Anne and Tyson
March 21, 2009

“As a poet and a philosopher, our love story is a meeting of the minds and of the hearts.” – Anne

Anne Keefe’s father was a professor at Duke so she spent her childhood playing in the Duke Gardens. She chose this as her wedding site so she could share this piece of herself with Tyson Lewis, her groom. The couple made the ceremony even more intimate by writing their own vows, which they viewed as “a celebration of the unique merging of their lives.” Another highlight of the ceremony was when the groom’s father, a professional musician, performed a song.

Barbara Clark of An Elegant Affair helped the couple plan their wedding from their home in New Jersey, a move the couple described as “a relief.” She helped them to book trustworthy vendors, many recommended by and found in Southern Bride & Groom. Tre Bella, Inc. created vibrantly-colorful flower arrangements based on the couple’s eclectic style, a moss-covered and floral cake table, and provided a beautiful maid-of-honor gown from their bridal boutique. Sweet Memories created the delicious and unique cake and pies, and American Party Rentals provided table linens. The photographer was Dara Blakeley, who’s friendly and fun style helped the entire party feel at ease. Anne described Dara as “a down-home Southern girl with a sophisticated eye for just the right mood and composition.”

The reception at the Doris Duke Center featured many personal touches, starting with Anne’s love of butterflies, which became a theme for the wedding. Anne’s mother, with a crew of family member assistants, created hand-made origami butterflies as table favors. Place cards, table markers, and the wedding cake also came to life with butterfly designs. Anne and Tyson participated in the German tradition of sawing a log, which represents the couple’s first challenge together in marriage.

Anne and Tyson were thrilled that they were able to provide a wedding celebration that incorporated so many personal and family touches, and enabled their guests to “better get to know the two of them as a couple through the event itself.”

Vendors
Wedding Consultant:
Barbara S. Clark, An Elegant Affair

Rehearsal Dinner:
Crook’s Corner

Ceremony:
Duke Gardens

Reception:
Doris Duke Center

Caterer:
Catering Company of Chapel Hill

Photographer:
Dara Blakeley

Bridal Gown Store:
Kleinfeld’s of Manhattan

Bridesmaids' Dress:
Tre Bella, Inc.

Florist:
Tre Bella, Inc

Cake and Groom’s Pies:
Sweet Memories

Ceremony Musicians:
Musica, and Steven Lewis (guitar soloist)

Reception Musicians :
Duke Rhythm and Blue (a cappellasingers) and Fantasy Band

Linens: American
Party Rentals

Guest Accommodations:
Residence Inn Chapel Hill

Hair:
Wavelengths Salon

Wedding Favors:
Origami butterflies

Click for larger image.