Weddings by SouthPark Fall 2022

Rainsford

Click Away Photography

GDS Studio

GDS Studio

Click Away Photography

Hillary Muelleck Photography

Aly Barnett Photography

Crystal Cofie Photography

Hillary Muelleck Photography

Aly Barnett Photography

Elegant-Southern-Timeless...

venue of the Carolinas

It’s often said that great food and great company make for a memorable event. Add to that an elegant atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect combination for a gorgeous rehearsal dinner or wedding reception at Bentley’s Restaurant.

Located in the heart of SouthPark, Bentley’s offers a classic ambiance and exquisite American and French cuisine. The restaurant can comfortably seat between 12 to 175 guests – with several customized arrangement options – including private rooms, bar, and indoor and outdoor seating.

In business for 16 years before relocating to SouthPark in 2020, Bentley’s has hosted hundreds of wedding events over the years, making them an expert in perfecting the details. “We can conceptualize, create and execute a flawless event,” says Kay Emad, who co-owns the restaurant with husband Jim. “We focus on you, your vision and your guests.”

At Bentley’s, you can be confident your guests will enjoy creative cuisine combinations that are tried and true and paired with first-rate wine and beverages. “We hear often from previous wedding and party hosts who still rave about an event they held at Bentley’s,” Jim Emad says. “We aim to exceed every expectation.”

Want more wedding inspiration?

1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208

southparkmagazine.com

PROJECT EDITORS

Sarah Fligel, Cathy Martin Sharon Smith

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Amanda Lea

published by SouthPark Magazine

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EDITOR

Sharon Smith

Jane Rodewald, Cindy Poovey

MARKETING

Sarah Fligel

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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OWNERS

Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr.

PRESIDENT

David Woronoff david@thepilot.com

Published by Old North State Magazines LLC.

2022. Reproduction in whole or in

without written permission is prohibited.

mackenzie & brandon

FALL FÊTE

when Brandon proposed to MacKenzie, it was unexpected — for both of them. Playing cards on the back deck, Brandon decided the moment seemed right. Going inside to get the ring, he returned with a bottle of wine the couple had been saving. On the blank label, a message was written: “Getting Engaged.” For the couple, ensuring their wedding had that same relaxed, simple feel was important. “My main priority was making sure our wedding felt like us,” MacKenzie says. To minimize stress and enjoy the process, they hired a wedding planner who understood their vision. “I loved every detail,” MacKenzie says of her perfect day, noting the colors of the flowers and the way they brought all the elements together. “Never compromise on something you don’t love.”

The details:

Photographer | Click Away Photography

Planner | Sarah Cook, SoHo Event Design & Planning

Florist | Springvine Design, Iron Station Ceremony & Reception | North Corner Haven

Catering | Best Impressions Caterers Wedding & Ceremony Dress | Ladies of Lineage Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Tuxes/Suits | Jos. A. Bank; Azazie, ties Hair & Makeup | Blushing Hair and Makeup

Entertainment | Darrell Hoots Music, cocktail hour; Snapdragon Entertainment, DJ Cake | The Wow Factor Cakes Rings | Diamonds Direct Stationery | Olive Paper

Custom Linen Signage | Ivy & Linen Design Co., Raleigh Linens | BBJ La Tavola

Tent & Rentals | Party Reflections

Videographer | Digital Spark Weddings Transportation | Rose Chauffeured Transportation

mary-kate & rakesh

TRADITION TIMES TWO

MARY-KATE AND RAKESH PATEL

Combining Mary-Kate and Rakesh’s Catholic and Hindu family traditions was the top priority when they celebrated their special day. That meant having two ceremonies, along with a Baraat, a joyous procession of song and dance that ushers the groom on horseback to the wedding. The happy, beautiful occasion, along with an entertaining band, kept guests dancing throughout the night — and singing Celine Dion together at the very end. Rocky, a Clemson University grad and chief financial officer of Wells Fargo’s Wealth & Investment Management business, and Mary-Kate, a University of South Carolina grad and human resources professional at Deloitte, met through mutual friends after Mary-Kate moved to Charlotte. A surprise engagement during a walk through Wolf Trap National Park in Vienna, Va., was captured by a family friend hiding and taking photos. “Enjoy the process,” Mary-Kate recommends. “If you get too caught up in the things you can’t control, you’ll miss the fun.”

The details:

Photographer | Amy Kolo Photography

Planner | Details Wedding Planning

Florist | Willow Floral Boutique

Ceremonies & Reception | The Design Center Atrium & Byron’s South End

Catering | Best Impressions Caterers

Dress | Designer Vastra, Indian attire; BHLDN, wedding dress

Bridesmaids Dresses | Designer Vastra, Indian attire; Azazie

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Designer Vastra, Indian attire; Alton Lane custom tux with Brackish bow tie

Hair & Makeup | Kenna Kunijo

Band | The Black and Blue Experience

Cake | Sweet It Is!

Rings | Masica Diamonds, Rockville, Md. (bride) and Morrison Smith Jewelers (groom)

Stationery | Minted

Videographer | Giovanni Films

Horse | Dead Broke Farm, Raleigh

claire & mac

WINTER WONDERLAND

CLAIRE & MAC JURASCHEK

For some couples, bigger doesn’t always mean better. For Claire and Mac, the perfect wedding was a small family gathering at a familiar destination. “It was important to us to have an intimate wedding that we could enjoy every second of,” Claire says. “I’ve grown up going to Vail, and being able to ski the entire week leading up to our wedding was the perfect way to celebrate!” Even the proposal was a family affair. Last summer, Mac proposed on the dock at Claire’s family’s lake house. “There was a beautiful table set up with champagne and pictures from past memories,” Claire says. “My family was patiently waiting in the boat from afar to celebrate after the proposal.” More friends and family joined the celebration later that day, and the couple ended the evening at Selwyn Pub, their favorite local spot. For their wedding, the couple kept it intimate, inviting just 17 guests. “There was a fire, florals covering the table, candles galore and an amazing band. We were so grateful we were able to enjoy a moment with every guest and dance the night away.”

The details:

Photographer | Nate and Jenny Agnini, Vail, Colo.

Planner | Jessica Gillespie, White Birch Weddings, Vail, Colo.

Venue | Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail

Florist | Rose Petals, Vail, Colo.

Dress | Sareh Nouri

Tux | Taylor Richards & Conger

For Claire’s something blue, she carried a limited edition, numbered handbag by French designer Olympia Le-Tan. “It truly was the perfect something blue because we were in Vail and it is Barbie skiing — what could be more fitting for the occasion!”

mahroo & kerr

QUEEN CITY MATCH

MAHROO & KERR PUTNEY

“K

err and I couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere other than Charlotte,” says Mahroo, who met Kerr while working with the CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department. “Our shared passion for service to our community is how our paths crossed at CMPD, nearly 20 years ago,” Mahroo says. “I left Charlotte for years but always felt that I had unfinished work here. I often refer to that pull as destiny calling.” Mahroo returned to the Queen City in 2014 after living in Houston and New York City; meanwhile Kerr rose through the ranks and recently retired as the chief of police. “We have an amazing story of destiny and service to our community.” The couple’s wedding blended American and Persian traditions, including a belly dancer, traditional Persian cake-cutting dance, butterfly release, DJ and band.

The details:

Photographer | Richard Israel

Venue & Cake | Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte

Dress | WONA Concept

Tux & Bow Tie | Tom Ford

Groomsmen Tuxes | Indochino

Bride & Groom Shoes | Christian Louboutin

Jewelry | NADRI Jewelry

Bridesmaids Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Makeup | Keisha Moore, Carolina Glam, Columbia, S.C.

Florist | Magnolia House Florist, Lake Wylie, S.C.

Stationery | Ceci New York

DJ | Lucson Joseph

Band | Straight Fire, East Coast Entertainment Day-of Coordinator | The Silk Veil Events by Ivy

A Nature Inspired Wedding Experience

TWICE IS NICE

EMILY & EMORY WALLS

After five and a half years as a long-distance couple — at one point 1,200 miles apart — Emily and Emory, who grew up in Charlotte, are finding joy in being together in their new home of Del Rio, Texas. Saturdays are spent doing home projects, watching football and grilling out with Sedona, their rescue pup, by their side. Emory, an Air Force instructor pilot, and Emily, who works in supply chain in the food service industry, wed in an intimate family ceremony at Emily’s parents’ Charlotte backyard. A year later, they held a larger celebration at Providence Cotton Mill, a venue Emily dreamt of for years. Favorite moments included backyard fireworks arranged by Emily’s dad and the couple’s private dance as the Cotton Mill celebration came to a close. “It was the end of the best day of our lives,” Emily says. “But we also were reflecting on how blessed we were to have experienced that day.”

The details:

Photographer | Stephanie Welch, Indigo Photography

Planner | Providence Cotton Mill

Florist | Laura Walker, Bouquet Floral Designs

Ceremonies & Reception | Emily’s parents’ backyard & Providence Cotton Mill, Maiden

Catering | Dressler’s, backyard ceremony; Southern Carolina Catering, Providence Cotton Mill

Dress | Hayden Olivia by Jane Hill Bridal Wedding Accessories | Seychelles, shoes; Made by Maddie, earrings

Bridesmaids Dresses | Dessy

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Air Force uniform, groom; Generation Tux, groomsmen

Hair & Makeup | Mae’s Makeovers

DJ | Split Second Sound

Cake | Edible Art

Rings | Diamonds Direct

Stationery | Minted, save the dates; Etsy, invitations

Photo

Chelsea

Let us make your wedding beautiful!

wedding

Custom wedding stationery made just for

PHOTO BY JENNIFER AUSTIN

He was a retired Olympic swimmer and gold medalist, and she, a retired pageant queen who was second runner-up to Miss South Carolina. With that, Clarka and Tyler Clary both swiped right on the dating app Bumble and never looked back. During a surprise trip to Clarka’s dream city of Rome, Tyler proposed on the Spanish Steps — cheered on by Clarka’s sister, both moms and a few close friends watching on the site’s webcam. They eloped in April 2020 due to the pandemic, and then were forced to postpone two planned celebrations. This spring, they celebrated their second anniversary with the wedding they had originally planned. To soak up every moment of their special weekend with those they loved most, they held several events, including a classic, elegant bridal brunch. “I wanted to share my deepest gratitude for everything these special women have done to help shape me into the woman I am today,” Clarka says.

The details:

Photographer | Wyeth Augustine

Florist & Charger Plates | Carolina Luxury Event Rentals & Florals

Venue | The Duke Mansion

Venue Event Manager | Kaitlyn Hutzel

Catering | The Duke Mansion

Dress & Clutch | Bronx and Banco, dress; Cult Gaia, clutch

SWEET & SOPHISTICATED

Cake / Macaron Tower / Cupcakes | Delish Cakery

Cookies | Cookies on the Side

Croquembouche | Café Monte

Harpist | Beste Toparlak

Stationery | Olive Paper

Going extra for engagement photos

by Sharon Smith

Everyone loves a good engagement story — and photos to match. Gone are the days of posed engagement photos in the newspaper society section. Couples want to share the big news on their social media feeds, and photos help tell the story. Here’s how two local photographers help make engagement photos a more memorable experience.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRYSTAL COFIE PHOTOGRAPHY

The traveling couple

Photographer Crystal Cofie noticed right after the pandemic, a lot of couples chose to celebrate their engagements with big trips, either to a special place or a new location. “They travel all the time. They travel as couples, just dating, with their friends. They see something and they want the experience — and to share something amazing on their Instagram,” Cofie says. With that in mind, she offers destination engagement photography packages. When clients choose the travel engagement experience, Cofie says they usually opt for a wedding closer to home.

Cofie talks to couples about the vibe they want and typically recommends places that she’s researched and scouted. She’s also open to trying new destinations. She prefers a lead time of a few months to organize a West Coast or international travel shoot, or a few weeks for a more regional trip. She’s traveled abroad to London and kept it stateside by going to cities like Savannah, Ga., or Albuquerque, N.M.

Cofie recently followed Reuben and Alysha to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens in Miami for a destination engagement shoot with a wow factor. She helped the couple choose several scenic backgrounds and wardrobe changes for an extensive gallery of photographs they’ll always treasure and enjoy sharing.

Planning the perfect surprise

Alex Souder and his wife, Mallory, are known for their cityscape photography at Alexander South NC. Their wedding and engagement portfolio also includes several surprise proposal shoots. Souder recently documented Joe’s proposal to Nicole at The Duke Mansion, which included the couple’s dog, Augie, who wore a special “Will you marry me?” dog collar.

Souder says they need three to six weeks to create a photography plan for a surprise proposal shoot, which includes a site inspection so they can figure out where to hide without sacrificing the best angles.

“With every groom we have a plan A, B and C. You never know what will happen on the day of,” Souder says. “Everything went accord-

ing to plan for Joe,” he says, adding that it’s always a delicate balance in getting the details right without being too overwhelming. “The hardest part is getting the grooms to follow the plan. There’s so much nerves and anxiety built up for them. I even put markers on where they can stand,” Souder says.

As for Nicole, she was completely taken by surprise and felt Joe nailed her dream proposal. “He definitely tricked me into thinking we were just taking our pup to the garden at The Duke Mansion before heading to meet some friends. I was blown away when I saw the rose petals and photographers pop out of the bushes!” Souder was a helpful guide through the process, Joe says. “It means a lot to us to have those photos to look back on,” he says.

Local favorites

Want more engagement photo ideas? We’ve updated our local list of venues and locales to set up the perfect engagement photo with your photographer.

Happily ever greener

A few mindful modifications can make a big impact on the environment.

by Amanda Lea

Having an eco-friendly wedding is not a new concept, but it has certainly become more widely embraced in the last few years.

According to ZeroWaste, the average U.S. wedding produces 400 pounds of garbage and 63 tons of carbon dioxide. This means the disposable plastic forks you use for your buffet will likely still be around when your great-grandchildren tie the knot.

In the age of virtual vision boards and social-media montages, there can be a lot of pressure to have an “Insta-worthy”

event. But style and sustainability can coexist without losing the magic of your big day.

If you’re not sure where to start, try connecting with a wedding-planning expert who specializes in making sure your event is the perfect blend of stunning and sustainable. One of those experts is Joelle Parks, owner of Joelle Parks Events.

After working in the wedding-planning industry for several years and seeing the amount of waste after a typical wedding, Parks was inspired to launch her own business in October 2020 to help conscientious couples plan their dream day. The core value of her company is to create less wasteful events and be as sustainable as possible, but Parks says it’s important to remember that this can look different for each couple.

“Some want to be as eco-friendly as possible, some just want some ideas of what to implement to be less wasteful,” Parks says.

From boho to black tie, Parks works with each couple to achieve the style they envision. “Being eco-friendly doesn’t lock you into a certain style,” she says. “You can have a traditional wedding at a country club or in uptown Charlotte and still be intentional with your impact [on the environment].”

PHOTOGRAPH BY ASHLEY OLSON

Reduce, reimagine, reciprocate

There are several ways you can be intentional in your wedding planning to reduce your impact on the environment. If you’re just dipping your toe into the eco-friendly waters, Parks recommends asking one question: “What are we going to do with this after the wedding?” Whether it’s a dozen plastic table numbers or a personalized welcome sign, many single-use items will serve their one-day purpose and go straight to the dumpster after the event.

“Small tweaks go a long way,” Parks says. “You can reduce excess waste and unnecessary items and focus more on the experience.”

One of the most obvious areas of wedding waste is paper. Invitations, envelopes, RSVP cards, programs, menus and place cards are just a few of the paper products you encounter at a typical wedding. But you can save money and reduce waste by condensing the amount of things you have printed for your wedding.

That doesn’t mean ditching the invites and menus entirely, just reimagining how to share the same information in a more sustainable way. Use seed paper for your invitations so guests can plant them and grow wildflowers. Ask your caterer to hand letter the menu on a reusable chalkboard, or use custom cookies as place cards to serve double-duty as favors. Some couples even include QR codes on their invitations so guests can quickly access the wedding website for RSVPs, registries and lodging info.

Jennifer Duncan, owner and lead planner and designer with Flourish Wedding Design, not only helps her clients host a sustainable event, she also reduces the use of paper during the planning process. From email exchanges to digital presentations, Duncan and her team have found ways to utilize technology and reduce their paper trail.

When she first started in the industry, Duncan noticed a staggering amount of post-wedding trash bags full of floral foam — a single-use product that is harmful to the environment. She looked for alternatives to floral foam and discovered other ways to reduce wedding waste. She specializes in floral arrangements that use natural materials, such as chicken wire, that can be repurposed for multiple events.

Duncan also recommends using local florists for your wedding arrangements to minimize the environmental impact of having flowers delivered across long distances. (Bonus: The flowers will be fresher because they come straight from the grower.)

To help extend the life of your florals after the wedding, send flowers home with vendors and guests. Parks asks the couples she works with where they would like the flowers to be donated after the event. Most choose to have her drop the flowers off at a local nursing home. “This is another easy way to make an impact,” Parks says. “And you can do it with any style of wedding.”

To reduce waste in your food and beverage offerings, Parks suggests researching caterers to make sure they specialize in locally-sourced, seasonal goods. The more ingredients provided from local growers and farmers, the smaller your carbon footprint will be from transporting supplies over long distances. Reid’s Catering Co. serves the Boone area and specializes in creating innovative menus with the freshest ingredients. Gadabouts Catering also serves the High Country area, providing local fare for wedding venues in Valle Crucis, Banner Elk, Linville, Boone and Blowing Rock. In the Charlotte area, Roots Catering helps couples create a customized menu based on locally sourced ingredients and personal tastes.

Parks recommends letting your caterer know you want to be as wastefree as possible, and trust their guidance on servings. You can also ask what their policy is for surplus food. This can vary depending on the catering company and food-safety policies where your event is located. For example, Roots Catering uses Crown Town Compost – a Charlottebased organization that uses qualifying food products to create nutrient-rich resources for soil and future plant growth in the community. It also donates surplus food to Feeding Charlotte, which collects fresh, unserved meals from restaurants and caterers and distributes them to local nonprofits who feed the hungry.

Flourish Wedding Design

perfect day begins

You can also be mindful about the single-use products you use. This includes everything from arbors to tablescapes. When Parks and her team wondered what couples did with items like cake stands, table numbers and welcome signs after the wedding, they were inspired to launch a rental line called Borrowed. Clients can choose decor and serving items from three style categories: “Sunset,” “Matte” and “Luxe.” Nothing in the collection is single-use — in fact, many of the items are from previous weddings Parks has planned.

“I wanted to be intentional about solving a problem in the industry, not just buying more stuff,” Parks says. “The goal in this collection is to cater to those items people are buying for similar wedding themes, but as rental options so they can be repurposed and reimagined instead of thrown away.”

Your venue choice is another way to be more eco-minded. Search for hotels and event spaces with Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certifications and Energy Star ratings. Whether it’s a picturesque vineyard, magnificent mountaintop or beachfront retreat, your venue can reflect your personality while minimizing decor and maximizing the photo ops.

Spread the local love

Having an eco-friendly wedding isn’t just about the three R’s. It’s also about supporting the local economy. Fill gift boxes for out-of-towners with local specialties like Queen City Crunch pretzels, honey straws from Cloister Honey, or a bag of beans from Undercurrent Coffee. For favors, send guests home with potted herbs or handmade terrariums from PlantHouse or custom cookies by Suárez Bakery.

These modifications will not only have a lasting impact on the environment, they are representations of what’s important to you and your partner on the most memorable day of your lives.

Something old, something new

Consider working with a jeweler to create a stunning engagement ring and meaningful wedding bands without increasing your carbon footprint. Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry in SouthPark specializes in creating custom rings from family keepsakes. “We like to tell people that we were ‘green’ before it became popular,” says Hadley Perry, Perry’s chief operating officer. Established in 1977 by Ernest Perry and his wife Priscilla, the entire business model is based on sustainability, with an array of vintage and antique pieces in the showroom and jewelers who breathe new life into treasured heirlooms. “The fun is in the treasure hunt,” Hadley Perry says. “We guarantee when you come in you’ll find something you’ve never seen before.”

OF PERRY’S DIAMONDS & ESTATE JEWELRY

Queen City Crunch pretzels

Let them eat sweets

From cake pops and crepes to doughnut walls and brownie bars, couples are breaking from traditional wedding cake and treating their guests to a variety of confections.

by Amanda Lea

Many couples are embracing alternative dessert offerings in addition to — and in some cases, in lieu of — a multitiered cake. This isn’t to say the traditional wedding cake is a thing of the past. But for those who want something a little less conventional on the dessert table, there are plenty of treats to satisfy any craving.

With a myriad of tempting sweets to choose from, consider what will be the best representation of your style and tastes. You can celebrate your heritage and create a grazing table featuring Italian cannoli or French pastries. For a brunch wedding, spice things up with a cinnamon roll tower. Prolong the sugar rush with a candy bar where guests can fill small to-go cups with their favorite treats. Brownies and miniature bundt cakes make for the perfect bite-sized treat, and custom doughnuts can turn an accent wall into a conversation piece.

Tracy Campbell, owner of Cookies on the Side, says personalized cookies for weddings have become a significant niche as couples look to offer sweet options for those who don’t want a piece of traditional wedding cake. Campbell specializes in taking personal touches — like the couples’ pet or the spot where they got engaged — and applying it to the cookies. (Bonus: The custom creations can serve double-duty as place cards or wedding favors.)

If you want to break the wedding-cake mold but you’re not sure where to start, connect with one of these local bakeries to help bring your confectionery vision to life.

Cookies on the Side

Connect: cookiesontheside.com

About: Owner and self-taught “cookier” Tracy Campbell started the business as a way to contribute to the special occasions of her three girls. Now retired from her corporate career and with her children fully grown, Campbell’s creative outlet has grown into a full-blown business.

Sweet specialties: Custom cookies that reflect each couples’ personality. Tracy sees her cookies as “imperfectly delightful’’ and loves nothing more than being able to contribute her artful creations to all of life’s special occasions.

For Goodness Cakes

Connect: info@forgoodnesscakescharlotte.com

About: Owner Haines Barksdale bakes out of the industrial-style second kitchen in her home. “The Bakement,” as she lovingly calls it, was designed and built specifically for creating cakes.

Sweet specialties: Barksdale makes delightful mini cupcakes in a variety of custom flavors. “Many of our clients say these make a great addition to the dessert table,” Barksdale says.

The Batch House

Connect: thebatchmaker.com | orders @thebatchmaker.com

About: Owner Cristina Rojas-Agurcia, known as “The Batchmaker,” serves up small-batch treats that conjure up a blend of craving and nostalgia.

Sweet specialties: The most popular options for weddings are the bakery’s bestselling oatmeal cream pies and their famous s’mores brownie. But mini versions of The Batch House’s cookies and pop-tarts are also popular picks.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KENTY CHUNG

Ville Reine by ROOTS Catering

Connect: villereinebakery.com

About: The new bakery features a variety of sweet and savory creations by Executive Pastry Chef Courtney Satterfield, including an assortment of vegan and gluten-free options. Ville Reine just unveiled its 2023 dessert menu, featuring an upscale grazing table for guests to enjoy.

Sweet specialties: Bite-sized cream puffs and macarons, mini cheesecakes, pecan-pie bars, lemon-lavender cookies and salted-caramel brownies are all sure to please any sweet tooth.

Celestial Cakery

Connect: celestialcakery.com

About: Owner and cake artist Ella Stone launched Celestial Cakes from her 75-square-foot home kitchen. The mom of two boys has since expanded into a brick-and-mortar space that is home to both Celestial Cakery and SWIRL, a madeto-order cupcake, cookie and ice cream shop.

Sweet specialties: Stone uses her favorite nostalgic or unusual ingredients to serve up custom mini cookies, mini pies and dessert shots.

Sunflour Baking Co.

Connect: sunflourbakingcompany.com | sunflour@sunflourbakingcompany.com

About: The family-owned and -operated bakery has four Charlotte locations. Everything is made from scratch and in small batches, with a wide range of vegan and gluten-free options. General Manager Lauren Whitt says the bakery’s team of talented pastry chefs works with each couple to create custom breakfast platters and dessert tables for weddings and events.

Sweet specialties: Mini pies, tarts, cupcakes, mousse cups, cookies and breakfast specialties are among Sunflour’s many mouthwatering offerings.

Wentworth & Fenn

Connect: sam@wentworthandfenn.com | (704) 291-0388

About: The gourmet bakery, located at Camp North End, specializes in small, seasonal pastries, artisan breads and custom cakes.

Sweet specialties: The bourbon-butter oatmeal cream pies and dark-chocolate chunk cookies with sea salt are popular picks. All of the pastries are as picture-perfect as they are delicious.

TOP LEFT PHOTOGRAPH BY JUSTIN DRISCOLL

BIG DAY A WORK OF ART

Whether you want city-chic vibes or a lush landscape for your next event, The Mint Museum has you covered. Connect with the Mint’s Special Events team today.

Suárez Bakery

Connect: suarezbakery.com | hello@suarezbakery.com

About: Carlos Suárez, son of an exiled Cuban revolutionary turned freedom fighter, opened the Cubaninspired bakery in 1992. Now a local institution, Suárez and his family serve up scratch-made desserts in the Park Road Shopping Center location, and pastries, sandwiches and coffee in its counter-service spot, Suárez Bakery & Barra, at Optimist Hall. Sweet specialties: Suárez Bakery is known for its legendary Texas Doughnut Cake. Giant 7-inch doughnuts are stacked three tiers high and topped with your choice of dip, filling and sprinkles. The pièce de résistance is the Texas Doughnut Hole that tops it all off. If a doughnut cake isn’t your cup of tea, you can’t go wrong with a sampling of their bestsellers, like the salted-caramel brownies and lemon bars.

Wedding checklist

by Taylor Wanbaugh

Getting engaged to the love of your life is one of the most exciting times of your life — but it can also be one of the most overwhelming. It’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to planning a wedding, with what feels like a million tasks to accomplish in a matter of months. We asked Tara Skinner, who owns a luxury destination-wedding and event-planning firm with offices in Savannah, Ga., Charleston, S.C., and Charlotte, to help us put together the perfect checklist for Queen City couples planning their upcoming “I dos.”

12 OR MORE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

BOOK A WEDDING PLANNER

SET A BUDGET

DRAFT A GUEST LIST

FIND AND BOOK YOUR CEREMONY LOCATION AND RECEPTION VENUE

BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

BOOK YOUR FLORIST

DETERMINE YOUR BRIDAL PARTY

Pro tip: Begin with gathering your inspiration pictures and deter mining your preferred style and what you are wanting to achieve on your wedding day. After setting your budget, determine the top three priorities for your wedding day (ex: florals, photography and food). Keep these top three priorities in mind when deciding how to allocate your budget. If your budget allows, hire a wedding planner. They can help steer you in the right direction with vendors, negoti ate pricing and, most importantly, relieve wedding planning stress.

EIGHT TO 10 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

REGISTER FOR GIFTS

CREATE WEDDING WEBSITE

FIND AND ORDER YOUR WEDDING DRESS

BOOK YOUR CATERER

BOOK YOUR BAND OR DJ

BOOK YOUR VIDEOGRAPHER

BOOK YOUR RENTAL/GETTING-READY LOCATION

BOOK HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS, IF APPLICABLE

BOOK RENTAL COMPANY FOR ITEMS SUCH AS A TENT, LOUNGE FURNITURE, TABLES AND CHAIRS, AND LINENS

BOOK LIGHTING COMPANY, IF NEEDED

RESEARCH WEDDING INSURANCE POLICIES

Pro tip: Once you have booked your wedding venue and have set the date, you will be able to research available vendors and continue building and securing your wedding team. Depending on the time of year you are getting married (busy season versus off season), it never hurts to book these vendors as soon as possible. When determining which vendors you need, make sure to have all the necessary details from your venue. Will you need to bring in additional power, lighting, restrooms, etc.? This is also the time to celebrate with your loved ones: Register for your gifts, enjoy your engagement party and build your wedding website to keep everyone up to date on the details.

SIX TO NINE MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

ORDER WEDDING STATIONERY

BOOK BAR SERVICES

BOOK REHEARSAL DINNER LOCATION

HIRE YOUR OFFICIANT

ORDER BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES

PLAN YOUR HONEYMOON

SEND YOUR SAVE THE DATES

SCHEDULE FOOD AND CAKE TASTING

PLAN RECEPTION DETAILS SUCH AS DINNER OPTIONS AND SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

BOOK HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTISTS

BOOK CEREMONY MUSICIANS

SCHEDULE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

HIRE WEDDING TRANSPORTATION FOR THE CEREMONY, RECEPTION, GETAWAY AFTER THE RECEPTION AND FOR GUESTS, IF NEEDED

Pro tip: Begin thinking about the details of the day: timing, flow of events, and ceremony and reception details. Envision each moment of your wedding day and plan accordingly.

FOUR TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

BEGIN DRESS ALTERATIONS

FIND WEDDING DAY ACCESSORIES SUCH AS YOUR VEIL, SHOES, UNDERGARMENTS, JEWELRY AND GARTER

START THINKING ABOUT THE FLOW OF EVENTS FOR RECEPTION

ORDER GROOM AND GROOMSMEN ATTIRE

BOOK A BAKER FOR YOUR WEDDING CAKE FIND AND PURCHASE WEDDING BANDS

TWO TO FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

MAIL INVITATIONS

PLAN CEREMONY SERVICE WITH OFFICIANT

CREATE ORDER FOR BRIDESMAIDS AND GROOMSMEN TO WALK IN

PLAN REHEARSAL TIME

FINALIZE FLORAL DESIGN

FINALIZE THE MENU WITH CATERER (UNLESS IT’S A SIT-DOWN DINNER, THEN YOU MUST DO THIS PRIOR TO SENDING INVITATIONS)

FINALIZE BAR PACKAGE SELECTIONS

CONFIRM CAKE DESIGN

CONFIRM LIGHTING OPTIONS

PURCHASE ANY NECESSARY WEDDING-DAY NEEDS SUCH AS WEDDING SIGNS, PROGRAMS, FAVORS, WEDDING PARTY GIFTS, GUESTBOOK AND CHAMPAGNE FLUTES

PLAN GRAND EXIT FOR RECEPTION

START WRITING YOUR VOWS, IF APPLICABLE

SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIAL

CONFIRM RENTALS

Pro

ONE MONTH BEFORE WEDDING

CREATE SEATING CHART

CONFIRM RSVP GUEST COUNT AND FINAL DETAILS WITH ALL VENDORS

FINALIZE ALL PAYMENTS

APPLY FOR YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

FINAL DRESS FITTING

Your RSVPs should be returned (or on the way), and you can start finalizing the remaining details of the day. Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license. (Make sure to check any regulations and restrictions pertaining to this; is there a wait time, does the marriage license expire, etc.)

TWO WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING

CREATE “MUST HAVE” SHOT LIST FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

CREATE FINAL SONG LIST FOR DJ OR BAND

MAKE SURE YOUR VENUE, CATERER AND FLORIST HAVE A FINAL HEAD COUNT

RECONFIRM ALL FINAL DETAILS AND TIMING WITH VENDORS

WEEK OF WEDDING

HAVE YOUR DRESS STEAMED, IF NEEDED

PROVIDE EMERGENCY CONTACT TO ALL VENDORS

GATHER WEDDING DAY DETAIL ITEMS TO GIVE TO PLANNER OR VENUE

RELAX AND PAMPER YOURSELF!

REHEARSAL

You’re getting close!

time to

confirm

without

final guest

all of your floral needs: Double-check to make sure you don’t miss any family florals, ceremony florals, cocktail hour and bar arrangements, reception florals and cake flowers. Start gathering your wedding day details as well: everything from personal items to day-of details (framed photos, garter, bridal accessories) to gifts for your bridal party, parents and each other.

Your wedding day is almost here, and all the details are confirmed and ready to go. Trust in the vendors you have chosen to create a magical day for you!

Want to see your wedding featured in a future issue?

Contact weddings@southparkmagazine.com.

Advertiser directory

ATTIRE

Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, back cover alexiasbridal.com

Paul Simon, p. 67 paulsimonco.com

SouthPark Mall, p. 51 simon.com/mall/southpark

BEAUTY + SKIN CARE

Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa, p. 47 zibaluxury.com

CAKES + DESSERTS

Chez Marie Café, p. 19 chezmarieclt.com

CATERING + DINING + SPIRITS

Bentley’s Restaurant, p. 8 bentleysrestaurantnc.com

The Vintage Goat, p. 69 thevintagegoattaptruck.com

DAY SPAS

Ziba Luxury Salon & Spa, p. 47 zibaluxury.com

INVITATIONS + STATIONERY

Olive Paper, p. 11 olivepaper.net

JEWELRY

Elizabeth Bruns, p. 6 elizabethbruns.com

Fink’s Jewelers, inside front cover finks.com

Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry, p. 33 perrysjewelry.com

Sumpters Fine Jewelry, p. 27 sumptersjewelry.com

Windsor Jewelers, p. 13 windsor-jewelers.com

ORTHODONTISTS

Three Leaf Orthodontics, p. 69 threeleafortho.com

PHOTOGRAPHY

Kelsie Elizabeth Photography, p. 23 kelsieelizabeth.com

SPECIALTY STORES + GIFT REGISTRIES

B.D. Jeffries, p. 17 bdjeffries.com

Bedside Manor, p. 2 bedsidemanor.com

Elizabeth Bruns, p. 6 elizabethbruns.com

John Dabbs, Ltd., p. 67 johndabbsltd.com

SouthPark Mall, p. 51 simon.com/mall/southpark

Swoozies, p. 49 swoozies.com

VENUES

Anne Springs Close Greenway, p. 25 ascgreenway.org

Beau Monde, p. 41 beaumondevenues.com

Bentley’s Restaurant, p. 8 bentleysrestaurantnc.com

Carolina Country Weddings, p. 39 carolinacountryweddings.com

Catawba Falls Events, p. 4 catawbafallsevents.com

The Duke Mansion, p. 29 dukemansion.com

The Mint Museum, p. 75 mintmuseum.org

North Corner Haven, p. 52 northcornerhaven.com

Safe Harbor Peninsula Yacht Club, inside back cover peninsulayacht.com

Separk Mansion, p. 45 separkmansion.com

Town of Elkin, p. 35 elkinnc.org

Trump National Golf Club, p. 65 trumpnationalcharlotte.com

WEDDING CONSULTANTS

Beau Monde, p. 41 beaumondevenues.com

Going out in style

Past and present Weddings by SouthPark couples make their grand getaway.

Clockwise from top left: Stephanie Welch/Indigo Photography, Megan Sheppard Photography, Brandon Grate, Nate and Jenny Agnini, Amy Kolo, Click Away Photography

Featuring exclusive designs

by Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Lela Rose, Reem Acra and more…