Posts Tagged: engagement story
Real NC Engagement Session — Love in Durham’s West Village
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a truly stunning Real NC engagement session feature for y’all today! Amanda and Michael are tying the knot at Duke Gardens this weekend. Enjoy these beautiful photos from their e-session with Riley MacLean Photography!
Amanda and Michael kicked off their e-session with Riley MacLean in Durham’s West Village, listening to music (they both work in the music industry) and enjoying the absolutely perfect natural lighting. Then, they set up a makeshift photobooth for some of the cutest e-session photos we’ve ever seen! The couple and Riley later headed to a lake and an urban skate park.
This weekened, Amanda and Riley are getting ready at the Washington Duke Inn, and then heading to the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens to get married! Congratulations, y’all, your photos are stunning!
Real NC Wedding — Fearrington Village
We have an absolutely stunning Real NC Wedding Feature for y’all today! Nicole and Jack tied the knot at the beautiful Fearrington Village in October.
With the help of the talented Angie Wright of Chic Details Wedding & Events, the duo, who met on an online dating site, transformed their ceremony and reception locations into truly amazing and unique event spaces. We adore the hues of pink and the textured linens! Thanks to Photography by Walters & Walters for the swoon-worthy photographs, and congratulations to Nicole and Jack!
Real NC Wedding — Fearrington Village
We’ve got an absolutely stunning Real NC Wedding Feature for y’all today! Lauren and Darin tied the knot at Fearrington Village in March.
Lauren and Darin tied the knot at Fearrington in March. Thanks to Riley MacLean Photography for the truly amazing photos below!
Congratulations, Lauren and Darin — your wedding was absolutely stunning!
Real NC Engagement Session — Duke Chapel and Downtown Durham
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a fabulous Real NC engagement session feature for y’all today! Sarah and Dane got engaged last year, and plan to marry at Duke Chapel on March 1, 2014. Enjoy these beautiful photos from their e-session with Kristie of Neil Boyd Photography!
Sarah met Dane at her summer job in 2010. Since he was technically her superior, they had to stay “off the radar” until she returned to Appalachian State University for her senior year, but less than an hour after she worked her last shift, she and Dane made it “Facebook official!”
Last year, Dane signed up to run the City of Oaks Marathon in Raleigh, NC. Before the day of the race, he asked Sarah’s parents’ permission to marry their daughter, and arranged for family and friends to be at the finish line.
After a long day of racing (26.2 miles is a LONG way, y’all, especially with a proposal on the horizon!), Dane stopped about 20 yards shy of the finish line and went over to the sideline, where Sarah was standing and cheering him on. He dropped to one knee, and told her that the effort he put into training for the marathon would be nothing compared to what he would give to be with her forever, and popped the question! Of course, Sarah said “yes,” and the duo finished the race together, hand in hand.
The couple plans to marry March 1, 2014 at the Duke Chapel, after camping out for 16 hours to secure their venue! Congrats, Sarah and Dane, we can’t wait to see photos of your big day!
The last three photos were taken during the proposal, and after the couple camped out at Duke Chapel in March…swoon-worthy!
Real Raleigh NC Wedding — Cobblestone Hall
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a fabulous Real Raleigh NC Wedding feature for y’all today! Enjoy Katie and Adam’s sweet love story and gorgeous photos from their big day in December!
Katie and Adam met at Whole Foods, where Adam worked, when she approached the customer service desk. The two hit it off with an instant connection, and Katie rushed home to gush to her mother about the cute guy at the grocery store — who didn’t ask for her number! Her mom convinced her to return to the store to give it to him, and it paid off — Adam called her that evening to ask her on a date, and the pair have been together ever since.
So, when the couple tied the knot this past December, it was with an overwhelming amount of love. Kailey from A Southern Soiree helped make their big day fabulous, along with a slew of other members of the SB&G Family, including: Cobblestone Hall, Rocky Top Catering, Tre Bella Flowers and Sugarland.
Check out these beautiful photographs from Azul Photography capturing the couple’s ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral and reception at Cobblestone Hall, and prepare to swoon!
Wedding Coordinator: A Southern Soiree
Ceremony: Sacred Heart Cathedral
Reception: Cobblestone Hall
Photographer: Azul Photography
Catering: Rocky Top Catering
Reception Music: Joe Bunn DJ Company
Florist: Tre Bella
Cake: Sugarland
Invitations: Paper Buzz
Bridal Gown: Traditions by Anna
Transportation: Blue Diamond Limousine and Raleigh Rickshaw
Real Raleigh NC Wedding – Wil & Brian
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a fabulous Real Raleigh NC Wedding feature for y’all today! Enjoy Wil & Brian’s sweet ceremony and beautiful photographs from their big day last August!
Brian and Wil hit it off when they met at a Halloween party. They have shared a wonderful, loving relationship for several years and are even business partners, running a full service event design company specializing in destination weddings and travel arrangement – Blue-17.
Wil officially propsed to Brian at The Umstead Hotel & Spa‘s Herons, with an engagement ring presented on top of a delectable cupcake! After a legal ceremony in New York in July 2012, the couple held a symbolic ceremony here in North Carolina so they could celebrate with their friends and family. And of course, the duo incorporated The Umstead into their special day by sharing a suite and using the grounds for some beautiful portraits.
For a unique spin, Brian and Wil held their reception at Heat Studios in Raleigh. As a personal training studio, Heat Studios isn’t traditionally considered a “venue,” but the couple loved the exposed beams and beautiful oak floors, and with a little draping and rearranging, the space truly turned out beautifully!
The couples used several members of the SB&G Family to make their big day exactly as they’d pictured, including: a rehearsal dinner at Sparians, flowers and catering by Catering Works, Reverend Barbara Lodge, photography by Kevin Milz, The Umstead Hotel & Spa, and entertainment by Ryan of SPIN. The studio happened to be featuring artwork with a Vegas style at the time, so for a little extra fun and unexpected entertainment for the reception, Wil and Brian added casino tables.
As an event planner, Wil knew he would have “a little trouble letting go” on his wedding day, but “with Maid of Honor Ami and Lorin Laxton (of Catering Works) at the helm, there was nothing to worry about!”
Now enjoy these wonderful photographs from Kevin Milz! The heart-felt moments that radiate in these images are truly what a wedding is all about! Congratulations, Brian and Wil – we wish you both a happy marriage!
Reception: Heat Studios
Caterer: Catering Works
Entertainment: Casino tables from RSVP Events
Officiate: Rev. Barbara Lodge
Photographer: Kevin Milz
Men’s Formalwear: Calvin Klein and English Laundry
Florist: Catering Works
Cake and Candy Station: Cinda’s Creative Cakes
Invitations: Made by Wil
Rehearsal Dinner: Sparians
Wedding Consultant: Blue-17 and Lorin Laxton of Catering Works
Musicians: Ryan of SPIN
Linens: CE Rental
Transportation: Blue Diamond and EcoStyle
Guest Accommodations: The Umstead Hotel & Spa
Favors: Boxes from the candy station
Real North Carolina Wedding – Blue, Green and Silver Wedding in Raleigh
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a beautiful Real North Carolina Wedding feature for you all today! Enjoy Lauren & Nicholas’ sweet engagement story and stunning photographs from their big day last September!
Lauren and Nicholas (you might remember them from our e-session feature!) met at a “My Tie” date function by Lauren’s sorority at UNC-Chapel Hill. The idea behind My Tie cocktails is that gals let their friends set them up on a blind date, and the only clue they get as to who will be accompanying them to the soiree is one of the guy’s ties.
Courtney, who was also Lauren’s Maid of Honor, set her up with Nicholas, a friend from high school who was attending NC State at the time. After a fun night of dancing and chatting, Nicholas walked Lauren home, and asked if he could call her sometime. Lauren said, “I’ll believe it when I hear my phone ring” and left it at that.
A few days later, on Valentine’s Day, Nicholas called to ask Lauren if he could stop by her sorority house. He showed up with a dozen roses, her favorite candy, and an offer for a proper date. The two have been inseparable ever since!
In July of 2011, the couple took a relaxing vacation to Lake Lure, NC. Nicholas popped the question during a walk to the boathouse before they headed to dinner. Of course, Lauren said yes, and the duo began planning their September 2012 wedding.
The Sheraton Raleigh Hotel seemed the perfect location for the nuptials, as the couple thought it combined “value, convenience and a touch of elegance.” After a rehearsal dinner the night before at Caffe Luna, a stunning color palette of blue, green, grey and ivory set the stage for a breathtakingly beautiful ceremony and reception, and was carried through with the Caspian Blue J. Crew bridesmaids dresses, grey suits for the groom and his men, and beautiful ivory flowers by Julie Liles.
The couple tackled their rivalry preferences — she was a Carolina girl, and he was an NC State grad — through table names, an engagement session at UNC, bridal portraits at the NC State Centennial Campus, and themed ribbons for their grand exit.
Lauren and Nicholas used the resources at SB&G, including the Venue Guide, to make their big day special. Congratulations, y’all, and thanks for submitting your wedding to us! Now, enjoy these gorgeous photos by Azul Photography…they’re swoon-worthy!
Wedding Location: First Baptist Church; Raleigh, NC
Minister: Trey Davis and Father Robert
Reception Location: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel
Rerhearsal Dinner: Caffe Luna
Bridal Gown: Priscilla of Boston
Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Jewelry: CZ by Kenneth Jay Lane
Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew
Mother of the Bride Dress: Maggie London
Formalwear: Joseph A. Banks
Groomsmen Gifts: NFL and Soccer jerseys chosen by the groomsmen
Hair: Ashley at Caju Salon
Makeup: Mary King
Photographer: Azul Photography
Florist: Julie Liles
Cake: Cinda’s Creative Cakes
Invitations: William Arthur (ordered through Paper Buzz)
Ceremony Musicians: Donna Jolly
Reception Music: DJ Randy Pulley
Rentals: CE Rentals
Guest Accommodations: Sheraton Raleigh Hotel and Courtyard Crabtree
Wedding Favors: Etsy
Want your wedding featured on SB&G? Submit it here!
Real NC Wedding — Lindsey & Jeff
It’s Wedding Feature Wednesday here at Southern Bride & Groom! Lindsey submitted her wedding to us through our website, and we couldn’t help but feature it after reading her sweet love story! Read on for the couple’s story and gorgeous photos from Dara Blakeley Photography.
Lindsey & Jeff met while attending North Carolina State University, but never became close, so after graduation, the duo slowly lost touch. Several years later, they ran into each other and started to catch up. Jeff was trying to get a group of friends together to go skydiving, and asked Lindsey if she’d like to come along. She was scared, but of course, said yes, and she and a friend went together. After such an amazing “first date,” Jeff & Lindsey were inseparable.
Three years later, Lindsey was itching for a proposal. So when Jeff called her to say he was buying a new truck, she wasn’t too happy about it…she wanted him to save up for a ring! When she went over to his house after work to see his new “toy,” she opened the garage to him kneeling on one knee with a beautiful ring. He asked her to marry him, and after getting over the initial shock, she couldn’t help but scream “YES!”
When the couple began planning their May 5, 2012 wedding, they immediately fell in love with the Angus Barn Pavilions — the perfect combination of rustic charm and elegance. With a color scheme of navy blue and bright apple green in mind, the couple got to work with the rest of the details. The palette was carried out through navy bridesmaids dresses, navy suits for the guys and blue table linens, while the green added a fun pop of color with the groomsmen’s ties and the girls’ bouquets.
Lindsey & Jeff used SB&G throughout their wedding planning to ease the stress, and ended up using a slew of our vendors to make their big day perfect, including: a stunning wedding gown from Alexia’s, Sally Oakley (coordination), Caffe Luna (bridesmaids luncheon), and Dara Blakeley (photographer).
Congrats Lindsey & Jeff…your wedding was beautiful! And remember, rain on a wedding day means good luck and a prosperous future!
Wedding & Reception Location: Angus Barn Pavilions
Minister: Ed Sansbury
Rerhearsal Dinner: North Ridge Country Club
Wedding Planner: Sally Oakley
Brides Maid Luncheon: Caffe Luna
Bridal Gown: Liancarlo from Alexia’s
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Bridesmaid’s Jewelry: Etsy
Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo
Formalwear: Jos.A.Banks
Hair: Steven Norton
Makeup: Luxe
Photographer: Dara Blakeley
Videographer: Heart Stone Films
Florist: Fleurtations
Cake: Swank Cake Designs
Invitations: Paperbuzz
Ceremony Musicians: Arioso Strings
Reception Music: Fantasy Band
Rentals: CE Rentals
Wedding Favors: Koozies- www.totallyweddingkoozies.com
Welcome, Newly-Engaged NC Brides
Happy New Year and welcome to Engagement Season! Lots of sparkling new diamond engagement rings were doled out in the last few weeks; December is the most popular month of the year for US engagements.
Dara Blakeley Photography
Congratulations to all of the newly-engaged couples!
Southern Bride & Groom is here for all the new NC brides, to help you plan your Triangle Area wedding, or nearby NC or Southern destination wedding. We have served the NC Triangle for over 25 years with our annual wedding magazine, which offers brides a selection of the finest wedding venues and top wedding professionals in the area.
Our blog is full of regular advice columns, inspirational photo posts, and real NC wedding features (we accept submissions from brides like you!). Also be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to hear about our monthly contests and bridal giveaways, and on Pinterest for more eye-candy.
SB&G’s annual Triangle NC wedding planning magazine was recently-released and is now available for free at all of the top Triangle wedding vendors and storefronts you will find when perusing the PLANNING section of our website. If you are out of the area and would like to order a magazine to help you plan your NC wedding, visit our Magazine page and submit a postal payment and we’ll get one out to you!
We’ll be posting the online version soon as well, so stay tuned for that.
If you do not have plans for this weekend, a great way for the newly-engaged to get cracking on that wedding planning is to attend The Wedding Show, the state’s longest-running bridal show, which takes place in Raleigh THIS WEEKEND – January 5 & 6, at the NC State Fairgrounds. The show will include fashion previews, cake and food tastings, and lots of amazing Triangle wedding professionals that you will get to meet under one roof. SB&G will be there – look for our booth and stop by to pick up the brand-new 2013 magazine, and register for a couple of trip giveaways that we’ll be gifting.
Real NC Wedding – Blair & Spencer
It’s Wedding Feature Wednesday here at SB&G, and y’all…prepare for some adorable photos & a super sweet love story from our gorgeous bride, Blair!
Blair and Spencer met in high school, but not much came out of it as they went to two separate colleges — she to the University of North Carolina and he to Elon University. After graduating, both moved away, but returned to the NC area in 2008, where they ran into each other at a mutual friend’s wedding and immediately hit it off…they’ve been together ever since!
Earlier this year, the couple planned a night out in Chapel Hill, and Spencer suggested grabbing cocktails at The Carolina Inn before their dinner reservations later that evening. After enjoying a glass of wine, Spencer walked Blair over to the Old Well, where he dropped to one knee and popped the question! Of course, Blair said yes, and they began planning their August wedding.
The couple chose The Great Room at Top of the Hill as the perfect spot for their big day for its awesome location and relaxed aesthetics. It was truly a family affair, as personal friends and relatives played a huge role in the production of Blair and Spencer’s dream wedding; the bakery is owned by the groom’s cousins, and even the florist was a close friend of the family!
Their gorgeous day was pulled off with a soft and summery color pallet of yellow and grey, carried out through the bridesmaids dresses and stunning florals.
Blair and Spencer used SB&G throughout the wedding planning process and chose awesome vendors from the SB&G family, including: The Great Room at Top of the Hill, Croasdaile Country Club, Tre Bella Bridal, and Bella Trio Day Spa. Now, enjoy these photos from Krystal Kast Photography!
Congrats Blair and Spencer…your wedding was beautiful, and SB&G wishes you all the best!
