Posts Tagged ‘nc weddings’
NC Museum of Art is Auctioning off a Wedding
Hors d’oeuvres, small plates, a full bar and a signature cocktail will be served to attendees, followed by a silent auction featuring over 75 works of art by local artists, as well as items and packages that reflect the museum’s collection and exhibitions (like a Porsche Boudoir Photography suite in honor of the Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed exhibition, a honeymoon getaway, and the grand prize — a turnkey wedding package!
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to win a custom wedding and reception at the award-winning NCMA. Stunning works of art, turnkey service and amenities in a crisp, modern atmosphere will make your special day stand out as a “matrimonial masterpiece!”
At a $24,000 value, the custom wedding auction package includes a day-of coordinator and full reception event-planning services, an outdoor ceremony in the beautifully manicured NCMA garden (or inside the East Building, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate!), an indoor reception in the West Building Grand Hall, a floral package from Watered Garden Florist, white folding chairs for the ceremony, and color-coordinated linen package for the reception by CE Rentals, catering by Iris restaurant, bar service, a custom hors d’oeuvres menu, wait staff, a custom 3-tier wedding cake from Cinda’s Creative Cakes, a dance floor, and a DJ from Joe Bunn DJ Company!
The bidding starts at $13,000…so you could potentially save over $10,000 on the wedding of your dreams! This is serious value, y’all! And SB&G is so excited to announce a huge giveaway for this event! We are giving away a pair of tickets — that’s a $500 value! To enter, all you have to do is write on SB&G’s Facebook wall that YOU want a pair of tickets to the NCMA event by Friday, May 31st! Serious inquires only please, we want to send a couple who will bid in the auction!
Trust us, y’all, this is going to be something you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets today to reserve your spot!
New Real Wedding Feature — Sharon and Kevin
Sharon and Kevin were friends long before they became a pair, but when they finally got together, they were inseparable! We’ve featured their beautiful, intimate wedding at Solas in Downtown Raleigh on our Real Weddings Page, so check out the full story of their love here!
Want to have your wedding featured on SB&G? Submit it here!
NC Wedding Caterer — Rocky Top Catering
If you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply throwing a celebratory event, you need to get to know Rocky Top Catering!
Rocky Top is a multi-faceted business, with a full-service, off-site catering team, a free-standing wedding venue – 1705 Prime, and exclusive deals with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and UNC’s Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium.
As a long-standing member of the SB&G Family, Rocky Top is a trusted vendor that will go above and beyond to make your event truly special and unique – from customizing your menu to meet every taste, culture and theme, to experienced staff and licensed bartenders who are well-versed in the service industry.
Rocky Top provides off-site catering to any location throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina – be it a rehearsal dinner, a wedding, a small celebration or a large corporate event. Since Rocky Top has been around for a while, their team has established excellent relationships with many of the area’s top venues, such as The Sutherland, The Grand Marquise Ballroom, Cobblestone Hall, Stockroom at 230 and The Museum of History, just to name a few!
Rocky Top also has an upscale wedding venue, 1705 Prime, located just outside of downtown Raleigh in a restored Southern home. The venue has a variety of rooms to fit your event’s needs – from intimate settings to grand spaces. There’s a built-in dance floor in the main room, in-house tables, chairs and chinaware, and an on-site kitchen for their team to create delicious delicacies. Rocky Top will even provide event design and vendor coordination upon request!
Rocky Top is the exclusive caterer at the NC Musuem of Natural Sciences and UNC’s Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium. The breathtaking Museum offers meeting and reception areas for 30-375 seated guests, and reception areas for up to 775 people! The Blue Zone is also ideal for anything from a small gathering to a grand event, with stunning views of UNC’s football field and surrounding campus. And with Rocky Top catering the event, you can guarantee the food will be out of this world!
So, if you’re planning a wedding or any type of get together, contact Rocky Top Catering to see what their talented team can do for you!
Image Credit (top to bottom): Photography by Walters & Walters, Lauren Mann Photography and f8 Photo Studios (2)
Upcoming NC Wedding Event — Jenny Packham Trunk Show at Tre Bella Bridal
Jenny Packham is well known in the wedding world for her beautiful gowns with vintage flair, perfect for the bride who is looking for a little something “outside the box.” Her bridal gowns are a mixture of sophistication, elegance, sexiness and class.
At Tre Bella‘s Designer Days Trunk Show, you will have the chance to find the Jenny Packham gown of your dreams! Limited appointments are left, so call 919-323-7167 today to schedule yours. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jenny Packham’s stunning collection at Tre Bella!
Real NC Engagement Session — Love in Durham’s West Village
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
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!
SB&G’s New York Bridal Week Recap — Part 2
One of our favorite collections we had the opportunity to preview was Tulle by Antonio Gual. This collection was the epitome of romance — airy, light fabrics that look as easy to wear as they are easy on the eye. We fell in love with the ethereal look that ran throughout the collection. Here’s a peek at some of our favorites!
The Wendy gown features a strapless fit and flair silhouette with a sweetheart neckline. Wooden and crystal beads and intricate ribbon work create the floral motifs on silk organza. The separate belt is braided thread work with dangling pearls. 
The Jennifer gown (left) is a stunning silk crepe concoction featuring a v-neck and v-back with intricate thread work. The Anna gown (right) is a strapless organza ball gown with a corded French Chantilly lace embellished bodice.
The Lia gown is one of Antonio Gual‘s best sellers. Featuring a fabulous tulle one-shoulder detailed strap and a fit and flair silhouette, this gown is for the bride who wants to make a statement! Lightly beaded French lace appliqués cover the dress and give it a romanticized feel.
This gown is one of Tulle by Antonio Gual‘s best sellers! We’re over the moon for the sheer, lace three-quarter length sleeves and softly draped silhouette. 
The Lulu gown (long version) is an adorable netted frock with a draped bodice and dotted, layered full ballgown skirt.We were privileged to meet the designer, Antonio Gual, pictured below with Alexia Joyce, owner of Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in Raleigh, and Lana Addison Bridal in Cary — the latter of which carries this designer.
One of the booths we stopped by was Chaviano Couture. Cyn already knew the founder and designer, Annette Thurmon, from working together on a style shoot. I am so glad I got the chance to meet this lovely lady and see her booth, because her dresses were some of the most memorable I saw during my time at market. I am so excited to share them, here are two of her gowns from the Fall 2013 collection!
The Kristy is a stunning silk charmeuse gown with cap sleeves, illusion tulle and, here’s the best part, hand-painted organza French lace! The skirt was hand-painted by Kristy Rice of Momental Designs. We love this look! 
The gown above, also from Chaviano Couture, featured some of the most stunning lace patterns we saw while we were at Bridal Market!We also stopped into the Nina display. Nina is known for carrying “everything but the dress” — from jewelry to shoes and accessories to sashes. We wanted to check out some of their new lines, as Nina is carried by our local bridal boutique, Lana Addison Bridal.
Onto the next one! Pronovias is the largest bridal gown retailer in the world — it’s carried in 95 countries! Two of our local bridal boutiques carry lines from this company — Lana Addison Bridal carries Pronovias, and we ran into store owner Alexia Joyce at the booth on Saturday!
On Sunday, we joined Kate and Rachael Price of Durham’s full service salon, Tre Bella Bridal, at the booth, as they perused the new collection of the line they carry. Here are a few peeks at the gowns from their line, San Patrick, that they were considering. You’ll notice, once agin, that this year’s trend will be incredible detail and open backs!
We had a blast being behind-the-scenes at Bridal Market! Stay tuned to the SB&G blog for the rest of the featured series tomorrow and Friday!
Claire Pettibone 2014 Collection Preview — New York Bridal Market
The following photos are all by Cyn Kain Photography, and are each of the gowns from the Claire Pettibone Spring 2014 Collection, featuring her Decoupage designs.
This is Claire Pettibone’s Antoinette gown, a stunning ivory Leaver’s lace dress with a striped cameo motif and floral silk ribbon lace-up back, all lined in platinum silk. The deep v-neck is off-set by sweet, wide-set straps. Pettibone’s entire collection did not have a single strapless dress — such a change from trends of year’s past.
The Abigail gown is a platinum silk, a-line dress with floral lace and applique flowers. Cameo insets and sweet lace cap sleeves make this gown a perfect mix of trendy and timeless while tying in the art deco feel that is becoming so popular.
On the left, Claire Pettibone’s Charlotte gown features ivory Chantilly lace, sheer long sleeves and an a-line silhouette. The dress is lined in pearl silk and finished with a demure vintage floral belt. On the right, Pettibone’s Gladys gown is a sheath style with a Chantilly lace peplum detail. The cameo sheer back is embellished with delicate organza flowers.
Claire Pettibone’s Estelle gown is so, so chic. Its long, linen sleeves top off a fitted bodice and platinum silk charmeuse skirt with a Leaver’s lace waist and back. The high neckline is balanced out by the open, detailed back for a look that’s all-around stunning.
This gown, dubbed Florentine, is a beautiful mashup of ivory Leaver’s lace and platinum silk charmeuse. Guipure lace insets and a tulle train finished with a silk flower complete the ethereal look.
Pettibone’s Wren gown features one of the most stunning and intricate necklines. Pearl Chantilly lace and silk charmeuse make up the body of the dress, while guipure lace cap sleeves and a detailed open back finish the design.
This gown, Delaney, is made of beautiful ivory linen. Vintage lace insets, a guipure lace neckline and the barely-there sleeves make this dress perfectly whimsical and romantic.
Claire Pettibone’s Primrose gown features vintage French embroidery with a guipure lace neckline and a stunning velvet waist. The detachable tulle train and platinum and rose color combination are the perfect details to round out her Decoupage collection.
Cyn and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pettibone, who is just so sweet and genuine. We also got to snap a shot of Alexia Joyce alongside Claire. Alexia and her husband, Michael, own Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in Raleigh and Lana Addison Bridal in Cary, which carries Claire Pettibone. Look for some of these stunning new wedding gowns at Lana Addison Bridal later this summer and early this fall!
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is Growing – and Going Green
We at Southern Bride & Groom magazine know The Umstead Hotel and Spa best for its elegant weddings and receptions. We’ve featured several Umstead
Dara Blakeley Photography
wedding events over the last few years and you can view a stunning reception in our current edition! The award-winning Umstead is praised for so much more than exemplary events, including its acclaimed Herons restaurant, stellar spa facilities, impeccable service and luxurious guest accommodations. This month I discovered that great things are in the works at The Umstead when I was invited to a wonderful lunch and tour for a small group of area business professionals, hosted by founder and owner Ann Goodnight, General Manager John Beley, and marketing manager Darah Whyte.
We all informally discussed the direction of the Triangle business growth and learned much about the ecological vision of The Umstead Hotel and Spa. Manager, John Beley, is highly concerned and involved with employee workplace satisfaction, and was recognized when the hotel was named one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Triangle Business Journal in 2011. This assures their goal of an elevated guest experience in all aspects of service. The company mindset, the food, the additions and the renovations at The Umstead Hotel & Spa all reflect a renewed and dedicated purpose towards worker and guest happiness, along with conservation of the environment.
GOING GREEN with DINING
The Umstead Hotel and Spaas a whole is moving towards a state-of-the-art eco-friendly system – and I’ll elaborate on that below. But allow me a diversion so I can share our outstanding lunch. I know we are all foodies here in our Triangle area. Seriously, the diners at our lunch were taking pictures of their dishes as they were served before the first bite!
Dara Blakeley Photography
Herons, the (5-diamond AAA, Forbes Five Star, and a dozen more awards) restaurant located in The Umstead Hotel, is the perfect pick for an impressive occasion, but really should be experienced for any special lunch or dinner outing with friends. The restaurant was very busy on our Thursday lunch day in April, but never felt crowded. After enjoying a salad of lovely baby spring lettuces, hoop cheddar and pickled strawberries with white balsamic, some of Chef John Childer’s entrée choices included a Lobster Roll with hand-cut vinegar potato chips, a Hot Smoked Salmon with butter beans, sugar snap peas and arugula, and Grass Fed Beef Sirloin with roasted marble potatoes, crispy broccoli and bacon sauce. I enjoyed a succulent natural chicken breast over Carolina rice that was melt-in-your-mouth tender! For dessert, we chose between a lemony chocolate napoleon in puff pastry or an original Pavlova with strawberries and mascarpone over coconut angel food cake created by pastry chef Daniel Benjamen. With the yummmmm-murmerings of everyone at the table, it was tough not to ask for one of everything on the menu that day, but I vow to return to enjoy more selections.
FARM FRESH, LOCAL and HOMEMADE
We learned that The Umstead has it’s own mini-farm called Maggie’s Farm, named after its manager guru. This organic enterprise freshly supplies nearly all of Herons vegetables, fruits and herbs during the full growing seasons. Herons menu also serves natural and locally-sourced meats plus organic coffee from local purveyor, Larry’s Beans. Even the coffee grounds are being used within their mushroom farming project. Hooray for herb scones and melt in your mouth cornbread and rolls. All breads and pastries are homemade by chef Daniel. Herons is an impressive dining experience to share with your business group, associates, friends or special partner. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out. Herons also hosts Uncorked Wine Dinners every last Thursday of the month to enjoy perfect wine and food pairings along with new taste experiences!
ADDITIONS & RENOVATIONS with ENERGY CONSERVATION
The Umstead Hotel is on their final phase to complete the 150 guestrooms of their original plan when opened in 2007. Guestrooms have been redecorated in a soothing aqua shade and have luxurious new drapery, curtains, carpet, bedding and interactively built-in bedframes. The balconies allow guests to also enjoy the natural outdoor surroundings.
The guest rooms are incorporating an evolve system – a environmentally conscious controlled lighting and energy-savings installation that is personalized for guests. The Umstead Hotel as a whole is moving towards a state-of-the-art eco-friendly system for energy conservation.
Even the captivating artwork that is exhibited throughout the hotel, as well as in each beautiful guestroom, reflects this love of nature. The pieces are mainly by accomplished regional and national artists whose work evokes our area of the country, and reflects the hotel’s wooded North Carolina setting that borders the William B. Umstead State Park.
THE SPA – THERE’S MORE TO COME and ENJOY
My experiences at The Umstead Spa have always been memorable. It’s the ideal place to relax and bond with a friend, or enjoy with the “girls” to celebrate an occasion. I personally love the hot-tub time between massage treatments to unwind. The Spa is currently closed for expansion and design refurb, so stay tuned for the newly enlarged spa news and the slated re-opening in July. We hear (from top sources!) there will be a new coed “current” pool, in addition to the separate men’s and women’s sauna and whirlpool areas, plus a sophisticated new nail salon with more pedicure chairs, which I think may be the most comfortable spa chairs on the planet!
A WORD ABOUT THE WEDDINGS
To the brides who are looking for that perfect wedding weekend location, you’ll be happy to know that The Umstead brides can enjoy the gorgeous wedding garden that overlooks the pine-surrounded lake for their ceremony, then choose between a smaller intimate banquet room or elegant larger ballroom, both with an extensive outdoor patio terrace to use for the wedding of her dreams. Brides will love the spa and its services, and may enjoy a bridal event such as a bridesmaids’ luncheon in the spa or by the pool. The guest rooms have been updated and the service is unsurpassed so this is a hotel that has it all.
We love the greening of The Umstead!
~ Donna Parks, Publisher, SB&G
2013 Wedding Trends — Blush Inspiration
Blush is the perfect soft and romantic pink hue that can be paired with almost any color on the spectrum, which is ideal for weddings, where everyone’s taste is vastly different. I love blush tones paired with a glittery gold metallic, soft peaches or champagnes, classic ivories, and even darker hues like charcoal or violet. This hot hue has been popping up in weddings all over the country — some brides are even going bold and donning pink dresses for their big day!
This color palette is so feminine and romantic, which makes it absolutely gorgeous for an outdoor warm weather ceremony and reception! Take a look at the inspiration board below to see how blush can be incorporated into everything from your wedding day stationary to your florals, and even your decor!
So, embrace blush y’all! It’s such a soft shade of pink that I bet you can even get your groom-to-be on board!