Heart of NC Weddings 2021

HeartofNCWeddings.com

Your Guide for Triangle Weddings

plus, destinations from the mountains to the coast

Governors Club

It’s All About

You!

11000 Governors Drive, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517 ∙ 919.933.7500 ∙ GovernorsClubNC.com/Wedding In His Image Photography

Not all brides wear white.

Photo by Story Photographers

HILLSBOROUGH & CARRBORO

From our range of venues and scenery that fits your unique taste, no two weddings here are alike.

But the promise of safety and a warm welcome remains the same. We invite you to host your wedding in Chapel Hill and Orange County — and we'll help you plan it at no charge. Simply contact Chapel Hill’s wedding coordinator, Marlene Barbera, at mbarbera@visitchapelhill.org or 919.245.4323 to start planning the wedding of your dreams.

VisitChapelHill.org

Southern Love Studios

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

Just 35 minutes from downtown Raleigh

www.VisitRoseHill.com

Bronwyn Duffield Photography

|

252-459-4058

Six Foot Photography

Photos this page Southern Love Studios

Southern Grace Photography

About the cover

Arika Jordan Photography captured a Bella Bridesmaids bridal party at The Merrimon-Wynne House with bouquets by Folie à Deux Events.

2021 • VO L 34 HeartofNCWeddings.com

To view the entire styled shoot, turn to page 30.

Publisher and Editor Jenna Parks

Content Director and Editor Marie Muir

HeartofNCWeddings.com

Art Director

Patricia Campbell

Calligraphy and Layouts Danielle Olcott

Editorial Shoot Director Becca Taylor

Editorial Consultant Donna Parks

Production Manager Lizzie Jones

Creative Director Kevin Brown

Junior Graphic Designer & Production Assistant Lauren Wilkinson

Contributor

Your Guide for eddings T riangle W

plus, destinations from the mountains

Jean Carlos Rosario-Montalvo

Editorial Interns

to the coast

Alana Askew, Laney Dalton, Claire DeLano, Caroline Kloster, Madeline Kraft, Jack LaMarche, Anna Louise Pickens, Sarah Rollins, Gabrielle Thompson

Editor, Chapel Hill Magazine Jessica Stringer

Assistant Editor Hannah Lee

Advertising

For information, contact jenna@heartofncweddings.com

Executive Managing Editor Amanda MacLaren

The reproduction of any photography, artwork, articles or copy prepared by Southern Bride & Groom LLC (dba 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 Southern Bride & Groom LLC does not assume responsibility of any errors, inaccuracies or omissions. We reserve the right to refuse advertising.

Chief Operating Officer Rory Kelly Gillis

President

Dan Shannon

Visit our local resource guide online at

Vice President of Planning & Development

Connect with us on social media for local wedding news & inspiration

Vice President of Finance & Administration

HeartofNCWeddings.com @HeartofNCWeddings 

Ellen Shannon Amy Bell

Distribution

Caleb Rushing

Heart of NC Weddings is published by Shannon Media Inc. 1777 Fordham Blvd., Ste. 105, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 tel 919.933.1551 fax 919.933.1557 6

heartofncweddings.com

Krystal Kast Photography

211 Pittsboro St. Chapel Hill, NC 27516

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919.918.2715

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carolinainnweddings.com

Letter from the Publisher

FOR BETTER OR FOR WORSE

W

ith the introduction of our state government write safety guidelines more inclusive name (we for events. were known as Southern Bride & Groom for three While racism and discrimination still decades) and an exciting partnership exist in our nation, critical strides for with Shannon Media, I’m not going to justice are being made. Big changes start lie, Heart of NC Weddings was on top small, and for us, that means joining the of the world at the start of 2020. My conversation. We are listening, learning content manager, Marie Muir, and and sharing our platform to support the I were so ready for our next stage of goal of equal representation in the local helping couples. Well, we all know what wedding industry. happened next. The pandemic upended thousands of wedding plans across the Our new colleagues at Shannon Media state. Everything changed. (publisher of Durham Magazine, Chapel But the power of love remained Hill Magazine and Chatham Magazine), Jenna Parks, Publisher, and Marie Muir, Editor, constant, thank goodness. You may embrace our mission of inclusivity of the at The Carolina Inn wedding be on a third – or fourth – round of LGBTQ+ community. We will always showcase in February 2020. wedding planning. Or you may be newly stand behind our “love is love” values. engaged, hoping to host an unrestricted party in 2022 or beyond, just like the “good ole days.” We The celebration of marriage will never be canceled. acknowledge the way COVID-19 has changed weddings Couples made peace with delayed dates for big in this issue, but optimistically and realistically look ahead celebrations, and many used this time for microweddings to the ways we will celebrate in 2021 and beyond. or elopements. In the end, each wedding, in whatever Because I’m a big fan of silver linings, I’m sharing my shape or form you choose, will be perfect, memorable and list with you: uniquely yours.

• •

•

•

Setbacks to the way we operate have not meant an end to creativity. Businesses serving brides and grooms adapted from offering curbside tastings to front-porch photo sessions.

Our magazines and digital outlets rose to the challenge of creating completely new, timely and helpful content.

• •

Shopping locally within our North Carolina community has never felt better.

We are inspired by those who continue to give back, even as they are struggling. Florists assembled beautiful displays at hospital entries, caterers delivered meals to school kids, and event pros worked together, helping our 8

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As you navigate the months ahead, keep that feeling of the moment you got engaged close to your heart. We’ll be here, in print and online, to keep you up to date on guest count limits and safety guidelines, and to share trends and special offers to help with your planning. We hope you’ll be as amazed as Marie and I are by the fabulous local vendors in our magazine.

With love, hope and joy,

Jenna Parks

THE UMSTEAD.COM | CARY, NC | 866.877.4141

2021

LO CAL

Lucy Liu, Becca Taylor, Marie Muir, Susan Langford and Jenna Parks at The Bradford during the Heart of NC Weddings fashion photo shoot. Photo by Richard Barlow Photography.

love

How to support small businesses while planning your wedding ne of my favorite sayings is, “weddings are recession proof,” but if this past year has taught us anything, it’s that the wedding industry is not invincible. My reality check set in quickly following the coronavirus outbreak and the postponed spring wedding season. Revenue loss reminded me just how dependent our industry is on North Carolina couples and their desire to say “I do” in their home state.

Livestreamed elopement ceremonies were heartfelt, but there’s no comparison to the positive impact that hundreds of wedding guests can have on a city or town’s economy. Which is why Heart of NC Weddings is calling on couples, now more than ever, to book local wedding vendors.

Modern wedding planning was already en route to becoming a mostly online journey – coronavirus just sped up the process. Social media is a great place to start, but should not be your finish line.

Commit yourself to local wedding vendor research (browse our vetted selection of vendors at heartofncweddings.com). Spending a little extra time at this step will give you the best bang for your buck. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call, FaceTime or schedule a Zoom meeting with vendors. Talking to vendors will reassure you of their experience and expertise, whether the conversation takes place in person or virtually. Some vendors have invested in media production in order to offer seamless virtual appointments and venue tours online. Once you’ve organized your top list of local vendor prospects, reach out for a consultation rather than making any hasty decisions.

Danielle Smith of Blissmore Photography captures a moment between Scott Erickson and his wife, AnnaLaura Erickson.

It’s important to prioritize authenticity when it comes to booking your wedding vendor team. Here are a few questions you’ll want to ask: How long have you been in business? Are you familiar with the area? Would other local wedding vendors recommend you? Within this magazine, you’ll find vendors who are reliable and respected within the industry by clients and industry peers alike. If you find a vendor in our magazine or on our website/blog, please let them know! We’re a local business, too, and our mission is to support this industry. Mentioning our resource guide allows us to keep doing what we do – introducing the best local vendors to you.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

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Adrienne Duterte of Silverceiling Beauty Consulting and model Maria Alejandra.

Jenna Parks.

Images by Amber Robinson at The Glass Box.

Shannon Media Inc. staff on Zoom for an office happy hour.

Becca Taylor and Jenna Parks’ daughter, Cece, 5.

Heba Salama Photoography at The Laurelbrook.

Brittney Brady and Susan Langford.

Randi Smith, owner of Sugar Euphoria.

The Merrimon-Wynne House joined #WeMakeEvents – a movement to support live events during the pandemic.

heartofncweddings.com

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36 DEPARTMENTS 8

Letter from the Publisher

10

Local Love

16

Venues

80

Fashion and Beauty

112

Wedding Planners

136

Photo and Motion

160

Florals and Decor

174

Paper and Gifts

184

Reception

228

Nearby Destinations and Honeymoons

240

New Nesters

250

Venue Guide

254

Directory of Resources

ARTICLES FEATURES 30

Love in Color Rainbow design at The MerrimonWynne House in Raleigh

56

Standing Ovation at The Orpheum Boho inspo at The Orpheum in downtown Oxford

72

Grit, Grace & Gratitude Meditterranean style at The Graham Mill

168

Sweet & Sultry Floral design by Petal & Oak

172

Pure Romance Floral design by Bloom Works

228

Destination New Bern How one of the state’s oldest cities has become the newest wedding destination

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174

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How We Celebrate Now The new world of weddings and what to expect

38

Love Big, Celebrate Small How to make a wedding guest list for an intimate affair

46

What’s New with Wedding Venues Up-and-coming venues to watch in 2021

64

A Family Affair How to say “I do” to new traditions on your wedding day

102

Will You Be My Bridesmaid?

Six ways to show your bridesmaids love

108

Plastic Surgery Mythbusters Emphasize your natural beauty with help from local experts

110

Holy Matrimony, That’s a Good Looking Tux Your guide to a fashionably great wedding

114

Hire a Wedding Planner, Trust Me Our editor tried to be a wedding planner, and failed 

Vesic Photography

To plan the wedding you’ve always imagined call one of our wedding specialists

919-467-2566

www.prestonwoodcc.com

300 Prestonwood Parkway, Cary, NC

138

Love On Film Jillian Knight’s guide to wedding photography

158

Wedding Videography Q&A with Thomas Blake Films and Mark Maya Photography & Videography

162

Your Wedding Aesthetic How to plan flowers and decor

177

Handwritten Q&A with Mason Dixon Designs, Ashley Triggiano and CKCreations

186

Changing the Menu How caterers adjust to a postCOVID-19 event industry

202

Last Call for Alcohol Bar planning wisdom from Molly Youssef of Brewmasters Mobile

208

The Icing On Top Local bakers share the latest wedding dessert trends

242

Synergy Ryan Sides and Marianne Verrilli’s life post-wedding

248

The Modern Table Fine china, and why it doesn’t have to be boring

REAL WEDDINGS

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Patrick Johnstone & Caitlyn Willis

118

Joel Boggan & L. Lin Ong

122

Jonah Freedman & Sierra Shell

124

Hayden Brochu & Noelle Buttrey

128

Nuumo Taalib El-Amin & Gwendolyn Patterson

130

Malia Campbell & Spike Hoban

134

Pooja Makam & Robert Weston

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194

144

Risa Daniels & Matt Isabel

146

Preston Graves & Monique Perry

150

Ashley Stephenson & Will Privette

152

Matt Mason & Kim Weaver

154

Rocio Malena Arguijo & Jorge Luis Garcia Escoto

156

Meghan McHone & Trevor Newman

238

Lauren Chapman & Ben LaMothe

Spring Lake, North Carolina

and

RUSTIC SOUTHERN ELEGANCE CHARM Visit THECarolinaBARN.com and book your tour, today.

Photo credits: Chelsea Allegra Photography & Morgan Caddell Photography

VENUE: ROSE HILL ESTATE PHOTOGRAPHY: DANIELLE FLAKE PHOTOGRAPHY 16

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VENUES AVERAGE $7,500 IN THIS REGION, BUT RENTAL FEES VARY BETWEEN $3,000 AND $11,000 DEPENDING ON POPULARITY, IN-HOUSE INCLUSIONS (IE, TABLES & CHAIRS), LOCATION, AND TIME OF YEAR THAT YOU’RE SAYING “I DO.” BOOKING YOUR VENUE NEEDS TO BE TOP PRIORITY WHEN YOU GET ENGAGED, TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE SELECTION OF LOCATIONS AND DATES THAT WORK FOR YOUR VISION.

EVEN IN PRE-COVID TIMES, POPULAR VENUES COULD BOOK UP TO ONE OR TWO YEARS IN ADVANCE. THERE WILL BE EXTRA CHALLENGES IN 2021 AND 2022 BECAUSE SO MANY WEDDINGS WERE RESCHEDULED INTO THOSE PRIME DATES ALREADY. TRY TO BE FLEXIBLE ON SPECIFIC DATES - WE SUGGEST SHOPPING BY MONTH OR SEASON. YOU’LL BE ABLE TO SCORE DEALS ON NON-SATURDAY EVENTS.

DECIDE IF YOU WANT YOUR CEREMONY AND RECEPTION AT THE SAME VENUE. UNLESS YOU ARE A MEMBER OF A PLACE OF WORSHIP, THE CEREMONY WILL INCUR ITS OWN BOOKING PROCESS AND RENTAL FEE. BRAINSTORM LOCATION, STYLE, OR SPECIFIC ATTRIBUTES YOU MUST HAVE - IE, ONE WITH A BRIDAL SUITE, DOWNTOWN, WATER VIEWS, OUTDOOR SEATING, ETC. THE LIST GOES ON! REFER TO OUR VENUE GUIDE IN THE BACK OF THIS MAGAZINE OR ON HEARTOFNCWEDDINGS.COM TO PERFECT YOUR WISH LIST. ESTIMATE YOUR GUEST COUNT BEFORE YOU CALL ANY VENUES, AND MAKE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR OVERALL RECEPTION BUDGET.

TOTAL COSTS FOR FOOD AND RENTALS WILL BE NEEDED FOR THAT LOCATION, THE AVERAGE COSTS MENTIONED ABOVE DO NOT INCLUDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE MINIMUMS. ASK ABOUT VENDOR-SPECIFIC POLICIES SUCH AS THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE, CANCELLATION PROTOCOL, OVERTIME FEES, INSURANCE, LIQUOR POLICIES, AND OTHER ADD-ON COSTS. CONSIDER RULES THEY HAVE WHICH MIGHT ADD OTHER VENDOR FEES TO YOUR PLATE- SUCH AS WHEN LOAD OUT MUST BE COMPLETED. CHECK IF THE VENUE HAS SPECIFIC VENDOR REQUIREMENTS. WE HOPE YOU’LL USE HEART OF NC WEDDINGS TO FIND ALL OF THE VENDORS WHERE YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

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Photo by AJ Dunlap

Photo by Jillian Knight Photography

110 S. East Street, Downtown Raleigh · 919.459.3212 ALLSAINTS1875.COM

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230 Fayetteville Street, Downtown Raleigh THESTOCKROOMAT230.COM

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919.459.3212

GLASSBOXRALEIGH.COM

KELSEY NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

309 N DAWSON ST RE E T, RA L E I G H

910-31 5 - 9 9 6 8

M E LR O S E K NI TTI NG M I LLR A LE I GH .C O M

C ont act Je ss i ca Ti l t on at j es sic a@so u thern o ak ev en ts.c o m

ALLY & BOBBY PHOTOGRAPHY

Font - Baskerville

Font -

Anter

THE HISTORIC

Wakefield Barn

THE HISTORIC Raleigh’s newest wedding and event venue and part of the National Registry of Historic Places. This century old, 3-story dairy barn, stands tall on 11 ½ acres with towering silos and a unique grandeur of its own.

12617 Old Falls of Neuse Road, Wake Forest, North Carolina 919-278-7287 W W W. H I S T O R I C WA K E F I E L D B A R N . C O M

Contact Jessica Tilton at jessica@southernoakevents.com

KELSY NELSON PHOTOGRAPHY

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Dan Coda and Mary Ryan celebrate their backyard wedding with dancing on their deck. Photo by Fancy This Photography.

HOW WE CELEBRATE NOW It’s easy to overlook that celebrations are a huge part of life … until they are absent.

Here is our perspective on the new world of weddings: As the pandemic steamrolled our society last year, so began months of near-total isolation. Our life milestones gradually became irrelevant, and, dare I say it, melancholy. Just like that, the joyous world of weddings came to a screeching halt.

Well, we’re better off calling it a pause. Couples and vendors worked together to reschedule their plans (and then reschedule again, and again). Some couples deconstructed and reassembled smaller versions of the originally planned event. In the end, how we celebrate now reflects what we learned from this entire experience.

What follows is my list of the top five impacts from COVID-19 in the world of weddings, all of which I believe will stick around for the near future.

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No. 1: Ceremony-Centric Weddings

We went back to wedding basics this year: the ceremony took center stage. Couples with wedding dates that fell during the first several months of the pandemic were faced with the question: What’s more important – getting married or having a reception?

Many determined couples embraced the smaller-thanplanned wedding at whatever number of guests were allowed under pandemic guidelines. That meant a trip to the courthouse for some, and a backyard ceremony and family dinner for others.

And something amazing happened. Those couples who hosted microweddings absolutely loved them. The devotion that led these couples to the altar resulted in a newfound appreciation for what their wedding was really about.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELYN BOLING PHOTOGRAPHY.

A Timeless Setting for Exclusive We d d i n g s & E v e n t s

w w w. l a v e n d e r o a k s . f a r m

3833 Millard Whitley Road Chapel Hill, NC info@lavenderoaks.far m 919-909-7417

appreciation for what their wedding was really about. As an added bonus, they spent ample time with each of the select few family and friends who shared their moment.

That’s not to say there isn’t a huge value to throwing down with hundreds of guests, dancing the night away in jubilee over the momentous occasion of two souls becoming one.

Many couples decided to have the best of both worlds. The biggest trend we saw soar in popularity during the pandemic is the two-event game plan: a micro wedding or elopement on the original wedding date, followed by a larger party, which would include extended friends and families, scheduled for the hopeful post-COVID era. Some couples bill this second event as the wedding itself and plan to re-enact their ceremony, while others plan to use this party as the reception or even a first anniversary party. We foresee this being a trend for many years to come.

No. 2: All About the Core Crew

In a time of forced micro weddings, betrothed folks learned how to refine their wedding guest counts. Some important lessons came from this exercise. Couples finally had the excuse to tell their parents that some of their posse didn’t make the cut. Plus-ones were no longer assumed. Unwanted coworkers got the chopping block, and no one took offense.

No. 3: Entertainment Priorities

With smaller guest counts and often with smaller budgets, couples had no choice but to reconsider the allocation of funds. This helped couples learn how to identify their entertainment priorities.

I don’t mean to imply that “cheapening” the wedding day is a trend. In fact, it’s the opposite. With smaller guest counts, couples can lavish their nearest and dearest with higher perperson costs and still save money. Imagine this: over-the-top florals, five-course meals with wine pairings or personalized favors. A videographer or custom lounge no longer seems like an out-of-range splurge. Couples can spoil themselves, too – perhaps spring for exquisite wedding jewelry, a custom suit or that couture gown that they want memorialized in their wedding portraits.

No. 4: A New Level of Respect

For the betterment of all, we’ve come out of this era with a new level of respect for one another. We were challenged to wear masks during ceremonies and meal service, to group together in pods, to use hand sanitizer, to give one another space in the bathrooms, to refrain from intermingling and even from dancing. Yes, it was hard. But the reason was simple: to protect one another.

The idea of looking out for one another’s best interests is going to carry into the future of weddings. Safety protocols will linger for years. And in the world of weddings, this applies both to our guests, who are taking a risk to attend your celebration, as well as with our vendors, who are taking a risk to serve you.

No. 5: Zoom Just Isn’t the Same

Olivia and Alex Bales’ courthouse wedding kiss in Beaufort, North Carolina, by Cynthia Rose Photography.

Don’t get us wrong. We believe one of the most beautiful things about weddings is that all of the couple’s loved ones are able to witness and celebrate together. But the shedding of those peripheral folks – the ones who aren’t likely to be a part of your lives together in marriage – is a freedom that’s going to be remembered.

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At the beginning of the pandemic, I feared that we’d all rapidly get accustomed to doing everything virtually, from work, to school, to dating ... and even to weddings. Virtual elements are certainly transforming how we celebrate. It’s no strange thing for Grandma and Grandpa to watch a livestream of the ceremony from home. That’s a beautiful thing. But in the end, there’s nothing like locking eyes with the parade of people from your life as you walk down the aisle after you’re declared married. And there’s no digital replacement for embracing your favorite aunt, posing in a photo booth with your college roommates, toasting with your new in-laws and dancing the night away under flashing lights in a crowd of people, all there to celebrate your new life together!

Jenna Parks | @JennaLovesLocal

A family-run property with a newly-completed post and beam bar n, surrounded by vineyards, orchards and gardens in the countryside of Chapel Hill events@uniongrovefar m.com

uniongrovefar m.com

/ uniongrovefarm

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEBA SALAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

Walters & Walters

UNIVERSITY CLUB in the Penthouse Suite of University Tower in Durham

Walters & Walters

Halftone Studios

In His Image

Nancy Ray Photography

BRIDAL LUNCHEONS / REHEARSAL DINNERS / WEDDING CEREMONIES & RECEPTIONS

3100 Tower Blvd., 17th Floor

Durham, NC

919.493.8099

www.universityclubnc.com

Sponsorships available.

Kristine Dittmer Photography

Samuel Holt Photography

WEDDINGS

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RECEPTIONS

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REHEARSAL DINNERS

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BRIDAL LUNCHEONS

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ANNIVERSARIES

THE CAROLINA CLUB - A Chapel Hill Tradition -

Since 1993, The Carolina Club has been a home for our members, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of The University of North Carolina.

George Watts Hill Alumni Center | Stadium Drive at Ridge Road 919.962.1101 | carolina-club.com

Photographs by Caroline Lima except otherwise noted

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

Arika Jordan Photography | Folie Ă Deux Events | The Merrimon-Wynne House 30

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In August 2020, a team of local wedding vendors led by Erica created a romantic rainbow wedding design at The MerrimonWynne House in downtown Raleigh. The vendor team practiced social distancing and wore masks due to COVID-19.

The Merrimon-Wynne House, known for its historic charm and minimalist beauty, was the perfect canvas for Erica’s vibrant vision. If Erica is a rainbow, then Arika Jordan Photography is a ray of sunshine! Her vibrant photography style perfectly complemented this photo shoot’s bold color scheme. Arika beautifully portrayed each model in film and digital photography as they traveled down the grand staircase, onto the front porch and across the lawn.

Real-life engaged couple and bloggers Trevor Black and Camille Mauban played bride and groom in this imaginary wedding scene. Camille wore a classic sweetheart neckline ballgown, and Trevor donned a crisp blue tux and bow tie.

Yellow blossoms in the bride’s hair and groom’s boutonniere provided a coherent thread to their wedding attire. Each bridesmaid looked lovely in mismatched blush dresses from Bella Bridesmaids.

Once again, Erica’s floral arrangements pulled the wedding party’s look together with lavish, bright bouquets garnished by ribbons.

The Merrimon-Wynne’s lawn, which is shielded from the street by landscaping, is the perfect place to host an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony, reception or event. This styled shoot showcases sweet Southern charm with patterned linens and fine china from CE Rental. Gray taper candles placed on crystal-clear candlesticks complement ghost chairs stationed at each table setting. The icing on top? A three-tier wedding cake painted in sunset hues by Sugar Euphoria.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir heartofncweddings.com

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The French phrase “folie à deux” by definition means “the sharing of delusional ideas by two people who are closely associated.”

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Linens from CE Rental and bouquets by Folie Ă Deux Events popped against the luscious lawn of The Merrimon-Wynne House.

Real-life engaged couple Camille Mauban and Trevor Black got to practice playing bride and groom in this colorful styled shoot.

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Heart of NC Weddings VENDORS

Wedding Planner and Floral Design Folie Ă Deux Events

Photographer Arika Jordan Photography Bridesmaid Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Cake Sugar Euphoria Party Rentals CE Rental Venue The Merrimon-Wynne House

Additional vendors

Backdrop Austin Calhoun Designs

Pajamas and Jewelry Poppy & Co. Hair and Makeup Wedded Kiss Spray Tan TANSformations Invitations Designs A La Mere Bridal Gown White Bridal Boutique Formalwear The Black Tux Lounge Area Greenhouse Picker Sisters Models Trevor Black, Emely Gonzalez, Jessica Lovely, Camille Mauban, Hannah Murdock and Krista Stevens

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J. CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY

ANNIE TIMMONS PHOTOGRAPHY

KIVUS & CAMERA

919.873.9500 tchospitalitygroup.com

KIVUS & CAMERA

KIVUS & CAMERA

Historic Elegance, Southern Charm

PHOTO BY JORDAN MAUNDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Luxury Wedding Venue in the Heart of Downtown Raleigh —

500 N. Blount St., Raleigh, NC 27604

—

MERRIMONWYNNE.COM

heartofncweddings.com

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os by: Richard Barlow Photography

Make a Statement with this Downtown Raleigh Architectural Landmark.

ALL PHOTOS BY RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

Make a Statement with this Downtown Raleigh Architectural Landmark.

Raleigh Union Station 510 West Martin St., Raleigh NC 27601 919.645.2762 unionstation@raleighnc.gov yorkproperties.com

OPERATED BY ROSE HILL

Tiffany Johnson Photography

a space to celebrate, nestled along the falls of the Tar River at the Rocky Mount Mills and River & Twine Tiny House Accommodations Jaimie Bailey Photography

Tiffany Johnson Photography

Mikkel Paige Photography

252-801-6528 | thepowerhousenc.com

LOVE BIG, CELEBRATE SMALL

How to make a wedding guest list for an intimate affair

By Aimee Flynn and Yvette Navarro, co-owners of The Parlour at Manns Chapel

Jennifer B Photography

If a pandemic threatens to shrink your wedding, or you believe that less is more, we’ve got guidelines to help you narrow your guest list way down. Imagine treating your guests to a highquality and personalized experience – without breaking the bank! Here are our top tips on how to make a wedding guest list for an intimate affair.

Start by Breaking the News (gently) to Your Parents

Telling parents that your style, budget and venue call for an intimate affair can be tough. As venue owners, we suggest 38

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that parents join you for the venue tour.

Seeing the special intimacy of a smaller venue usually makes the vision clear within minutes. Before you know it, they are helping to edit the list! Many couples

allow their parents to select up to four guests – whether it’s their best friends, close neighbors or work associates.

We often suggest that hosting a casual picnic the day after can be the ideal

Your venue for the well-curated guest list.

100 or less

guilt-free opportunity to extend an invitation to additional folks who may be on your parent’s list or who want to wish you the best.

Reconsider ‘Close’ Friends

Follow these steps to cut your wedding guest list down to the size you want and feel guilt-free while doing so.

Invite the people closest to your life. Follow that simple model, and you can’t lose.

Let’s be clear – no one has 200 close friends no matter how popular you are. Start by asking: “Can we see having dinner or drinks with them in the next year after the wedding?” If you haven’t seen them in a few years (i.e., that high school friend on Facebook), then your answer is likely no. Off the list they go.

If you are worried about the fallout when you post those gorgeous wedding pics, then be sure to say, “It was a super small affair; would love to get together after the honeymoon!”

As you create your list, remind yourself that it’s a guest list, not an audience.

Thoughtfully Consider Your Boss and Coworkers

We all have that coworker we love sharing the office gossip or lunch with. But unless you’re hanging out with them enough outside of work to call them a close friend, they’ll understand if you tell them you had a very intimate guest list. They’ll happily opt for a drink after work or extended lunch at your favorite place to celebrate. This rule applies to your boss, too!

If your boss has been both a mentor and a close friend, include them. But if it feels like an obligatory invite, trust your gut and skip it.

Don’t Shy Away from Kid-Free

A kid-free policy can open up precious spots on your guest list, whether you’re planning a formal or casual dinner.

Choose a clear rule and stick to it. Settle on an age threshold (older kids require less parental oversight) or restrict it to immediate family. Consider inviting kids to the more casual postwedding picnic mentioned above. If you are worried your guests won’t get the message, reach out beforehand: “Hi! We just sent out invitations, and we’re so excited to have you join us. We are keeping the event intimate and kid-free, so you can truly enjoy yourself. We wanted to give you advance notice, so 40

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technically you should give plus-ones to your wedding party members, we think it’s OK to use the same plus-one rule applied above. If used across the board, this rule will help you avoid that random person in photos that has you both questioning, “Who is that?” for years to come after their breakup.

Evaluate Whether or Not to Reciprocate

you have time to find a sitter and get excited about a night out. We hope you can make it!” Remember – don’t grant any exceptions; that would be rude to guests who abide by your request.

Follow Simple Plus-One Rules

Consider only offering a plus-one to those friends and family members who are either engaged, married, already living together or have been dating for more than six months to a year. While

Do I have to invite someone just because I was invited to or attended their wedding?

Reciprocal entertaining makes for some pretty straightforward rules as long as you’re careful. If your friend’s wedding was recent, and you are still quite close – and if your big day is on a similar scale as theirs – they should already be on your guest list. But maybe your friendship has faded some since their event, and you don’t foresee the relationship going much further. Well, then it is appropriate to leave them off the list.

EFFORTLESSLY

BEAUTIFUL

Nestled in a cozy corner of downtown Cary, this historic events venue offers a Greek Revival mansion, manicured grounds, and a grand ballroom for gatherings large and small. Let us host your unforgettable and unique event experience.

317 West Chatham Street Cary, NC 27511 (919) 467-1944 matthewshousecary.com @thematthewshouse

@TheMatthewsHouseCary

PARTN ER CARY, NC

PHOTOS by AZUL PHOTOGRAPHY / CAT NGUYEN PHOTOGRAPHY / KEVIN PUGH PHOTOGRAPHY

Morgan Caddell Photography

Ellie McKinney Photography

Three Region Photography

Forest Hall at Chatham Mills is a stunning venue for weddings and special events.

This unique venue in an historic restored mill, offers outdoor ceremonies in a lush forest setting, while the interior event space boasts high ceilings, exposed brick and beams, original oak floors and expansive windows with beautiful natural light and views. Come and experience Forest Hall at Chatham Mills and let us make your special day a memorable one!

Arika Jordan Photography

480 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC

919.533.0145

info@foresthallnc.com

Ariel Kaitlin Photography

theoaksatsalem.com • 919.387.4158

Maggie Mills Photography

Tracy Parrett Photography

Maggie Mills Photography

Ariel Kaitlin Photography

Maggie Mills Photography

Missy Loves Jerry Photography

Downtown Raleigh’s largest historic venue surrounded by the charming cobblestone streets and market lights of City Market. Now featuring two modern rooms in one versatile venue: Park View hosts up to 140 and Market View hosts up to 300. Combined they seat 400.

984-232-8661 • www.historicmarkethall.com • 215 Wolfe St. Raleigh, NC

f8 Photo Studios

Anchor & Veil Photography

Kate Pope Photography

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley ALL INCLUSIVE WEDDING VENUE I N T I M A T E R E C E P T I O NAS T O G R A N D A F F A I R S MODERN BALLROOMS | OUTDOOR TERRACES BRIDAL SUITES | GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS

4500 MARRIOTT DRIVE, RALEIGH, NC 27612 919-571-5345 | RALEIGHMARRIOTT.COM Photos by: Brynn Gross Photography Sam Jasper Photography, Afterglow Creative, Peter Nguyen Photography

WHAT’S NEW with Wedding Venues

Struggling to find an available Saturday date in 2021? You’re not alone. Thousands of weddings were rescheduled from 2020 due to COVID-19. Check out these new local venues, which might have availability – even for prime dates!

We’ve vetted each of the following locations, some from groundbreaking to completion. Despite the hardships of construction and opening in the middle of a pandemic, each of these new venues is sure to become a mainstay.

Warehouse Style

The Graham Mill opened in spring 2020 and is located only 20 minutes outside of Chapel Hill. Its high ceilings, iron beams and soft exposed brick walls are highlighted by natural light, which pours into the main room from all sides. Bonus features include the beautifully designed getting ready rooms and the outdoor garden area. It’s easy to understand why this space is already in high demand.

Would you expect anything less from a venue designed by a wedding planner? Aneesa Glines of Harmony Weddings and Events is the woman behind The Graham Mill, and her team operates the space.

Speaking of warehouse venues, let’s talk about Suite Four, which also happens to be run by a top local planner, Joye Speight of Virtue Events. Situated in the Warehouse District of downtown Durham, the building has various spaces that can be utilized for events. The most popular spot will certainly be The Gallery and Loft combo, which can host intimate to large-scale weddings.

The “original” warehouse venue of Durham, The Cotton Room, recently completed an update and expansion of its sister property, Belt Line Station. The open-air venue, which used to be a train station, now has an indoor counterpart with speakeasy vibes. Both venues are located in the Golden Belt Campus and can be combined for a super-size event or rented individually. Alternatively, for intimate events up to 50 guests, check out the petite Lucky Strike Suite.

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Belt Line Station / Vesic Photography

Modern Vibes

Raleigh Union Station is an architectural gem and perfect for a couple who wants an exciting and unique event space.

Yes, the event space is the actual train station! The public area can be transformed into a private indoor space that can accommodate any size of event. There’s also a terrace that overlooks the twinkling skyline of downtown Raleigh. The central location of the Station is walkable to many downtown bars, restaurants, local hotels and a parking deck.

Painting by One + Only Paper

Love‌Set The Scene Featuring the historic Upchurch-Williams House, stunning wedding lawns and conservatory-inspired pavilion

OPENING FALL 2021

theupchurchvenue.com

|

info@theupchurchvenue.com

|

919.389.5757

|

@theupchurchvenue

What’s New with Wedding Venues Continued

historic venue is now restored as a 28-room boutique hotel with event center space and a bar open to the public. Plan your next overnight stay or event, and enjoy the hotel’s chic design and luxurious amenities. An additional building was constructed for more guest rooms, and there is plenty of outdoor space that’s protected from street noise by giant magnolias.

Raleigh Union Station / Richard Barlow Photography

There’s nothing quite like The Orpheum! The historic movie theater in downtown Oxford was recently renovated into an unforgettable event venue. Discover retro details, from the outside signage to the indoor light fixtures to the preserved original mezzanine and wall art. This is the second wedding venue for Britnye and Cody Shore, who also own Morgan Farms down the street.

Fresh on the scene, The Distillery is one of the larger event spaces in the Triangle. The bones of an old factory on the downtown strip of Garner have been revamped into a chic, modern venue that has ample room for a ceremony, cocktails and reception indoors for up to 340 guests. This new venue has on-site getting ready suites and beautifully landscaped outdoor event areas as well. Where does the name come from? It’s a nod to its neighbor – Aristotle Spirits, Garner’s first distillery.

Opening in 2021, The Maxwell is one of the most highly anticipated venues in Raleigh. It’s already an instant classic with its sophisticated minimalistic approach. The white brick exterior and patio space will be matched by a clean white interior. Imagine your first dance in front of a lovely white brick fireplace draped in greenery.

North Carolina’s beloved French countryside-styled venue, The Bradford, completed a major expansion last year.

Owners Courtney Hopper and Dana Kadwell, who are sisters and co-owners of C & D Events, upgraded their venue to accomodate larger events. The original reception space got a face-lift and was expanded to add a modern ballroom.

Rolling doors open out on to the original (but upgraded) outdoor courtyard. Each space seamlessly flows together, with multiple options for celebrations.

Historic, Refreshed

A once-abandoned hotel with a wraparound porch on King Street in downtown Hillsborough has been given a fresh breath of life. The Colonial Inn opened last fall and is already filling the pages of a new and exciting chapter! The 48

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Heights House Hotel

Heights House Hotel in Raleigh has a history of hosting weddings. It was featured on a cover of our magazine in the ’80s! Sadly, the historic venue sat abandoned for many years, but today, this majestic property on Boylan Avenue has received a loving renovation by owners Sarah and Jeff Shepherd. The boutique hotel, opening in spring 2021, is suited for luxury leisure travel, intimate indoor events or larger events on the lawn. Dedicated to neighborhood involvement, Sarah and Jeff plan on hosting community nights and possibly installing a speakeasy bar!

Another remarkable preservation story is that of The Upchurch, a historic property in Apex that was on the verge of being destroyed until Cara Powell petitioned to save it and give it a new life. Cara’s passion for weddings and events is clear – she’s been the owner of f8 Photo Studios for a couple of decades – and she’s putting all of her knowledge

M

the MAXWELL MODERN ELEGANCE + CLASSIC LUXURY

Opening Spring 2021 919-213-9013

Raleigh's newest venue. Located 4 miles from the heart of Downtown.

330 GIDEON CREEK WAY RALEIGH, NC 27603

THEMAXWELLRALEIGH.COM

What’s New with Wedding Venues Continued

into restoring a dream venue. The original home will be perfect for small events or getting ready for bigger ones. A new construction will be the venue’s centerpiece – a modern space with a greenhouse vibe, totally unique to our region.

We highly anticipate the opening this year!

project of Sharon and Larry Holler. They knew this land was fit for weddings, so they built a beautiful white barn alongside their initial harvest of grapes. The latest addition is a handsome tasting room and outdoor event patio that overlooks the picturesque vines.

Farms + Barns

Bonus News

Love the barn aesthetic but want to bring some classic elegance to your big day? Carolina Grove opened this past fall and is ready to host your upcoming wedding or event.

Nestled in a grove of trees and market lights, this venue is located just outside of Hillsborough, 15 minutes north of Durham. Carolina Grove has indoor and outdoor event spaces and can host up to 250 for seated receptions and up to 300 for cocktail-style events. Surrounded by countryside, this venue stands out with its clean lines, modern amenities, natural light and spacious floor plan.

Discover a gorgeous vineyard perfect for weddings (and tasting excursions) in Roxboro. Located about 30 minutes outside of Durham, Tunnel Creek Vineyards is the passion

SIX FOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

In 2020, the same hotel group that operates The Durham Hotel purchased The Mayton. They revamped the aesthetic of the downtown Cary property. The boutique hotel now has a fresh, neutral look that’s more customizable. More exciting changes are ahead in Cary that will benefit Mayton couples.

The town of Cary will complete its outdoor park (perfect for ceremonies) right outside The Mayton’s terrace.

Classic country club venue Pinehurst Resort now has a new option for couples, as it recentely completed an event pavilion.

The traditional ballroom is still a fabulous location, too.

Jenna Parks | @JennaLovesLocal

TIFFANY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

TIFFANY JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

oaklandfarmvenue.com events@oaklandfarmvenue.com 919.352.8247 50

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Enhanced By Sincere Connections That Cultivate an Elevated Guest Experience in a Rare and Unique Piece of History

Photo by Destiny Clayton - Clayton Made Media

LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN HILLSBOROUGH

On-Site Accommodations Award-Winning Catering Partners Free Parking

153 W. King Street Hillsborough, NC

colonialinn-nc.com | 984.789.4455 All Photos by Morgan Caddell Photography except otherwise noted

PHOTO COURTESY APRIL ANN CANADA

VISIT PERSON COUNTY

invites you to explore its expansive fields, vineyards, lakefront locations and historic estates.

PHOTO COURTESY JESSICA WHITT PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY AMBER ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY

L

OCATED LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM THE TRIANGLE, PERSON COUNTY IS THE WEDDING DESTINATION FOR BEAUTIFUL SCENIC WEDDINGS, CLOSE TO HOME. OUR PERSON COUNTY VENUES ARE LOCATED IN QUIET SETTINGS, CONVENIENT TO LOCAL LODGING FACILITIES. OUR VENUES ARE PREPARED TO HOST EVENTS FOLLOWING CURRENT PROTOCOLS SO YOU CAN STILL HAVE THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS. IN ADDITION TO OUR TWO OFFICIAL HOTELS, WE HAVE AMPLE LAKESIDE RENTALS AVAILABLE AT BOTH HYCO LAKE AND MAYO LAKE. FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING VENUES, VENDORS, AND WEDDINGS IN PERSON COUNTY,

please contact the Person County Visitor and Information Center

PHOTO COURTESY FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY

The Carolina Estate

is a new venue with the perfect combination of modern elegance and southern charm.

TUNNEL CREEK VINEYARDS

the region’s only vineyard with an onsite wine tasting room, barn venue and stunning view

Sunset Ridge Buffalo Farm

offers a rustic but elegant setting for weddings and celebrations at their scenic lakeside venue.

itsbetterinperson.com

@visitpersoncounty • 336 597 2689

PERSON COUNTY VISITOR AND INFORMATION CENTER 705 DURHAM RD, ROXBORO, NC 27573

A classic VENUE FOR THE modernBRIDE

Illustrations by Ashley Triggiano

Managed by Chad Bi s Event Planning & Design eDistilleryNC.com || 919-391-8350 || info@ eDistilleryNC.com

carolinagrovenc.com

melissa@carolinagrovenc.com RADIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Brand New Modern Venue with Light + Airy Interiors & Romantic Al Fresco Gathering Spaces

Relaxed Luxury in Hillsborough

NC

BECCA RIZZO PHOTOGRAPHY

RADIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

KRYSTAL KAST PHOTOGRAPHY

B O U T I Q U E H O T E L - V E N U E - G AT H E R I N G S PA C E

HEIGHTSHOUSENC.COM - DOWNTOWN RALEIGH

Mina von Feilitzsch Photography

a historic landmark resurrected

Standing Ovation at The

Orpheum

nd the wedding venue Oscar award goes to … husband-and-wife duo Cody and Britnye Shore for The Orpheum – their restored movie theater event venue in downtown Oxford! The Orpheum first opened its doors to moviegoers in 1942.

This year, the Shores, the same family behind the Morgan Farms venue, invited couples back to celebrate their love in an art deco-inspired space. A team of local vendors led by Caroline Placey of C & D Events showcased The Orpheum’s luxury amenities with a styled shoot that would make Jay Gatsby jealous.

Married couple Lyz and Tyrone “Ty” Caldwell served as the styled shoot’s bride and groom.

Lyz looked stunning in a beaded wedding dress and cape while Ty turned heads in a classic black tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear. Together, the pair radiated romance beneath The Orpheum’s chandelier and neon lighting.

“We wanted to show how a small elegant wedding followed by a dinner party could look just as beautiful and classy as a large event,” planner Caroline says. “We included some COVID-19 precautions such as a guest favor that included masks and sanitizer. We wanted to show that these items can add to the decor if done well!”

Raleigh-based florist The English Garden complemented Caroline’s vision with bundles of lavish florals in neutral shades with pops of mauve and pampas grass to decorate each of The Orpheum’s three different levels. The first floor features grand ceilings, a main event space, The Carolina Suite, a bar, handicapped-accessible restrooms and a catering prep kitchen. Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography captured the couple’s natural beauty on camera as they moved from the first floor to The Mezzanine on the second floor and The Projection Suite on the third floor.

Reception decor from American Party Rentals featured black chairs and white linens with pops of blush, burgundy and mustard yellow. Taper candles and paper products by Mason Dixon Designs added texture to each table setting. One of Caroline’s favorite elements was the floating cake backdrop.

“We built a dried floral wall to be used as a cake backdrop and for styling couple photos,” Caroline explains. “It’s an element that I think is often forgotten. Using one piece on the wedding day for multiple things is a great way to save cost but still have a statement for your design!”

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

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Lyz and Ty had a courthouse wedding in 2020 and planned a destination reception in Mexico. The reception was postponed due to COVID-19. They still had fun dressing up for this styled shoot with Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography (who also photographed Ty’s proposal to Lyz, which is featured on our blog).

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Dried flowers appear throughout the design, including in the delicate keepsake place cards by Mason Dixon Designs.

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“When thinking about the vision for this shoot, we wanted a modern take on the art deco vibes that The Orpheum already had,” says planner Caroline Placey of C & D Events. “We wanted to have a neutral palette, with clean lines to let the venue’s beauty shine.”

heartofncweddings.com

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Heart of NC Weddings VENDORS

Raleigh-based florist The English Garden utilized bundles of grass to complement and add interest to a neutral and mauve color palette.

Photographer Fancy This Photography

Planning & Design Caroline Placey with C & D Events Venue The Orpheum Rentals American Party Rentals Florist The English Garden Paper Products Mason Dixon Designs Suit Bernard’s Formalwear Jewelry Diamonds Direct

Additional vendors

Cake Cake Couture

Makeup The Bardot Bridal Hair Taji Salon Gown Gavin Christianson Bridal Models Lyz & Ty Caldwell

“We wanted to show that COVID-19friendly guest favors can add to the decor if done well,” says Caroline of C & D Events.

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Fancy This Photography

Art Deco Historic Theater in Downtown Oxford, NC theorpheumatoxford.com @theorpheumatoxford info@theorpheumatoxford.com

FARM TO TABLE • BOHO GLAMPING ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES ACCOMMODATIONS

morganfarmsnc.com @eventsatmorganfarms hello@morganfarmsnc.com PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE

PHOTOGRAPHS BY STEPHANIE

Fancy This Photography

STORK'S REST FARM

TH E I DY L LI C S E T T I N G for AN Y E V E N T

Jessi Caparella Photography

Darby K. 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

Jessi Paige Photography

964 Marvin Hedrick Road Lexington, NC 27292

A FAMILY AFFAIR

By Anna Louise Pickens

Remember that old saying, “You don’t just marry a person, you marry a whole family”? It might seem outdated in an era where it’s common for women to keep their maiden names, but family is still an important part of any marriage. Rev. Heidi Gessner, a wedding officiant and life coach, and Rev. Kevin Holland, also a wedding officiant, shared their perspectives on how to “say ‘I do’ to a new family.” Here are our top six tips: No. 1: Plan the Marriage, Not Just the Big Day

Before the big day, sit down and have a heart-toheart about your day-to-day expectations. Before you assume your partner’s family works in the same way yours does, talk about what is important to you.

“Getting married is a natural time to declare or set your intentions of how you want to be as a new family, as a couple,” Rev. Gessner says. “You can learn to take the thing you loved most about your family and add it to your new family and decide what you want to let go of and not take into your marriage.”

No. 2: Advocate for Your Partner

If tensions are already rising between families, it’s important to talk it out sooner rather than later.

Take time to assess how your partner feels about marrying into a new family. You may not agree with your partner’s views, but hearing them out and offering to set boundaries is important. It could be that they will bring up perspectives that you’ve never considered, which will help you gain a more complete understanding of your own family dynamics. Premarital counseling is a great place to have these discussions.

No. 3: Learn About Each Other’s Cultures

Alex and Olivia Bales’ Beaufort, North Carolina, reception.

Photo by Cynthia Rose Photography.

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It can be overwhelming to join a new family culture, but making an attempt is critical. Showing interest in your partner’s culture and family history will show that you are excited about your new life together. Rev. Gessner had a Hindu groom and a Christian bride tie

Fabiana Skubic Photography

A C L A S S I C E S TAT E F O R T H E M O D E R N C O U P L E walnuthillnc.com ¡ 4804 Mial Plantation Rd Raleigh, NC 27610 ¡ (919)295-6284

the knot recently, and she described the bride’s willingness to dive into her husband’s culture by incorporating Hindu traditions throughout the big day. “At the rehearsal, the bride took me up to her room and showed me a beautiful, long, ornate coat she would wear for the Hindu ceremony,” Rev. Gessner explains. Making an effort can make all the difference.

No. 4: Honor Traditions in Your Ceremony

Select a wedding officiant who is committed to including both you and your partner’s faiths or cultures into the ceremony. Rev. Holland has experience officiating joint Christian and Jewish wedding ceremonies.

“The traditional way to conclude a prayer in the Catholic and Christian tradition is to say, ‘We pray in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,’ and that’s certainly not a part of the Jewish liturgy,” Rev. Holland says. “So, prayers in that sort of setting, I would say, ‘And we offer this prayer in the name of all that is sacred and holy.’” Incorporating words or traditions into a ceremony that both parties are familiar with is a great way to represent the joining of two families into one.

No. 5: Make Smart Seating Chart Decisions

In many cases, the wedding is the first time both sides of a couple’s extended family meet. When it comes to a formal reception, be smart about seating assignments. It might seem logical to throw all the 20-somethings together at the same table, but think about how dynamics will work. Now is not the time to encourage political debates. It might be tempting to think, “They can get through it for one night,” but one person’s sour experience can impact an entire family’s perspective. If you carefully consider seating assignments upfront, you’ll thank yourself later.

No. 6: Integrate Your Families Into the Big Day While your ceremony needs to be centered on your desires as a couple, listening to your families’ wishes means a lot.

If you have a good relationship with your parents, ask them how they feel about decisions you are making. Are there any wedding heirlooms or traditions that they’d like to pass down? Talk about what it would look like to incorporate them.

If you have children from previous relationships, ask them about how much attention they’d like to receive during the ceremony. Making sure everyone is comfortable and feels included will help relationships start out on the right foot.

L O V E S T O R I E S begin here...

ATMA Hotel Group provides service you'll remember on a day you'll never forget. The Sheraton Chapel Hill is your NEW wedding destination! Undergoing a full renovation scheduled for completion August 2021.

ATMA Hotel Group is a one stop shop for your wedding needs with the capacity to host ceremonies and receptions for 20 - 400 guests, catering and overnight accommodations.

For more info, please contact: Ariel Duncan, ariel.duncan@atmahotelgroup.com or 919.904.7716.

Sheraton Hotel One Europa Drive Chapel Hill

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Courtyard by Marriott 100 Marriott Way Chapel Hill

Hampton Inn & Suites 370 E Main Street Carrboro

Hampton Inn & Suites 6121 Farrington Road Chapel Hill

Holiday Inn Express 6119 Farrington Road Chapel Hill

Classic Ceremonies Elegant Receptions Southern Elegance Restored Beauty

984 212.8111 CROSSANDMAIN.COM 201 E MAIN ST YOUNGSVILLE, NC

PHOTO: KASEY SMITH CREATIVE

A TA S T E O F S O U T H E R N C H A R M VENUES EXCLUSIVELY CATERED BY

PHOTO: DONNELL PERRY PHOTOGRAPHY

On-Site Ceremonies Intimate Rehearsal Dinners Lavish Receptions Customized Food and Service

984 212.4651 1705EAST. COM 1705 EAST MILLBROOK ROAD RALEIGH, NC

Photos by Radian Photography

DOWNTOWN RALEIGH’S HIDDEN GEM jiddiraleigh.com

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 ANNA ROUTH PHOTOGRAPHY

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

FABIANA SKUBIC PHOTOGRAPHY

RADIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

L’AMOUR FOTO

Nestled iN the historic seaboard raleigh railroad statioN iN dowNtowN raleigh 121 Seaboard Avenue, Raleigh

TraineRaleigh.com • 919.390.3093

All Photos By Samantha Floyd Photography

Historic charm meets timeless elegance. Built in 1945, Traine features an indoor and outdoor space that can accommodate up to 270 guests, a brand new bridal suite and additional amenities.

TraineRaleigh

TraineRaleigh

Jeffrey Lynn Media Photography

Suite 4 The perfect space for your professional event, dinner, or wedding Suite4 is a brand new warehouse venue in downtown Durham with gorgeous original industrial features and exposed brick walls. Wedding style is flexible from intimate to large through its loft space, open event room, patio, and rooftop.

50 6 R a ms eu r S t re e t , S ui t e 4 , D u rh a m , NC 2 770 1

su it e - fou r. com | 91 9. 659. 50 65

neesa Glines, owner of Triangle-based Harmony Weddings & Events, was looking forward to March 29, 2020, for years. On that day, Aneesa was going to open the doors and welcome the community to Graham, North Carolina’s newest wedding venue. Instead, she canceled The Graham Mill grand opening, paused renovations and rescheduled the venue’s first wedding – all within 48 hours. But not even a pandemic could break this wedding planner’s determination to restore and open the venue in 2020.

That same month, a team of local vendors visited The Graham Mill to create a styled shoot that would capture Aneesa’s vision: a historic mill event space with an industrial, yet romantic feel that is both affordable and inclusive.

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Images by Amber Robinson fed the team tacos and photographed boho wedding details while the models got ready with Silverceiling Beauty Consulting in the venue’s dressing suites. Orange and blue floral arrangements by Petal & Oak popped against The Graham Mill’s exposed brick walls, and natural light poured in from commercial-size windows, a glass garage door and skylights. Aneesa also installed modern light fixtures and market lights to illuminate nighttime celebrations.

When the bride and groom stepped onto the set of the styled wedding, Aneesa’s dream for The Graham Mill suddenly became reality. The beauty of this styled shoot – from the head table designed by American Party Rentals to the Mediterraneaninspired cake by Sugar Euphoria – lifted the spirits of every artist and vendor who was present that day, including live wedding painter Ashley Triggiano, who was six months pregnant on the day of the shoot!

A couple extra bottles of Champagne from Brewmasters Mobile added a refreshing splash of bubbly to end a day filled with grit, grace and gratitude at The Graham Mill.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir heartofncweddings.com

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The Graham Mill

A team of local v endors v isited to create a st y led shoot that wo uld cap tur e Anee sa’s v ision: a historic mill e v ent space w ith an ind ustrial, ye t romantic feel that is both affordable and inclusiv e.

Heart of NC Weddings VENDORS

Venue The Graham Mill

Photographer Images by Amber Robinson Planner Harmony Weddings & Events Floral Design and Lounge Petal & Oak Party Rentals American Party Rentals Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Tuxedo Bernard’s Formalwear Cake Sugar Euphoria Signage and Live Painting Ashley Triggiano Bar Services Brewmasters Mobile Caterer Catering Works Jewelry Diamonds Direct

Additional vendors

Wedding Dress Gavin Christianson Bridal

Models U Created Agency; Rheanna Ried and Trevor Wilson Party Rentals Homemade Bride Wedding Rentals Videographer Dogwood Media Gifts & Pajamas Poppy & Co.

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All Photos by Jillian Knight Photography

205 W. Harden Street Graham, North Carolina TheGrahamMill.com 919-219-1185

Info@TheGrahamMill.com @TheGrahamMill

Make Pinehurst Your Something Old.

©2020 Pinehurst, LLC

After more than a century of historic moments, Pinehurst is the perfect choice for your dream wedding.

Let our experts handle every detail — so you can enjoy every second.

Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina • 844.285.9751 • pinehurst.com

ARIEL KAITLIN PHOTOGRAPHY

FRONT ROOM BALLROOM PRIVATE GARDEN DRESSING SUITE

JOANNA SUE PHOTOGRAPHY

COURTYARD

www.DurhamCookery.com SIOBHAN LORRAINE PHOTOGRAPHY

BRETT SEAY PHOTOGRAPHY

C E L E B R AT E YO U R L O V E I N

Durham, North Carolina

LADY IMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

SAMANTHA FLOYD PHOTOTGRAPHY

MELISSA TOMA PHOTOGRAPHY

GRAND ROOM DRESSING SUITE BALCONY

CANDICE RORK PHOTOGRAPHY

www.rickhousedurham.com

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

In His Image Photography

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GOWNS: GILDED BRIDAL BOUQUET: SWEET LOVE BLOSSOMS PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDING DRESSES : $2,500 AVERAGE, BUT CAN RANGE FROM $500- $20,000 TUX OR SUIT RENTAL OR PURCHASE: $140 AVERAGE, BUT CAN GO UP TO $500 HAIR AND MAKEUP SERVICES: $250 PER PERSON

WEDDING ATTIRE WILL MAKE A LARGE IMPACT ON YOUR WEDDING DESIGN SO WE RECOMMEND TO START SHOPPING EARLY. WEDDING DRESSES ONE YEAR TO 10 MONTHS - SHOP THREE MONTHS - FIRST FITTING SIX WEEKS - SECOND FITTING TWO WEEKS - FINAL FITTING WEDDING SUITS + TUXEDOS ONE YEAR TO 10 MONTHS - SHOP IF BUYING + SCHEDULE FITTING EIGHT MONTHS - SELECT RENTED ATTIRE WEDDING PARTY ATTIRE EIGHT MONTHS - SELECT ANY DRESSES NEEDED AND SCHEDULE FITTINGS FOUR MONTHS - SELECT ANY SUITS + TUXEDOS NEEDED AND SCHEDULE FITTINGS

ALSO REMEMBER TO PLAN FOR ATTIRE AND HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLING AS NEEDED FOR ADDITIONAL WEDDING EVENTS SUCH AS SHOWERS AND REHEARSAL DINNERS.

WEDDING DAY SHOES, ACCESSORIES AND JEWELRY. ADDITIONAL SELF-CARE TREATMENTS SUCH AS NAILS, HAIR REMOVAL, SKIN TREATMENTS AND SPA SERVICES. 80 80

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A Heart of NC Weddings editorial, written by Marie Muir

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Dresses Gilded Bridal, Bella Bridesmaids, Kannon’s Clothing, Thornbury Brides Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear

| Floral Design Sweet Love Blossoms

Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, Diamonds Direct

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Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting

| Photographer Blissmore Photography

othing brings us more joy than someone saying, “I found my wedding dress in the pages of your magazine.” We host a massive fashion photo shoot every year – it’s an all-day marathon filled with hairspray, sweat and outfit changes. This year, instead of calling a modeling agency, we invited everyday people to represent our local wedding industry.

The folks featured in the following pages are local hairstylists, food bloggers and neighbors. Words cannot describe how grateful we are to each vendor and model who participated in our 2020 fashion photo shoot.

Despite the humidity and COVID-19, everyone showed up with respect and enthusiasm. Silverceiling Beauty Consulting brought their masks and mascara, Susan Langford of Gilded Bridal loaded her Suburban with wedding dresses, and Danielle Smith of Blissmore Photography arrived seven months pregnant and strapped with camera equipment, shooting a mix of digital and film photography.

Our fearless Heart of NC Weddings editorial director, Becca Taylor, planned the big day, kept us on time and made sure everyone had hand sanitizer! Boxed lunches from Carroll’s Kitchen gave us the energy to hustle from photo to photo. At the end of the day, we created something beautiful. To witness so many talented local wedding vendors work together was inspiring, and we hope our fashion editorial will inspire you as well.

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Wedding Dress Daalarna Couture from Gilded Bridal Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Bouquet & Boutonniere Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Photographer Blissmore Photography

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“I felt so glamorous the entire day. Everyone on the Heart of NC Weddings team as well as the Silverceiling makeup artists and hairstylists were nice, professional and welcoming. I also appreciated how everyone wore their masks throughout the shoot.”

– Shar-Narné Flowers

Shar-Narné Flowers looks resplendent in this hopelessly romantic Daalarna Couture bridal gown from Gilded Bridal. Her real-life beau, Tan Tran, looks suave in a navy blue suit with yellow accessories from Bernard’s Formalwear.

Justine De Angelo, owner of Sweet Love Blossoms floristry, created beautiful arrangements with a fresh spin on the ever-so-trendy ombre color palette.

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Amber Worrell wears a sophisticated couture wedding dress from Thornbury Brides. The empire-cut waist and fit-andflare skirt make this dress flattering for all body shapes. On page 85, Shar-Narné and Tan model a more glam wedding day look – perfect for a black-tie event!

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Wedding Dresses At left, Paloma Blanca from Thornbury Brides; At right, Eddy K from Thornbury Brides Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Bouquet Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry At left, Diamonds Direct; At right, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Photographer Blissmore Photography

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Wedding Dress Kingfield by Rose+Williams from Gilded Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses At left, Juliana by Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids; At right, Brett by Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Bouquet Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Photographer Blissmore Photography

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We love this soft, feminine wedding dress from Gilded Bridal on bride Sydney Jones. Beside her, bridesmaids Amber and Brittney Brady dazzle in two Jenny Yoo gowns from Bella Bridesmaids. Each woman holds a bespoke bouquet fastened with ribbon. With dresses like these, your bridal party will look and feel good all day long!

“Do your research on wedding dress styles, cuts, designers – everything. Establish a budget. Bring proper undergarments – this is so undervalued! Keep an open mind. You never know what might surprise you.”

– Amber Worrell

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The stylists of Silverceiling Beauty Consulting gave bride Sydney and bride AnnaLaura Erickson unapologetically boho hairdos.

And who doesn’t love a bold lip color? Scott Erickson (AnnaLaura’s husband!) looks dapper in a deep blue suit and blush bow tie from Bernard’s Formalwear.

“The Heart of NC Weddings fashion shoot wasn’t like other shoots I’ve done where it’s a sea of girls who all look alike and fit perfectly in the wedding dresses we’ve seen for years (then typically I am the token size six “curvy girl”). There was more representation, which much of the wedding industry is desperately lacking. I feel confident being a part of this shoot knowing there were diverse styles, races, sizes and sexualities, so no matter who is looking for inspiration, hopefully they can see themselves in these photos.” – AnnaLaura Ericksnon

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Wedding Dresses At left, Mackinnon by Willow from Gilded Bridal; At right, Kingfield by Rose+Williams from Gilded Bridal Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Bouquet & Boutonniere Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Photographer Blissmore Photography

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“Try on dresses outside of your comfort zone. Don’t just gravitate toward your ‘dream dress’ while shopping — have fun with it! Even if you ultimately decide to go with your dream dress after all.”

– Elizabeth Hylton

Best friends and roommates Elizabeth Hylton and Maria Alejandra stole the show in these one-of-a-kind wedding dresses from Gilded Bridal. Maria’s rainbow skirt is a detachable overskirt. It would be so fun to say “I do” in either of these spectacular dresses! They pair beautifully together for a two-bride couple, as displayed here.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

Wedding Dresses At left, Sequoia Silk by Leanne Marshall from Gilded Bridal; At right, Aura by Leanne Marshall from Gilded Bridal Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Bouquet Sweet Love Blossoms Photographer Blissmore Photography Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry

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Laura DiGirolamo and Dominick DiGirolamo, owners of local wedding show production Forever & Company, had their first experience as “parents of the bride” in 2019 when their daughter, Jackie DiGirolamo Hambright, tied the knot. Laura looks lovely in two different mother-of-the-bride dresses from Kannon’s Clothing, located in Raleigh’s Cameron Village. Dom is ready for the father-daughter dance in this handsome black suit from Bernard’s Formalwear in Durham.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses At left, Teri Jon from Kannon’s Clothing; At right, Kathryn Grace from Kannon’s Clothing Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Floral Design & Boutonniere Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry Kannon’s Clothing Photographer Blissmore Photography

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This wedding dress on bride Brittney is the perfect combination of flirty, yet modest. Visit Thornbury Brides in New Bern, North Carolina, to find a dress that makes you look and feel beautiful. After you select your dress, you can write your name and wedding date in gold on the bridal salon’s walls.

“My favorite part about the fashion photo shoot was being able to connect with great people to create something beautiful. The energy was so upbeat, and the feeling of excitement was contagious. I couldn’t be more grateful to have been a part of this experience.”

– Brittney Brady

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Wedding Dress Pronovias from Thornbury Brides Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Jewelry Diamonds Direct Photographer Blissmore Photography

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| Floral Design & Bouquet Sweet Love Blossoms

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Wedding Dress Daalarna Couture from Gilded Bridal Formalwear Bernard’s Formalwear Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Floral Design & Bouquet Sweet Love Blossoms Jewelry Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Photographer Blissmore Photography

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AnnaLaura and Scott certainly turned a few heads in this classy wedding attire! Imagine the pure romance of witnessing a couple share their vows in front of this whimsical flower hoop backdrop by Sweet Love Blossoms.

“This dress is so different from the traditional trumpet, fitted, beaded dress I chose for my wedding day, and that’s why I loved it. The dress embodied a completely different part of my personality in such a fun way. It was feminine and romantic but also relaxed in a way that felt organic to who I am. I don’t think I would have tried this dress on my own, which is a reminder to step out of your box!” – AnnaLaura Ericksnon

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Planning on wearing a less-is-more contemporary wedding dress? Add some flavor to your wedding day look with fun statement earrings, like this pair from Jewelsmith in Durham.

“Trust your instincts. Most wedding dresses are made to look flattering, so try on different styles! It’s all about how you feel. It’s your day; you do you.”

– Maria Alejandra

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

Wedding Dresses Top left, Brittney in Watters from Gilded Bridal; Below left, Maria and Elizabeth in Alyssa Kristin dresses from Gilded Bridal Jewelry Top left, Gilded Bridal; Above, Jewelsmith Bouquets Sweet Love Blossoms Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Photographer Richard Barlow Photography Venue The Bradford

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421 N. BOYLAN AVE. RALEIGH, NC 27603

WWW.GILDEDBRIDAL.COM (919) 717-2674

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WILL YOU BE MY BRIDESMAID?

Six ways to show your bridesmaids some love You shared dolls or dorm rooms – maybe both! – with them, and your bridesmaids are there to support you through every phase of your wedding planning journey. Here are six ways to keep your bridesmaids smiling from the rehearsal to the sparkler exit.

Propose A bridesmaid proposal can range from a meaningful letter to an elaborate gift box. Try to keep in mind that not everyone can say “yes” – being a bridesmaid is a big commitment!

Empower Bridesmaids are not one size fits all. Before selecting dresses, consider options that are customizable and budget-friendly. At Bella Bridesmaids, you can select a color or fabric, and then let your friends pick their perfect fit.

Mix and Match Instead of forcing your bridesmaids to wear the exact same shoes or jewelry, give them a style guide to follow. For example, you might request black heels and pearl studs, then each bridesmaid can purchase the accessories within their personal price range.

Beauty Let your bridesmaids decide if they want to pay for professional hair and makeup services. Some might want both or just one, and some might feel confident enough to do their own. If you want everyone to participate, you should offer to cover costs.

Plus-Ones Traditionally, every member of the wedding

party gets a plus-one. However, with microweddings on the rise, more couples are only offering a plus-one to friends and family who are either married or in a serious relationship.

Give Back Show your appreciation by selecting thoughtful Bella Bridesmaids / Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Sweet Love Blossoms / Jewelsmith / The Bradford Richard Barlow Photography

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bridesmaid gifts. We suggest practical gifts such as pajamas or earrings that your besties can wear on the wedding day and again in the future.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

Liz Grogan Photography

2425 Kildaire Farm Rd., Suite #305 Cary, NC 27518 Anchor & Veil Photography

919.594.1845 raleigh@bellabridesmaids.com

bellabridesmaids.com

Texture Photo

Franchise Opportunities Available

By Appointment Only: Tuesday - Saturday Closed Sunday & Monday

Love. Family. Friends.

Be inspired.

Experience a Bella Bridesmaids showroom for the largest selection of bridesmaids dresses.

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AFTER

wedding set from grandparents

before

Chad Winstead Photography

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

Book an Appointment Online at ThornburyBrides.com

Silverceiling

PLASTIC SURGERY MYTHBUSTERS

By Gabrielle Thompson If plastic surgery is something you are considering, we’re here to help. The best advice we can give is this: Find a plastic surgeon who is an expert in their field and aims to emphasize your natural beauty. Finn Plastic Surgery checks this box for us! There are lots of myths about plastic surgery. The truth is, every treatment has its own benefits and potential risks.

When deciding to undergo plastic surgery, it is always best to meet with a plastic surgeon for a consultation.

Myth No. 1: Plastic Surgery is Superficial

Plastic surgery can help you feel more confident about how you look — which is a valuable benefit in and of itself. But plastic surgery is not just about aesthetics — it’s also about how your body functions overall. Plastic surgery can fix birth defects, restore function after an injury or repair a skin cancer tumor.

Myth No. 2: Plastic Surgery is Only for Women While women do make up the majority of plastic surgery patients, men can also receive surgical procedures and nonsurgical treatments mentioned below.

Myth No. 3: Plastic Surgeons Only Offer Surgery In addition to more permanent treatments, facials, Botox, fillers and laser hair removal are nonsurgical services that you might desire. Schedule your appointment for a chemical peel four to six months in advance of your wedding.

Myth No. 4: Liposuction is an Easy Way to Lose Weight

Liposuction isn’t a weight-loss treatment. It works best for patients who are close to their ideal weight.

A Century of Excellence Enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere from one of the oldest family-owned businesses in NC, and discover carefully selected designer styles for every special and social occasion.

WOMEN’S STORE Cameron Village 2015 Cameron Street • Raleigh 919-365-7074 108

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kannonsclothing.com

MEN’S STORE Cameron Village 435 Daniels Street • Raleigh 919-366-6902

U N PA R A L L E L E D A R T I S T RY EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE I N N O V AT I V E T E C H N O L O G Y DR. FINN, MD | DR. ELKINS-WILLIAMS, MD

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 and Dr. Elkins-Williams 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.

Drs. Finn and Elkins-Williams offer unparalleled artistry, extensive experience, and innovative technology.

Voted “Best of Chapel Hill” 7 years in a row, Finn Plastic Surgery will help you look and feel your best on your big day!

1 39 0 EN VIRO N WAY, CHAP E L HIL L , N C | 9 1 9 . 9 3 3 . 9 5 2 2 | f i n n pl a s t i c s u rge r y. c o m

COSMETIC SURGERY | INJECTABLE TREATMENTS | SKIN CARE | LASERS heartofncweddings.com

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HOLY MATRIMONY,

That’s a Good-Looking Tux

By Jack LaMarche

Rodney McClamb and his groomsmen, Images by Amber Robinson

Your Guide to a Fashionably Great Wedding

Try on some of these tips about suits and tuxedos – everything from bow ties to cuff links to those wingtips you’ve had in your closet, waiting for the right moment to bust them out.

Let’s make one thing clear: This guide isn’t just for guys looking to level up their wedding fashion game. Picking the right suit or tux to make you feel confident isn’t exclusive to men; we encourage anyone, regardless of gender or orientation, to use this guide to help you dress and feel your best.

A special thank you to Bernard’s Formalwear and Kannon’s Clothing for the tips. Great selection and service are just the beginning of what these shops offer. Without further “I do,” let’s begin.

feel good. You’ll also want to note the wedding color palette before you shop.

There are sound arguments for both renting and buying tuxedos and suits, but renting is the more affordable option. For tuxedos, the average rental price is between $150 and $200.

Fit Your Style – You want to dress in a way that complements your significant other’s attire. Be sure to write down or take a picture of your significant other’s attire so that you can match accordingly. If you’re a groomsman, your formalwear should accentuate the groom. Ultimately, the wedding party is a cohesive unit with coordinated attire; when in doubt, always consult the couple before making final decisions.

Plan Ahead – Start shopping for your ideal tux or suit three to six months in advance, but don’t let that stop you from getting a good idea of what you want even earlier.

Although weddings tend to follow a general formula, that shouldn’t stop you from expressing yourself or your individual style. One of the most popular ways people do this is through their use of accessories. Looking to up your accessory game? Look no further.

Take into account when the wedding is taking place. This sounds obvious, but ensuring your comfort during the event is helpful when you’re trying to look and

The Art of Accessorizing – The necktie vs. bow tie debate has come back on to the scene suddenly and powerfully. Do you go for a dapper bow

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tie or the more reserved, yet elegant necktie? Depending on the cut of your suit or tux, you can opt for skinny or traditional ties. As a general rule, look at the lapels. Wider lapels should be complemented by more traditional ties.

Slim fit suits with thinner lapels can be worn with skinny ties. Bow ties, on the other hand, make their statement not with their shape, but with their designs.

Striped, polka dotted, plain, you name it – there’s a bow tie pattern for any occasion.

Now for the shoes. There are a multitude of styles to choose from, but try to find one that you look and feel comfortable wearing. Oxfords are a versatile and timeless option, while derby shoes are more often used in less formal settings. The monk strap style doesn’t incorporate any laces, but can be a great option if you’re looking to make a statement. Increasingly popular these days are dress boots, which can come in various styles and offer a stylish revamp to many wedding outfits. At the end of the day, the ensemble begins from the bottom up.

Choose a shoe that does you and your style justice, and work from there!

“...it is simply necessary to love.” ~Monet

bernard’s F O R M A L W E A R

Tuxedos & Suits

734 ninth street

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919-286-3633

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bernardsformalwear.com

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MONTH-OF WEDDING PLANNING SERVICES AVERAGE $1,500-$2,500.

FULL SERVICE WEDDING PLANNING AND DESIGN PACKAGES RANGE FROM $4,500 TO $12,000. ANOTHER MODEL IS A BASE FEE PLUS AN OVERALL BUDGET PERCENTAGE.

WE ADVISE CALLING ON A FULL-SERVICE PLANNER BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, TO ENSURE YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR RELATIONSHIP - DOWN TO THE VENUE HUNT, AND BEST VENDOR MATCHES FOR YOUR BUDGET AND STYLE.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU INQUIRE: YOUR WEDDING MONTH, GENERAL BUDGET, GUEST COUNT, AND STYLE. IT’S ALSO GREAT TO HAVE A GRIP ON YOUR WEDDING PRIORITIES. THE WEDDING PLANNER IS ONE CATEGORY THAT SHOULD BE A PERSONALITY MATCH WITH YOU! SOME PLANNERS OFFER UP A GETTING-TO-KNOW YOU QUESTIONNAIRE THAT THEY UTILIZE TO GET STARTED. USE YOUR INTERVIEW AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW THEM, TOO. THE QUESTION OF PROFESSIONALISM, EXPERIENCE, AND GOOD VENDOR RELATIONSHIPS IS A GIVEN FOR EACH ONE OF THE PLANNERS THAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS CHAPTER. EACH ONE IS VETTED BY US AND WELL RESPECTED IN OUR NC WEDDING INDUSTRY!

EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK YOU HAVE THE BUDGET FOR A WEDDING PLANNER, YOU WILL NEED SOMEONE TO COME TO THE RESCUE FOR THE FULL LAST MONTH AND TO RUN THE WEDDING WEEKEND. IT IS A SMALLER INVESTMENT TO BRING ON A PLANNER FOR “MONTH-OF” SERVICES TO TIE ENDS TOGETHER, EXECUTE FINAL COORDINATION WITH YOUR VENUES, DESIGN A TIMELINE, AND OVERSEE THE FLOW OF THE WEDDING DAY. MANY OF THE PLANNERS IN THIS CHAPTER HAVE TEAMS SPANNING THE STATE.

PHOTOGRAPHY: FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY PLANNER: C&D EVENTS

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HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER,

Trust Me Newlyweds James Wenz III and Christine Lavery with Marie Muir on their wedding day at The Cookery in Durham.

Photo by Brett Seay Photography

Whenever someone asks me what I do for a living, I usually answer with “I write love stories.” My name is Marie Muir, and I am the content creator, aka writer and editor, for Heart of NC Weddings!

I never planned to have this career. I was going to become a professional wedding planner. In fact, I tried my hand at wedding planning this past year.

It was a disaster.

In December 2019, two family friends reached out and requested my wedding planning assistance. The couples were getting married in Durham in March, just two weeks apart. The Type Two Enneagram people-pleaser side of me eagerly accepted the new job opportunities. I thought to myself, “I write about weddings all the time, this is going to be a breeze.” I have never been more wrong.

I frantically juggled answering texts from each bride, emailing vendors and setting timelines while working full time for our magazine company and part time at Anthropologie (hello, employee discount!). As if the situation couldn’t be any more chaotic, coronavirus 114 heartofncweddings.com

shutdowns had everyone in the nation pressing pause. This story is not meant to be a long-winded complaint, just my humble confession of how poorly I underestimated the role of a wedding planner.

On the day of each wedding, I arrived early with handwritten to-do lists and a hideous neon green fanny pack strapped to my hips. But y’all, a wedding day is not a sprint, it’s a 12-hour (or more) marathon. The pianist arrived 30 minutes late to one wedding ceremony,

and the shuttle driver got lost on the way to the other wedding’s location, yet somehow neither of the brides threatened to kill me. At one point, I texted my boyfriend (sorry, Caleb) “Everything is going wrong, I don’t know what to do.” Again, I’m telling you this story for two reasons. The first being, now it’s funny (things can and will go wrong!). The second is, of all the vendors you hire for your wedding, let one of them be a planner. Trust me.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

Heart of NC Weddings features real weddings by some of the most reputable regional wedding planners every year. All of the weddings in this chapter showcase the exceptional service and creativity of these North Carolina wedding planners. Some of these weddings took place before COVID-19, while others were canceled, postponed and rescheduled. 2020 was a difficult year for engaged couples. If you ask any newlyweds for wedding advice, they will certainly say this – hire a wedding planner!

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Sally Oakley Weddings & Events ___________ PATRICK

+ CAITLYN

Patrick Johnstone and Caitlyn Willis are high school sweethearts – he was a football player and she was a cheerleader. Ten years after meeting at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, Patrick told Caitlyn that he would propose by the end of 2017. True to his word, he popped the question on New Year’s Eve while on a walk with their puppy, Finley. The couple celebrated their engagement and the start of a new year surrounded by friends and family at the Angus Barn – a yearly tradition started by Caitlyn’s grandparents more than 40 years ago.

Patrick and Caitlyn said “I do” at St. Mary’s Chapel, which was chosen because Caitlyn’s grandmother attended St. Mary’s as a child.

Keeping with family tradition, the reception was hosted at the Angus Barn Pavilion. A royal blue color palette with accents of burgundy and neutral tones added to the wedding’s timeless, elegant theme.

Reception details included a neon duogram sign created by Mason Dixon Designs, a Finley-inspired cake topper and a “Decade Table” with photos from every year of Patrick and Caitlyn’s relationship.

The bride shares her advice, “Get an excellent wedding planner such as Sally Oakley Weddings & Events so you can slow down and enjoy the process; it may seem stressful at times, but I promise, you will miss the excitement after your wedding.”

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All Photos by Azul Photography

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Wedding Planner Sally Oakley Weddings & Events Engagement Ring Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Rehearsal Dinner The Jiddi Space & Courtyard Stationer and Calligrapher Mason Dixon Designs Party Rentals CE Rental Bridesmaids Dresses Bella Bridesmaids Mother-of-the-Bride Dress Kannon’s Clothing.

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Caitlyn said “yes” to a Rita Vinieris wedding dress at Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City and selected navy bridesmaid dresses from Bella Bridesmaids in Cary. Caitlyn’s mom wore a sophisticated navy blue dress from Kannon’s Clothing in Cameron Village.

“Get an excellent wedding planner such as Sally Oakley so you can slow down and enjoy the process; it may seem stressful at times, but I promise, you will miss the excitement after your wedding,” Caitlyn says.

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Harmony Weddings & Events ___________ JOEL

+ LIN

Joel Boggan and L. Lin Ong’s love story began in Durham, but the proposal was international.

Joel surprised Lin with a ring after trekking through a jungle in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas. Following their epic engagement, the couple snagged an available date at Duke Chapel in August 2019. Luckily, The Cookery was available that same weekend! With six months to prepare, the bride and groom hired Daryl Eaker of Harmony Weddings & Events.

“Since we planned a wedding on a tight timeline, we wanted someone who could provide significant support,” Lin says. “… [Daryl] did such a good job on the day of the wedding, taking care of the moving parts and making sure everything ran smoothly.”

Inspired by Lin’s Chinese heritage, the wedding design featured the traditional wedding color of red and gold accents, which symbolize good fortune. Lin swapped out her bridal gown in between the ceremony and reception with a Chinese wedding qun kwa and her late grandmother’s vintage shoes for a Chinese tea ceremony. The tea ceremony is a ritual of gratitude and respect that symbolizes the joining of two families. Joel and Lin intentionally prioritized their wedding guests in every element of their celebration.

All photos by Live View Studio

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Wedding Planner Daryl Eaker of Harmony Weddings & Events Party Rentals American Party Rentals and CE Rental

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| Reception Venue The Cookery

“We appreciated planning under a tighter timeline because it lent itself to decision making,” Lin says. “Hire a good team and trust them.”

“We found some beautiful photos of our venues through Heart of NC Weddings, and it was very useful to envision the spaces for our big day! We also enjoyed going through vendor lists for ideas and recommendations.” – Lin

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Megan Morales Photography

Katherine Elena Photography

Mina Von Feilitzsch Photography

We joyfully support diverse couples to create meaningful and memorable celebrations across North Carolina and beyond.

HarmonyWeddingsEvents.com 919-219-1185

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Aneesa@HarmonyWeddingsNC.com

@HarmonyWeddingsEvents

TIFFANY L. JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY

CLAYTON MADE MEDIA

ELLIE MCKINNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

ROSE TRAIL IMAGES

MONTANA BURKETT PHOTGRAPHY

ROSE TRAIL IMAGES

ROSE TRAIL IMAGES

Creating events as unique and beautiful as our couples idomagnolia.com | 919.307.7882 | magnoliacollectiveco@gmail.com |

@magnoliacollective.co heartofncweddings.com

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Magnolia Collective ___________ JONAH

+ SIERRA

Jonah Freedman and Sierra Shell’s love story could be a musical. A couple years after their first date at C-Grace jazz speakeasy in Raleigh, Jonah popped the question at Rue Cler in Durham. When three horn players and a sax player entered the restaurant and performed “Going to the Chapel” by The Dixie Cups, Jonah asked Sierra to dance, whispering his proposal in her ear. Afterward, Jonah whisked his fiancé off to The Roof at The Durham Hotel for another surprise – celebratory drinks with Sierra’s closest friends!

Magnolia Collective helped the couple plan a New Orleans French Quarter-themed ceremony and reception at the Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, North Carolina.

Jonah and Sierra had a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony that was officiated by Sierra’s best friend, Abe Sterling. After sharing vows, they led their guests in a Second Line parade around the venue. The wedding’s musical jamboree included a song written and performed by the newlyweds, a song performed by Jonah’s mother, and performances

by Jonah’s band, Hank, Pattie & the Current, and John Brown and his Groove Shop Band.

Magnolia Collective incorporated a green, pink and gold color palette into the New Orleans-inspired design. Street signs for Bourbon and Jackson Square led guests to their tables, but Sierra and Jonah kept the tables empty and the dance floor packed for most of the night.

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All photos by Mina von Feilitzsch Photography

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDOR Planner Magnolia Collective

“Select a wedding planner and a photographer who you’d want to get coffee with,” Sierra says.

“Your vendors will be with you on one of the most joyous and stressful days of your life. You want to make sure you feel like they’re on your side.”

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C & D Events ___________ HAYDEN

+ NOELLE

Raleigh-based photographer Noelle Buttrey knew she wanted to work with fellow local businesses when it was her turn to walk down the aisle. On Sept. 22, 2019, she said “I do” to Hayden Brochu at The Stockroom at 230 in downtown Raleigh. The wedding venue’s style and convenient location sealed the deal for these college sweethearts who met while attending N.C. State University.

“The Stockroom was the very first venue we toured, and we immediately fell in love,” Noelle says. “Neither of us wanted a huge wedding, and the intimate industrial space was perfect.”

The bride and groom hired Caroline Placey of C & D Events to coordinate their industrial secret garden-themed celebration. Greenery and market lights hung low from the ceiling gave the event space a cozy greenhouse ambiance. For the ceremony, Noelle and Hayden shared their vows in front of a geometric arch decorated with dark green and maroon florals.

Afterward, guests feasted at tables adorned with mossy wildflower table runners and earth tone linens and dinnerware from CE Rental.

“We cannot say enough amazing things about Caroline with C and D Events,” Noelle says. “She helped us plan the wedding of our dreams and made it absolutely stress free. We love her so much and still keep in touch to this day.”

All photos by Amanda Sutton Photography

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Wedding Planner Caroline Placey of C & D Events Venue The Stockroom at 230 Groom’s Suite The Lounge at the Stockroom Party Rentals CE Rental

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| Bridal Suite The Glass Box at 230

“We cannot say enough amazing things about Caroline with C & D Events,” Noelle says. “She helped us plan the wedding of our dreams and made it absolutely stress free.

We felt so loved and supported by everyone who worked on our wedding.”

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LET US HELP YOU PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT

We are Virtue Events We want and need you to be successful in the preplanning, during and following of your event. So, we have one goal and that is to leverage your strengths to create more opportunities for joy, success, awareness and revenue through your events. Virtue is dedicated to creating a lasting impact for our clients.

virtue eve nts. c om Ariel Perry Photography

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Virtue Events ___________

+

NUUMO GWENDOLYN

Nuumo Taalib El-Amin and Gwendolyn Patterson said “I do” on Oct. 2, 2020, in Suite Four in downtown Durham. Their relationship began one evening when Gwendolyn was sitting on her screened-in porch. Somehow, a family prank involving FaceTime led to a “love at first sight” virtual meeting. The two exchanged phone numbers – “I called every day and night, wanting to hear that magic voice,” Nuumo says. And Gwendolyn says, “He [was] my wake-up call every morning, and my goodnight call every night. We have been given an extremely precious gift of love in our fourth quarter. We are God’s Ephesians 2:10 ‘masterpiece,’ and we are so blessed.”

It would take a gifted wedding planner to coordinate a worthy wedding for two extraordinary people in just two weeks. Nuumo and Gwendolyn were confident that Joye Speight of Virtue Events could get it done, and she did, with grace and style! Joye designed a fall-themed wedding full of warm color and texture at Suite Four. But the most special element of this wedding was a surprise – Joye worked with Gwendolyn’s daughter to make sure that they could talk to their deployed grandson on the day of their wedding.

“Only work with a planner and designer that you trust,” Gwendolyn says. “Planning a wedding on a short timeline can lead to stress, but having someone who you know will take care of you is paramount.”

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All photos by One Vision Photography

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Planner Virtue Events

| Venue Suite Four | Cake Sugar Euphoria

“Only work with a planner and designer who you trust,” Gwendolyn advises.

“Joye even worked with our daughter to make sure that we could talk to our grandson, who was deployed.”

Local caterer Virginia & Co. served up some delicious shrimp and grits for this fall feast!

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Folie á Deux Events ___________ MALIA

+ SPIKE

Erica Greenwold Reisen dreamed of planning a wedding beneath the bones of the blue whale model at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. In October 2019, her dream came true (kind of). Malia Campbell and Spike Hoban hired Erica’s planning and floral design company Folie à Deux Events to design their wedding at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. A blue map projection of the Earth served as the ceremony backdrop, and toasts were made in the shadow of a whale skeleton.

Malia and Spike’s relationship is full of laughter and learning new things.

They wanted a wedding that would offer an energizing experience for their guests and themselves. Since the museum is one of their favorite places in downtown Raleigh, they knew it would be a perfect venue.

After many planning sessions at Motorco, Erica gave Malia and Spike a custom-designed event to match their style and story. The wedding was designed around modern science and featured colorful blossoms, candles and more than a few test tubes.

“We tried to use the space instead of fight it,” Erica says. “We found a nice balance between classy, modern elegance and fun, playful elements.”

That balance can be seen in the variety of bouquets Erica made for the bridal party. While the bridesmaid bouquets were multi-colored, the bride’s bouquet featured a stunning composition of white blossoms.

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All photos by Amaris Photo

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Planner & Floral Design Folie á Deux Events Getting Ready Raleigh Marriott City Center

| Caterer Rocky Top Catering | Party Rentals CE Rental

“Weddings can be whatever you want them to be,” Malia says.

“Think about what you need as you head into the next chapter of your life. How can a gathering help you achieve that?”

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Ariel Kaitlin Photography

John Branch IV Photography

Amaris Photo

Celebrating Modern Love + Partnership since 2016 132 heartofncweddings.com

Wedding Planning Coordination Floral Design www.folieadeuxevents.com

Donnell Perry Photography Veritas Digital Photography

Kumolu Studios in Durham Alakija Studios

kscottweddings.com | 336.343.5488 | info@kscottweddings.com | @kscottweddings heartofncweddings.com

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K. Scott Weddings ___________ ROBERT

+ POOJA

Pooja Makam and Robert “Rob” Weston were freshmen at UNCChapel Hill when they first met in 2006. Ten years later, Rob made history by swiping right on Pooja’s dating profile.

The couple’s wedding was breathtaking, thanks to multicultural wedding planning specialist Keisha Scott of K. Scott Weddings. She helped Pooja and Rob plan a Sangeet-Mehndi party, a rehearsal dinner, a fusion Hindu-Christian ceremony and a grand reception with speeches and a massive multifamily dance compilation.

“Keisha made our vision come true,” Pooja says. “We worked together on concepts, and I did a little DIY with the menu cards, but everything else was her team, who did a beyond amazing job!”

Pooja and Rob’s wedding theme was romantic garden floral glam with a blush and gold color palette.

The ceremony took place at The Sutherland, and the reception was held at the Raleigh Marriott City Center. Keisha’s team was environmentally conscious by reusing florals from one event to the next.

Pooja and Rob had multiple outfit changes throughout the wedding to represent their blended cultures.

Their wedding website offered guests helpful information, including a detailed itinerary and dress code.

All photos by Rebekah and Grace

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Planner, Design & Decor K. Scott Weddings Reception Venue Raleigh Marriott City Center Bridesmaids’ Hair & Makeup Silverceiling Beauty Consulting Party Rentals CE Rental and K. Scott Weddings

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“If you’re going to have a big wedding, get a planner from day one,” Pooja advises. “Have a vision in mind and stick with it and don’t worry about the details on your day. If something goes wrong, no one will really notice; remember to focus on the reason for a wedding – to celebrate!”

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY PACKAGES START AT $3,000-$4,000 ON AVERAGE, FOR WEDDING DAY COVERAGE. ELOPEMENT PACKAGES ARE BASED ON SHORTER TIME FRAMES AND COST LESS. WE RECOMMEND BUDGETING ANOTHER $1,500-$2,000 FOR ADDITIONAL SHOOTS, ALBUMS, ETC.

START LOOKING EARLY! BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE, OR AS SOON AS YOU’VE SET THE DATE.

YOU’LL WANT TO PERUSE REAL, FULL WEDDING DAYS ON THEIR BLOG OR VIA GALLERY LINKS, SO YOU CAN SEE HOW THEY CAPTURE THE SPECIAL DAY FROM START TO FINISH! TAKE NOTE OF HOW THEIR IMAGERY REFLECTS EVERYTHING FROM GROUP PORTRAITS, TO WEDDING DECOR DETAILS TO THE DANCE PARTY. IT CAN ALSO BE HELPFUL TO SEE HOW THEY’VE SHOT AT YOUR WEDDING VENUE, OR, DURING THE SEASON IN WHICH YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED. DO YOUR RESEARCH TO FIND DOCUMENTARIANS THAT BEST FIT YOUR STYLE. CONSIDER THEIR EDITING COLORING, AND HOW THEY SHOOT OUTDOORS VERSUS INDOORS.WE ARE PROUD TO RECOMMEND HIGH QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHERS AND FILMMAKERS IN THIS CHAPTER, WHO OFFER UP A WIDE RANGE OF STYLES.

MANY PHOTOGRAPHERS HAVE PACKAGES INCLUDING ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS AND SUPPLEMENTAL SHOOTS (READ MORE ABOUT OTHER SHOOTS IN THIS CHAPTER).

ASK ABOUT THEIR CONTRACT POLICIES, SECOND SHOOTER PACKAGES, AND HOW QUICKLY IMAGES OR YOUR FILM WILL BE TURNED AROUND AFTER THE WEDDING DAY. PHOTOGRAPHY: FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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• You can tell a lot about a photographer’s personality and the way they run their business just by reading their reviews!

• Ask to see a full gallery. Instagram feeds are great highlight reels, but be sure you’re comfortable with what a full gallery looks like.

No. 4: Select the package that best suits your day.

Wedding photographer Jillian Knight loves to capture her clients in natural light.

LOVE ON FILM Tips on how to choose a wedding photographer by Jillian Knight – an event, family and lifestyle photographer based in Raleigh, North Carolina No. 1: What’s your style?

Browse the pages of this magazine, Instagram, Pinterest and more to find out. Here’s my style guide: True to life – Colors look authentic or slightly more vibrant with film or digital film-style photographers Light and airy – Photographer prefers a lighter background, works with natural, glowy and bright lighting

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Dark and moody – Photographer loves shadows and contrast, works with moody and bold lighting

No. 2: What’s the vibe?

You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than you will with your future spouse. Make sure you get along!

No. 3: Do your homework.

• Rely on trusted local planning guides and professional wedding vendors for recommendations.

Have a clear idea of what is included in your package before signing the dotted line! Are you looking for “complete” wedding coverage, or do you only need a few hours? Inquire about the cost of added hours to packages. Make sure you have a clear understanding of how long it takes to get your final gallery and products.

No. 5: Don’t skip the engagement session with your photographer!

Your engagement session is like your dress rehearsal. You’ll want to practice being comfortable and posing with the photographer you’ll work with on your wedding day.

No. 6: Timeline, timeline, timeline.

Photographers love timelines just as much as planners do! A professional timeline holds space for candid moments to take place and allows us to capture those sweet moments.

No. 7: What time is sunset on your wedding day?

To achieve the style of photography you prefer, look to your photographer to tell you the best time of day for portraits on your wedding day. Work with your photographer to plan your ceremony time and first-look decision accordingly.

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Fine Art Wedding Photography danielleflake.com | danielleflakephotography@gmail.com 142 heartofncweddings.com

@danielleflake | 252.341.9634

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Fancy This Photography ___________ RISA

+ MATT

Risa Daniels and Matt Isabel are two Duke Blue Devils who didn’t meet on campus. Instead, they met through mutual friends while cheering on their alma mater in New York, post graduation! Matt asked Risa to marry him at Sarah P. Duke Gardens, in the city they love most.

On Oct. 25, 2019, the bride and groom kicked off their Durham wedding weekend with a welcome party at The Rickhouse. Risa and Matt booked fellow Bull City devotee Nikki Whitt Belch of Fancy This Photography to capture the festivities. Nikki delivered more than beautiful images; she helped the wedding day flow seamlessly.

“For solo shots of just the groom and me, we felt very comfortable and at ease,” Risa says. “There was limited direction, which was nice, it felt like she captured more natural images that didn’t feel so staged. The most important part is that the photos are stunning.”

Risa and Matt strolled through downtown while Nikki photographed them at local landmarks like The Durham Hotel and a parking deck rooftop with a view of the skyline.

Afterward, Risa’s father officiated their wedding ceremony surrounded by loved ones and twinkle lights at Bay 7. They danced the rest of the night to a live band, and even performed the horah – a Jewish celebratory dance in which the bride and groom are lifted in chairs and danced around in a circle.

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HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Photographer Fancy This Photography Mother-of-the-Bride Dress & Sister’s Dress Bella Bridesmaids Guest Accommodations The Durham Hotel

“We love Durham, and we were lucky enough to be able to show the city off in so many ways throughout the weekend,” Risa says. “All the venues were within 10 minute walks of downtown, so our guests could easily get around. My dad (a Duke alumni himself) led guided tours through campus.”

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Images by Amber Robinson ___________ MONIQUE

+ PRESTON

Raleigh native Dr. Monique Perry had never tried online dating until her nail technician dared her to join Match.com. Three days into the experiment, she received a message from Preston Graves.

Monique deleted the account before her free two-week trial was over.

Preston’s surprise marriage proposal consisted of a ring, two “love martinis” and a romantic date at The Melting Pot. The couple planned an old Hollywood themed wedding at The Umstead Hotel and Spa for May 24, 2020. But coronavirus changed their plans. Through careful communication (and maybe a few tears), Monique and Preston were able to move their May wedding to July 31 and cut down their guest list count to abide by the North Carolina mass gathering mandate.

“It was stressful to consolidate our event and push our full reception to next year,” Monique says. “But we are so glad we proceeded with a microwedding and intimate dinner.”

Monique and Preston’s vendor team transformed their wedding status from panic to pivot. The Umstead’s staff offered safety protocols and exceptional customer service. But there’s one vendor who provided support from the very beginning – Images by Amber Robinson. Not only did the Raleigh photographer beautifully capture Monique and Preston’s engagement and nuptials on camera, she also provided her wedding wisdom.

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HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Photographer Images by Amber Robinson Venue, Caterer, Guest Accomodations and Rehearsal Dinner The Umstead Hotel and Spa

“[Images by Amber Robinson] is more than a photographer – she is a great advisor and made sure our wedding pictures told our story,” Monique says.

“I can’t say enough great things about how the hotel pivoted and made us and our guests feel special.”

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Heart of NC Weddings Summer/Fall 2020 cover image

Richard Barlow Photography ___________ ASHLEY

+ WILL

Ashley Stephenson and Will Privette’s love story started with random acts of kindness. On Jan. 12, 2013, N.C. State’s men’s basketball team upset No. 1 ranked Duke at PNC Arena. After the game, students rushed the court. Within the chaos of celebration, one student (Will) was knocked out of his wheelchair. While trying to recover his fallen glasses, wallet and phone, N.C. State forward C.J. Leslie noticed Will. C.J. picked Will up and cheered with him until his wheelchair was returned.

A few days after the game, Ashley sent the new local celeb a friend request on Facebook. Will accepted, and a week or so later offered to bring Ashley soup after reading in a post that she was sick. She accepted, they hit it off and they had a second date within the week.

On Nov. 30, 2018, Will asked Ashley to marry him while they were decorating a Christmas tree. Ashley’s engagement ring was custom-made and included the diamond from her late mother’s wedding jewelry.

In fewer than three weeks, Ashley and Will toured nine different wedding venues before selecting Rose Hill Estate. They knew the countryside venue could accommodate their large wedding guest count and provide the Southern style they desired for a Christmas-themed wedding. On Dec. 7, 2019, Richard Barlow Photography captured the magic of Ashley and Will’s wedding day as it unfolded in green, red and gold decor.

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HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Photographer Richard Barlow Photography

| Venue and Caterer Rose Hill Estate | Party Rentals CE Rental

Richard Barlow Photography helped the bride and groom capture the magic of Rose Hill Estate decorated for Christmas.

Ashley and Will’s love of N.C. State red and the holiday season made for a perfect Christmas themed wedding. heartofncweddings.com

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Heba Salama Photography ___________ MATT

+ KIM

Even though Matt Mason and Kim Weaver worked in adjacent buildings on UNC Medical Center’s campus, their paths never crossed. Thank goodness for online dating apps! The pair quickly bonded over their mutual love of sports and their careers – Kim is a gastroenterologist, and Matt is a periodontist. Matt orchestrated a surprise birthday party and marriage proposal – touchdown! But if you ask Kim, she’ll say that Matt’s beardless face was more shocking than the proposal itself.

After their engagement, Matt and Kim flipped through the pages of our magazine for inspiration and to research local vendors. Chapel Hillbased photographer Heba Salama Photography was the first vendor they booked. “[We] couldn’t recommend Heba more – she took beautiful engagement photos and was such a fun addition to our wedding day,” Kim says.

The bride and groom toured several venues before selecting Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill. Venue owner Karen Macdonald sealed the deal with her warm hospitality and ability to quickly adapt to COVID-19 safety restrictions.

On June 27, 2020, bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen ties and socks were a dusty blue color.

Flowers were white and soft pink with touches of peach and coral and shades of greenery.

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HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Photographer Heba Salama Photography Rehearsal Dinner & Venue Lavender Oaks Farm Bridal Jewelry Lagos Bracelet from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Party Rentals CE Rental

|

www.hebasalama.com heartofncweddings.com

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Morgan Caddell Photography ___________ ROCIO

+ JORGE

Rocio Malena Arguijo and Jorge Luis Garcia Escoto’s love story didn’t happen overnight. They first met at Wake Tech. Then they both transferred to UNC-Charlotte and met again. Then they met at a Hispanic community event, again … but good things come in threes, right? Well, the third time Jorge asked Rocio to dinner and the rest was history.

The bride and groom are both children of Mexican immigrants and quickly bonded over their similar upbringings and family values. After receiving parental permission to marry Rocio, Jorge surprised her one night with three dozen roses and a ring to represent their future.

Luckily, Rocio’s childhood best friend grew up to be a wedding planner – Aneesa Glines of Harmony Weddings & Events. From there they booked Forest Hall at Chatham Mills for a rustic elegant reception on Feb. 15, 2020. Rocio and Jorge had two wedding ceremonies: one to honor Jorge’s Baha’i faith and another to honor Rocio’s Catholic faith. From “I do” to el primer baile, Morgan Caddell Photography perfectly captured Rocio and Jorge’s wedding day.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

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Photographer Morgan Caddell Photography Reception Venue Forest Hall at Chatham Mills Wedding Planner Harmony Weddings & Events Party Rentals CE Rental

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morgancaddellphotography.com (704) 678-2406 Serving Local and Destination Weddings

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Mark Maya Photography & Videography ___________ MEGHAN

+ TREVOR

Meghan McHone was Trevor Newman’s elementary school crush in their hometown of Franklin, N.C. until both families moved away and the playground pals lost touch.

But love works in mysterious ways.

In 2014, Meghan and Trevor were randomly reunited (fate?) on a beach in Panama City during college spring break. Six years later they said “I do” atop Black Mountain “beneath the sky they had shared all along.”

Meghan and Trevor needed to hire a wedding photographer and videographer who could understand and capture their adventurous love story. Mark Maya Photography delivered. His past-experience photographing musicians and filming music videos made him a perfect fit.

“Unbelievable. [Mark] captured us in an indescribable way,” Meghan says.

“It was the best money we invested in our wedding by far. We love Mark and are so over the moon with his work.”

“Mark’s videography is insane. He is a cinematographer at heart and it shows. Our highlight video is a treasure. He embraces the spirit of the couple in the most beautiful way.” –Meghan

On Oct. 4, 2020 the bride and groom hosted an intimate enchanted forest themed wedding with a forest green, dusty blue and dark plum color palette.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Photographer and Videographer Mark Maya Photography & Videography

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Mark Maya photography

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WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY Average Cost: Videography packages can vary between $1,800 and $7,000.

U Book a videographer to capture and tell your wedding story in motion! Research local videographers and watch their highlight videos to find one who matches your aesthetic.

U Book your videographer 8-12 months prior to your wedding date.

U Pre-wedding, ceremony, post-ceremony and reception shots will recap your big day.

Afterward, your videographer should provide a beautifully edited highlight video to share with others, as well as a longer keepsake version!

U Relive your wedding in five, 10, 30 years down the road. Let your future family walk down the aisle with you. Our recommended vendors, Thomas Blake Films and Mark Maya Photography & Videography, also offer drone footage of your big day!

Q: Why hire a wedding videographer?

A: “For most couples, their wedding might be the only day that all of their closest friends and family are together in one place. There are so many special moments that are too important to lose forever. Whether you tear up seeing the person you are about to marry come down the aisle, get choked up saying your vows or someone shares a hilarious toast,

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Thomas Blake Films in action at Raleigh Union Station.

Photo by Richard Barlow Photography.

there are a thousand little moments on a wedding day you will want to relive.” – Thomas Blake A: “Wedding videographers will capture the moments that couples forget happened. I’ve heard couples say, ‘I didn’t remember that moment,’ after watching their wedding film.

It makes sense, because they were running around getting hitched! They weren’t remembering every little special moment. That’s what the videographer is for.” – Mark Maya

Q: What’s your favorite part of the wedding day to capture on video?

A: “When a couple writes personal vows to each other, I always know that their film is going to be even

more special for them. The more of your personalities that are part of the wedding day, the better; it’s what makes your wedding unique to you.”

– Thomas Blake

Q: Why wedding videography?

A: “I love how I get to stitch together each piece of a film for my couples.

And knowing it will take them back to those magical moments where they get to relive their special day. It is an emotional experience for me to create films for couples because I end up being very close friends with them on the wedding day.”

– Mark Maya Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

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FLORAL EXPENSES FOR NC WEDDINGS AVERAGE $3,000-$5,000 , THOUGH MANY FLORISTS WORK WITH SMALLER OR MUCH LARGER BUDGETS. PARTY RENTALS RANGE GREATLY BASED ON YOUR NEEDS, WITH ENTIRE TENT BUILD OUTS SOMETIMES COSTING $20,000, AND LINE ITEM RENTALS BEING BASED ON NEED.

PLANS FOR RECEPTION DECOR SHOULD BE DONE SIX - TEN MONTHS IN ADVANCE, BEGINNING WITH PARTY RENTALS, MOVING INTO FLORAL DESIGN, AND FINISHING UP WITH ACCENTS SUCH AS LIGHTING A FEW MONTHS OUT. THE TIMING OF ALL THIS CAN BE EASILY JUGGLED BY YOUR WEDDING PLANNER OR DESIGNER. FINALIZE AND ORDER YOUR ARRANGEMENTS SIX WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR WEDDING DATE.

TYPICAL ITEMS TO INCLUDE ON THE PARTY RENTAL LIST ARE LINENS, CHAIRS, CHINA, FLATWARE, CHANDELIERS, DRAPERY, LOUNGE FURNITURE, AMBIENT LIGHTING AND WHEN NECESSARY, THE TENT AND DANCE FLOOR FOR THE ENTIRE AFFAIR. KEEP IN MIND THAT LIGHTING AND FLOWERS CAN COMPLETELY CHANGE A SPACE. IF THE VENUE IS RIGHT FOR YOU IN TERMS OF LOCATION, BUDGET, AND AVAILABILITY, BUT IS SOMEWHAT LACKING IN DESIGN, THE RIGHT LIGHTING ELEMENTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO TRANSFORM THE SPACE INTO YOUR DREAM VENUE.

FLOWERS TO DISCUSS AND BUDGET FOR INCLUDE BOUQUETS, BOUTONNIERES, CEREMONY ARRANGEMENTS, ELABORATE CENTERPIECES, AND DISPLAYS FOR ESCORT TABLES, ENTRY DOORS AND MANTLES. A LOW END BUDGET MAY INCLUDE SIMPLE, SMALL VASES AND SMALLER, SIMPLER BOUQUETS, OR PICK-UP ORDERS. AS WITH EVERYTHING, THE FLOWER COSTS DEPEND ON WHERE YOU ARE HOSTING YOUR WEDDING, YOUR GUEST COUNT, AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR WEDDING PARTY. (MORE TABLES = MORE CENTERPIECES, LINEN, CHAIRS AND FLATWARE. MORE BRIDESMAIDS = MORE BOUQUETS).

DECOR COSTS VARY GREATLY DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION AND VENUE, LENGTH OF EVENT, DATE, TRAVEL DISTANCE, TYPES OF LIGHTING FIXTURES, AND THE TIME IT TAKES TO SET UP AND TAKE DOWN. PHOTOGRAPHY: MORGAN CADDELL PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE WEDDING AESTHETIC

How to plan your flowers and decor

By Caroline Kloster

The English Garden Florist / The Historic Wakefield Barn / Sammie B. Photography

A wedding is a celebration, so don’t let the planning cause more stress than excitement. Your starting point? Choose a general aesthetic or theme for your big day. If words like “alternative,” “romantic” and “rustic” sound more like music genres than wedding-planning tools to you, here’s a no-nonsense guide to cohesiveness on a day that showcases your love story.

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Reflect on What’s Meaningful to You and Your Partner

Is there an important aspect of your story as a couple that you want to highlight in your wedding theme or decor? For example, if location is a key element to the development of your love story, consider planning your theme or decor around the city you fell in love in or the kind of lifestyle you share. Similar elements to include in your wedding could be cultural or religious themes that you and your partner cherish

canceled and postponed many weddings. If you’ve had to push back your wedding to a different season, never fear: You won’t have to trash all your planning and start from scratch.

A wedding theme can transcend the season with a couple of tweaks. For

instance, consider darker shades of the same color palette in order to transition from spring to fall. You might find that you like these slight changes more!

Food and Drink Presentation

Some catering and beverage options

Seasons of Love

Weather can be unpredictable, but choosing the general season in which to schedule your wedding can contribute to the event’s overall theme. If you’re interested in marrying in the spring, choose bright colors or pastels that coincide with warmer weather. Jewel tones like burgundy and emerald sync with the brisk weather of fall or winter.

Follow the Decor Hierarchy

Decor is an elusive word that can be intimidating. Decor can be used as an umbrella term for anything that makes your wedding environment look beautiful, which means options are plentiful.

Begin with the essentials – furniture for the dining area as well as tableware and lighting – and tailor them to your theme. Then add the fun stuff, like flowers, candles and signage. Consider interactive elements for guests, like a theme-coherent backdrop for a photobooth or personalized place cards that guests can pick up from a board when they walk in. Many of our recommended wedding planners and florists offer full-service floral design, including Folie á Deux Events, page 132, and The French Bee Events, page 237.

Embrace Pandemic Tweaks

Unfortunately, the pandemic has

Sweet Love Blossoms / Halifax Hill Studios

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are evergreen year-round, but consider adding fun bites to coincide with your theme! Cherish your first date restaurant or other local favorite?

Consider mimicking the dish you shared or enlisting their catering services. Additionally, dress up your food stations, cake display and bar with floral garnishes and dynamic decor.

Many local rental companies offer safety products for your event service staff.

To prohibit the spread of COVID-19, some rental companies, such as Get Lit Event Lighting, offer bar rentals with plastic or acrylic bar shields. This recent innovation is definitely one worth investing in to ensure you and wedding guests are safe!

The French Bee Events / Cynthia Rose Photography

A La Carte Flowers

In response to the pandemic and microweddings, some full-service florists and designers now offer small-scale flower and decor packages. Some packages include pickup or delivery of made-to-order centerpieces and bouquets. This option is perfect for couples who want to save a little bit of money but still have swoon-worthy floral arrangements.

It’s also a lot easier than trying to make DIY centerpieces (at least, it is for those of you who are like me and not crafty).

Petal & Oak floristry has a lineup of gorgeous flower and decor arrangements of various sizes and styles, which are available for pickup or delivery. They create everything – from garlands to centerpieces, bouquets to boutonnieres, and even flower girl crowns and dog collars!

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Made-to-order designs from Petal & Oak

invited invited to to the the best best weddings weddings Linens | China | Glassware | Flatware Linens | China | Glassware | Flatware 3633 S. ALSTON AVE., DURHAM, NC • 3633 S. ALSTON AVE., DURHAM, NC • AMERICANPARTYRENTALS.COM AMERICANPARTYRENTALS.COM Photo by Katherine Miles Jones Photography Photo by Katherine Miles Jones Photography

| Ta b l e s | C h a i r s | Ta b l e s | C h a i r s (919) 544-1555 (919) 544-1555

ALLY AND BOBBY PHOTOGRAPHY

ADELYN BOLING PHOTOGRAPHY

NEW STANDARD VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHY

MARTHA MANNING PHOTOGRAPHY

Specialty Linens ~ China ~ Glassware Flatware ~ Tents ~ Tables ~ Chairs Dance Floors & Much More Showroom & Design Center 4300 Craftsman Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609 919-833-9743 | CERental.com

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

ALLISON NICHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

GENERAL FLORISTRY AND PLANTS • SUCCULENT JEWELRY

22 GLENWOOD AVENUE, STUDIO 8, RALEIGH, NC 27603 951-316-0538 • WWW.SWEETLOVEBLOSSOMS.COM



@SWEETLOVEBLOSSOMS

Petal & Oak / Richard Barlow Photography

Once upon a time, deep, rich tones were reserved for fall weddings. Today, sultry wedding designs are happening all year long. Triangle-based floristry and party rental supplier Petal & Oak put the sweet in sweetheart table with this display.

Photographed by Richard Barlow Photography, this styled shoot took place at the newly expanded Belt Line Station – a wedding and event venue that’s tucked away in Durham’s Golden Belt Campus. Attached to its sister venue, The Cotton Room, Belt Line Station is an old train depot turned chic industrial event space. As if the venue couldn’t get any cooler, Belt Line Station added this new speakeasy space. Low ceilings, warm lighting and exposed brick walls make Belt Line Station’s new indoor event space perfect for intimate weddings.

Petal & Oak used color, lighting and texture to achieve a dark and moody wedding theme. Deep red and purple blossoms pop against the linen-less sweetheart table while candlelight sets vintage multicolor dinnerware aglow. Even the chairs have a deep red velvet color! Whether your wedding is pastel or jewel toned, Petal & Oak has hundreds of floral designs and decor items that will make your dream day a reality.

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Julia Wade Photography

For all your big days! www.englishgardenraleigh.com 919-341-6650

Weddings, events, classes and daily deliveries acr ss the Triangle.

petalandoak.com

919.618.0525

ALL PHOTOS BY KELLEY DEAL PHOTOGRAPHY

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info@petalandoak.com

FABIANA SKUBIC PHOTOGRAPHY

FABIANA SKUBIC PHOTOGRAPHY

FABIANA SKUBIC PHOTOGRAPHY

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

BloomworksNC.com | 919-828-5932 | 2319 Laurelbrook Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

Bloom Works / Pastry Works / CE Rental / Gilded Bridal / Silverceiling Beauty Consulting The Laurelbrook at Catering Works / Sonya Helfrich from Models for Charity / Heba Salama Photography

Your wedding will be one of the most romantic days of your life, which is why it’s a perfectly suitable wedding style. Raleigh-based floristry Bloom Works can provide a flower and decor design that will take your breath away.

Led by local wedding extraordinaire EW Fulcher, Bloom Works specializes in personalized weddings. Whether you prefer minimalism or pure romance, as seen above, their team will give you a design that matches the style of your true love story.

This wedding display was set up at The Laurelbrook in downtown Raleigh. Lush roses, pink hydrangeas and vintage decor showcases the natural beauty of this industrial chic venue. The best part? The Laurelbrook is also home to Catering Works and Pastry Works, the catering and dessert divisions of Bloom Works. Together, they can create your dream dinner menu, desserts and/or floral design.

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THE COST FOR 100 INVITATIONS STARTS FROM ABOUT $500 FOR A BASIC FLAT PRINTED SUITE TO $2,000 AND UP, DEPENDING ON HOW CUSTOMIZED YOUR SUITE IS, PRINTING PROCESSES USED, PAPER QUALITY, EMBELLISHMENTS, ETC.

IT’S RECOMMENDED THAT YOU RESEARCH AND BOOK A FULL-SERVICE STATIONER 10 MONTHS TO ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE FOR CUSTOM DESIGN. A FULL SERVICE DESIGNER WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS OF BOOKING YOUR VARIOUS PAPER NEEDS. A STATIONERY SHOP WILL PLACE ORDERS BASED ON WHEN YOU VISIT. YOU SHOULD SEND SAVE-THE-DATES ABOUT SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE OF YOUR WEDDING, AND YOUR INVITATIONS OUT SIX WEEKS TO TWO MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

IN ADDITION TO YOUR WEDDING INVITATION, YOU MAY ALSO REQUIRE ADDITIONAL SUITE ENCLOSURES SUCH AS A RESPONSE CARD, RECEPTION CARD, DIRECTIONS/MAP, DETAILS AND ACCOMMODATIONS CARD. WEDDING WEEKEND PAPER INCLUDE WELCOME BAG INFORMATION, PROGRAMS, PLACE CARDS, AND MENUS. YOU SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER A TRADITIONAL GIFT EXCHANGE WITH YOUR PARTNER! IT COULD BE SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS A HAND-WRITTEN LETTER.

ELEVATE A PRE-DESIGNED OR SEMI-CUSTOM DESIGNED SUITE WITH CALLIGRAPHY ADDRESSING, WAX SEALS OR OTHER CUSTOMIZEABLE ELEMENTS. WHEN BUDGETING, ASK YOUR STATIONER FOR ANY ADDITIONAL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CUSTOMIZED ARTWORK SUCH AS MONOGRAMS, CRESTS, AND VENUE ILLUSTRATIONS. WE RECOMMEND MAXIMIZING YOUR INVESTMENT AND CREATE COHEASION IN YOUR EVENT DESIGN BY USING THIS ARTWORK ON BOTH YOUR INVITATION AND DAY-OF PIECES. BUDGET IN GIFTS FOR YOUR WEDDING PARTY, PARENTS AND SPECIAL VENDORS, WELCOME BAGS FOR YOUR OUT OF TOWN GUESTS, AND WEDDING FAVORS FOR ALL.

PHOTOGRAPHY: AMBER ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY STATIONERY: MASON DIXON DESIGNS heartofncweddings.com 175

A Heart of NC Weddings editorial, written by Claire DeLano

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magine going to your mailbox, picking up the mail and finding an envelope with handwritten calligraphy. Forget the bills — this is a letter you actually want to open. Once you do, you see a lovingly crafted wedding invitation, and you think, “If the invites are this good, I can’t wait to go to the actual wedding!”

Everyone wants their loved ones to be excited for the big day, and there’s something special about receiving an invitation in the mail. Even better? When that invitation was made just for you and your wedding. That’s why many couples in North Carolina are returning to their roots and opting for all things handwritten and sincere.

Wedding Invitations by Ashley Triggiano Photo by Images by Amber Robinson

Wedding invitations and save-thedate cards are the first glimpse your guests will get of the celebration, so make them count! No matter what vibe you’re going for — formal or casual, rustic or sophisticated, trendy or totally unique — calligraphy will make your invitations stand out. There are many different calligraphy styles, so you can pick and choose based on your wedding style. You can also personalize the paper, color palette and texture of your invites. Calligraphers and stationers can even help you with your wedding invitation wording, and some will create custom artwork to add an even more of a personal touch! There are several different pieces of an invitation suite: the inner and outer envelopes, the RSVP card, the invitation itself and directions, an itinerary and accommodations card if applicable. Your stationer will be able to help you blend all these elements into a gorgeous, coordinated whole. heartofncweddings.com 177

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MASON DIXON DESIGNS Armed with craft supplies and 10-plus years of work experience in the wedding industry, Danielle Olcott serves couples with passion and professionalism. Her business Mason Dixon Designs offers calligraphy, signage and displays, graphic design, paper goods, chalkboard art and event design.

Danielle finds inspiration in fashion, color and texture (and the occasional Starbucks cappuccino). Her goal is to provide products that reflect each client’s unique story. ________________________________________________________________ Q+A with Danielle Olcott

Q How did you get into wedding paper and art?

A

I came from a restaurant industry background and then became an Event Director for a venue with in-house catering and bar programs so it seemed like there was always a sign or menu that needed to be designed or made! I started doing projects for friends on the side while I learned traditional calligraphy and then, through experimentation and a lot of trial and error, we started doing a little bit of everything and I jumped in full time!

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Stationer Mason Dixon Designs Ring Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Linen American Party Rentals Photographer Images by Amber Robinson

Q What are the latest trends in wedding paper and art?

A

Micro weddings are trending and with that we are seeing more personalized items. There is a bit more room in the detail budget with smaller guestcounts, so guests are going to get a more elevated experience with higher price point items and a variety of surfaces that can be used. Think personalized favor bags, individual charcuterie boards branded with the couple’s monogram, or multi-course meals with an elaborate stacked menu presentation. In addition, we will focus on creative ways to effectively communicate details with guests throughout the year! heartofncweddings.com 179

CREATIVE DESIGN STUDIO

MASONDIXONDESIGNS.COM @MASONDIXONDESIGNSNC PHOTOGRAPHY: AJ DUNLAP 180 heartofncweddings.com

Q+A with Ashley Trigianno

What advice do you give Q couples who know nothing about wedding invites, paper, art etc.?

A

Long before I was a stationer, I was a bride who was totally overwhelmed by the wedding stationery world! My advice is to put together a vision board of what you love in wedding paper, and then step away from it for a few. Look at all of your wedding plans, colors, venue, theme - and then go back through your board and separate what you “like” from what is “you”. We often find ourselves gravitating to so many beautiful styles of work, but we need to give ourselves permission to love and appreciate a certain style, but also say “it’s beautiful, but this isn’t me.”

What’s your favorite Q wedding paper/art element?

A

My favorite wedding art element would be custom watercolor illustrations and using them everywhere! Really zeroing in on what represents a couples unique love story and finding creative ways to pepper those elements throughout all of their paper; from save the dates, to invitations, day-of goods like koozies, signs, favors all the way to the thank you cards after the big day!

ASHLEY TRIGGIANO Ashley Triggiano can help you incorporate custom artwork into your wedding day in endless, personalized ways. She creates venue paintings, couple portraits, watercolor maps for save the dates, invitations, gifts and more. Think a signature drink sign with a painting of your pup sounds cute? She’s got you covered. Truly, whatever you envision, Ashley will create it for you. Looking for a unique way to entertain your guests during cocktail hour or your reception? Consider live wedding painting. Ashley can paint the beauty of your day as it unfolds. Your wedding guests will be speechless as they watch your live wedding painting come to life.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Stationer Ashley Triggiano Linen American Party Rentals Photographer Images by Amber Robinson

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY CARDINAL DIRECTIONS CREATIVE

We thrive on custom and curated works of art made especially for you. If you can dream it, we can design it.

BRANDING WEDDINGS ILLUSTRATION ckcreationsdesign.com

Custom Stationery and Live Wedding Painting ashleytriggiano.com

“This beautiful painting is such a treasure! Our family and friends loved watching you paint. It was such a joy having you there!” - Jodi M

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CKCREATIONS Christin King’s (CK) company specializes in small business branding, full-service wedding invitation design, calligraphy and custom watercolor keepsakes. CKCreations provides print and design consultation with each package and has in-house chalkboard rental options. Christin can make stand-alone signs, wooden hanging signs or glass-framed signs for your next special event. Whether you need wayfinding, hashtags, place cards, table numbers or addressing the envelopes, leave it all to CK. Allow Christin the privilege of designing your special day from start to finish! ________________________________________________________________ Q+A with Christin King

advice do you give couples who know nothing about Q What wedding invites, paper, art etc.?

A

Match the overall vibe and formality of your wedding to your wedding invitation suite. If you’re having a boho wedding, I’d suggest a neutral earth-toned envelope and an invitation with deckled edge and hand drawn elements incorporated. If you’re having a more formal wedding, letterpress and classic black and white invitation suite finished with a gold wax seal.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Stationer CKCreations Linen American Party Rentals Photographer Images by Amber Robinson

Q What are the latest trends in wedding paper and art?

A

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of hand drawn venues and modern wedding crests incorporated into invitation suites. I’ve also seen die-cut shapes such as a half moon or arch incorporated into the wedding suite. One thing that never goes out of trend: bespoke printing. Letterpress, foil, die-cut, wax seals and anything that shows intention will always show your guest your thoughtfulness in being invited to celebrate your special day. heartofncweddings.com 183

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FOR FOOD, $55-$100 PER GUEST FOR CAKE, $6-$12 PER SLICE, AND COST VARIES FOR DESSERT BAR ITEMS. FOR THE BAR, BUDGET USING THIS RULE OF THUMB: ONE DRINK PER GUEST, PER HOUR.

BOOK YOUR WEDDING CATERER WHEN YOU SECURE YOUR DATE AND LOCATION, OR 9 TO 18 MONTHS IN ADVANCE. BOOK YOUR WEDDING BAKER THREE TO SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

DETERMINE WHAT DINNER STYLE IS BEST FOR YOUR WEDDING. OUR CATERERS OFFER A VARIETY OF SERVICE STYLES. KEEP IN MIND THAT DUE TO COVID-19, CATERERS ARE ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO NOT CHOOSE SELF-SERVE BUFFETS OR STATIONS. CONSIDER SPECIALTY DIETS TO MEET ALL OF YOUR GUESTS’ NEEDS! TRY INCORPORATING VEGETARIAN, VEGAN AND GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS FROM HOR D'OEUVRES TO DESSERTS. DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE FUN DETAILS LIKE SPECIALTY COCKTAILS, AND LATE NIGHT SNACKS.

PLEASE NOTE, SOME FOOD PACKAGES WITH APPETIZERS AND A SEATED MEAL WILL START AT $35 PER PERSON. BUT THAT NUMBER QUICKLY JUMPS WHEN LABOR, GRATUITIES AND TAXES ARE ADDED IN, SO THAT’S WHY WE SUGGEST BUDGETING AT LEAST $50 PER PERSON. THERE ARE LOTS OF VARIABLES WITH FOOD, TIME OF DAY MEALS AND SERVING STYLES THAT WILL AFFECT THE PER-PERSON RATE. INCLUDE MEALS FOR YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER, CATERING STAFF, VIDEOGRAPHER AND ANY OTHER VENDORS WHO WILL BE ACTIVELY PRESENT AT YOUR WEDDING! PHOTOGRAPHY: FANCY THIS PHOTOGRAPHY DESSERT: SUGAR EUPHORIA

heartofncweddings.com

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HOW WEDDING CATERERS RE-INVENTED THEIR MENUS AND BUSINESS MODELS DUE TO COVID-19 A Heart of NC Weddings editorial, written by Marie Muir and Gabrielle Thompson

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hether your budget is limited or luxury, nothing beats delicious wedding food. When coronavirus struck, catering teams were frozen – literally. Employees were furloughed, budgets were cut and business owners reevaluated their revenue streams.

Then something remarkable happened.

Caterers remembered two things: one, the event industry is full of creative innovators and two, people still gotta eat! With weddings indefinitely on hold, caterers made massive meal deliveries to frontline workers and food-insecure families. Life-long caterers launched delivery markets for the first time, and the rest of us happily ordered takeout!

Couples everywhere worked with caterers to reschedule their wedding date or redesign menus for smaller guest counts. Some caterers even implemented curbside tastings! Catering teams now operate under new safety guidelines. They offered sanitization stations, canceled self-serve stations and re-embraced plated dinner service.

You can expect to see more face masks and shields between service workers and guests in the future.

This Page, Food Presentation by Mitchell • Casteel A Fine Catered Affair; Photo by Heba Salama Photography

This year’s catering editorial photo shoot was different – instead of meeting face-to-face, we gathered in masks and social distanced. And yet, just like the year before, each team prepared incredible meals that celebrate local farmers and flavors. Please consider the caterers on the following pages our personal recommendations. heartofncweddings.com

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BEAU CATERING Beau Catering is known for classic North Carolina cuisine with fresh, Californian influence.

This Hillsborough-based company is led by chef and owner Beau Bennett, who believes in simple recipes that allow the ingredients to shine. Beau and his team have an incredible reputation among Triangle-area wedding vendors. It’s easy to see why when you meet Beau, experience his famous and unforgettable “Beau Show” presentation, or taste his food. With Beau, you’re treated like family. ________________________________________________________________

Q What can couples expect from a tasting?

Roasted lamb crown for Autumn with thyme-roasted root vegetables

A

are some wedding food Q What trends?

A

Pancetta and ricotta handmade tortellini in a pork fennel broth

At left, fritto misto made with asparagus and green beans with a black garlic aioli served in paper cones ____________________________

Chef Beau Bennett with a platter of fresh fruit, Box Carr cheeses and charcuterie, crouton appetizers and fritto misto served in Beau’s paper cones

A crowd favorite are late night snacks. After a night of dancing and drinks, snacks like pimento cheese sliders, fried chicken biscuits or tomato basil bisque shooters topped with grilled cheese bites wow the guests!

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From left to right

Apple crisp with duck and caramelized onions

Q+A with chef Beau Bennett

We hold group tastings at Lavender Oaks Farm, allowing couples a full experience. We welcome parents or those making decisions to join, too. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions we began doing Curbside Tastings in 2020. These include a fully cooked tasting meal for two, flowers, serveware and drinks, a virtual meeting with our Catering Manager, and best of all, a mini Beau Show while I hand off the meal package. It’s delicious, expeditious and cautious!

PLATED

Linen by American Party Rentals Photos by Heba Salama Photography

“I could rave about the food and the staff for hours.

I can’t imagine working with any other catering company…” ~ Sarah ~ “We had such a great time at our individual tasting with Beau.

It really felt so much more personal than the other tasting we attended which probably had 300 people in attendance. The food on the day of was outstanding and we were blown away!” ~ Jenny ~ Photo by Heba Salama Photography

Exquisite Cuisine paired with Southern Hospitality Beau Catering is a full-service catering company – impressing the greater Triangle area for over a decade. We cater weddings, rehearsal dinners, parties and corporate events.

Special attention is given to the menu as well as additional services we can customize for you. Drop-off catering also available.

Photo by Fancy This Photography

Bring Beau Home Enjoy Beau’s fresh, delicious family meals at home. Delivery or curbside pickup available.

Place your order at: BeauCateringMarketplace.com

BeauCatering.com • 919.296.9039 • Hillsborough, NC beaucateringco

beaucatering

CATERING WORKS Catering Works is a female-owned and operated family business that has been a Raleigh mainstay for over 30 years. Sister owners Jill Santa-Lucia and Lorin Laxton have a passion for the art of entertainment. Catering Works offers more than food; they have a wedding dessert team called Pastry Works (page 208) and a floral division called Bloom Works (page 172). Catering Works has racked up many positive testimonials due to their ability to serve events onsite and offsite.

PLATED

Q+A with director of sales, Kelli Harrison

A

Assess your caterer for flexibility. Even in non-pandemic times, plans often need to be adjusted. Also, make sure they have the ability to get along with other vendors as a team.

Upwards of 10 vendors are involved in a wedding.

Q

Are there any wedding reception food trends that couples should be aware of?

Jill Santa-Lucia, president/CEO and There are many options to Rich Carter, executive chef accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions, so don’t be shy to ask about speciality menus. We also see food becoming part of the tabletop design these days. Our buffets, stations and butlered menu items can be a centerpiece of the reception. With the vibrant food colors, the in-house table decor, and the ability to add flowers by Bloom Works, your food presentation can be designed with your theme in mind.

A

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From left to right Hans Rosemond Photography

Q

What advice can you give couples for choosing their wedding caterer?

Herb encrusted Berkshire pork with sweet corn succotash Ratatouille niçoise Summer salad with sun gold tomato and chèvre crostata

At left, Roasted vegetable verrine with mascarpone

____________________________ Linen by CE Rental Photos by Heba Salama Photography

HEBA SALAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

HEBA SALAMA PHOTOGRAPHY HEBA SALAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

HEBA SALAMA PHOTOGRAPHY

When only the works will do!

Custom menus to reflect your personality and style. Award-winning cuisine, stunning floral designs from Bloom Works, decadent cakes and desserts from Pastry Works, and our unique on-site venue with outdoor patio, The Laurelbrook.

CateringWorks.com | greatfood@cateringworks.com | 919.828.5932

MEDITERRANEAN DELI CATERING

Q+A with owner Jamil Kadoura and catering director Liz Coughlin

Q Why is it important to hire a professional wedding caterer?

A

Q

A professional caterer will handle all details, big or small, so you can relax and focus on your special day.

What’s a unique wedding food trend that’s happening now?

A

PLATED

From left to right

Chicken kabob and Mediterranean grilled salmon

Tugba Tuncen Photography

Often referred to as “Med Deli” by adoring UNC-Chapel Hill students, Mediterranean Deli Catering has served the Triangle area authentic cuisine from the Middle East and Mediterranean since 1992.

Responding to the demand of locals wanting these delicious dishes at their social events, Med Deli’s owner Jamil Kadoura and catering chef Edgar Ordonez have become superstar caterers. And best of all, their prices are amazingly affordable for the quantity and quality of food they deliver! Their expansive, flavorful and healthy menu coupled with their 28-year history make them a Chapel Hill staple. ________________________________________________________________

Owner Jamil Kadoura

The biggest trend happening right now is healthy eating - and we love it! We always label our menu items to show ingredients, for any dietary restrictions. We follow market trends very closely to try and incorporate new additions to our extensive catering menu such as gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.

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Mediterranean delights: mango pineapple salad, assorted hummus, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), lamb shank with Moroccan couscous and more Bread boat with fresh Mediterranean salad, roasted tomatoes, olives and goat cheese

At left, Grazing platter:

quinoa, Turkish roasted beets, pickled turnips, chickpeas, cheese tortellini, tomato mozzarella and olives ____________________________

Linen by American Party Rentals Photos by Heba Salama Photography

Chapel Hill's favorite

Mediterranean

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEBA SALAMA

for your most memorable moments

VOTED BEST CATERER IN CHAPEL HILL 2011-2020 • MEDITERRANEAN • FAVORITE PLACE FOR VEGETARIANS • HEALTHY FOOD

BANQUET HALL SPACE • CATERING KOSHER EVENTS • CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY Chapel Hill • 410 W. Franklin St. • 919-967-2666 | Elon • 202 W. Haggard Ave. Ste 102 • 336-524-6644

MEDITERRANEANDELI.COM

MITCHELL• CASTEEL A FINE CATERED AFFAIR The Mitchell•Casteel A Fine Catered Affair brand has been synonymous with utmost class and excellence in wedding and events for over 40 years. This Raleigh catering company always cooks on-site, which allows them to travel state-wide for events!

The team is led by chef Michael Martin, who carries on the tradition of pursuing exquisite food, while the logistics team focuses on presentation and service. The end result is a celebrityworthy wedding feast. As owner David Casteel says, “We don’t want to be the biggest, we just want to be the best!” ________________________________________________________________

PLATED

From left to right

Abori style pressed sushi Rosemary roasted tenderloin of Angus Beef with smoked garlic chimichurri and N.C. purple potatoes with summer savory, buttered asparagus

Q+A with catering logistics manager Nathan McDaniel, and director of events and wedding planner Lindsey Harmon

Seafood tower of late summer greens, tomato, cucumber, mango, avocado, blue crab, Maine lobster, ginger-lime dressing and a grilled baguette

has kept Mitchell•Casteel A Fine Catered Affair Q What going strong for four decades?

A

We always fall back on the promise that our food will be part of the couple’s memory of their wedding. We pride ourselves on using local ingredients and creating our dishes from scratch. We use cuisine and cocktails as elements to make your wedding day perfect.

Q How can you upscale a small reception with elegant food?

A

At left, Joyce Farm chicken breast with Yukon potato puree, butter beans and wild mushroom vinaigrette ____________________________

Executive chef Michael Martin

With smaller receptions, you have the luxury to craft a menu that reflects your personality, family and theme. Your menu is a focal point of your wedding that helps create an intimate experience. Cuisine that has character and life will always feel upscale, quality and original.

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Photos by Heba Salama Photography

Make it more than a wedding, make it A Fine Catered Affair!

All Photos by Heba Salama Photography

1732 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604 919.847.0135 sales@mitchellcasteel.com mitchellcasteel.com

@MitchellCasteelCatering @mitchell_casteel_catering @mitchellcasteelcatering

HL CATERING HL Catering has a reputation for fresh food and cutting edge presentations. In addition to offering their popular displays and interactive stations, HL Catering is also all about custom menu building. With his experience at the Atlanta Fish Market and training in culinary school, chef Houston Loper offers a fine dining touch and creativity. ________________________________________________________________ Q+A with Chef Houston Loper

advice can you give couples for choosing their wedding Q What caterer?

PLATED

From left to right

A

Know what is most important to you as you consider caterers to best match your big day ... Budget? Flavor? Presentation? Service?

Creative Menu?

Melon salad with grapefruit and crispy prosciutto Lobster bites with topped pickled corn relish

At HL Catering, we strongly believe that people eat first with their eyes, so presentation is a big deal to us. And more importantly, we want the food to be as delicious as it looks. Our bespoke menus help us reflect our couples on their wedding day. From our first conversations with our couples, until they leave in the getaway car, we want to give you a special experience.

can you upscale a small Q How reception with elegant food?

A

Tomahawk ribeye with chimichurri and roasted tomatoes

At left, Mexican street corn ____________________________

Chef Houston Loper

With a smaller group, a caterer is able to offer more dramatic presentations like pouring soup table-side or serving all guests at once. We can also use more difficult preparation techniques and plate-ups that would be challenging for a larger crowd. This creates the feeling of being in a five-star restaurant.

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Linen by American Party Rentals Photos by Heba Salama Photography

For The Memorable Moments in Life

w w w . h l c a t e r i n g . c o m RALEIGH, NC

•

919-675-1854

Photo from top-right clockwise: Jamie Vinson Photography; Anagram Photography; Jamie Vinson Photography; and Adelyn Boling Photography.

ROCKY TOP CATERING Rocky Top Catering is an “above and beyond” team, adored by vendors and couples alike. With over 20 years of experience catering in Raleigh and throughout the Triangle area, they believe that delicious, creative cuisine and exceptional service are essential ingredients in making an event memorable. From custom meals to barbecue, they can service any level of formality. All in all, Rocky Top Catering presents restaurant quality wedding food, at an affordable price. ________________________________________________________________ Q+A with catering sales director Kevin DeHimer

Q What can couples expect from a tasting?

A

Once we get a client’s proposal perfect, both budget-wise and selection, we offer a private tasting for the couple to sample the menu that has been selected. This is a great way for us to get to know everyone better and really get a feel for the priorities on your special day. We will make dietary notes and tweak items to suit taste through this process. If the couple has parents helping to fund the reception, they’re invited too.

Q

What’s a unique wedding food trend that’s happening now?

Chef Bo Peterson COVID-19 is steering events away from guest self-serving station style receptions. So I would say the plated meal is making a strong comeback.

A

PLATED

From left to right

Fire-roasted heirloom tomatoes with edamame and grilled corn succotash, wilted baby kale and parmesan breadcrumbs Harissa and chimichurri grilled flatiron steak with lemon roasted fingerlings, avocado-tomatillo salad and chimichurri Pork belly steamed buns with Asian slaw and hoisin

At left, Pan-seared scallops

with mascarpone-brie risotto, asparagus, cranberry, pistachio and charred scallion oil ____________________________

Linen by American Party Rentals Photos by Heba Salama Photography

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SEASONAL DETAILS YOU CAN TASTE

FRESH, LOCAL, CUSTOMIZED MENUS EXPERIENCED AND REFINED SERVICE CREATING MEMORABLE EVENTS SINCE 1998

Exclusive Caterer for the Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, 1705 East in Raleigh, Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill & Cross+Main in Youngsville

919 850.2340 // ROCKYTOPCATERING.COM PHOTO: F8 PHOTO STUDIOS

EMPIRE EATS Empire Eats Catering operates on the belief that great food and great hospitality are all it takes to make someone feel at home. We love that they intentionally focus on the taste of the food, rather than trends. Plus, they offer variety, since menu items from so many favorite local restaurants are offered (read the Q+A for more details). Whether you’re trying to please guests that are vegetarian, have a Southern taste for barbecue, or appreciate comforting Italian nosh, Empire Eats offers quality, casual service. ________________________________________________________ Q+A with director of catering sales Kimberly Miller

Q

Why is it important to hire a professional wedding caterer?

A

PLATED

From left to right

SITTI: hummus platter

RALEIGH TIMES: crab cake with sriracha aioli GRAV Y: kale caesar salad

Your meal is the heart and soul of your wedding – and what better way to ensure your guests have a great time than to give them a delicious scratch-made meal.

A professional wedding caterer makes sure absolutely everything is taken care of for you!

At left, THE PIT PLATE: chopped BBQ, BBQ chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, slaw and green beans

Q

Linen by American Party Rentals

A

What’s a unique wedding food trend that’s happening now?

We love food stations, because this format gives us the opportunity to fuse food from multiple restaurants. We can make a multicultural menu with foods like Italian from Gravy, Southern from The Pit, Lebanese from Sitti, and American diner food from Raleigh’s oldest restaurant, The Mecca. Our stations give you a complete taste of Empire Eats and it allows you to appeal to all.

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____________________________

Photos by Heba Salama Photography

Photo credit: f8 Photo Studios

YOUR FAVORITE FOODS FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY www.empireeatscatering.com · 919.582.9470 · catering@empireeats.com Catering Partner of

LAST CALL FOR ALCOHOL

Wedding bar wisdom from Molly Youssef of Brewmasters Mobile

By Sarah Rollins

From left to right, The Empress (empress gin + lemon + elderflower liqueur + soda water) / Blueberry Gin Lemonade (gin + lemon + blueberry syrup + soda water) / Sugar & Spice (vodka + pineapple + chipotle pineapple syrup) / Raspberry Fizz (elderflower liqueur + raspberry syrup + champagne) Brewmasters Mobile / Richard Barlow Photography

Chances are, your guests will head straight to the bar after the wedding ceremony. With the help of Brewmasters Mobile, plan your wedding bar and make it a reception centerpiece that people will talk about long after your wedding is over.

Bar Services: The Nitty-Gritty

If you plan on serving alcohol at your wedding, hire professional bar services such as Brewmasters Mobile. While it is legal to buy a limited special occasion permit that authorizes a person to serve alcohol at your venue, it’s not as glamorous as it seems. As the host, you become liable should any illegal activities occur. To avoid problems with the law, hire professionals. They will manage the bar, bartenders, alcohol, and ensure everything runs smoothly so that you can enjoy your night.

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“Our goal in working with couples is to provide an exceptional, unique, affordable and stress-free experience,” Molly Youssef of Brewmasters Mobile says. “We know wedding planning can be a lot of work and we want to help guide you through that process and also curate a bar menu specifically for you, your event and your guests.”

Tips to Sip on from Brewmasters Mobile

First, evaluate your budget and decide if you’ll be offering your wedding guests

an open bar, wine and beer only, or a mixture of the two (ie, a signature liquor drink at cocktail hour). Many couples are planning smaller gatherings than they originally envisioned, which leaves more room for creativity or splurge items that weren’t initially an option.

If your guest count is small, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! You may now have the ability to add cocktails, a whiskey tasting station, or a coffee bar complete with Bailey’s to make your guests experience more unique. Here are some wedding industry standards for stocking your open bar: • Two to three beer options • Two to three wine options • Basic liquor and mixer options • Two signature drinks

Design Your Signature Cocktails

Get your creative juices flowing by spicing up your wedding bar with signature cocktails. Designing signature cocktails can be a little daunting, especially when you’re trying to please your guests and match the theme of your wedding. That’s why Brewmasters Mobile is here to help!

“We love helping couples select a menu that means something to them and that will also be pleasing to a wide variety of guests,” Molly says. “Whether you have a favorite brewery to visit, a cocktail you drank while studying abroad, a type of wine you and your fiancé ordered on your first date etc., it is special when the menu reflects those stories!”

A Heart of NC Weddings editorial, written by Marie Muir

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amous American cook Julia Child once said “A party without cake is just a meeting,” and when it comes to planning a wedding, we couldn’t agree more!

Modern couples are taking that sentiment to the next level with alternative wedding desserts such as donut walls, macaron towers and dessert buffet bars (a trend even Julia would love). And as you can see from this opening shot, presentation is everything!

Sugar Euphoria creates gorgeous confections, and they also have backdrops available for rent! Your florist can enhance the look – as Petal & Oak has done here.

Whether you are a traditionalist or a trend-setter, we suggest booking your wedding dessert 3-6 months in advance to ensure that your choice baker is available. Once you have selected a local bakery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation and attend a tasting (this is one of the most fun parts of planning!).

Since the onset of the pandemic, our recommended bakeries have implemented extra safety guidelines and new ways to serve clients such as takehome tastings and virtual consultations.

Kelli Harrison, director of sales for Raleigh-based Pastry Works offers her advice.

Continued on next page.

This Page: Cake and backdrops by Sugar Euphoria, florals by Petal & Oak and photo by Richard Barlow Photography

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Looking for a beautiful yet budget friendly cake? Consider a smaller cake for cutting, and a sheet-pan cake for the caterer to serve to guests.

“For COVID-19 safety, make your cake a third course at dinner and have it plated,” Kelli says. “Or make [your wedding dessert] an action station.”

Led by executive pastry chef Anthony Calcagno and pastry sous chef Bri Boettinger, the Pastry Works team creates delicious cakes and confections.

Their most popular cake flavor is a classic vanilla or chocolate cake with velvety Swiss meringue buttercream.

Kelli explains why so many couples are opting for bite-size desserts instead of cake.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café

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“It gives guests the opportunity to try a few different desserts instead of just one big piece of cake,” Kelli says. “This also lets brides easily choose for some of their desserts to be gluten-free, vegan or nut-free to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions some guests might have.”

Mindy Davisson and Erin Seabolt, the sweet sister duo behind family-owned Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café, have noticed a similar trend. Many of their couples order a diverse dessert selection along with a minimalist 2-3 tier wedding cake.

| American Party Rentals | Richard Barlow Photography

Mindy Davisson and Erin Seabolt, the sister duo behind family-owned Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Café, located in North Hills Shopping Center in Raleigh.

www.EdibleArtNC.com

•

The Circle at North Hills, Raleigh Becca Rizzo Photography

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919-856-0604

“Our most popular cake flavor would be the almond pound cake with an amaretto filling,” Erin says. “But some of the most popular dessert bar options have been mini pies, cheesecakes, parfaits and cupcakes, of course!”

The Edible Art Bakery team understands that wedding planning can be stressful and strives to provide a relaxing environment for couples during tastings and consultations. They will even experiment with new cupcake flavor combinations upon request.

Randi Smith, owner of Sugar Euphoria dessert boutique sends each of her couples a questionnaire in order to better understand their unique style and taste.

“This year, our couples are loving our floral notes flavor, which consists of lemon cake, hibiscus buttercream and raspberry mousse,” Randi says.

More of her favorite wedding cake trends include edible sequins and embroidery-like icing textures. Sugar Euphoria has a reputation for designing dessert displays that make wedding guests “ooh” and “ahh.”

In order to achieve that wow factor, “Pick desserts that you love as a couple and individually, along with items that you think your guests will enjoy,” Randi says.

“Consider displaying your desserts on stands at varying heights to add some visual interest to the table.”

Anthony Calcagno, executive pastry chef and Bri Boettinger, pastry sous chef, on-site at The Laurelbrook venue – Photography by Hans Rosemond

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Pastry Works

| CE Rental | Heba Salama Photography (unless otherwise indictated)

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Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

Each of Sugar Euphoria’s confectionery creations begin with natural, locally-sourced ingredients and end with an editorial aesthetic, full of bold, yet romantic accents.

Randi Smith, owner of Sugar Euphoria

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS

| Petal & Oak | The Bradford | Richard Barlow Photography

We help you create the sweetest wedding day, PERRY VAILE PHOTOGRAPHY

Sugar Euphoria

ever.

hello@sugareuphoria.com | sugareuphoria.com

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PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD BARLOW PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE: RALEIGH UNION STATION

NC OR SOUTHEASTERN DESTINATION WEDDINGS DO NOT HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK, WHICH IS ONE OF ITS APPEALS. TOWNS SUCH AS BOONE, NEW BERN, WILMINGTON AND THE OUTER BANKS CAN BE EVEN MORE AFFORDABLE THAN GETTING MARRIED IN THE BIGGER CITIES OF THE TRIANGLE OR CHARLOTTE. THE STATE’S AVERAGE OF AROUND $28,000 FOR A WEDDING RECEPTION WOULD GENERALLY STILL APPLY.

IF YOU ARE THINKING OF A POPULAR NEARBY DESTINATION WITH LIMITED VENUES, BOOK 12 MONTHS OUT OR LONGER. YOU ARE COMPETING FOR THE TOP SPOTS WITH BOTH LOCAL AND DISTANT COUPLES WHO WANT THAT COASTAL OR MOUNTAIN LOCATION. YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BOOK CLOSER TO YOUR DESIRED WEDDING DATE IF YOU WANT A SMALL DESTINATION WEDDING WITH FEWER GUESTS. ASK ABOUT SPECIAL ELOPEMENT PACKAGES!

ANNOUNCE YOUR DATE OR SEND SAVE-THE-DATES EARLY TO GIVE FRIENDS EXTRA TIME TO MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. MAKE SURE YOU HELP GUIDE GUESTS WITH THEIR ARRANGEMENTS - FROM RECOMMENDING THE EASIEST TRAVEL ROUTE, TO SECURING A CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO STAY. FOR A FULL SERVICE DESTINATION WEDDING, A PLANNER MIGHT BE EXTRA HELPFUL TO NAVIGATE THE UNCHARTED TERRITORY! ENLIST A PROFESSIONAL FOR YOUR HONEYMOON AS WELL! TRAVELERS WILL BE BACK IN ACTION POST-COVID, AND A TRAVEL PLANNER KNOWS ALL THE SAFEST DESTINATIONS FROM NEAR TO FAR, HAS THE BEST CONNECTIONS FOR UPGRADES, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, CAN SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY.

KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING, THAT THE OVERALL PERCENTAGE OF GUESTS WHO ACCEPT THE INVITATION MIGHT BE LOWER. THIS KNOWLEDGE CAN HELP WHEN PLANNING THE BUDGET AND REALISTIC COUNT.

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TURN OUR STATE INTO A WEDDING DESTINATION

Host the wedding of your dreams without the hassle of long-distance travel

Richard Barlow Photography / Overlook Barn

The “go big or go home” rule for weddings is a myth. For instance, swapping a destination wedding abroad for a staycation wedding in our home state, North Carolina, makes “go home” look like a dazzling option rather than a cop-out.

In addition to quality and comfortable venues in diverse regions, North Carolina boasts the benefits of an in-state wedding celebration. Longdistance travel is often expensive, and with the presence of a pandemic, it can be unsafe and anxiety-inducing – emotions you’ll want to keep to a minimum for all of your wedding attendees.

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Enjoy the View

The Outer Banks is one of the most beautiful places in the south. This unique strip of islands off of the coast of North Carolina has pristine beaches, a romantic sound, fresh seafood and even wild horses! Let the Outer Banks Wedding Association (OBXWA) be your local wedding planning guide. OBXWA is a website and magazine that features

top local venues, planners, florists, caterers, hotels and more.

It’s no secret that the North Carolina mountains offer breathtaking views, too. Brown Mountain Beach Resort in Lenoir looks over Wilson Creek while Rumbling Bald Resort on Blue Ridge Mountain offers a sweeping view of a 3,200-foot mountain perched

Kiara Harris Photography

Concept Photography

Overlook Barn is a uniquely chic wedding venue atop Beech Mountain, North Carolina with breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nationally recognized for its beauty and versatility for ceremonies and receptions, the property offers an elegant 6500+ square-foot Overlook Barn, an intimate 1000 square-foot Cliffside Barn, and the multiple acre Mary’s Meadow allowing for indoor/outdoor celebrations. It is a sought after destination venue with infinite possibilities in our own state!

Michelle Lyerly Photography

Perry Vaile Photography

Amanda Sutton Photography

Richard Barlow Photography

overlookbarn.com

above Lake Lure. Mountain venues are particularly well suited for rustic-themed weddings, and Overlook Barn – a historic barn with exposed wood beams in Beech Mountain - is the perfect destination to attain the barn wedding of your dreams.

Save the (Right) Date

By far, the most popular season to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains is fall, when leaf colors are peak. However, we’re here to tell you that spring and summer are equally gorgeous times of the year to plan a mountain wedding. Unlike the piedmont or coastal regions of North Carolina, the mountains remain cooler during these seasons.

heat. We recommend spring or early summer for prime weather and affordable accommodations. Hurricane season runs from midAugust through October, but a majority of storms fall in September.

Give yourself and your guests a two to four day weekend full of local activities and festivities. It is a generous gesture to host a welcome party when your guests arrive, and we highly recommend inviting everyone to the rehearsal dinner for a destination wedding. Help your guests plan their freetime by including brochures and maps in your welcome bags, of nearby sites to visit or quaint towns.

Mark Maya Photography

vendors are happy to go the extra mile for their clients with accommodations and food included, others might charge an additional travel fee. Did you select a venue off the beaten path? Check with your venue for transportation recommendations.

We do not recommend planning a midsummer wedding on the coast of North Carolina because that is peak tourist season. If you insist, be prepared Check in with any vendors who need to travel to get to your venue. While many for surge prices, traffic and intense

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

Planning your destination wedding begins here.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

RYAN & RACH PHOTOGRAPHY

Request a Free Magazine Browse Local Vendors

Wildly Romantic 214 heartofncweddings.com

Attend Annual Expos

obxwa.com @obxwa (252) 423-3222

The Luxury

You Deserve

Affordable Dream Weddings

8 Venue Spaces - 60,000 Square Foot Clubhouse Two Top 50 Golf Courses - Luxury Suites & Cottages Award Winning Hotel - Riverfront Amenities Top 20 Chef in the State & So Much More

www.RIVERL ANDING.com 9 1 0 -2 8 5 - 1 4 8 7

GO THE DISTANCE Whether your wedding is destination or domestic, loved ones will travel from near and far to attend the celebration. Your travel itinerary ranges from wrangling the wedding crew on a FOMO-inducing getaway, to planning the honeymoon of your dreams.

Booking flights, hotel rooms and activities for your post-wedding getaway is the last thing you need on your plate while wedding planning.

Which is why we are thrilled that travel planning is making a comeback as an affordable luxury experience.

NC-based leisure travel planner Cara Cartee of CMC Events & Travel has a whopping twenty years of travel planning experience – and with that comes insider connections. Let’s put it this way, Cara’s clients receive exclusive perks, upgrades and savings!

Her passion is rooted in creating unforgettable memories. The hotels and excursions Cara recommends are ones that she has explored. So whether you need help planning a destination wedding, honeymoon or vacation – let Cara take the lead.

Worried about travel in the time of COVID-19? Here are Cara’s top travel tips.

Fancy This Photography

down all surfaces. Taking an overnight journey? Consider getting an overnight cabin for your trip.

Automobiles – Travel by car poses fewer risks than public transportation.

If you’re worried about exposing elderly Regardless of how and where you travel, guests to disease, encourage them to travel by car. prepare a PPE kit for each individual in your travel party. Be sure to include: Hotels – In light of the pandemic, big extra masks, hand sanitizer and wipes. hotel brands have rolled out heightened safety protocols. Reassure skittish Planes – Choose an airline cordoning travelers with options such as online off middle seats and wear a mask for check-in and digital room keys. the duration of your flight, except while eating and drinking. Wipe down all Housekeeping – Many hotels are surfaces. not offering traditional housekeeping; while they will bring you towels and Trains – Choose seats farthest away linens, they will not enter your room from other people and again, wipe for cleaning. If the hotel does allow

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cleaning, it will need to be done with your permission.

During Your Stay – In your room, clean all common touch points with sanitizer (70% strength): remote control, phone, clock, door handles, locks, light switches and hotel brochures.

Bonus Tip – Get tested for COVID-19!

Many airports now offer testing and rapid testing is becoming more popular nationwide. Traveling with people outside of your household? Consider creating a bubble prior to the trip.

When in doubt, contact a travel planner!

One of the biggest challenges you will face is navigating the ever-changing guidelines in all 50 states.

At CMC Events and Travel, we plan creative and unforgettable trips, experiences, and events for clients all over the world.

Elizabeth Galecke Photography

CMC Events & Travel

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cara@cmc - events.com

/

919.397.4141

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cmc - events.com

Joe Payne Photography

Spend a couple of days unplugged and nestled in the Pisgah National Forest on Wilson Creek with some of your closest family and friends. Relaxing by the fire on the beach, floating on a tube, hiking to a waterfall or dancing the night away makes for a unique wedding one will never forget. Packages range from 1-3 day exclusive rentals of the grounds.

828-758-4257 | BrownMountainBeach.com

Joe Payne Photography

AMW Studios

Tasha Barbour Photography

OVER 3000 ACRES • ON-SITE ACCOMMODATIONS • 36-HOLES OF GOLF • RESTAURANTS • SPA & SALON OVER 3000 ACRES • ON-SITE ACCOMMODATIONS • 36-HOLES OF GOLF • RESTAURANTS • SPA & SALON

Lake Lure’s Premier Wedding Destination

We know your wedding is more than just a ceremony and We know your wedding is more than just a ceremony and Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is the perfect place to Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure is the perfect place to create the magical wedding of your dreams. In a magnificent create the magical wedding of your dreams. In a magnificent mountain setting, your friends and family can share and mountain setting, your friends and family can share and celebrate this very special occasion. No matter the season celebrate this very special occasion. No matter the season let us help create the unforgettable moments a destination let us help create the unforgettable moments a destination wedding can provide for you and your guests. Host your wedding can provide for you and your guests. Host your dr dream wedding in Lake Lure, North Carolina. dr dream wedding in Lake Lure, North Carolina.

gg din wed ul utif bea t mos the ly lute bso “A A din wed ul utif bea t mos ly the between water and “ bsolute A ue. ven and .” een watulerloca mix betwa bea A mix venue. ma tion utif for kes ins nta mou tion .” loca ul utif bea a for kes ma ins nta mou photo credit: InspiredLifeAVL photo credit: InspiredLifeAVL

We are delighted at the prospect of hosting your We are delighted at the prospect of hosting your wedding in our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain home. wedding in our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain home.

Book your tour today, call 828-694-3009 Book your tour today, call 828-694-3009 or email weddings@rumblingbald.com. or email weddings@rumblingbald.com.

Discover more at RumblingBald.com Discover more at RumblingBald.com

Danielle Flake Photography ___________ ROBERT

+ HILLARY

Robert Davis Darden IV and Hillary Newcomb both have a soft spot in their hearts for North Carolina beaches. Out of all the memories they’ve made together at the beach, the one where Bobby surprised Hillary with an engagement ring takes the cake.

Due to COVID-19, their wedding planning journey was stressful. In the end, Hillary says they planned their wedding twice, “Many glasses of wine were drank and tears were shed.”

Nevertheless, on Sept. 12, 2020, Hillary and Bobby tied the nautical knot at Beaufort Hotel on the Crystal Coast. They chose the resort-style venue for it’s waterfront views and beautiful architecture. Danielle Flake Photography captured the newlyweds on camera as they strolled from the porches to the docks of the Beaufort Hotel.

“We can’t say enough great things about Danielle, she does amazing work! She also did our engagement photos and my bridal portraits,” Hillary says.

Their wedding featured a neutral color palette with green, white and mauve flowers. Hillary and Bobby did not need to splurge on extra decor due to the natural beauty of the Beaufort Hotel.

“My biggest advice is don’t sweat the small stuff or you will worry yourself sick. The day is truly only about you and your partner and nothing else matters,” Hillary says.

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HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Photographer Danielle Flake Photography

| Venue Beaufort Hotel

“I love reading the Heart of NC Weddings magazines! Even before I was engaged, I would look through the magazine and dream of what my future wedding would look like.

This magazine inspired me to choose an outdoor venue with the wide selection you had to offer.” – Hillary

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Your Newest Wedding on the Southern Outer Banks

aphy r Photogr

Erin Taylo

Cynthia Rose Photography

book your wedding today!

Call 252-728-3000

Danielle Hutchin son Photography

Experience

your dream wedding at the Southern Outer Bank’s

newest luxury hotel. Whether it’s a ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, farewell brunch, or after party—the Beaufort Hotel can create a memory to complement your vision. The Beaufort Hotel is the premier venue on the Crystal Coast for weddings from 40 to 400.

From outdoor waterfront venues, tentable lawn areas, to a grand ballroom and guest accommodations for all your wedding guests, the Beaufort Hotel is your newest wedding destination.

2440 Lennoxville Road Beaufort, NC www.BeaufortHotelNC.com

//

Historic heritage

meets

contemporary atmosphere //

Located in beautiful uptown Greenville, The Martinsborough offers a charming canvas which is able to accommodate large numbers of guests for your wedding or special event.

Southern Love Studios Magnolia Photography

At Scarborough Fare Catering, we’ll handle all of the details of your big day. Along with our amazing food, we can provide linens, glassware, china, and rental items such as lighting, tables, chairs, and more. // 330 Evans Street, 3rd Floor / Greenville, NC 27858 / 919.872.5600 / 252.747.4492 / themartinsborough.com / scarboroughfarecatering.com

Nouveau Luxe

Nicole Kameenui Photography ___________ CARLY

+ CONNOR

Carly Chambers and Connor Horan first met while working a collegebreak job at Oceanic – a luxury restaurant and wedding venue at Wrightsville Beach. Five years later, Connor “blindsided” Carly with a Tuesday night marriage proposal on The Pier at Port City Marina.

“The pier was beautifully lit for Christmas,” Carly remembers. “It was very quiet out since it was a weekday night and we had the whole pier to ourselves.”

After two years of planning, Carly and Connor had to cancel their wedding due to COVID-19 and start from scratch. Forgoing a large bridal party and the original guest count, they decided to keep their original date and get married where they first met all those years ago – Wrightsville Beach.

Destination wedding photographer Nicole Kammenui documented the intimacy of Carly and Connor’s wedding on Oct. 3, 2020. A beach house rental served as the getting ready location and the backyard reception venue. Carly and Connor’s fur babies, Oliver and Roxy, wore a “best dog” bow tie and white tulle tutu for the celebration.

HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS Photographer Nicole Kameenui Photography heartofncweddings.com

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Nicole Kameenui

F I N E A RT W E D D I N G P H O TO G R A P H Y w w w. n i c o l e k a m e e n u i . c o m

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You have the perfect companion. Now all that’s missing is the perfect backdrop for your special day. With historic mansions, gorgeous waterfronts, and even a palace – New Bern is poised to provide you and your guests with the wedding of your dreams.

Photo by Chad Winstead Photo & Video

www.VisitNewBern.com

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How one of North Carolina’s oldest cities became the newest wedding hot spot Like a river flows surely to the sea, the city of New Bern is undoubtedly one of the most romantic wedding destinations in North Carolina. Nestled at the intersection of the Neuse River and Trent River, downtown New Bern buzzes with the soft bustle of restaurants, cafes, art galleries and antique stores. New Bern’s beautifully preserved architecture and historic charm have attracted new visitors from near and far.

In addition to breathtaking homes and gardens, there is no shortage of talented wedding and event vendors in New Bern.

Local wedding planner-florist team Anne Griggs and Christa Tarver led a group of vendors in a spectacular summer styled shoot that spanned over the course of two days and across six different sites. The dynamic duo, known as The French Bee Events, has decades of experience combined and are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences. The styled shoot tells the story of a couple who choose to host their destination wedding in New Bern. From getting ready in the bright and airy suites of The Jarvis at 220 bed and breakfast to cocktail hour in the gardens of Tryon Palace, Cynthia Cano of Cynthia Rose Photography captured every moment.

French Bee Events designed the styled shoot around one object: the wedding dress.

The gown, selected from New Bern’s boutique bridal salon Thornbury Brides, features sleek lines and a modern shape, which Anne says contribute to many of the imaginary wedding’s details. Neutral colored flowers such as quicksand rose, locally harvested coastal grasses and the bride’s dried bouquet of lunaria set the tone for a nude color palette.

After the groomsmen finished a round of pool in The Jarvis at 220’s hidden cellar bar and lounge, the wedding party

Denise and Michael Gleason moved to New Bern to restore a bed-and-breakfast.

In 2018, they opened The Jarvis at 220. Stay in the master suite and enjoy a cocktail prepped by Denise herself while watching the sunset overlooking Pollock Street.

trickled up the road to Tryon Palace. Originally home to the British governors of North Carolina, from 1770 to 1775, the palace grounds gave the styled ceremony, cocktail hour and reception a whimsical Pride and Prejudice garden theme. A flock of children attendants dressed in white follow the bride and groom as they trapeze from garden to garden. Gold painted oyster shells guide imaginary guests to their seat at a farm table beneath a pleached allée.

Scarborough Fare Catering prepared a generous grazing table, passed hors d’oeuvres and a feast of shrimp and blue grits. Each culinary creation popped against dusty pink velvet linens and cream-colored party rentals.

The lovebirds drifted between lounge areas with glasses of champagne before tiptoeing into the final garden area for cake, dancing and a bacon and bourbon tasting by Scarborough Fare. At the end of the story, Small Batch Gallery + Goods sent each imaginary guest home with a wedding favor box filled with goodies made by local artisans. This styled shoot sings the song of New Bern.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

Cynthia Rose Photography | The French Bee Events | The Jarvis at 220 | Tryon Palace Thornbury Brides | Scarborough Fare Catering | Small Batch Gallery + Goods

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“We have worked with Cynthia Rose Photography so many times and she never ceases to amaze us. She sees things that the average person will not see and therefore gets the unexpected picture and to top it off the quality of her shots are unparalleled. They are always clear and crisp. She truly puts 120% of herself into her work.” – Anne Griggs.

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Heart of NC Weddings VENDORS Planner & Florals The French Bee Events Getting Ready Venue The Jarvis at 220 Caterer & China Scarborough Fare Catering Dress & Tuxedo Thornbury Brides Bridal Jewelry Vintage earrings from The French Bee Events private collection Invitations & Linens The French Bee Events Wedding Favors & Guest Books Small Batch Gallery + Goods Ceremony Venue Latham Garden at Tryon Palace Reception Venue The Peached Allee at Tryon Palace Photographer Cynthia Rose Photography Dessert & Dancing Stanley Garden at Tryon Palace

Small Batch Gallery owner Shannon Luquire’s father, John McQuade, is the artist behind The Jarvis at 220 guest book.

Small Batch Gallery can also customize your own guest book with, for example, an engagement photo or a painting of your wedding venue!

Additional vendors Hair Stylist Bryan Wayne

Makeup Artist Lipstick Before Igoe Cake Famous Baking Company Chairs & Lounge Furniture White Birch Rentals

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ALL PHOTOS BY GINNY CORBETT PHOTOGRAPHY

Whether it’s an iconic Palace, a historic home, scenic gardens, or riverfront views, Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC, would love to welcome you to their premier southern destination for your luxury wedding.

North Carolina’s First Capitol 529 South Front St. New Bern, NC

tryonpalace.org 800-767-1560

220 Pollock St. New Bern, NC 28560

The perfect destination wedding weekend awaits you at this beautifully restored historic home in the heart of downtown New Bern, NC. The Jarvis at 220 is a part of Select Registry’s Distinguished Inns, has four well-appointed bedrooms and offers multiple event spaces, including their 2,000 square foot outdoor patio, main interior and speakeasy-style pub – all of which are available for your upcoming special event.

info@thejarvisat220.com 252.631.1452 thejarvisat220.com @thejarvisat220 @thejarvisat220 All Photos by Cynthia Rose Photography

Small Batch Gallery + Goods

Cynthia Rose Photography

Exclusive gifts that are thoughtful, beautiful + personal From your bridal party to your wedding guests, Small Batch Gallery + Goods makes gifting easy!

Also introducing our sister company: Small Batch Mobile Bar, Eastern North Carolina’s newest mobile bar. It’s perfect for any wedding or special event!

Cynthia Rose Photography

@ShopAtSmallBatch

@SmallBatchMobileBar

Photos by Cynthia Rose Photography

WEDDING PLANNING, DESIGN & FLORALS

PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED, PERSONALLY DESIGNED, EXPERTLY EXECUTED.

hello@thefrenchbeeevents.com thefrenchbeeevents.com 252.670.1651 @thefrenchbeeweddings

The French Bee Events ___________ BEN

+ LAUREN

Lauren Chapman and Ben tied the knot in downtown New Bern on Nov. 16, 2019. Without having to stray far from their wedding destination, they hired The French Bee Events, a local wedding planning and floral design service led by Anne Griggs and Christa Tarver.

The couple hosted a luxury ceremony at First Presbyterian Church and reception at North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace. Their planning team designed a chic celebration with a neutral color palette. Floral arrangements composed of greenery and pampas grass gave this wedding a fresh fall style and intimate ambiance.

“We decided on a combination of tall and short arrangements for the tables,” Anne explains. “Then we brought the ceiling down by hanging an enormous grass chandelier, and finally we dropped the entire back wall to create a softer look.”

Lauren and Ben got ready for the big day at The Jarvis at 220 while Anne and Christa worked their fairy godmother magic on both the ceremony and reception venue.

“I was truly lost for words when I saw every single detail we discussed come to life, and it was more magnificent than I could have ever All photos by Stetten Wilson Photography imagined,” Lauren says. “Everything down to the last second was HEART OF NC WEDDINGS VENDORS perfection, we will forever cherish our Wedding Planner, Stationer and Florist Anne Griggs and Christa Tarver of The French Bee Events most special night.”

Getting Ready Suite The Jarvis at 220 | Bridesmaid Gowns Bella Bridesmaids Party Rentals The French Bee Events and ThemeWorks

238 heartofncweddings.com

“I was truly lost for words when I saw every single detail we discussed come to life, and it was more magnificent than I could have ever imagined,” Lauren says. “Everything down to the last second was perfection, we will forever cherish our most special night.”

heartofncweddings.com 239

240 heartofncweddings.com

PHOTOGRAPHY: BLISSMORE PHOTOGRAPHY

RETURN ANY RENTED CLOTHING AND PRODUCTS. FREEZE YOUR WEDDING CAKE FOR A YUMMY ANNIVERSARY TREAT. SUBMIT YOUR NC LOVE STORY TO HEART OF NC WEDDINGS TO BE FEATURED ON OUR BLOG!

SHOW YOUR GUESTS AND VENDORS HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE THEM BY SENDING PERSONALIZED THANK YOU CARDS. CHANGE YOUR LAST NAME – OR DON’T! TREAT YOUR PARENTS TO A NICE DINNER. CONSIDER PLANNING A POST-WEDDING PHOTOSHOOT TO UPDATE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY! THIS COULD BE AN ANNIVERSARY SHOOT, NEW HOUSE SHOOT OR JUST FOR FUN.

MAKE SURE TO USE YOUR REGISTRY COMPLETION DISCOUNTS. ALSO, RETURN ANY DUPLICATE WEDDING GIFTS YOU MAY HAVE RECEIVED. CHOOSE YOUR FAVORITE WEDDING IMAGES AND CREATE AN ALBUM TO SHOWCASE YOUR SPECIAL DAY. heartofncweddings.com

241

New Nesters Marianne and Ryan Sides | Photographer Morgan Caddell Photography 242 heartofncweddings.com

Ryan Sides picked up a part-time job at J. Crew, and among the aisles of perfectly folded sweaters, he met the love of his life.

Ryan remembers swooning the moment he first met his new boss, Marianne Verrilli. He declared to himself, “I’m going to marry her one day!”

“Sometimes people say stuff like that but in this case, it actually happened,” Ryan says.

Throwing in the towel at J. Crew to secure a date with Marianne was well worth it. This perfectly matched duo is now building a beautiful home and life together.

The Sides have remodeled their Apex home, room by room, with their own bare hands.

Projects have included gutting the kitchen, fresh paint and wallpaper throughout the house, upgraded light fixtures, building a board and batten accent wall in the living room, and picture frame molding in their bedroom. Their biggest point of pride is the built-from-scratch reading room next to the kitchen. They even crafted their own dining room table and bench!

“Everything is a team effort,” Marianne says. This stylish lady has had a knack for interior design since childhood, when she’d rearrange her room almost nightly. But it was in meeting Ryan that this joint handiwork expertise came to life. Together, the two of them learned how to tackle each DIY project they set their sights on. heartofncweddings.com

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The M.A. Times Marianne is the lady behind The M.A. Times lifestyle blog. It often features her personal style as well as her gorgeous home - including the projects she and Ryan have worked on over the past couple of years. Ryan is a photographer and encouraged the evolution of Marianne’s blog. Check it out at thematimes.com.

244 heartofncweddings.com

Marianne and Ryan were ahead of the times for their 2018 wedding. They originally planned a traditional, large celebration in Raleigh, but before they sent out the invitations decided to scratch it in favor of an intimate celebration.

They settled on a Christmastime mountain getaway, which included a pop-up wedding ceremony. A small group of friends and family gathered to watch the couple exchange vows under their “special tree” in Blowing Rock – a picturesque place nearby a family cabin. The following reception took place at Westglow Resort. The couple scratched all of the “cliché moments,” in favor of a reception that felt “more like a big family dinner than a wedding.”

“We served some of our favorites off of their seasonal menu – and Ryan and I actually sat and ate throughout the whole meal,” says Marianne. “Overall, it was simple, yet completely elegant and romantic. It was without a doubt us – no frills, no fuss, but still sophisticated and beautiful. Keeping it simple kept my attention exactly where I wanted it: on the fact that I had just married the love of my life and we were surrounded by the most important people in our world.”

Jenna Parks | @JennaLovesLocal

Marianne and Ryan’s fur family includes Hunter the Cocker Spaniel and two cats, Luna and Neville (yes, named after the Harry Potter characters).

Photographer Morgan Caddell Photography heartofncweddings.com

245

NAME CHANGE CHECKLIST No. 3: Head to the DMV office

Your post-wedding to-do list includes tackling gift returns, freezing the cake, preserving the wedding dress and writing lots of thank you notes. But the most complex task is for those of you who are taking on a new married name.

Here are the steps for legally changing your last name in North Carolina.

and get a new driver’s license (bring old license, copy of the marriage license and new social security card).

No. 4: Change your name on bank accounts.

No. 5: Apply for a new passport.

of the marriage license from the Registrar of Deeds.

No. 2: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website or office to fill out an application for a new social security card.

PHOTO BY NICOLE KAMEENUI

No. 1: Get certified copies

No. 6: Update your name

on employer’s payroll, utility company lists, email addresses, social media accounts etc.

Marie Muir | @Marie_Muir

OF ALL THE REASONS TO

preserve your wedding gown, THIS MAY BE THE MOST IMPORTANT.

TRUST US TO PRESERVE YOUR GOWN FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. Let the experts at A Cleaner World clean and preserve your wedding gown.

It’s a gift your family can share from generation to generation.

Right the first time or it’s free. www.acleanerworld.com

COUPLES’ CHOICE

AWARDS ® 2020

RALEIGH | DURHAM | CHAPEL HILL | BURLINGTON | BOONE WINSTON-SALEM | HIGH POINT | HICKORY | GREENSBORO

246 heartofncweddings.com

You might wonder, what’s wrong with my current collection of plates and silverware?

Nothing, but having one cohesive set of fine china can elevate your home decor and impress friends and family at birthday, holiday and social gatherings.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry / Mason Dixon Designs / American Party Rentals / Images by Amber Robinson 248 heartofncweddings.com

With colors and patterns from different designers, you now have the creative freedom to mix and match fine china! The wedding registry consultants at Bailey’s Fine Jewelry can help you modernize traditional favorites.

Like your wedding dress, you might want to give your china to your kids one day! Let’s start with the basics. Among the many styles of china, most fall into one of two categories: formal and casual. Formal wedding china is an investment, a keepsake to pull out of the cabinet on special occasions, typically bone china and porcelain. Casual china is not as expensive and usually made from less fragile material. Today we are seeing a major shift in how couples use their wedding china. Once seen as “dust collectors,” wedding china is now popular for everyday use.

Mix & Match

Forget about your mom’s all-white wedding china. Modern china is all about patterns and how to mix and match them to create a beautiful tabletop. Here are the top four wedding registry china patterns: • Floral Wedding China – flora and fauna • Geometric Wedding China – crisp lines and shapes

• Banded Wedding China – white china with a gold or platinum rim • Oriental Wedding China – Asian-inspired patterns and artwork Don’t know how to mix and match? Pick one color and mix different or patterns or pick one pattern and mix different colors.

How Many Place Settings Do I Need?

Place settings come in four or five-piece sets, four for casual china and five for formal china. The five-piece setting includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread plate, and a cup and saucer.

The four-piece set includes everything that the five-piece setting includes except instead of a cup and saucer, a soup bowl and mug.

Most wedding industry experts recommend buying eight to 12 place settings. However, this number depends on the couple’s lifestyle and family size. In addition to your wedding registry china, you might want to consider adding on a few essential items: large and small platter, serving bowls, gravy boat, cream pitcher and sugar bowl, teapot, small serving dishes, soup bowls and chargers.

heartofncweddings.com

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WEDDING & RECEPTION VENUE GUIDE Find a venue that matches your wedding needs. Visit heartofncweddings. com to view our wedding & reception venue chart online.

Guest Room Accommodations

Seating Capacity

Cocktail-Style Reception Capacity

Choice of Caterer

Catering Provided

Outside Area

1705 East / 984-212-4651 Raleigh / page 67

No

200

250

No

Yes

Porch, Lawn

All Saints Chapel / 919-459-3212 Raleigh / page 18

No

200

140

YesG

Yes

No

Beaufort Hotel / 252-728-3000 Beaufort / page 222

Yes

250

320

No

Yes

Open Air Pavilion, Lawns, Waterfront

Belt Line Station / 919-530-8380 Durham / page 35

No

100 inside 175 outside

150

YesG

Yes

Patio, Open Air Covered Room

Bradford, The / 919-542-2467 New Hill / page 27

YesG

275

400

Yes

Yes

Terrace, Garden

Brown Mountain Beach Resort 828-758-4257 / Lenoir / page 218

Yes

120

150

Yes

No

Riverside, Natural Beach

Board & Batten / 336-793-1155 Lexington / page 63

No

250

Yes

No

Carolina Barn / 910-495-9909 Spring Lake / page 15

No

350

350

Yes

No

Mountain Views, Covered Patios, Terrace, Lawn

Carolina Club, The / 919-962-1101 Chapel Hill / page 28

No

400

600

No

Yes

Terrace

Carolina Grove / 919-213-1652 Hillsborough / page 54

No

240

300

Yes

No

Covered Porch, Al Fresco Grove

Carolina Inn, The / 919-933-2001 Chapel Hill / page 7

Yes

350

650

YesG

No

Terrace, Courtyards, Lawns for Tenting

Colonial Inn, The / 984-789-445 Hillsborough / page 51

Yes

115 inside 159 outside

115 inside 159 outside

Yes

Yes

Wraparound Porch, Lawn

Cookery, The / 919-908-8974 Durham / page 77

No

330

450

YesG

No

Private Garden, Courtyard

Cotton Room, The / 919-530-8380 Durham / page 35

No

350

440

No

Yes

No

Cross+Main/ 984-212-8111 Youngsville / page 67

No

225

225

No

Yes

No

Distillery, The / 919-391-8350 Garner / page 53

No

284

340

Yes

No

Outdoor Patio, Urban Garden

Durham Hotel, The / 919-768-8830 Durham / page 69

Yes

54

65

No

Yes

Rooftop, Garden Terrace

Forest Hall at Chatham Mills 919-219-1185 / Pittsboro / page 42

No

200

200

No

Yes

Lawn, Garden, Forest

Glass Box, The / 919-459-3212 Raleigh / page 19

No

45

45

YesG

No

Private Outdoor Balcony

Governors Club / 919-918-7216 Chapel Hill / Inside front cover

No

250

350

No

Yes

Terrace, Lake Views, Driving Range

Graham Mill, The / 919-219-1185 Graham/ page 75

No

240

240

Yes

No

Patio, Lawn

Heights House Hotel / 614-571-1233 Raleigh / page 55

Yes

149

149

No

Yes

Lawn, Historic Neighborhood G Limited; n/a Not Applicable

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WEDDING & RECEPTION VENUE GUIDE Find a venue that matches your wedding needs. Visit heartofncweddings. com to view our wedding & reception venue chart online.

Guest Room Accommodations

Seating Capacity

Cocktail-Style Reception Capacity

Choice of Caterer

Catering Provided

Outside Area

Historic Wakefield Barn / 919-278-7287 Wakefield / page 21

No

300

300

No

Yes

Historic Dairy Farm

Jarvis at 220, The / 252-631-1452 New Bern / page 235

Yes

100

140

Yes

No

Patio, Historic District

Jiddi Space & Courtyard / 919-592-7176 Raleigh / page 68

No

140

140

No

Yes

Outdoor Courtyard

Lavender Oaks Farm / 919-909-7417 Chapel Hill / page 81

YesG

250

250

Yes

No

Wedding Gazebo, Lavender Fields, Outdoor Pavilion

Market View in Market Hall 984-232-8661 / Raleigh / page 44

No

300

450

YesG

Yes

Awning, Street Closure

Martinsborough, The / 252-714-4948 Greenville / page 223

No

225

380

No

Yes

Uptown District, Rootop Views

Matthews House, The / 919-467-1944 Cary / page 41

Yes

160

160

Yes

No

Terrace, Garden, Porch

Maxwell, The / 919-213-9013 Raleigh / page 49

No

300

500

Yes

No

Open Air Patio, Lawn

Mayton, The / 919-670-5000 Cary / page 69

Yes

145

300

No

Yes

Terrace, Park

Melrose Knitting Mill / 919-278-7287 Raleigh / page 20

No

210

300

No

Yes

Garden Courtyard

Merrimon-Wynne House, The 919-906-1026 / Raleigh / page 35

No

200

250

Yes

No

Lawn, Garden

Morgan Farms / 904-501-3016 Oxford / page 57

Yes

175

175

Yes

No

Oak Lawn, Field

Oakland Farm / 919-352-8247 Bear Creek / page 50

Yes

300

400

Yes

No

Outdoor Pavilion, Forest, Fields, Patios

Oaks at Salem, The / 919-387-4158 Apex / page 43

No

300

300

YesG

No

Pond, Fountain, Courtyard

Orpheum, The / 904-501-3016 Oxford / page 61

No

152

152

Yes

No

No

Overlook Barn, The / 828-414-1156 Beech Mountain / page 213

No

250

300

Yes

No

Ceremony Platform

Park View in Market Hall 984-232-8661 / Raleigh / page 44

No

140

220

No

Yes

Awning, Street Closure

Parlour at Manns Chapel, The Chapel Hill / page 39

No

100

100

YesG

No

Courtyard, Patio, Woodlands

Pinehurst Resort / 800-659-4653 The Village of Pinehurst / page 76

Yes

550

700

No

Yes

Terrace, Pool, Garden, Lakeside and Pavillion

Power House / 252-801-6528 Rocky Mount Mills / page 59

No

225

260

YesG

Yes

Outdoor Terraces, Tar River

Prestonwood Country Club 919-467-2566 / Cary / page 15

No

400

1000

No

Yes

Covered Veranda

G Limited; n/a Not Applicable heartofncweddings.com

251

WEDDING & RECEPTION VENUE GUIDE Find a venue that matches your wedding needs. Visit heartofncweddings. com to view our wedding & reception venue chart online.

Guest Room Accommodations

Seating Capacity

Cocktail-Style Reception Capacity

Choice of Caterer

Catering Provided

Outside Area

Raleigh Marriott City Center 919-833-1120 / Raleigh

Yes

800

1000

No

Yes

No

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley 919-781-7000 / Raleigh / page 45

Yes

500

1000

No

Yes

Courtyard, Terrace

Raleigh Union Station / 919-645-2762 Raleigh / page 36

No

700

700

Yes

No

Civic Plaza, Rooftop Views

Renaissance Raleigh Hotel / 919-571-8773 Raleigh / page 29

Yes

550

550

No

Yes

Terrace

Rickhouse, The / 919-264-1038 Durham / page 77

No

350

450

Yes

No

Balcony

River Landing, The Village at 910-285-4171 / Wallace page 215

Yes

250

250

Yes

Yes

Grounds with River Lodge, Pool

Rose Hill Estate / 252-459-4058 Nashville / pages 2-3

YesG

300

400+

No

Yes

Gardens, Gazebo, Pool, Lake, Porches

Rumbling Bald Resort / 828-694-3009 Lake Lure / page 219

No

200

200

No

Yes

Lakeside Gazebo, Covered Terrace, Mountain Views

Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel / 919-968-4900 Chapel Hill / page 66

Yes

400

650

No

Yes

Rooftop Deck, Pool

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel / 919-834-9900 Raleigh / page 78

Yes

300

600

No

Yes

No

Stockroom at 230, The / 919-459-3212 Raleigh / page 19

No

184

275

YesG

Yes

No

Stork’s Rest Farm / 252-589-8985 Sims / page 62

YesG

Unlimited

Unlimited

Yes

No

Gardens, Pond, Fields

Suite Four / 919-659-5065 Durham / page 71

No

250

300

Yes

Yes

Rooftop, Patio, Warehouse District

Traine Raleigh / 919-390-3093 Raleigh / page 70

No

240

270

Yes

No

Private Deck

Tryon Palace / 252-639-3517 New Bern / page 234

No

250

300

Yes

No

Gardens, Lawns, Courtyards, River Views

Tunnel Creek Vineyards / 252-241-0595 Roxboro / page 4-5

No

200

250

Yes

No

Patios, Firepit, Lake, Fields, Tunnel

Umstead Hotel and Spa, The 866-877-4141 / Cary / page 9

Yes

200

200

No

Yes

Lawn, Terrace, Garden

Union Grove Farm / 919-259-3023 Chapel Hill / page 25

No

200

300

Yes

No

Lawns, Vineyard, Garden, Pond, Gazebo, Orchards

University Club, The / 919-493-8099 Durham / page 26

No

180

200

No

Yes

No

Upchurch, The Apex / page 47

No

TBD

TBD

Yes

No

Lawn, Porch, Greenhouse, Forest

Vidrio / 919-803-6033 Raleigh / page 79

No

200

250

No

Yes

Open Air Loft

Walnut Hill / 919-295-6284 Raleigh / page 65

Yes

200

225

No

Yes

Porch, Lawns, Patio

Whitaker & Atlantic / 919-301-8587 Raleigh / page 84

No

180

275

No

Yes

Covered Patio

252 heartofncweddings.com

G Limited; n/a Not Applicable

create your day

2021 DIRECTORY OF WEDDING RESOURCES VENUES

with Guest Accommodations* 1705 East .................................................. 67 All Saints Chapel ....................................... 18 Beaufort Hotel* ......................................222 Bradford, The* .......................................... 27 Brown Mountain Beach Resort* ............218 Board & Batten ......................................... 63 Carolina Barn, The .................................... 15 Carolina Club, The .................................... 28 Carolina Grove .......................................... 54 Carolina Inn, The* ....................................... 7 Colonial Inn, The* ..................................... 51 Cookery, The ............................................. 77 Cotton Room, The .................................... 35 Distillery, The ............................................ 53 Durham Hotel, The* .................................. 69 Forest Hall at Chatham Mills ................... 42 Glass Box, The .......................................... 19 Governors Club ................ inside front cover Graham Mill, The ...................................... 75 Heights House Hotel* .............................. 55 Historic Wakefield Barn, The ................... 21 Jarvis at 220, The* .................................235 Jiddi Space & Courtyard .......................... 68 Lavender Oaks Farm* .............................. 23 Market Hall ............................................... 44 Martinsborough, The ..............................223 Matthews House, The* ............................ 41 Maxwell, The ............................................. 49 Mayton, The* ............................................ 69 Melrose Knitting Mill ................................ 20 Merrimon-Wynne House, The .................. 35 Oakland Farm ........................................... 50 Oaks at Oxford, The* ................................ 57 Oaks at Salem, The .................................. 43 Orpheum, The ........................................... 61 Overlook Barn .........................................213 Parlour at Manns Chapel, The ................. 39 Pinehurst Resort* ..................................... 76

254 heartofncweddings.com

Power House at Rocky Mount Mills, The .................................................................... 37 Prestonwood Country Club ..................... 13 Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley* ............ 45 Raleigh Union Station ............................... 36 Renaissance Raleigh North Hills Hotel* .................................................................... 29 Rickhouse, The ......................................... 77 River Landing, The Village at* ................215 Rose Hill Estate* .....................................2-3 Rumbling Bald Resort* ...........................219 Sheraton Chapel Hill Hotel* ..................... 66 Sheraton Raleigh Hotel* .......................... 78 Stockroom at 230, The ............................. 19 Stork’s Rest Farm ..................................... 62 Suite Four .................................................. 71 Traine Raleigh ........................................... 70 Tunnel Creek Vineyards ..........................4-5 Tryon Palace ...........................................234 Umstead Hotel & Spa, The* ....................... 9 Union Grove Farm ..................................... 25 University Club .......................................... 26 Upchurch, The ........................................... 47 Vidrio ......................................................... 79 Walnut Hill* ............................................... 65 Whitaker & Atlantic ................................... 78

BEAUTY & HEALTH

Finn Plastic Surgery ...............................109 Luxury Bridal Suites ...............................224 Silverceiling Beauty Consulting .............107 Umstead Hotel & Spa, The ......................... 9

GOWN PRESERVATION

A Cleaner World ......................................246

CAKES

Edible Art Bakery & Dessert Cafe ..........207 Pastry Works ..........................................208

Sugar Euphoria .......................................209

BAR SERVICES

Brewmasters Mobile ..............................203

CATERERS

Beau Catering .........................................189 Catering Works .......................................191 Empire Eats Catering .............................201 HL Catering .............................................197 Mediterranean Deli Catering ..................193 Mitchell•Casteel A Fine Catered Affair ..................................................................195 Rocky Top Catering ................................199 Scarborough Fare Catering ...................223

FASHION

Bella Bridesmaids ..................................103 Bernard’s Formalwear 111 Gilded Bridal ...........................................101 Kannon’s Clothing ..................................108 Thornbury Brides ....................................106

FLOWERS

Bloom Works ..........................................171 English Garden, The ...............................170 Folie à Deux Events ................................132 French Bee Events, The ..........................237 Petal & Oak .............................................170 Sweet Love Blossoms ............................167

INVITATIONS AND GIFTS

Ashley Triggiano .....................................182 CKCreations ............................................182 Mason Dixon Designs .............................180 Small Batch Gallery + Goods .................236

JEWELRY

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry .................. back cover Diamonds Direct .............. inside back cover Jewelsmith 104- ......................................105

LIVE PAINTER

Ashley Triggiano .....................................182

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Arika Jordan Photography .....................141 Blissmore Photography .........................140 Cynthia Rose Photography ....................226 Danielle Flake Photography ...................142 Fancy This Photography ........................143 Heba Salama Photography ....................153 Images by Amber Robinson ..................148 Jillian Knight Photography ....................139 Morgan Caddell Photography ................155 Mark Maya Photography & Videography ..................................................................157

Nicole Kameenui Photography ..............226 Richard Barlow Photography .................149

RENTALS: DECOR, LIGHTING & TENTS

American Party Rentals .........................165 CE Rental ................................................166 Petal & Oak .............................................170

VIDEOGRAPHERS

Mark Maya Photography & Videography ..................................................................157 Thomas Blake Film & Photography .......159

PLANNERS

C & D Events ...........................................126 Folie à Deux Events ................................132 French Bee Events, The ..........................237 Harmony Weddings & Events ................120

K. Scott Weddings ..................................133 Magnolia Collective ...............................121 Sally Oakley Weddings & Events ...........115 Virtue Events ..........................................127

TRAVEL

Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau ...................................................................... 1 CMC Events & Travel ..............................217 Johnson Volvo of Durham .....................247 Person County Visitor Center .................. 52 Outer Banks Wedding Association ........214 Visit New Bern .........................................227

WEDDING SHOWS & RESOURCES

Forever & Company ................................253 Visit HeartofNCWeddings.com for local show listings ..........................................255

Walk down the aisle with us

heartofncweddings.com The dedicated resource guide for vetted vendors in the NC Triangle

All Local All for You Happy Planning! heartofncweddings.com

255

Elegance, craftsmanship, functionality and affordability are the foundational pillars of the highly desirable and sought after Simon G. engagement rings and wedding bands. Offered in over seven dozen style combinations, there is a Simon G. for everyone. With over 30 years of experience, honing ďŹ nely crafted jewelry making skills, Simon G. has been lauded as one of the most popular and requested names in the industry, specializing in well-known and memorable designs for both men and women.

A delicate oral design highlights this vintage style engagement ring accented by 0.09 carats of shimmering round cut white diamonds.

Celebrate her romantic side with this vintage, oral inspired diamond band. This band features milgrain work accented with round brilliant cut diamonds.

Using only the highest-quality precious metals such as white gold, yellow gold and platinum, in addition to delicately harvested precious carat diamonds available in round, princess, and marquise cuts, Simon G. engagement rings and wedding bands are sure to be more than your next trend; they will become the next family legacy.

The classic design of this two-tone band features a hint of modernism with a yellow gold interior and white gold exterior accentuated by 0.50 carats of round cut white diamonds.

4401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

available at:

(919) 571-2881

www.diamondsdirect.com

4401 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 571-2881

OfďŹ cial Jeweler of the Carolina Hurricanes

www.diamondsdirect.com

AN ENGAGEMENT RING FROM BAILEY'S

|

does more than just sparkle!

When you purchase an engagement ring at Bailey’s, you’re feeding a North Carolina family in need, for an entire month. To celebrate your engagement, Bailey’s donates 250 meals to the Food Bank of North Carolina. Say “I Do,” and Share the Love!

Every Woman Wants a Bailey Box Raleigh’s Cameron Village & Crabtree Valley Mall | Rocky Mount | Greenville www.baileybox.com | Q E Follow us on social @BaileysFineJewelr y