSAL DINNER

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Scheduling a photo shoot is the perfect way to commemorate the milestone of getting engaged and begin a relationship with a photographer.

A professional can capture the heightened emotions between you and your partner, and “provide you with photos that are more like artwork than snapshots,” says Elyssa Kivus of Kivus & Camera. She documented Rachel Rolleri and Bob Amidon’s engagement through poignant portraits, including the one pictured right at the American Tobacco Campus.

BOUDOIR SESSION

B ow arl – by Katie Scherner B y Photo b

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Capturing the Joy and Beauty of Glowing Outdoor Wedding Images

jolynn-photography.com | coby@jolynn-photography.com | 984.332.2425 | @jolynnphotography

M A R K M AYA .C O M

Real Weddings

Richard Barlow Photography K L E I N C R O S S + L I L LY

H

ailee Lilly and Kendra Klein Cross met at a bar as college students in 2017 and hit it off right from the get-go. The pair went on their first date the following week: a romantic picnic where they talked for hours, exchanged coming-out stories, saw a shooting star and shared their first kiss.

On New Year’s Eve in 2019, Hailee asked Kendra to marry her. A month later, Kendra reciprocated the proposal, wanting to create a special moment for Hailee, too.

On May 28, 2022, the couple said “I do” at Fearrington Village, not far from Hailee’s childhood home in Sanford, North Carolina.

“It was so important to find a space that was inclusive, as we were not having a traditional wedding, and we happened upon Fearrington,” Kendra says. “Honestly, we fell in love with the grounds. The beautiful gardens and huge trees were exactly what we envisioned, and the staff were so kind.”

The pair booked Raleigh-based Richard Barlow Photography, who, together with second photographer Tanisha Clay, captured their Unitarian Universalist ceremony that included nontraditional elements, such as passing a garnet back and forth. “The most important part of our wedding aesthetic was plants and stones,” Kendra explains. “The good energy that they both bring just felt right for us.”

The gardens and fields around Fearrington made for perfect portrait backdrops. “Our photographers were phenomenal,” Kendra shares. “We felt like we could enjoy our day and trust them to catch everything without stress.”

The couple lives in St. Louis, Missouri.

– by Olivia Leonard

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors Photographer Richard Barlow Photography Venue, Planning, Florals, Catering + Cake Fearrington Village

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“we hope that in telling our story, we remind people that everyone is deserving of love, acceptance and a stellar wedding.”

Additional Vendors Tanisha Clay; Kent Bloom of Bunn DJ Company; Minted; Arioso Strings; Ashley Mooney Hair and Makeup; Kay Jewelers; Etsy, Jenny Yoo; Anemone Dream; Carolina Bridal World; Savvy Bridal (St. Louis); Jaqueline Brett; Big Dog Little Bed

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Your best day. ever.

A luxury photography experience. barlowboudoir.com | @barlowboudoir

BE S POKE W E D D I N G P H OT O G R A P HY

@RICHARDBARLOW PHOTO

Tell your story.

CD & Styling: Plume Events Gown: Gilded Bridal Beauty: Reign Beauty Suit: Bernards Tux Accessories: Be Everthine & Hushed Commotion Models: UC Models (Kim Gore, Agent)

Real Weddings

Kivus & Camera

KU M A R + PA R A M O R E

A

spark ignited between Sarah Paramore and Anirudh Kumar when they met through a dating app in 2016, and their bond grew from their first date at Durham’s Ponysaurus Brewing Co. Anirudh popped the question in 2018 while on a ski trip to Canada – Sarah was sick and a blizzard blew through, but neither thwarted his plans. The pair toasted to their future with Champagne in the snow.

The couple first held a Christian ceremony at Arrowhead Inn in 2021.

Sarah and Anirudh exchanged vows and enjoyed an oyster roast with their wedding party and immediate family. They then hosted a traditional Hindu ceremony at The Cookery on Oct. 22, 2022. The venue, which doubles as a culinary incubator, was where Ponysaurus Brewing Co. got its start, sealing the deal for Sarah and Anirudh as a nod to their first date. “The Cookery was absolutely fabulous and easy to communicate with,” Sarah says.

American Party Rentals and florist Color Fields Farm decorated the space with red – a traditional Indian wedding color – orange and yellow. Guests enjoyed a mix of Southern and Indian dishes.

Elyssa Kivus of Kivus & Camera (who captured both ceremonies) is “a photography goddess” Sarah says. “She was the best part of our wedding and captured photos we will love forever.”

Elyssa snapped candid moments of guests grooving to band Eight Past Midnight. “I think everyone at the wedding danced the entire time,” Sarah says. “There are so many great photos of us getting down on the dance floor.” – by Katie Scherner

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Photographer Kivus & Camera Venue The Cookery Rentals American Party Rentals

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Additional Vendors Arrowhead Inn; The Catering Company; A Swanky Affair; Taylor Street Sweets; Andaaz Jewelers; Manyavar; Color Fields Farm; Eight Past Midnight

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KIVUS & CAMERA serving NC and beyond

love is fun & colorful. your wedding photos should be, too.

@kivusandcamera | www.kivusandcamera.com | 919-937- 2742

Real Weddings

Fancy This Photography FORTUNE-GREELEY + SELENGBE

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ell Fortune-Greeley and Clevie Selengbe’s big moments always seem to revolve around 21c Museum Hotel Durham. Their love story began there in 2017 when Nell was hired as the museum manager and Clevie as a sales manager within the same month. Five years later, the couple hosted their rehearsal dinner at 21c’s Counting House restaurant.

“It was important to us to have our rehearsal at [a] restaurant that was part of our relationship’s history,” Nell says.

On Oct. 15, 2022, the two shared their vows at Nell’s family home in Durham.

“Once we decided on the venue, everything else fell into place,” the bride says. “The things that were most important to us were food, photography and flowers.”

The pair met Fancy This Photography founder Nikki Whitt Belch when Nikki took headshots for 21c employees. Nikki recommended Fancy This' Courtney Collins, who turned out to be a perfect fit. “[Courtney] was very helpful with the shot list and put my mind at ease before the big day, not to mention she was funny and fun to work with,” Nell says. “Her photos are absolutely stunning, and we will treasure them forever. She made our backyard wedding look like a fancy venue.”

Nell’s family china, silverware and glassware gave the reception a personal feel, while Clevie’s family gifted the couple Congolese wedding attire.

“I was overwhelmed with gratitude at this gesture,” Nell says. “We changed into our traditional clothing halfway through the reception.” – by Lucy Thomas

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Photographer Fancy This Photography Rehearsal Dinner Venue 21c Museum Hotel Durham Chairs + Tables Best Tents & Events

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Real Weddings

“weddings In Congolese culture take place in three parts : the traditional wedding, or ‘mariage coutumier;’ the civil wedding; and the religious wedding. You can have them all in one weekend or space them out over a year. Our wedding was both a mariage coutumier and a civil wedding. The mariage coutumier is … the meeting of both families. They come together in agreement and support of the couple and their marriage.”

Additional Vendors Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary; Bec + Bridge; The RealReal; Rose’s Noodles, Dumplings & Sweets; Dennis Bernard; Tracy Lindskoog

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Ariel Kaitlin Photography C OAT S + M A S C A R O

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lexis Mascaro and Celia Coats met for their first date at Boxcar Bar + Arcade in Raleigh and had an instant connection fueled by a little healthy competition over arcade games. Four years later, Celia took Alexis to the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary to pop the question; she chose a secluded bench surrounded by glowing lanterns as the spot to ask Alexis to be her wife.

“It was a surprise, but I could tell Celia was acting weird,” Alexis says.

The couple chose The Oaks at Salem in Apex as the backdrop for their big day on April 22, 2023. “The Oaks was the first venue we visited, and after that, nothing else blew us away like it did,” Alexis says.

The couple hired scientist-turnedphotographer Ariel Mason of Ariel Kaitlin Photography to document their ceremony, reception and all the special moments in between with the help of her partner and second shooter, Alex Ross. Celia and Alexis also had an engagement photo session with Ariel at the Boxcar arcade where they’d first met as well as in the sunflower fields at Dorothea Dix Park. That photo shoot – a perk Ariel includes in all wedding packages – helped the two familiarize themselves with posing and quell nerves ahead of the big event. “[Ariel and Alex] are fantastic people, and they perfectly captured the enjoyment of the day,” Alexis says.

A private first look remains one of the couple’s most cherished wedding memories.

“It was nice to have a moment to ourselves to take it all in before the ceremony,” Alexis says. – by Lauren Rouse

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Photographer Ariel Kaitlin Photography Catering Rocky Top Catering Rentals Curated Events Raleigh

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Real Weddings

Additional Vendors Southern Skies Events; Wedded Kiss; Once in a Blue Moon Bakery & Cafe; Mews Designs; All Events DJs; EcoStyle Chauffeured Transportation

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COST

VENUES

Paper & Gifts

Set aside 6-8% of your total budget for paper and stationery costs. This includes invitation suites (classic suites have an invitation, envelope, envelope liner, RSVP card and matching envelope and details card), escort cards, menus, programs, signage, welcome bags or tags and favors. Don’t forget to budget in gifts for your partner, wedding party, parents and favors for your guests and vendors.

Many stationery designers have a base cost of $2,000-$3,000.

Paper options, engraving, handwritten calligraphy, foil stamping and details like wax seals, bellybands, response sets and more can raise costs as high as $6,000. For 100 fully custom invitation suites expect to pay between $1,000 to $4,000. Semi-custom suites start at $500 for 100 and can go up to $2,000. Remember, invites are per household, not per person. Fully custom day-of items cost about $1,500-$3,000 for a wedding of the same size (about 175 guests), or $500-$1,500 for semi-custom items.

CONSIDER

Send save the dates six months to one year in advance – meaning you will need to book a stationer at least eight months in advance to account for production and shipping time.

Aim to book your full-service stationer eight to 14 months in advance if you choose a fully custom design. Send invitations 10 to 12 weeks in advance.

Paper goods by Revel NC. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography Styled by Amy Plant-Perdue

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PA P E R & G I F TS

You’ve Got Mail

By Avery Householder Styled by Amy Plant-Perdue Photography by Rae Marshall Photography

ome people may believe that wedding stationery is becoming obsolete in the digital age, but we couldn’t disagree more. Your wedding day will come and go, but paper goods remain as a keepsake that you and your guests can treasure long after the evening comes to an end.

Invitations are the very first glimpse of your wedding that guests receive, so we encourage you to make them count! Personalize the font, paper, colors and details of your invites to align with the theme of your event and get guests excited for what’s to come.

These days, stationers often create additional

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products like inserts or tags for welcome bags, welcome signs, escort walls, place cards, cocktail napkins, thank-you notes, menus and more, all of which can be streamlined into a cohesive look.

THE TIMELINE

Book your stationer at least eight months out from the wedding date. Wilkinson Creative Co. founder Lauren Wilkinson Pendergrast is no stranger to speaking with panicked couples looking to book a stationer with an extremely quick turnaround. The earlier you book a fullservice stationer, she advises, the more time they have to learn about who you are as a couple and to design an invitation suite and add-ons that reflect your relationship and your desired aesthetic.

THE BUDGET

When you meet with a stationer, be prepared to discuss your budget, vision and your paper wish list, recommends live painter, stationer and watercolor artist Ashley Triggiano. 

OPPOSITE PAGE Monogrammed menus

by Wilkinson Creative Co. LEFT A monogrammed cup by Wilkinson Creative Co. ABOVE Invitation suite featuring a custom crest by Ashley Triggiano.

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Paper & gifts

Ashley notes that, on average, stationery should account for about 6%-8% of your total budget. This typically includes invitations, save the dates, menus, and other signage and favors. Anyone can try to design stationery online these days, Ashley says, but many couples underestimate the time and work involved and often need guidance on choosing the optimal printing method.

“Investing in stationery design with an artist means investing in thoughtfully capturing your love story and your wedding day artistically,” Ashley says. “It elevates your wedding day from run-ofthe-mill items you had printed by an online printer to something your guests will genuinely remember and appreciate.”

Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique

Owner Alison Perry adds that “at least when you come to a local studio or shop, you can touch and feel, and ask questions about stationery etiquette. … I know it’s convenient online, but this is going to be a keepsake forever.”

If you can spend more, Alison recommends investing in paper. She prefers handmade with deckled edges, which allows for the addition of various letterpress or foil embellishments.

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ABOVE Differing styles of invitation suites from Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique.

BELOW Save the dates featuring a watercolor illustration by Ashley Triggiano.

Ashley provides a semi-custom collection featuring her paintings of various North Carolina venues, or you can request that she create a custom illustration of your specific venue!

for them. “Having done this for probably more than 1,000 couples over the years, I don’t push people outside of their budget,” she says.

Ashley takes exceptional care in designing and creating bespoke, fully custom invites for her clients, although she also offers a range of semi-custom suites (with accompanying day-of products) for couples with a lower budget.

Semi-custom options are offered by many vendors to cater to couples who want the benefits of hiring a pro but aren’t ready to splurge on fully custom designs.

Lauren provides clients with access to her expertise and guidance through four pricing tiers. “I try to be approachable,” she says. 

ASHLEY TRIGGIANO ART + DESIGN ASHLEYTRIGGIANO.COM

STATIONERY

Live Wedding Painting

&

We know pretty paper locally-owned paper studio wedding + party invitations custom stationery by appointment in Raleigh, NC est. 2008 Photos by Arika Jordan Photography

919.462.9618

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LEFT AND RIGHT Grace Allred of Revel NC enjoys mixing textures like rattan, acrylic and paper among table numbers, place settings and menus for a more modern aesthetic.

THE VISION

Give stationers a head start in crafting the suite of your dreams by having a reference for the desired appearance of your stationery. Revel NC owner Grace Allred suggests couples come prepared with Pinterest links or inspiration boards so she can get a sense of their style and personality. For couples who have no idea what they want, Grace is careful to spend a little extra time to get the best sense of how to represent their relationship.

Stationers may ask about your love story and any special memories you have as a couple as a way to add personality to your products. Lauren recalls clients who were University of Florida fans, so they incorporated alligators into their invitations. “You can get as creative as you want,” Lauren says. “There’s really no rulebook for invitations like there used to be. You can be formal, but you can also be fun at the same time.”

THE TRENDS

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BELOW Dreamy watercolors inspired this invitation suite from Wilkinson Creative Co.

overly digitized. Grace notes that handcrafted pieces with an abundance of texture are on the rise.

“We’re seeing a lot of handmade pieces, whether that be a hand script or watercolor,” Grace says.

“It’s about incorporating that human element, but still having it be modern.”

Lauren has also noticed textured elements becoming more popular. This look can be achieved through various techniques, such as embossed text. Also consider playing with materials like velvet, rattan, ribbon belly bands or wax seals.

Alison notes a recent spike in the desire for lively hues, especially after a season where black and white was all the rage.

“Colored paper is big,” she says. “Some people want multiple different colors, or they might want the invitation to be colorful with a cream reply card.”

Incorporating customized paper products into your event – whether you’re planning a formal, elegant wedding or a casual soiree – is guaranteed to add an extra-special touch of personality to cherish long after the day ends.

“I always tell people, you’re going to keep this forever,” Alison says. “The cake might be eaten, the flowers might be wilting, but you’ve got this to look at forever. … You want something that is special just for you, and we can help you with all of that.”

PA P E R & G I F TS

Wedding Gift Guide

2 WELCOME BAGS

Show your out-of-town guests a taste of warm Southern hospitality. After all, the time and expense they’ve likely undertaken to be present for your celebration should be acknowledged. Include a list of local attractions, a map of the area, transportation details and a weekend itinerary. Stationers can personalize these paper items to align with your invitation suite or overall wedding design to tie everything together.

WEDDING PARTY

Etiquette calls for you to present each member of your wedding party with a gift – after all, they’ve gone above and beyond for you.

VENDORS

1 1 Fill your welcome gift with local brands and snacks, like those pictured from Small Batch Specialty Gifts, founded by Shannon LuQuire and Ann Jones. The in-house design studio provides custom gift tags, packaging, menus, itineraries, maps and other products.

Photo by Fancy This Photography 2 Surprise a loved one with this 14-karat yellow gold and diamond locket from Diamonds Direct. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

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You should be sure to tip service vendors, like your hair and makeup artists, any staff delivering equipment, and bar and catering staff if a service charge is not included in your contract. Tips for other vendors like your planner or photographer are not expected unless the service is above and beyond, but it’s a nice gesture to give them a gift. You can also show your appreciation for their hard work by leaving reviews or testimonials – see page 34 for more tips on the etiquette of vendor relationships.

YOUR SOON-TO-BE SPOUSE

It’s traditional to give your partner a day-of present ahead of your vows. Discuss before the wedding whether you want to exchange material gifts or love letters.

PARENTS

3 Give your guests a taste of North Carolina’s craft beer scene. Trophy Brewing Co.’s Trophy Wife Session IPA and Trophy Partner West Coast IPA are a couple of our favorite picks. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

It’s also customary to give parents a day-of gift – opt for something sentimental to show your gratitude for the effort and time they’ve put in to be there for you on your special day.

FAVORS

While it’s not mandatory to give wedding favors, it’s a way to thank guests for attending and incurring any costs that may be associated with travel. Remember, your budget for favors will depend on your guest count.

Consider fun, unique options. Photo booths are entertainment that do double duty, providing keepsake prints that guests can take home with them. Some vendors offer magnetic prints and retro kaleidoscope keychains as add-ons.

3

4 Find barware like these Estelle Colored Glass martini coupes plus kitchenware, spa goods, home decor and much more at Small Batch Specialty Gifts’ New Bern storefront. Photo by Fancy This Photography

4

5 Not one with a natural knack for gifting? Let Small Batch do the leg work. The shop offers curated gift baskets with products sourced from local makers and fellow small North Carolina businesses, and can customize gifts based on your needs. Photo

by Magdalena Stefanek Photography 6 Give your wedding party a token of your gratitude with this collection of spa goodies from Small Batch. Photo by Fancy This Photography

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COST

Floral expenses average $3,500-$7,000, however, many florists offer services at lower or higher price points depending on the amount of florals you require. Some high-end floral designers have minimum costs starting at $5,000 and rates go up from there. A good rule of thumb is to allocate about 15% of your overall budget to floral costs.

Party rental costs range greatly depending on your needs, from flatware to an entire tent build-out. Typical party rental items to budget for include linens, china, flatware, glassware, chairs, lounge furniture, lighting, and, when necessary, a tent and dance floor.

CONSIDER

Look to book a floral designer as soon as you’ve secured a venue and planner. Flower costs will vary depending on region and the size and season of your event. Don’t forget to budget for bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages, ceremony arrangements, centerpieces, fireplace mantles and entryway displays, if necessary. Consider ordering a la carte or opting for bud vases if you’re on a tighter budget. Remember that candles should be included in your floral budget.

A wedding at Market Hall with florals by Petal & Oak and rentals from Curated Events Raleigh, planned

by Something Fabulous Weddings & Events.

Photo by Kaitlyn Blake Photography

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FLOWERS & DECOR

Sunset Stems

By Leah Berry

he sky-high Cannon Room’s ballroom-style setting within the penthouse of downtown Raleigh’s Capital Club building is draped in wall-to-wall natural light, providing a clean slate where prismatic flowers and decor can take center stage.

Named after Isabella Cannon, the first female mayor of Raleigh, this art deco venue features unique architectural

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details like original hardwood floors plus the added charm of sweeping city views and a built-in bar.

American Party Rentals painted this blank canvas with textured, light blue linens and cheery coral napkins to create a beautifully balanced setting for china, glassware and florals. Triomphe chairs and pearl dinnerware highlight the Cannon Room’s structural features, and brushed gold and white Athena flatware enhances the bright aesthetic. Blue Jupiter tumblers add a pop of color to the tablescape in cool contrast with the warm-toned florals curated by Justine De Angelo, owner and lead designer at Sweet Love Blossoms.

“We envisioned a ‘last hurrah’ to summer before the fall wedding season started,” Justine says. “We love using bold color and creating interest with large varieties of flowers.” She utilized zinnias, gomphrena and yarrow along with the fun fall colors of mums and marigolds in this arrangement.

Justine was able to source locally and use many flower varieties grown during the late summer months.

“We also decided to step out of our comfort zone and explore the use of only sustainable mechanics, like pin frogs and chicken wire,” she says.

“This was a fun opportunity to be creative while practicing methods that could improve our designs and minimize waste.”

A native of Southern California, Justine built on her passion for floral and event design, and for creating unique event experiences, during her time as stay-athome mom in 2015. She and her family moved to North Carolina in 2018, established her business (named after her daughter, who she affectionately calls “sweet love”) in May 2019 and opened a brick-and-mortar flower and plant shop that September.

Looking ahead to 2024 and 2025 weddings, Justine says she’s met many modern couples who want to create a unique, immersive experience for their guests, leading them to focus on one statement floral moment while keeping design toned down elsewhere.

“Consider repurposing floral decor from the ceremony into your reception space,” Justine adds. “We love creating floral pieces that you and your guests can enjoy throughout the evening … don’t be afraid to think out of the box and be creative.”

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Florals Sweet Love Blossoms

“I chose the floral varieties in these arrangements as an ode to the end of summer and beginning of the fall season,” says Justine De Angelo, who created three separate arrangements with different yet complementing color palettes, all composed in a loose and whimsical style.

Photographer Richard Barlow Photography Venue Cannon Room Rentals American Party Rentals heartofncweddings.com

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Wildly Whimsical

By Lauren Rouse

Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Florals Wild Flora Flowers Venue The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm Photographer Rae Marshall Photography Rentals Curated Events Raleigh Additional Vendors Cottage Luxe

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he team at The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm and Wild Flora Flowers are dedicated

to celebrating floral artistry. Owner

Kara Brewer meticulously renovated

the barn venue in 2016, crafting an enchanting space situated on Wild Flora’s 22-acre flower farm, full-service design studio and apiary in Chapel Hill.

Creative director Christine Wilkinson joined Wild Flora two years ago after a decade of professional floral design experience working in Philadelphia and New York City.

EMBRACING MAXIMALISM

“Our focus [in 2023] has been providing couples with large, showstopping floral installations,” Christine says. “Our couples

prefer to wow their guests with a custom installation rather than focusing solely on the quantity of flowers for table arrangements and other smaller items.”

Along with this emphasis on awe-inspiring, unique installations, Wild Flora leans in to the maximalist trend that’s gaining popularity by focusing on big blooms of a single variety and avoiding excessive greenery. “Big clusters of large-bloomed flowers have become a preferred style for our couples,” Christine says.

“This provides a more dramatic and stylish look, showcasing each individual type of flower rather than mixing them all together.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Floral design and decor elements are increasingly a top priority for North Carolina couples, Christine

The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm is the home of Wild Flora Flowers, although the studio offers its services for events elsewehere, too.

says. “This requires new and bigger ideas from us to create true art for the wedding day,” she says. “We love unique themes and ideas, and if you aren’t sure of your floral design yet, we can create a vision that you will love.”

Wild Flora previously worked exclusively with couples hosting events at The Barn of Chapel Hill, but the floral team now services weddings across the Triangle while also striving to incorporate more dimension, depth and a larger variety of color and unusual blooms into its repertoire, according to Christine.

Pushing the boundaries of floral artistry remains a primary goal at Wild Flora Flowers as the design studio continues to grow and evolve. “Wild Flora’s style is about making the flowers the focus,” Christine emphasizes.

Creating Beauty and Joy through Flowers www.wildfloraflowers.com

Jordan Maunder Photography

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FLOWERS & DECOR

All Together Now

By Lena Miano

uests arriving to All Saints Chapel are greeted

by cheerful orange and lavender blooms that adorn its double doors, which Petal & Oak founder Michelle Aldred says simply can’t be left bare, according to Southern celebratory tradition. She designed whimsical arrangements overflowing with spring’s vibrant flower varieties to honor the chapel’s historic and handsome architecture.

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Featuring our award-winning wedding and event floral design studio, specialty rentals, lounge furniture, and decor

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THREE REGION PHOTOGRAPHY

petalandoak.com | 919.618.0525 | info@petalandoak.com

Flowers & decor

“We’re an odd bird because people are looking for a florist or specialty rentals, ” Michelle says, “and we’re combining both because it [creates] an overall look when it comes to designing an event … combining the [two services] made sense to me.” The business grew from Michelle’s catering company (which originated in 1991, solely offering personal chef services) as clients increasingly requested her expertise to help design decor, tabletop elements and florals for their weddings. “We started adding on some specialty rentals and decor that at the time wasn’t available in the area,” Michelle says. Petal & Oak became a separate business in 2017, and now offers full-service floral design as well as furniture, linen and decor rentals, thematic adornments and even custom builds for events.

This lively color palette displayed at All Saints is Michelle’s bread and butter. “I love rich colors,” she says.

More blooms decorate a glass welcome sign that draws the eyes of guests with its pops of gold lettering. Just beyond it, aisle markers composed of gilded vases, candles and a handful of flowers carry the theme toward the altar where an asymmetrical floral arch makes an impressive impact.

Curated Events Raleigh provided linens for cocktail tables adorned with magnificent, elevated centerpieces or colorful bud vases that highlighted one or two blooms each, and Raleighbased photographer Rae Marshall captured the intricately styled scene.

“I think florals help create the atmosphere,” Michelle says. “They set a mood, whether you’re going for romantic or eclectic.” She notes that the type of venue and season of the event helped the creative team land on this playful color scheme – the first step in Michelle’s wedding design playbook.

From there, the flower varieties, lighting, linen and rental selections, and seating options all fall into place.

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Heart of NC Weddings Vendors

Florals + Rentals Petal & Oak Venue All Saints Chapel Photographer Rae Marshall Photography Linen Curated Events Raleigh

Petal & Oak is a perfect union of flowers and furnishings. “I think [including both] helps a lot of our clients pull the total package of their look together,” Michelle says. She adds that couples often seek out Petal & Oak towing overloaded Pinterest boards and a multitude of ideas, which she helps parse through to come to a cohesive, functional aesthetic.

“If you’re coming to us, then you’re hiring us for our talent and knowledge, so let me take your vision and create,” Michelle says.

PHOTOS: ARIKA JORDAN PHOTGRAPHY

Innovative floral designs and creative decor custom arranged to your style.

BloomWorksNC.com | 919-828-5932 | 2323 Laurelbrook Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

BESPOKE FLORAL DESIGN • SPECIAL EVENTS & WEDDINGS HALIFAX HILL STUDIOS ALLISON NICHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY ALLISON NICHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

22 GLENWOOD AVENUE, STUDIO 6, RALEIGH, NC 27603 951-316-0538 • SWEETLOVEBLOSSOMS.COM

Joyous Modern Floral Design

PHOTOS BY ARIEL KAITLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

434.793.9122

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katiedidevents@gmail.com

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w w w. k a t i e d i d f l o r a l s . c o m

REVEL NC D E S I G N

S T U D I O

day -of signage and stationary for the design-loving couple w w w. reve lnc . com @ let sreve l

FLOWERS & DECOR

Linens, organic stoneware, gold flatware and glassware from Best Tents & Events, with place card by Revel NC. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography

Rentals & Signage ouples should select their venue with a clear understanding of what’s included and what’s needed in terms of rentals, as each venue is different,” advises Alyssa Ruth, director of sales at Curated Events Raleigh. “Then, couples can plan and design to customize their space, elevate their overall aesthetic and cover their core needs as well.” Lean on party rental professionals (in addition to your planner, venue coordinator and other members of your vendor team) to guide you in selecting furniture, linens, tableware and decor.

“I feel that the most important thing to consider when choosing rentals is quality,” says Julie Lutje, certified event rental professional at Best Tents & Events. “Of course, high-quality rental products are a must, but it is also important to have a quality relationship with your rental provider; it helps to build clear expectations and trust.”

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space where your guests can dine and dance isn’t simple.

Check with your venue to find out whether a tent, dance floor, heating and cooling and other necessities are included, or if you’ll need to rent them.

TOP-NOTCH TABLETOPS

Tablescapes are where your wedding design and aesthetic can take center stage. “Our couples love the idea of adding distinctive, eye-catching elements to their table and bar – think raised-rim pottery, sleek black flatware and playful cocktail glasses,” says American Party Rentals Senior Event Specialist Natalie Bell. Experimenting with bright color, texture and pattern can help bring life into your reception space. “Neutrals are lovely and timeless, but we’re so enthusiastic about couples creating designs that feel more joyful and vibrant,” Alyssa says.

“It photographs beautifully and gives a more fun, festive energy to the reception.” 

your vision, our expertise, unforgettable wedding day L i n e n s | C h i n a | G l a s s w a r e | F l a t w a r e | Ta b l e s | C h a i r s

3633 S. ALSTON AVE., DURHAM, NC • (919) 544-1555 AMERICANPARTYRENTALS.COM Photo by Annie Timmons Photography

Flowers & Decor

Wedding Rentals Checklist Ceremony arch, arbor, chuppah or backdrop Chairs for ceremony and reception Bar if your venue does not include one Decor – candles, votives, vases, shelving, lanterns, umbrellas and more Food service items like trays, risers, utensils and more Greenery or escort wall with shelving Linen – tablecloths, napkins, cocktail tablecloths, draping, table runners and more Lounge furniture – couches, chairs, coffee and side tables, pillows Signage – including welcome, bar and wayfinding signs, table numbers, place settings, neon signs Tables Tabletop – glassware, chargers, china, flatware, centerpieces Tent and accompanying rentals – this includes heating or cooling, a dance floor or other flooring, stage, draping, catering setup Additional specialty rentals – rugs and carpets, lawn games, fire pits, Champagne towers, marquee letters, photo booths, generator, sound system, trash cans, restrooms

LEFT Aqua floral linens from Curated Events Raleigh.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography BELOW A rattan settee from The Carolina Refinery.

Photo by Cynthia Rose Photography

Natalie also reminds couples not to overlook tableware extras like bread baskets, ramekins, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes and knives and coffee mugs, which many forget to factor into their rentals checklist and budget, she says.

SEATING

ABOVE Tabletop details from American Party Rentals. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

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Of course, you’ll likely need to rent chairs for the ceremony and reception, unless your venue provides them. Popular options include clear acrylic, gilded Chiavari styles and don’t forget about accompanying barstools, if needed.

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Flowers & Decor

“If space allows, adding a lounge vignette is a great way to create a comfortable setting for guests while adding color and texture to the overall room design,” Alyssa says. Lounge areas also provide guests a place to mingle and catch up away from the dance floor.

Among other rentals, The Carolina Refinery, based in New Bern, North Carolina, offers curated lounge packages that include couches and lounge chairs matched with ottomans and other decor items for easy ordering.

“Oftentimes, couples will not account for enough furniture, leaving guests to juggle appetizers and drinks,” Alyssa describes. Be sure to consult with your rental supplier to make sure you’re

supplying adequate furniture in conjunction with what your venue may offer. “We recommend bumping up the number of standing tables and highly encourage adding low pub tables (four-seaters) into the mix – your older guests will thank you.”

CUSTOM CREATIONS

Grace Allred and her husband, Davion Allred, founded Revel NC following their wedding, when

A backdrop by Revel NC. Photo by Ariel Kaitlin Photography

they created their own favor wall.

Revel NC specializes in signage, backdrops, installations and more, and has also added stationery and paper goods to its offerings.

Consider how a custom photo booth backdrop, welcome sign or escort wall can enhance the overall design of your wedding.

– by Catie VanSchaick

Photo by Emily Saunders Photography

A refined collection of event rentals 252.808.7826 carolinarefinery.com thecarolinarefinery

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COST

Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $135 per guest for food – remember that this includes labor gratuities and that taxes will be included in the overall cost. Beer and wine only for 100 guests starts around $3,000. Bar pricing varies greatly depending on alcohol choices, add-ons and whether your venue requires you to purchase an in-house bar package.

Labor costs also fluctuate depending on how many bartenders you require. A mid-tier liquor package costs about $5,000 for 100 guests.

CONSIDER

Aim to book your caterer as soon as you’ve secured a venue, or about nine months in advance of your wedding. Be sure to provide meals for your photographer, videographer and any other vendor that will be present during your reception.

Don’t forget to provide options for guests who have food allergies like gluten or dairy intolerances, or require vegetarian or vegan meals.

A highlight of Cake Couture Boutique’s sweet and savory menus, including drinks and desserts.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

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C AT E R I N G

Let’s Eat eddings today are more personal and customized than ever before, and that extends to food and drink options as well. The catering will be one element your guests will remember most about your day, so it’s worthwhile to try to leave a lasting impression.

We encourage you to use the dishes and beverages at your reception as a way to share the story of your relationship, or illustrate how your lives are now intertwined as a couple.

The pandemic put a halt to many celebrations, and caterers are thrilled to be serving largescale events again with new, updated menus. We’re taking a look at a few fresh ideas and up-andcoming trends in the realm of wedding food.

Bay scallops ceviche with aguachile and dragon fruit boba from Rocky Top Catering.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

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GRAZE CRAZE

Grazing tables continue to provide a beautiful, appetizing avenue to serve large numbers of guests. Think beyond the standard charcuterie lineup of cheese, meat and crackers. Unexpected additions like the mini caprese salad or marinated feta pictured on this platter from Saladelia will surely wow guests.

“Make sure charcuterie boards have a large variety of items,” advises Funky Fresh Catering founder Pam Evans.

“I love textures and color – think of your grazing table as art!”

ABOVE A cheese board with fruit, crostini and pita points from Saladelia. Photo

by Lauren V. Allen LEFT Roasted red beet larb with Thai basil on a rice paper crisp from Rocky Top Catering.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

CREATIVE CANAPES

It’s true – we eat with our eyes first, so start your meal off in an elevated way that will have guests eagerly anticipating the following courses. Appetizers in single, bite-size portions offer the opportunity heartofncweddings.com

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CREATING MEMORABLE EVENTS FOR OVER 25 YEARS: • Locally fresh & customized menus • Deliciously seasonal & creative cuisine • Experienced & refined service • Exclusive & preferred caterer for dozens of venues throughout the Triangle: 1705 EAST, BLUE ZONE , CANNON ROOM, CROSS +MAIN, HECK-ANDREWS HOUSE , MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES , POWER HOUSE , ROSE HILL , THE UPCHURCH

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Vegetarian shakshuka from HL Catering Company with tomato, cumin, paprika, feta, naan and a crispy, deep-fried egg.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

for uber-creative plating and presentation. On a basic level, canapes are hors d’oeuvres made from bread or crackers topped with cheese, meat or veggies, but the variations are nearly limitless. Caterers have modernized the appetizer with popular ingredients and preparation techniques; flavor-packed bites like puri or stacked bruschetta take noshing to the next level.

SAVORY SUSTAINABILITY

Catering provides a perfect opportunity to keep waste to a minimum and prioritize sustainability at your wedding.

Opting for a vegetarian appetizer or entree is an eco-friendly choice that often proves more cost-effective than meat, too. Vegetarian or vegan menus can be just as flavorful, creative and elegant as more traditional courses!

Choosing stations, buffets or familystyle service can also help cut down on food waste, as these types of setups allow guests to choose their own portion size and toppings.

Also consider the seasonality of your menu in conjunction with the time of year of your wedding to decrease the carbon footprint of your event.

“We love finding ways to blend our existing menu with seasonal ingredients,” says Katie Hopkins, general manager and executive chef of Beau Catering. “During summer, we grilled fresh peaches and placed them on crostinis with goat cheese and arugula for a delicious appetizer.

[In autumn], our seasonal salads were topped with honey-roasted red pears to provide that crisp, fall taste we all know and love.”

POLISHED PLATES

The tradition of gathering over a meal isn’t anything new – and that’s precisely why many couples look toward a formal plated dinner as a fundamental way to connect with loved ones. The simple yet meaningful act of breaking bread together is made all the more 264

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www.empireeatscatering.com · 919.582.9470 · catering@empireeats.com

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Catering Works’ petite greens tossed with berries, pecans and chevre; herbencrusted halibut with herbed beurre blanc and king trumpet mushrooms; chocolate sable cookie topped with hazelnut mousse, edible flowers, gold leaf and caramel sauce. Photo by Fancy This Photography

Pan-seared mahi-mahi, garlic smashed potatoes and ginger Asian slaw with caramelized plantain from Funky Fresh Catering. Photo by Jessi Lancaster

impactful with elegant plated dishes. This style of service is well suited to intimate weddings, but composed plating can be incorporated even if you’re hosting a large event. “Instead of open buffets or stations, we love the trend of small composed plates assembled behind a bar top,” says Katie Loper of HL Catering Company. “We feel like it brings a sense of elegance to the service.”

REDEFINE FINE DINING

Fine dining can most definitely expand beyond a restaurant setting.

“Think unique, like starting with a small amuse-bouche, followed by a soup or charcuterie tasting plate, and upscale entrees like prime cuts of beef, halibut or duck,” says Catering Works Marketing Director Nicole Flynn.

Nicole also suggests ending with a plated morsel of something sweet to elevate the final course, reinforcing a luxurious guest experience.

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MIDNIGHT MUNCHIES

We’re happy to see this particular wedding trend carry on through 2024 and beyond. Late-night snacks like a s’mores station; hot cocoa or popcorn bar with oodles of toppings; or a spread of indulgent snacks like chicken and waffles are a surefire way to please your guests.

Plus, extra bites will help to fuel dancing and soak up some booze before the night is over.

ABOVE Beau Catering’s brown butter cookies with dark and milk chocolate chips, sandwiched around dulce de leche ice cream.

Photo by John Michael Simpson LEFT A biscuit tower from Flying Biscuit Cafe.

RISE AND SHINE

You’ve said your vows, danced the night away, and now it’s time for one final gathering with your loved ones. “If you have guests traveling for your big day, it’s a great gesture to treat them to a breakfast or brunch before they head home,” says Flying Biscuit Café’s Director of Marketing Heather Stennis. heartofncweddings.com

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Catering for all life’s occasions 919-489-5776 | saladelia .com

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Global Gastronomy

M

any couples are choosing to structure their menus around foods from a particular region – whether it’ s fare from the cities and countries that helped shape their relationship or dishes from their own cultural traditions.

“What we tried to show [in this spread, pictured above] is that you can mix foods from all different cultures and areas throughout your menu to showcase your family heritage, or what you love from an experience in your life or with your partner,” says HL Catering Company executive chef Houston Loper.

Houston advises that couples to seek out the expertise of a caterer to help plan a meal that incorporates such variety. “Find a good team, rely on them, and enjoy the process,” he says.  270

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Clockwise from far left: grit cakes with shrimp and onion cream sauce; poke with crispy rice, yuzu and tapioca pearls; mini lobster rolls; shakshuka with a deep-fried egg; short rib steak frites with salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette; and pork belly lollipops.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

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Say “I do” to...

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SOUTHERN COMFORT

Some would say a North Carolina wedding just wouldn’t be complete without a taste of familiar Southern recipes. We certainly agree that serving traditional Southern comfort food is a fitting way to give your out-of-town guests an authentic experience of our state. If you want to stick to barbecue and all the fixin’s, there’s still room to be creative with elevated plating options or interactive stations.

Beau Catering is one Triangle-based caterer that draws heavily on Southern foodways. The company’s late founder, Beau Bennett, grew up on the coast of North Carolina. “The food he was raised on remains at the core of our menus,” says general manager and executive chef Katie Hopkins. “We want to ABOVE Clam chowder with Yukon gold, red bliss and Peruvian purple potatoes, bacon, clam juice, white wine and lemon from Beau Catering.

Photo by John Michael Simpson LEFT Shrimp and grits from Cake Couture Boutique.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography RIGHT Smoked brisket, pork chopped barbecue and roasted green beans from Empire Eats Catering.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography

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WEDDINGS • REHEARSAL DINNERS • ENGAGEMENT PARTIES • BRIDAL LUNCHEONS • SHOWERS • BRUNCHES

“We fell in love with Beau Catering…!! The food is fresh and the flavors amazing, and a great team to work with.”

Falling in Love with Beau Catering Since 2009, our dedicated team has been delighting customers with award-winning cuisine with a fresh, simple Beau-licious twist. Whether you require a formal dinner or a casual buffet of Beau-B-Q – we’d love to cook for you!

Our mission is to always use the freshest ingredients to create a meal that is tailored to your unique preferences and needs.

Bring Beau Home “Amazing!! The best food I’ve ever had at a wedding, hands down.”

Visit our online Marketplace to order fresh, gourmet party platters and meals without the fuss of prepping and cooking.

Drop-off Catering • Meal Delivery • Grab + Go

Place orders at: BeauCatering.com

BeauCatering.com • 984.312.5485 • Chapel Hill, NC beaucateringco

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make sure all of our clients receive a taste of Southern cooking through their menu, from local fish purchased from the Carolina coast to our eastern-style barbecue, fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese and ever-so-delicious fried pimento cheese bites. … During the holiday season, dishes such as sweet potato casserole and Beau’s ‘Down East’ collards provide the comfort we associate with Southern home cooking.”

Many North Carolina caterers naturally offer their own takes on Southern classics, too. Cake Couture Boutique brings zesty Cajun

Empire Eats Catering’s Mediterranean grazing board with muhammara, pita, assorted olives, veggies and hummus.

Photography by Richard Barlow Photography

flavors to the table with recipes like lobster tails brushed with Cajun butter, shrimp and grits as well as the appetizer no Southern celebration would be complete without: deviled eggs. Empire Eats Catering, meanwhile, draws on the menus of The Pit – one of eight Triangle restaurants under its umbrella – for catering options like whole-hog, pit-cooked barbecue with all the traditional sides.

MEDITERRANEAN

The refreshing, light and flavorful character of a Mediterranean menu is ideal for spring or summer events. Saladelia owners Fida Ghanem and Robert Ghanem draw on their Lebanese roots to inform catering menus that include dishes like roasted eggplant, tabbouleh and spanakopita.

Lebanese flavors also feature throughout Empire Eats Catering offerings, with recipes like warak enab (seasoned rice wrapped in grape leaves) drawn from the menus of its Sitti restaurant in Raleigh.  2 74

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Full Bar ∑ Catering ∑ Food Truck

Photography by John Michael Simpson

(919) 914-6011 | ta-contento.com heartofncweddings.com

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Catering

LATIN AMERICAN

Take your menu to another region entirely!

Ta’ Contento owners Nora Anaya and Hans Vargas are inspired by the traditions of Latin American cooking – but with a modern twist – and offer creative catering based on the foods served at Ta’ Contento’s brick-andmortar location. Think sopes, delicious birria and mini dulce de leche empanadas for dessert. And yes, you can even hire Ta’ Contento’s food truck to serve guests at your reception!

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ABOVE Esquites with crumbled cotija cheese.

BELOW Tostadas with goat cheese and fried leeks.

Photography by John Michael Simpson

Welcome to Cake Couture and all of its splendor!

Conveniently located in Raleigh, Cake Couture provides not only stunning wedding cakes and delectable dessert bars, but they also provide Full Service Catering! Their culinary expertise adds a modern flair to Southern Cuisine that transcends into a symphony of flavors that’s sure to captivate any palate making your event’s dining experience the most memorable!

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Give us a call so that we can style your wedding “Fashionably Delicious”

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VENUES

Cakes & Desserts

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COST

Expect to pay $6 to $9 per slice for cake. Cost varies for a dessert bar or individually sized items, but you can expect to pay around $5 to $9 per person.

Remember to factor in the cost for specialty rental displays or cake stands, as well as dessert options for gluten- or dairy-free guests.

CONSIDER

Desserts are trending in the direction of current weddings as a whole: highly personalized and available in seemingly endless variations. If you select a nontraditional dessert but want to keep the ceremonial element of a cutting cake, don’t forget to include the additional cost in your budget.

Think about what’s most important to you – maybe your priority is providing your guests with multiple desserts to pick from, or having the traditional, multitier cake you’ve always dreamed of with intricate, beautiful decoration. Whatever you choose, be sure to have a good idea of your design and color preferences before you schedule a consultation with your dessert vendor. Aim to book a baker no later than six months in advance or as early as one year.

Profiles by Lena Miano & Renee Ambroso

Handmade sugar flowers of any variety are a specialty of Ruth Drennan Cakes. This cake trio – paired with linens from Best Tents & Events – is a perfect example of the clean designs that allow Ruth’s faux blooms to shine.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

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CAKES & DESSERTS

The Mad Hatter’s Café & Bakeshop

Photography by Lauren V. Allen Mad Hatter’s has a stellar reputation for exquisitely decorated cakes in classic flavors like after-dinner mint, Black Forest, German chocolate and strawberry shortcake.

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ad Hatter’s Café & Bakeshop opened in Durham’s Erwin Square in 1992, one of the first New York-style bakeries in the area according to owners Fida Ghanem and her husband, Robert Ghanem. Together, they share a mission to prioritize locally sourced, fresh ingredients, a commitment also upheld at their Mediterranean restaurant, Saladelia.

Mad Hatter’s signature style has evolved over the years.

“It’s a marriage between New York-style and European traditions of baking,” Fida says. “Everything is scratch-made, that’s our No. 1 goal. What’s important is the quality of the ingredients and the techniques of the baking.” In keeping with these principles, Mad Hatter’s exclusively uses Swiss buttercream for cake decorating, and offerings rotate based on the availability of certain seasonal ingredients.

The fan-favorite strawberry shortcake features a housemade strawberry compote filling and buttercream with fresh strawberries folded in. “Our black-and-white cake is [also] a crowd-pleaser,” Fida adds. Mad Hatter’s has developed vegan and gluten-free versions of the recipe to cater to those with dietary restrictions. Another delicious gluten-free dessert that guests may enjoy are macarons, which the bakery introduced in 2023 and can be paired with cheesecake bars, brownies and short-dough cookies for a delectable dessert bar. Many modern couples opt to provide guests with more variety, Fida says, like by including bakery items such as Mad Hatter’s classic lemon bar or seasonal pumpkin cheesecake on their dessert table. 

Time to Celebrate!

91 9-2 8 6-1 98 7 | madhatt erbakeshop.com

Cakes & Desserts This three-tiered cake is decorated with fresh flowers in terra cotta, teal and cream colors; coordinating piping; and an intricate stencil design.

The addition of florals and spacers between the cake’s first and second tiers adds dimension and height, Erin explains, resulting in a showstopping centerpiece.

Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café ollaboration is paramount at Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café, a family-owned Raleigh bakeshop where sisters Mindy Davisson and Erin Seabolt each bring creative ideas to the display case.

Edible Art’s classic, scratch-made cakes – like its ever-popular almond amaretto – carry on traditions that Mindy and Erin’s family started in 1982. The duo now love to dress up their family’s established recipes with cheerful color and decorative details, sugar flowers, ribbons and piping. Erin says the pair were pleased to see many couples requesting adventurous colors like sage green and terra cotta in 2023. “We’re really into color,” she says.

For Erin, groom’s cakes are a particularly enjoyable opportunity to sculpt a unique work of art. “Groom’s cakes are a lot of fun on my side … for instance, I recently made a Jersey Mike’s [sandwich] replica. You can go further with the design [on a groom’s cake].”

Edible Art’s repertoire expands beyond cakes to customizable shortbread or sugar cookies, cupcakes and other single-serve mini desserts like cheesecake bars. These can be ordered in addition to a traditional cake or paired together as a delicious dessert bar.

Cookie designs and colorways are virtually limitless. “If couples have an inspirational photo, they can send that to us, and we can come as close as possible – same thing with color swatches,” Erin says. Cupcakes are available in mini, standard and jumbo sizes and dozens of flavors, which can also be customized to align with any theme.  282

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Photographer Rae Marshall Photography Linens Best Tents & Events

Cakes & Desserts

LB’s Cakes

Sugar Euphoria lending new styles with timeless technique is the name of the game at Sugar Euphoria, as evidenced by the three-tiered cake pictured above; its unique, stone-like texture is created by merging different hues of fondant, and it is adorned with flowers and greenery.

Founder Randi Smith likes to keep up with cake trends while also adding classic and historic elements to her designs. Popular orders include cakes with Lambeth piping, a nostalgic trend, and one that Randi believes is here to stay.

Sugar Euphoria’s first brick-andmortar location opened on Person Street in Raleigh in June 2022 – a decade after Randi started her business – serving up scrumptious cupcakes, macarons, cheesecake, cookies and more.

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ori Landers baked a three-tiered, teal cake with lemon and raspberry filling alongside chocolate chip cookies, vanilla macarons and mini cupcakes for her sister’s baby shower in 2017. She soon found herself fielding requests from friends and other family members to create desserts for their celebrations, leading to her own brainchild: LB’s Cakes.

Since then, Lori has worked to perfect an artsy, modern style of cake decorating as well as a vast repertoire of recipes; one of her personal favorites is a white cake filled with cookie butter and crushed Biscoff cookies, topped with a cookie butter drizzle.

LB’s Cakes specializes in bespoke, creative wedding cakes, tailored to the desires of each couple. Lori also offers macaron and madeleine towers, a whimsical alternative to a traditional cake.

Lori says she looks forward to a continued uptick in dessert table requests. LB’s dessert bar options include cupcakes and mini cake donuts, dipped Oreo cookies, chocolate-covered pretzels, mini pies and tarts, and much more. 

If a traditional cake isn’t your cup of tea, LB’s Cakes offers madeleine or macaron towers that are guaranteed to impress any guest and are also perfect for pairing with a plethora of mini desserts.

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At Sugar Euphoria, we believe your wedding cake should be a work of art without compromising taste.

606 N Person Street, Raleigh, NC 27604 | 919.631.9796 | sugareuphoria.com | @sugareuphoria

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S. Richardson Cakes

This trio of cakes is one of Heather’s favorite displays. “I love black and white. … I wanted these cakes to be modern and to stand alone without needing flowers. I [also] love the idea of multiple cakes on a cake table. They all match, but each of these has its own personality.”

tephanie Richardson’s love for baking took hold as a child when she learned to make chocolate chip cookies and her grandmother’s blueberry pie recipe. Stephanie later honed her skills at various local bakeries before setting out to start her own business from her Durham home in 2019.

Stephanie’s eye-catching wedding cake designs are elegant and refined, and she delights in adorning her creations with metallic details or sculpted fondant. S. Richardson Cakes delivers every bit as much substance as style through flavorful and unique filling options like orange cardamom, Mexican hot chocolate (spiced chocolate cake with chili chocolate ganache and marshmallow buttercream) and sweet potato praline.

Stephanie also enjoys crafting overflowing, inviting dessert tables with mini cupcakes and tarts, parfaits, dessert bars and cookies.

Bestow Baked Goods eather Sutton says the best part of owning Bestow Baked Goods is helping her clients’ wedding concepts come to life.

She relishes diving into the details of each wedding – including color palette, attire, florals and more – to understand the vibe each couple wants to achieve. “I’m pretty versatile,” Heather says. “I think I can do it all, from an all-white cake to vintage, modern or rustic” and can tailor designs to the specific desires of each client.

“My ideal client is someone who has a vision for their overall wedding and is willing to share that with me, then give me a little flexibility and creative freedom to make that happen,” Heather says. She explores a variety of techniques for each masterpiece, decorating with adornments from watercolor fondant to gold leaf. “I love color and texture, and playing with shape,” Heather says.  286

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Wedding Cakes + Desserts in Durham, NC

srichardsoncakes.com stephanie@srichardsoncakes.com

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Cake Couture Boutique Heart of NC Weddings Vendor

rie Marrow’s first foray into baking focused on cake pops, and she instantly fell in love with decorating desserts. More than a decade later, she styles cakes for her nationally recognized business, Cake Couture Boutique, which offers a vast array of desserts as well as full-service catering (see page 272). The shop’s most popular request is a buttercream wedding cake enriched with textured decoration and small clusters of fresh flowers. Another customer favorite is a classic chocolate-and-vanilla-swirl marble cake. Brie says one of her primary passions lies in decorating sugar cookies with royal icing, and she loves adding a unique pop of color to any modern, clean cake design. Some of her favorite trending pigments to play with include teal, magenta, deep amber and emerald, although she hopes to see platinum make waves in the cake world once again. The Cake Couture Boutique owner also hopes couples start requesting more satellite cakes – a collection of smaller cakes of varying sizes and heights, designed with a common theme – in lieu of traditional tiered cakes.

Photographer Richard Barlow Photography

Ruth Drennan Cakes fter attending cooking school in New York City and interning with Gail Watson, among other cake designers, Ruth Drennan opened Ruth Drennan Cakes, where luxury designs run the show. Driven by her passion for handcrafted sugar flowers – a hallmark of her designs – Ruth’s business developed with a focus on creating cakes both beautiful and meaningful to clients. Her nearly 20 years of experience lends itself to Heart of NC crafting delicate works of art that elevate Weddings any reception as an elegant centerpiece.

Vendors Many couples seek out Ruth’s luscious pound cake, or the stracciatella version of the recipe, which features Valrhona dark Photographer chocolate chunks for a flavor that’s “not Rae Marshall Photography overly sweet and appropriate for a more adult palate,” Ruth says. She’s also fond of Linens Best Tents & Events her red velvet, another classic flavor.

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Classic Delicious Fun!

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The Art & Craft of Fine Baking

www.RuthDrennanCakes.com (919) 228-9891

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VENUES

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COST

Ceremony musicians average $450 for a soloist and $1,000 for a group. The price increases for more musicians and additional time – so expect to pay more if you want live music through cocktail hour. Uppertier DJs start around $2,000 and can go up to $7,500 or higher with add-ons. Middle-tier DJs start around $1,000. Live bands may cost anywhere from $3,500 to $10,000. Photo booths start around $700 and can go up to $1,200.

CONSIDER

Professional DJs provide modern setups – think custom, sleek booths, backdrops, video screens and light shows that can transform your venue into a dance club if you so desire. Alternatively, if you want your band to have a snazzy stage, you’ll need to coordinate with your rental company to secure a setup. Your DJ can also provide audio for your ceremony officiant, LED dance floors and other special effects.

ment

Entertainment costs may be higher if you choose separate ceremony and reception venues, requiring multiple sound systems. For both practical and aesthetic reasons, consider the size of your musical entertainment in relation to your venue. An intimate microwedding is probably better suited to string trio than a party band. If you have a guest list above 150, you’ll want an experienced DJ who can read the crowd and keep the party going. Check with your reception venue to see what infrastructure they have to support your entertainment needs.

Also consider nontraditional entertainment options such as live painting, live poetry or yard games.

DJ Spencer McAvoy of Stylus S.E. spins during a styled wedding under a floral arch by Sweet Love Blossoms. Photo by Fancy This Photography Additional Vendors Whitaker & Atlantic

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E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Unforgettable

Explore entertainment options to give your guests an experience to remember

he big day is finally here, and guests gather together to witness the union of two people in love. Cue the music!

The revelry really begins at the reception where good entertainment can break the ice and get the party started.

The majority of celebrants will hire live musicians or a DJ. An increasing range of experiential, interactive activities that delight guests are becoming more widely available, too.

manages are for multi-piece cover bands. One example of a standout set of performers is Liquid Pleasure, one of ECE’s most-requested bands that delivers high energy and professional quality.

“We like to think we make dreams come true for people,” Barry says. “That’s really what we’re in the business of doing.

It’s satisfying in the end to know that the client trusted you and the band, and everybody delivered. That’s what we built our reputation on.”

No matter your song or style preferences, we advise BANDS & DJS you not to leave your musical Finding the right solo entertainment up to an performer, duo, trio, quartet amateur. Stylus S.E. founder or band that fits your timeline Jason Huggins says a DJ and budget can be a challenge. carries about 80% of the Consulting a talent agency like responsibilities that can make ECE Raleigh is a wise place or break a wedding experience, to start, says Senior Managing such as emceeing the reception Director Barry Herndon. and steering guests to the ECE specializes in dance floor. A great DJ can contracting live musicians, from read the room and keep the solo performers to 22-piece party going for hours. bands for weddings and other “We’re not just providing major events. Music genres a playlist; we’re giving a Spencer McAvoy of Stylus S.E. spins during our annual vendor mixer at cover jazz, swing, Motown, performance,” Jason says. “If the North Carolina Museum of Art. Photo by Fancy This Photography classic rock, country, hip-hop, you want someone to just play pop and more among the 130 songs, please save your money. exclusive bands and DJs that work as independent contractors.

Hire someone else. ... Stylus S.E. is for the couple who values For many couples, investing in musical entertainment is a new quality, skill, experience, energy and for whom the party is the experience and a professional talent agent can help match you most important part. We have the unique skill set, the experience with the right artist, Barry says. The majority of bookings ECE and the music to do that.”  292

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Entertainment

Jason says his company commits to creating a one-ofa-kind party for all couples, regardless of their musical preferences. “Each and every DJ with Stylus S.E. is a headliner,” he says. “We take that skill and apply it to what the couple’s musical tastes are, [to match] the kind of vibe they’re going for [because] we want their wedding to sound like them.”

Stylus S.E. currently employs five other full-time and three part-time DJs. Additional services include lighting design and special effects that can turn your reception venue into a highenergy dance club.

orchestra teacher would refer couples looking for a harpist to Sarah – she was the only one in the area.

“It started out as a hobby and passion, and I just wanted to take lessons and learn how to play for my own enjoyment,” Sarah says. “After I graduated from college, I started putting myself out there and [my business Hummingbird Harmonies] grew from there.”

FOREVER LOVE

UNEXPECTED MELODIES

Sarah Cavaiani offers a

surprisingly versatile repertoire as a harpist. “[The harp] has this connotation of being very classical and elegant, but it doesn’t mean that your song choices are limited to classical music,” she says. “I play “Living on a Prayer” by Jon Bon Jovi. That’s completely unexpected. You would never think of playing that song on the harp, but it works really well because, musically, it has a very strong melody and I’m able to add a lot of unique embellishments, which puts a new spin on the song.”

Sarah says she enjoys watching guests’ faces as they suddenly recognize a tune.

“It’s like, ‘I know that song. Is it Beyoncé?’ It takes a moment to click, then people recognize that they’re singing along to ‘All the Single Ladies.’” Still, her most-requested piece for weddings is a timeless tune: “At Last” by Etta James.

Sarah was 13 when she started playing the harp.

By age 15, her high school 294

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ABOVE Sarah Cavaiani of Hummingbird Harmonies plays her harp at All Saints Chapel.

Photo by Rae Marshall Photography BELOW A model wears a permanent bracelet from Jewelry Authority’s Gold ’n Girls.

Photo by Hollie Symone

This red-hot trend sweeping through weddings is all about commemorating your lasting commitment! Some celebrants are opting to book a tattoo artist to come to the reception and offer guests their pick of pre-selected designs (sometimes called flash sheets) that can be customized with details specific to your wedding design or love story. Get matching ink with your new spouse if you’re so bold.

Other to-be-weds are choosing to book permanent jewelry booths as a fun reception activity or even bachelorette experience that will leave guests with a lasting memento. Jewelry Authority’s Gold ’n Girls pop-up offers several chain options (solid 14-karat gold, 14-karat gold filled or sterling silver) that can be microwelded into an infinity bracelet, necklace, ring or anklet. Choose matching gemstones and charms with your crew as the finishing touch to this sophisticated, grown-up version of the friendship bracelets or BFF necklaces you shared as adolescents.

GAME TIME

In addition to photo booth services, Spark Photo Booth owner Katie Cox says the business offers a couple of unique, interactive products that take wedding entertainment to the next level.

Spark’s custom mosaic wall employs a software program and printer to generate guest snaps as 2-by-2-inch square stickers. “We’ve got this board up on the wall that’s blank and numbered; column one, row two, column four, row seven, [etc.],” Katie explains. Your guests snap photos,

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LIVE PAINTING

Ashley Triggiano wishes she had an original keepsake of her

wedding day like the ones she creates for her clients. She sets up her easel at ceremonies and cocktail hours to paint romantic scenes in watercolor and acrylic.

Ashley began painting at weddings six years ago, adding the service to her stationery business (see page 234 for details). Her process begins with an initial meeting with the couple to identify what they want painted – typically the ceremony, venue, bouquet or a portrait. If requested, Ashley will create a rough sketch to give clients an idea of what the scene will look like.

On the day of, Ashley arrives an hour or two before the appointed time to prepare. “I usually paint … for three or four hours,” she says, adding that she typically completes the painting on-site. “But, if it’s a larger piece or has more complexity, I’ll take it back at the end of the night to finish in the studio, and then send it to the client.”

Upon completion, Ashley takes a high-quality photo of the painting, digitizes it and makes prints the couple can share with family or friends. A popular option is to use the artwork on thank-you cards.

Ashley says some of the sweetest moments are the ones when her artistry is commissioned as an unexpected gift. “When I’m a surprise for the couple, those tend to be some of the most fun moments,” she says. “Once, the bridesmaids got together and gifted [live painting] to the couple.”

SWEET NOSTALGIA

Get guests buzzing over charming treats that draw to mind days gone by. SweetWater Ices’ vintage-style street carts carry a variety of Italian sorbets and ices flavored with fruit juices. Classic flavors like lemon, raspberry, pistachio, sour apple and strawberry, among others, are custom-made in Queens, New York, not far from where Italian immigrants popularized the treat in the early 20th century.

Servers dressed in snazzy uniforms can scoop sorbet prosecco floats during your cocktail hour or reception, or serve guests hot beverage and printed on the back of each one are coordinates. Guests stick their image on the mosaic wall, and by the end of the night the big picture reveals itself, composed of each smaller photo of your guests. “When you look closely, you see faces,” Katie says. “As you zoom out, you see all the colors blend into this unique portrait.

It’s very cool.”

Another interactive experience your guests can take part in is a memory matching game. Katie explains that her team sets up a 55-inch touchscreen TV. “We collect images from the couple, maybe photos from their childhood or their engagement photos, and use them to create a custom memory game,” Katie says. The touchscreen game is timed and includes a live leaderboard.

“I love being a part of the event industry,” Katie says. “We’re evolving.” The latest addition Spark offers is a custom 12-foot-tall clear snow globe that fits up to 10 people and captures slowmotion video of guests tossing snow or custom-printed confetti in the air.

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ABOVE Ashley Triggiano paints a scene at The Bradford. Photo

by Ashley Olson Photography BELOW SweetWater Ices serves Italian ice and sorbet prosecco floats at Village Pine Venue’s grand opening.

Photo by Jennifer B. Photography

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options including coffee, cocoa, cider and even s’mores during your cold-weather event. For those with special dietary needs, inquire about sugar-free options.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PHOTO BOOTH

The dark, enclosed photo booth style that may come to mind is a thing of the past.

Current options include open-air booths with customized props and printing options, 360-degree video booths and even mini roaming ones.

In an age of social media, ZimZoom Photo Booth co-founder Meredith Stern says she strives to deliver professional quality photos on the spot. “I think one of the [biggest benefits of photo booths] is that it’s instant,” she says. “Guests can have a live gallery and access to photos immediately, [both] physical and digital. I think that’s really special for them.”

ZimZoom opened in 2014 and was the first in the area to offer the open-air concept popular for photo booths today, Meredith says. “It was something that didn’t exist before,” she says. “While

Chermere McAllister and TJ McAllister pose for ZimZoom Photo Booth’s pro booth.

Photo by Fancy This Photography

I love fun, silly photo booths, from a photographer’s perspective, this is the one time in most people’s lives when you’re going to have three or four generations in one place, so … we want to deliver heirloom-quality photos.”

On-site photo booths have become so popular at weddings that ZimZoom saw that segment of its business jump from 30% pre-pandemic to 75% currently, Meredith says.

Wedding packages typically include at least four hours of coverage, generating anywhere from 400 to 800 photos (depending on print size) for every 200 guests. ZimZoom also offers over 100 different backdrops, props, photo templates and custom designs to match your wedding vibe, as well as audio guest books. “We do everything,” Meredith says.

ZimZoom’s five full-time employees operate office locations in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Winston-Salem, Asheville, Charlotte and Wilmington to provide coverage across the state.

– by Anna-Rhesa Versola

Customize your soundtrack

Raven Shutley Studios

Brett & Jessica Photography

Whitney Gremaud

Inclusivity | Integrity | Authenticity Sarah Cavaiani, Harpist

ncharpist.com

@ncharpist

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RECEPTION

Molly Youssef of Brewmasters Mobile serves a margarita made with tequila, prickly pear, lime juice and agave. Photo by Rae Marshall Photography

Sip, Sip, Hooray!

By Katie Scherner

he bar is a gathering place where guests can mingle and toast to the newlyweds. To ensure an exceptional experience for your loved ones, you’ll first want to review your venue’s bar policy – some require couples to purchase a bar package in-house and have a specific minimum, while others allow you to hire an outside vendor.

If bar services aren’t supplied by your venue, seek out a trusted professional that can help you craft a well-rounded drink menu and provide seasoned bartenders and sound advice. “[Our team] has years of experience working at weddings and draws from bar experience at our five restaurants, which helps us stay creative and up to date on popular drink items,” says Brewmasters Mobile co-owner Molly Youssef. “Our bartenders are the main vendors your guests will interact with, and they are fun, friendly and serve drinks quickly so guests can continue enjoying themselves throughout the evening.” Typically, couples select a few beer options ranging from easy drinking to IPAs, plus two to four wine options, one or two hard seltzer or cider picks and a liquor from Brewmasters’ extensive range, Molly says.

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MAKE YOUR BAR YOUR OWN

Signature cocktails remain extremely popular because they empower couples to personalize drinks with names and signage specific to their love story.

“I’ve had couples recreate drinks from their favorite bars or first date,” says artist and stationer Ashley Triggiano. “Some will create a drink in honor of their fur baby, have [me create] a custom illustration of their pet for the bar menu, then take it home to display on their bar cart after the big day.”

“Signature cocktails also keep bar lines moving quickly,” Molly says. “Providing guests with two or so suggested choices makes decisions quicker.”

Aside from drink options, consider the look and actual set-up of your bar as part of the experience. “Truthfully, guests can spend a good bit of time in line waiting for a drink at busy times. Mulling over a beautiful menu or [creating] an experience as opposed to a line can be a really enjoyable moment,” Ashley says. If your venue doesn’t have a built-in bar, consult your party rental supplier to see what bar options they can offer. 

Dakota Hersey Photography

A MOBILE BAR AS

Charming A S Y O U R B I G D A Y

Brewmasters Mobile provides full service alcohol catering for wedding receptions and private events with a huge selection of craft beers, wine, and cocktails. With a variety of indoor and outdoor mobile bars including a unique horse trailer bar, Brewmasters Mobile takes all the stress out of planning your bar! Proudly ABC licensed to serve Eastern NC, The Triangle and beyond.

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reception

ABOVE Ashley created this rattan-backed, frosted acrylic bar menu inspired by ginger jar designs for a bridal shower at The Carolina Inn. Photo by Fancy This Photography LEFT Catering Works’ refreshing twist on a classic gin and tonic with cucumber ribbons and fresh thyme is paired with an elegant Bloom Works arrangement, bar from Greenhouse Picker Sisters and an acrylic and rattan bar menu by Revel NC. Photo by Fancy This Photography

Raising the Bar

Take things to the next level with intentional decor paired with specialty cocktails that tie in to an overarching theme for your bar, making it a fun focal point at your reception.

These drink and decor pairings might stir your imagination: • If you and your partner are bookworms and are working with an elegant indoor reception space, Ashley suggests a library-inspired bar decorated with leather-bound volumes and lamps, plus a leather engraved book menu and rental bookcases as bar backs. “Committing to a complete look can totally transform a bar experience,” Ashley says.

• “Espresso martinis are a particularly popular drink right now, and for good reason! I think [a martini themed bar] would be cute with an acrylic drink stirrer shaped like a toothpick with olives, with the couple’s initials inscribed in each olive shape,” Grace says.

• If you’re tying the knot during the colder months, Ashley suggests adding twinkling fairy lights and engraved, frosted acrylic bar signage with gold accents. Pair with spiked hot chocolate or mulled cider.

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“The bigger the better when planning for a large guest count,” says Curated Events Raleigh Marketing Director Mary Kathryn McConaghy.

“Having a large bar that is able to accommodate several bartenders – and therefore, guests – at one time is invaluable to the guest experience.” Mary suggests completing your bar with lamps to create some visual interest and add warmth, as well as customized cocktail napkins and matchbooks.

Grace Allred of Revel NC creates a range of specialty decor rentals and signage products that can be implemented for bar decor. “We often do larger rentals like shelf walls or displays, bar signs and menus as well as details like drink stirrers, napkins and coasters.”

No matter the theme of your wedding or what specific needs you have for your bar, Molly suggests you consult with your wedding planner and other vendors to bring it all together. “Working with your vendor team to incorporate a bar theme together with other aspects of your design, food and vibe is the best way to achieve a truly unique bar experience.”

SERVICE BEYOND SPIRITS

With all the customization and care that goes into planning and executing your bar, Molly says it’s important to remember you are investing in more than just what’s in the glass or bottle. Your vendor will provide guidance throughout planning, plus manage ordering, transportation of supplies to the venue, setup, service, liquor liability insurance and more.

T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

A Triangle Corporate Coach sedan at The Carolina Inn. Photo by Joe Payne Photography

Getaway Car

Why hiring a professional transportation service might be essential for your wedding

Trust us – there’s nothing more stressful than a VIP guest arriving late for your vows.

If your reception is just a short walk or drive from the ceremony, then a shuttle for yourself and your new spouse plus parents and the wedding party may suffice. However, if the reception is more than 20 or 30 minutes from the ceremony, you should consider offering transportation for everyone. A professional service like Triangle Corporate Coach can offer flexible vehicle options, ensuring youu’re well-prepared, especially when the final guest count remains uncertain until RSVPs are received a few weeks before the wedding.

“Pick a professional transportation company with a wedding specialist that can guide you through this process and options available to you through the inevitable changes in expected amount of ridership,” Lewis says.

Wedding websites are a perfect tool to relay essential information to guests. Lewis suggests including transportation details here and on your invites, too. Asking guests to sign up for rides can help clarify how many may want to take advantage of this service.

Why hire a professional transportation service?

IT’S A VENDOR THAT ACTIVELY INTERACTS WITH YOUR GUESTS.

“Professional transportation is likely one of the first wedding vendors your guests get to experience,” Lewis says. In fact, apart from your DJ, other entertainment vendors, bartenders and catering staff, your transportation service will likely to be among the few vendors your guests engage with on your wedding day.

IT’LL HELP YOU STAY ON SCHEDULE.

here are a few no-brainers when it comes to the wedding vendors you’ll need to hire, like a caterer, photographer and florist. But if you plan on separate ceremony and reception sites, you need to consider how your wedding party and guests will get from one venue to the next. Hiring a professional transportation service will ensure your loved ones arrive safely and on time to their destination, and relieve additional stress.

Lewis Jones, Senior Business Development and Group Sales Manager of Triangle Corporate Coach, says that one of the biggest hurdles when booking transportation is determining which and how many guests require a scheduled ride. For out-of-town guests, you may want to offer rides from a designated hotel to the ceremony venue. It might also give you peace of mind to include parents, other relatives and wedding party members in those chauffeured to the ceremony.

Your planner will likely pencil in a few extra minutes here and there throughout the day-of timeline to account for the inevitable. Still, sticking closely to the plan is always a safe bet!

A trusted driver provided by your transportation vendor will have experience with local traffic patterns and the parking situation at your venue, helping to avoid unnecessary delays.

YOUR GUESTS WILL THANK YOU.

Yes, it’s your day, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t prioritize a seamless experience for your guests, many of whom have likely traveled hours and shouldered significant expenses in order to be present. Make sure nobody will have to wait around for an Uber – which may or may not offer service at the location or time of your event – when they’re ready to depart your venue. Lastly, offering transportation back to a designated hotel can help prevent drinking and driving, so your guests can let loose during your reception knowing they’re guaranteed a safe shuttle at the end of the night. heartofncweddings.com

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Wedding Group Bus and Getaway Car Services

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Post-Wedding Checklist elax! You’ve just spent months planning for one of the biggest days of your life. It’s time to recuperate and enjoy quality time with your new spouse. Whether you’ve envisioned a romantic honeymoon overseas or plan on lounging around in sweats with leftover wedding cake, there’s no wrong way to recharge. Before you dive into post-wedding bliss, be sure to consider these essential items for your to-do list.

Be Sure You’ve Tipped Service Vendors

After the wedding, recognize the vendors that have gone above and beyond for you by giving tips and gifts, as well as reviews or feedback – see page 34 for full details on navigating vendor relationships and page 240 to browse ideas throughout our gift guide.

Open Gifts and Write Thank-You Notes

You’ve likely received a number of thoughtful items from your registry and now it’s time to express your gratitude to friends and family. Add a personal touch by having your stationer craft custom thank-you cards that coordinate with the rest of your wedding stationery. Or, if you hired a photo booth for your reception, we love the idea of using prints from it to create unique thank-you notes.

Preserve or Pass Along Your Wedding Day Attire

After investing significant time and money in your wedding attire and ensuring it fits perfectly, consider next steps for it. Decide whether you’re comfortable donating it to someone in need, exploring consignment or second-hand shops that have special sections for wedding dresses and formalwear, or if you’d like to preserve it as a keepsake or to pass down to family members.

If you choose to keep your dress, entrusting it to a professional cleaner is the best way to ensure it’s expertly preserved for the long term. Vendors like A Cleaner World and Medlin-Davis Cleaners specialize in cleaning and preserving wedding gowns, formalwear and even accessories like veils. It’s important to note that cleaning (like removing grime or dirt that may have built up from your photo session in a meadow or the stain left from a spray of Champagne) differs from preservation.

“Gown cleaning ensures the dress remains in excellent condition for short-term use, while preservation is a safeguard against the longterm effects of time and environmental factors,” says Brian Harrell, vice president of A Cleaner World. “By offering both options, clients

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can choose the service that aligns with their specific goals for their wedding gown, whether that’s personal use, sentimental value or potential resale.” Medlin-Davis Cleaners preserves gowns with care by prioritizing sustainable technologies. “We focus on each customer as an individual and every garment that is entrusted to us is treated individually,” says David Makepeace, president of Medlin-Davis.

“We listen and adhere to our customers’ preferences and use the myriad cleaning technologies at our disposal to ensure the very best care for every garment.”

Repurpose Your Flowers

Cherish the memories of your day by having florals pressed in a frame or drying them to use as decor around your home, or ask your florist about other ways your flowers can be given new life.

Post and Frame Wedding Photos

Once your photographer sends your edited wedding gallery, you’ll want to frame some cherished photos in your home or share them on social media. Another thoughtful idea is to ask your photographer to create a wedding album, either when your gallery becomes available or as a first anniversary gift.

“Couples sometimes think they will make one on their own, but then realize they’re so attached to their images that it’s hard to choose just a handful for their album,” says Fancy This Photography founder Nikki Whitt Belch. “Splurge on it and have your photographer create a masterpiece.” Also consider sending an album to your family members or wedding party as a special keepsake.

Squash the Post-Wedding Blues

After putting a ton of time and energy into your big day, you’ve undoubtedly experienced a wave of emotions leading up to and during the wedding. Some newlyweds find themselves experiencing a low once the event is over and guests have gone home.

If you’re left wondering what to do next, begin by planning out your first year together as a married couple – maybe you want to give back to your support system of loved ones that helped make your event a reality, or perhaps you want to focus on combining holiday traditions from each of your families into your own.

No matter what priorities you choose, there’s so much to look forward to with your new spouse. After all, the wedding is just the beginning of the journey you’re embarking on as you navigate the path of marriage together! – by Alana Bleimann

Wedding & Reception Venue Guide

Find a venue that matches your wedding needs. Visit heartofncweddings.com to use our wedding venue guide online.

Overnight accommodations

Guest capacity for seated reception

Guest capacity for standing reception

Catering on-site?

What outside area does the venue offer?

1705 East 919-850-2340 / Raleigh / page 37

No

225

350

Yes

Porch, lawn (ceremony space)

21c Museum Hotel 919-956-6700 / Durham / page 18

125 guest rooms

150

175

Yes

None

All Saints Chapel 919-459-3212 / Raleigh / page 44

No

120

200

No

None

Aria Events and Catering 984-888-0123 / Durham / page 76

No

250

300

Yes

Garden

The Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm hello@barnofchapelhill.com Chapel Hill / page 32

No

200

300

No

Garden patio, covered porch, lawn, flower fields, gardens, fire pits, wooded paths

Bluewater Waterfront Grill 910-256-8500 / Wrightsville Beach / page 113

No

300

300

Yes

Waterfront patio

Board & Batten 336-793-1155 / Lexington / page 20

No

225

225

Yes

Rolling hills

The Bradford 919-542-2467 / New Hill / page 19

Four guest suites plus Liam Reese Room and C&D Room; sleeps 12

200

200

No

Terrace, front garden, back field, side garden

Britton Manor 707-272-3015/ La Grange page 72

Sleeps up to 12

200

300

No

Gardens, poolside cocktail area, field, poolside bar, pond

Cannon Room 919-850-2340 / Raleigh / page 36

No

110

125

Yes

None

The Carolina Barn 910-495-9909 / Spring Lake / page 12

No

300

300

No

Mountain views, covered patios, terrace, lawn

The Carolina Inn 919-918-2715 / Chapel Hill / page 15

135 guest rooms

350

650

Yes

Terrace, courtyards, lawns for tenting

The Carolina Manor House thecarolinamanor@gmail.com Franklinton / page 77

Four treehouses sleep up to 16

200

225

No

Outdoor amphitheater, garden chapel, fire pit, patio

Carolina Trace Country Club 919-499-5121 / Sanford / page 111

No

250

350

Yes

Lake, lawn

Chapel Hill Country Club 919-967-8201 / Chapel Hill / page 67

No

180

300

Yes

Golf porch, front porch

City Club Raleigh 919-834-8829 / Raleigh / page 55

No

150 in ballroom, 250 with full buyout

300 in ballroom, 650 with full buyout

Yes

None

The Club at 12 Oaks 919-504-4091 / Holly Springs / page 100-101

No

250

400+

Yes

Heated/cooled tent for up to 250, lawn for up to 400

The Cookery 919-908-8974 / Durham / page 26

No

400

500

No

Private garden, courtyard

The Cornealius Properties 919-920-8061 / Goldsboro / page 118-119

Four-bedroom family house, five-bedroom Lafayette Sasser Home, cottage

200

300

No

Trails, natural areas, pond, farmland, woodland

The Cotton Room 919-530-8380 / Durham / page 43

No

350

440

Yes

No

Covington Gardens 336-209-0460 / Pleasant Garden / page 85

No

200

225

No

Garden pavilion, pond, lawn

Cross + Main 919-850-2340 / Youngsville / page 36

No

200

225

Yes

None

Daniel’s Ridge 919-770-3041 / Sanford / page 69

No

200

200

No

Water overlook, porch, patio, fireplace, open-air chapel, gardens and fields

The Distillery 919-391-8350 / Garner / page 65

No

242

242

No

Outdoor patio, green space

Donovan Manor 919-326-3729 / Fuquay-Varina / page 29

No

250 inside, 250+ outside

450

Yes

Rose garden, lawn, creek, railroad bridge, patio, fields, wetlands

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Overnight accommodations

Guest capacity for seated reception

Guest capacity for standing reception

Catering on-site?

What outside area does the venue offer?

The Durham Hotel 919-768-8830 / Durham / page 96

125 rooms (deluxe king, deluxe double, superior king, superior double, superior suite, penthouse)

100; roof: 55

150; roof: 125

Yes

Rooftop, patio space

Durham Exchange 919-251-6197 / Durham / page 86

No

80

90

No

Patio

Durham Exchange at ReCity 919-251-6197 / Durham / page 86

No

160

175

No

Patio with seating

Fearrington 919-542-2121 / Pittsboro / page 21

32 rooms for up to 64 guests

250

250

Yes

Gardens, greenhouses, patios, garden terrace, barn

Flying Biscuit Café 984-219-2323 / Raleigh / page 109

No

300

300

Yes

Patio, outdoor bar

Forest Hall at Chatham Mills 919-533-0145 / Pittsboro / page 54

No

150

220

Yes

Meadow, gardens, lawn

The Glass Box 919-459-3212 / Raleigh / page 45

No

30

45

Yes

Private outdoor balcony

The Grove at City Market 984-232-8661 / Raleigh / page 61

No

100

150

Yes

Patio, outdoor lounge

Heights House Hotel 919-594-1881 / Raleigh / page 22

Deluxe king suite, four king rooms, honeymoon suite, double queen room and two queen rooms

149

149

No

Lawn, historic neighborhood

Hidden Hill Venue 828-446-0896 / Morganton / page 115

No

200

250

No

Grass ceremony site, covered ceremony patio, covered reception and side patio

Hope Valley Country Club 919-489-6565 / Durham / page 109

No

Inquire for details

Inquire for details

Yes

Inquire for details

The Jarvis at 220 252-497-2656 / New Bern / page 127

Honeymoon cottage and main house sleeps up to 10 guests

120

140

No

Garden

Jiddi Space & Courtyard 919-592-7176 / Raleigh / page 31

No

120

140

Yes

Outdoor courtyard

La Résidence 919-967-2506 / Chapel Hill / page 41

No

250

300

Yes

Covered, heated patio

La Terrazza 910-315-9968 / Raleigh / page 62

No

150

180

Yes

Balcony

The Lincoln on Geer 919-228-9279 / Durham / page 68

No

300

400

No

None

MacGregor Downs Country Club 919-467-0146 / Cary / page 100-101

No

Inquire for details

Inquire for details

Yes

Tent for up to 250, golf course

Market Hall 984-232-8661 / Raleigh / page 60

No

350

450

Yes

Awning, street closure

Marriott Downtown Greensboro 919-571-5345 / Greensboro / page 42

379 guest rooms and 5 suites

600

1,000

Yes

Courtyard, terrace

The Matthews House 919-467-1944 / Cary / page 23

Guest suite for the couple

160

180

Yes

Terrace, garden, porch, courtyard

The Maxwell 919-213-0059 / Raleigh / page 57

No

300

400

No

Open-air patio, lawn

The Mayton 919-670-5000 / Cary / page 96

Six king suites, four queen suites, four two-bedroom conjoined rooms, one threebedroom conjoined room

120 indoor, 80 outdoor

140 indoor, 120 outdoor

Yes

Main terrace, north terrace

Maywood Hall & Garden 919-803-1333 / Raleigh / page 108

No

120

200

No

Garden

Melrose Knitting Mill 910-315-9968 / Raleigh / page 62

No

180

225

Yes

Courtyard

The Museum of Life and Science 919-220-5429 / Durham / page 63

No

150

200

No

Tented lawn, treehouses, Butterfly House garden

heartofncweddings.com

Wedding & Reception Venue Guide

Overnight accommodations

Guest capacity for seated reception

Guest capacity for standing reception

Catering on-site?

What outside area does the venue offer?

North Carolina Museum of Art 919- 839-6262 / Raleigh / page 11

No

150

200

Yes

North Courtyard

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences 919-707-9403 / Raleigh / page 53

No

60-220

120-400

Yes

Outdoor terrace

Oakland Farm 919-352-8247 / Bear Creek / page 39

Four-bedroom cottage sleeps 10

250

300

No

Outdoor pavilion, forest, fields, patios

Oceanic at the Crystal Pier 919-352-8247 / Wrightsville Beach / page 113

No

Varied; inquire for details

Varied; inquire for details

Yes

Historic pier, private oceanfront space

Old Edwards Inn 828-787-2610 / Highlands / page 117

Yes; inquire for details

220

275

Yes

Apple orchard

Four-bedroom main house sleeps eight, one-bedroom River House sleeps two, one-bedroom Aster Chalet sleeps two, four-bedroom West Stables sleeps eight

700

700

No

Courtyard, riverside event lawn

Parizade 919-286-9712 / Durham / page 76

No

80

120

Yes

Courtyard garden, water feature

Portofino Equestrian Center 919-359-9090 / Clayton / page 110

No

Inquire for details

Inquire for details

No

Working equestrian farm

The Power House at Rocky Mount Mills 252-801-6528 / Rocky Mount Mills / page 97

20 tiny homes each accommodating two-four guests

280

400

Yes

Outdoor terraces, Tar River

Prestonwood Country Club 919-467-2566 / Cary / page 7

No

350

500

Yes

Covered veranda

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-571-5345 / Raleigh / page 98

Yes; inquire for details

600

1,000

Yes

Courtyard, terrace

Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel 919-571-8773 / Raleigh / page 59

Yes; inquire for details

300

450

Yes

None

The Rickhouse 984-244-7662 / Durham / page 27

No

200

400

No

Balcony

River Dunes 252-670-5987 / Oriental / page 121

Cottages, suites and private homes for up to 100

100 indoors

225

Yes

Marina, waterfront views, lawns, natural areas, docks, front porches, pool, fire pit areas

Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County 252-637-1551 / New Bern / page 131

No

900

1,000

Yes

Neuse River, patio, veranda, lawn

River Landing 910-285-1487 / Wallace / page 128

70 rooms at the Inn, two cottages with five rooms each, five clubhouse suites

300

600

Yes

Grounds with river lodge, pool, veranda

Rocky Mount Event Center 252-231-3490 / Rocky Mount / page 85

No

520

520

Yes

None

Rose Hill Estate 252-459-4058 / Nashville / page 2-3

No

325

425+

Yes

Gardens, gazebo, pool, lake, porches

Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel 919-968-4900 / Chapel Hill / page 38

Yes; inquire for details

400

650

Yes

Outdoor terrace, pool

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel 919-834-9900 / Raleigh / page 63

Yes; inquire for details

300

600

Yes

None

The Stockroom at 230 919-459-3212 / Raleigh / page 45

No

175

250

Yes

None

The Story Venue 919-914-6032 / Chapel Hill / page 99

No

250

350

Yes

Rooftop, outside main level

Summerfield Farms 336-643-2006 / Summerfield / page 52

Yes; bungalow with three beds, cottage with one bed, cabin with two beds, retreat with two beds and homestead with three beds

300

300

Yes

Rooftop terrace, garden, fire pit, reception tent, front porch, pond, natural areas

Oxbow Estate 919-823-4423 / Clayton / page 81

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Wedding & Reception Venue Guide

Overnight accommodations

Guest capacity for seated reception

Guest capacity for standing reception

Catering on-site?

What outside area does the venue offer?

Tryon Palace 252-288-3820 / New Bern / page 129

No

250 inside, 400 outside

300

No

Gardens, lawns, courtyards, river views

Traine at Seaboard Station 919-213-1952 / Raleigh / page 87

No

175

270

No

Outdoor deck

The Umstead Hotel and Spa 866-877-4141 / Cary / page 5

Yes; inquire for details

200

250

Yes

Lawn, terrace

Union Grove Farm 919-265-3420 / Chapel Hill / page 73

No

200

250

No

Lawns, vineyard, garden, pond, gazebo, waterfall, outdoor fireplaces

University Club 919-493-8099 / Durham / page 80

No

180

200

Yes

None

The Upchurch 919-205-3036 / Apex / page 1

No

225

225+

Yes

Lawn, covered porch, greenhouse, forest, covered terrace, pond

Vidrio 919-803-6033 / Raleigh / page 112

No

200

250

Yes

Open-air loft

Village Pine 910-639-1730 / Pinehurst / page 84

No

250

400

No

Courtyard patio, garden, amphitheater, covered pavilion

The Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport 919-224-1400 / Raleigh / page 87

Yes; inquire for details

320

500

Yes

Rooftop, terrace

The Willard Rooftop Lounge 919-803-5100 / Raleigh / page 33

Standard king w/sofa sleeper; standard double queen; high floor city king w/ sofa sleeper; high floor city double queen; parlor room w/wall bed

104

200

Yes

Rooftop terraces

Young Hearts Distilling 919-424-7817 / Raleigh / page 37

No

200

300

Yes

Rooftop patio

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2024 DIRECTORY OF WEDDING RESOURCES

VENUES 1705 East .......................................................................................37 21c Museum Hotel ......................................................................18 All Saints Chapel .......................................................................44 Aria Events and Catering ......................................................76 Barn of Chapel Hill at Wild Flora Farm, The .................32 Bluewater Waterfront Grill ................................................... 113 Board & Batten .......................................................................... 20 Bradford, The ...............................................................................19 Britton Manor ..............................................................................72 Cannon Room ............................................................................ 36 Carolina Barn, The ......................................................................12 Carolina Inn, The .........................................................................15 Carolina Manor House, The ...................................................77 Carolina Trace Country Club ................................................ 111 Chapel Hill Country Club .......................................................67 City Club Raleigh .......................................................................55 Club at 12 Oaks, The ...................................................... 100-101 Cookery, The ............................................................................... 26 Cornealius Properties, The ............................................118-119 Cotton Room, The ................................................................... 43 Covington Gardens ................................................................. 85 Cross + Main ............................................................................... 36 Daniel's Ridge ............................................................................ 69 Distillery, The .............................................................................. 65 Donovan Manor ......................................................................... 29 Durham Hotel, The ................................................................... 96 Durham Exchange ................................................................... 86 Durham Exchange at ReCity .............................................. 86 Fearrington ...................................................................................21 Flying Biscuit Café ................................................................. 109 Forest Hall at Chatham Mills ............................................... 54 Glass Box, The ........................................................................... 45 Grove at City Market, The .......................................................61 Heights House Hotel ................................................................22 Hidden Hill Venue ..................................................................... 115 Hope Valley Country Club .................................................. 109 Jarvis at 220, The .................................................................... 127 Jiddi Space & Courtyard .........................................................31 La Résidence ................................................................................41 La Terrazza .................................................................................. 62 Lincoln on Geer, The ............................................................... 68 MacGregor Downs Country Club ........................... 100-101 Market Hall ...................................................................................60 Marriott Downtown Greensboro ....................................... 42 Matthews House, The ..............................................................23 Maxwell, The ................................................................................57 Mayton, The ................................................................................ 96 Maywood Hall & Garden ......................................................108 Melrose Knitting Mill ............................................................... 62 Museum of Life and Science ............................................... 63 North Carolina Museum of Art ..............................................11 North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences ...............53 Oakland Farm ............................................................................ 39 Oceanic at the Crystal Pier .................................................. 113 Old Edwards Inn ....................................................................... 117 Oxbow Estate ..............................................................................81 Parizade .........................................................................................76 Portofino Equestrian Center ...............................................110 Power House at Rocky Mount Mills ..................................97 Prestonwood Country Club .................................................... 7 Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley........................................ 98 Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel............................ 59 Rickhouse, The ...........................................................................27 River Dunes ................................................................................. 121 Riverfront Convention Center of Craven County ...... 131 River Landing ............................................................................128 Rocky Mount Event Center ................................................. 85

Rose Hill Estate ....................................................................... 2-3 Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel ................................................... 38 Sheraton Raleigh Hotel .......................................................... 63 Stockroom at 230, The .......................................................... 45 Story Venue, The ...................................................................... 99 Summerfield Farms ..................................................................52 Tryon Palace ..............................................................................129 Traine at Seaboard Station ...................................................87 Umstead Hotel & Spa, The ...................................................... 5 Union Grove Farm .....................................................................73 University Club...........................................................................80 Upchurch, The ............................................................................... 1 Vidrio .............................................................................................. 112 Village Pine Venue ................................................................... 84 Westin Raleigh-Durham Airport, The ..............................87 Willard Rooftop Lounge, The ..............................................33 Young Hearts Distilling Co. ...................................................37 BEAUTY & HEALTH Aesthetic Solutions ................................................................179 Bardot, The .................................................................................159 Finn Plastic Surgery ............................................................... 177 Pinup Studio ..............................................................................169 Reign Beauty ............................................................................. 175 Umstead Hotel & Spa, The ...................................................... 7 GOWN PRESERVATION A Cleaner World .................................................................... 305 Medlin-Davis Cleaners ........................................................ 305 CAKES & DESSERTS Bestow Baked Goods ...........................................................287 Cake Couture Boutique ....................................................... 277 Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café ..................................283 LB's Cakes .................................................................................285 Mad Hatter's Café + Bakeshop, The ...............................281 Ruth Drennan Cakes .............................................................289 S. Richardson Cakes ..............................................................287 Sugar Euphoria .......................................................................285 SweetWater Ices .....................................................................289 CATERERS & BAR SERVICES Beau Catering .......................................................................... 273 Brewmasters Mobile................................................................301 Cake Couture Boutique ....................................................... 277 Catering Works ........................................................................ 271 Empire Eats Catering ...........................................................265 Funky Fresh Catering ...........................................................269 Flying Biscuit Café ................................................................. 275 HL Catering Company .........................................................262 Rocky Top Catering ...............................................................263 Saladelia .....................................................................................268 Ta’ Contento ............................................................................. 275 FASHION Bernard’s Formalwear ...........................................................154 Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh ...................................................159 BeEverthine ...............................................................................167 Gilded Bridal ..............................................................................155 Kannon’s Clothing ...................................................................169 Liles Clothing Studio................................................................161 Thornbury Brides .................................................................... 157 White Bridal Boutiques ........................................................153 FLOWERS Bloom Works ............................................................................. 251 KatieDid Florals .......................................................................252 Petal & Oak ...............................................................................249

Sweet Love Blossoms ..........................................................252 Wild Flora Flowers .................................................................247 PAPER & GIFTS Ashley Triggiano ..................................................................... 237 BeEverthine ...............................................................................167 Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique ........................ 237 Revel NC .....................................................................................253 Small Batch Specialty Gifts ...............................................239 Wilkinson Creative Co. .........................................................233 JEWELRY Diamonds Direct ......................................................back cover Jewelry Authority .................................................................... 173 Jewelsmith ......................................................................... 162-163 LIVE PAINTER Ashley Triggiano ..................................................................... 237 PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEOGRAPHERS Ariel Kaitlin Photography ...................................................229 Barlow Boudoir .......................................................................220 Fancy This Photography .....................................................225 JoLynn Photography .............................................................216 Joe Payne Photography .....................................................228 Kivus & Camera .......................................................................224 Mark Maya Films & Photography ..................................... 217 Rae Marshall Photography ..................................................214 Richard Barlow Photography............................................. 221 DJS & ENTERTAINMENT ECE Raleigh ..............................................................................298 Hummingbird Harmonies ...................................................299 Spark Photo Booth ................................................................297 Stylus S.E. ...................................................................................295 ZimZoom Photo Booth........................................................293 RENTALS: DECOR, LIGHTING & TENTS American Party Rentals ......................................................255 Best Tents & Events ...................................................................17 Carolina Refinery, The .......................................................... 257 Curated Events Raleigh ...........................................................13 Petal & Oak ...............................................................................259 Revel NC .....................................................................................253 PLANNERS An Event Lady Production .................................................195 Anthem House ..........................................................................188 Bess + Beau Wedding and Event Design ..................200 Bustled Events ..........................................................................194 C&D Events ................................................................................189 French Bee Events, The ..................................................... 206 Socialite Events ........................................................................201 Something Fabulous Weddings & Events ..................207 Travel Mechanic, The .............................................................. 131 TRANSPORTATION Triangle Corporate Coach ................................................. 304 TRAVEL Charleston Area CVB ................................................... 134-135 Outer Banks Wedding Association ................................130 Visit New Bern ....................................312-inside back cover Visit Sanford ..............................................................................120 Travel Mechanic, The .............................................................. 131 WEDDING SHOWS & RESOURCES Forever & Company .............................................inside cover

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