loren and john
october 11, 2008

Loren Berlin and John Finan met while both were attending graduate school in North Carolina.  After a few years of dating, John proposed during a romantic dinner one evening.  Though Loren is from Oklahoma and John is from Ireland, they decided to have their wedding nearby.  Historic Ayr Mount in Hillsborough was their choice for its unique setting amid mature trees, expansive lawns, lovely meadows, and walking paths along the nearby Eno River. Now that they had a beautiful outdoor setting, they turned to Barbara Clark to help with the some of the other decisions.   

Loren wanted the wedding to be a collaboration of friends and family, so many personal touches were incorporated, including ceremony music performed by friends. With both a priest and a cantor present, the couple said their vows under a handmade chuppa. The chuppa was made into a quilt by Loren’s mother, who coordinated the effort by sending fabric squares to friends and family members several months in advance of the wedding.  The squares were returned, decorated with everything from paint, markers and photocopies to stitching, quilting, and appliqués, and were then sewn together to hang over the canopy.

Autumn colors were chosen for the beautiful October day, including pumpkin for the bridesmaids, and orange and white florals on the tables. Chinese lanterns festooned the dance floor, and after sunset the tent was alive with warm lights and lively music. A bus later transported guests to an “after-party” at the Wooden Nickel in Hillsborough.

Rehearsal Dinner:       
Trilussa, Chapel Hill

Ceremony/Reception:
Ayr Mount     

Caterer:                      
Savory Fare, Inc.

Men’s Formalwear:    
Bernard’s

Reception Music:      
Joe Bunn DJ

Transportation:           
Elite Coach

Invitations:                 
Purple Puddle

Accommodations:      
Millennium Hotel, Durham

Photographer:
Dara Blakely

Rentals:
Classic Party Rentals

Flowers:
Dogwood Tree Floral Design

Wedding Planner:
Barbara Clark, An Elegant Affair

 


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