Bridgette and Nick

Umstead Union

9-24-11

Bridgette Davidson and Nicholas Foster went to high school and college together in Florida. They became close friends in college and stayed in contact when they moved to different states after graduation. During a New Year’s Eve reunion visit, they realized their feelings were developing beyond friendship. They began dating and in 2007, Nick moved from Atlanta to Raleigh to be with Bridgette.

When the couple became engaged and began looking for wedding venues, they fell in love with The Umstead Hotel, especially after meeting the hotel’s in-house event coordinator, Ami Wheeler. “She made planning and organizing our event so easy and I never had to worry about anything falling through the cracks,” says Bridgette. The Umstead provided an incredibly beautiful location for both the ceremony and reception, and even a meet and greet for out of town guests a couple of days before the wedding.

The couple wanted the wedding to be simple yet elegant. They chose classic look of white flowers and candlelight. For a hint of color, they added teal accents throughout the wedding, including ties, shoes and cake.  

Some special friends and family members participated in the special day, including the minister, who was a long time family friend of Bridgette’s. All five of the bride’s nieces and nephews participated in the wedding as Flower Girls and Ring Bearers. Nick’s long time friends from high school served as his co-bestmen.

Bridgette says that part of the success in her wedding came from having a laid back attitude and “trusting [her] vendors to do their jobs.” Both Bridgette and Nick say their favorite moment was seeing one another for the first time at the ceremony. It is clear that this couple’s love, which started with a solid base of years of friendship, is one that will last.

Rehearsal Dinner: Caffe Luna
Ceremony, Reception & Accommodations: The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Photographer: Neil Boyd Photography
Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dresses: Alexia’s Bridal
Men’s Formalwear: Bernard’s Formalwear (with Kenneth Cole neckties)
Florist: Kelly Odom
Cake: Sweet Memories
Invitations, etc: Paper Fish
Ceremony and Reception Music: Joe Bunn DJ
Company Linens: CE Rentals
Hair & Makeup: Stephanie Sevilla
Wedding Favors: Donation to Jimmy V. Foundation