Posts Tagged ‘real raleigh weddings’
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!
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 NC Wedding — The Grand Marquise Ballroom
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a fabulous Real NC Wedding feature for y’all today! Sherena and Xavier married in March at The Grand Marquise Ballroom, and she was SUCH a stunning bride! Congrats Sherena and Xavier, your wedding was gorgeous!
Sherena first laid eyes on Xavier outside of Harrelson Hall on NC State’s campus, and it was love at first sight! Six years later, the day after her birthday, Xavier asked Sherena to be his bride, and of course, she said yes!
Since she was six years old, Sherena had dreamed of having a big, fairytale wedding, and because her husband-to-be’s last name was King, she settled on the theme “A King’s Affair.” After months of searching for the perfect venue for her “royal” wedding, she stumbled across The Grand Marquise Ballroom, and knew it was the place she’d been looking for. Sherena fell in love with the ballroom’s Louis XIV interior, marble columns, ornate trim and coffer ceilings with crystal chandeliers.
The duo’s charcoal and silver wedding took place in March, and the royal theme was carried out through a custom emblem surrounding the wedding monogram – used on everything from the aisle runner and the programs to the reception floor lighting and the wedding signage!
After receiving a copy of Southern Bride & Groom at The Grand Marquise, Sherena and Xavier used many members of the SB&G family to make their day perfect, including: Shawn Schindler of Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events, beautiful florals by Fresh Affairs, a delicious “K” monogrammed cake from Sweet Memories Bakery, and delicious food from Rocky Top Catering. 
Wedding & Reception Location: The Grand Marquise Ballroom – Garner, NC
Minister: Rev. Algernon McKenzie
Rerhearsal Dinner: Babylon Restaurant
Wedding Planner: Shawn Schindler of Your Special Day Weddings and Special Events
Catering: Rocky Top Catering
Bridal Gown: Ines di Santo
Bridal Shoes: Pink Paradox London
Bridal Jewelry: Erin Cole
Bridesmaid Dresses: Watters & Wtoo
Formalwear: Ronnie Warner – Life Tailor Made & Black by Vera Wang
Hair: Ebony J. Loving Your Hair Salon
Makeup: S. Davis Makeup Artistry, LLC
Photographer: Michelle Gunton Photography
Videographer: Hart to Heart Media, Inc.
Florist: Fresh Affairs
Cake: Sweet Memories Bakery
Invitations: Magnet Street
Ceremony Musicians: North Carolina Harp Ensemble
Reception Music: Joe Bunn DJ Company
Rentals: CE Rentals
Guest Accommodations: Wingate By Wyndham
Wedding Favors: Krispy Kreme donuts
Transportation: Blue Diamond Limousine
Real Raleigh NC Wedding — Cobblestone Hall
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
Raleigh NC Wedding — The Oaks at Salem
Stephanie and Ted married at The Oaks at Salem, a picturesque venue in Apex complete with gorgeous trees, a quaint pond and a stunning manor house. They brought together an amazing team of vendors to make their big day exactly how they’d pictured it, including Erin McLean Events, Kevin Milz Photography, Rev. Barbara Lodge, Elegant Violin Duets, The English Garden, MakeUpForYourDay, Party Reflections, and Cute Buttons.
With an elegant color pallet of navy blue, green and ivory carried out through the flowers, bridesmaids dresses and stationary, the couple transformed The Oaks into their own unique space to celebrate with their family and friends. A delectable dessert table complete with cupcakes, brownies, cookies and cake kept the guests full and on the dance floor all night long!
Enjoy these gorgeous photos by Kevin Milz Photography, and congratulations to Stephanie and Ted!
Wedding Planner: Erin with Erin McLean Events
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Oaks at Salem
Photographer: Kevin Milz Photography
Clergy: Barbara Lodge
Ceremony Musicians: Elegant Violin Duets
Caterer: Belle’s Catering
Florist: The English Garden
Dessert Bar: Erin McLean Events
Hair and Makeup: MakeUpForYourDay
DJ: KMDJ Company
Rentals: Party Reflections
Invitations: Cute Buttons
Real Raleigh NC Wedding – Wil & Brian
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
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!
Couples Wedding Fashion at Raleigh’s Historic Cobblestone Hall
Our gorgeous bride, Catalina, and her beau, Adam, married last year, and had a blast reliving their wedding day for our shoot at Raleigh’s Historic Cobblestone Hall with the ever-talented Neil Boyd Photography. Cobblestone Hall was an ideal location for this shoot, with its cobblestone lanes and old brick walls, we were able to capture our bride and groom against stunning natural, eclectic backdrops.
The photo above features an adorable short wedding dress from Gorgeous Gowns in Cary. While the groom sports a khaki tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear. Ninth Street Flowers created a gorgeous, brightly colored bouquet for this shoot.
This fun, tulle wedding dress from Gorgeous Gowns is ideal for a beach or more casual ceremony. Its lightweight fabric is perfect for a wedding during the warm summer months! Our groom’s khaki tuxedo from Bernard’s Formalwear is a wonderful match for the bride’s casual look.
These beautiful wedding dresses are also from Gorgeous Gowns in Cary. On the left, our bride wears a demure one-shoulder satin gown with one of our favorite details — pockets! On the right, the back-view of the lightweight tulle gown from previous photos can be seen. With its subtle train, we think it’s perfectly elegant.
This gown, a detail shot from the opening photo, is an adorable short satin dress with matching shrug from Gorgeous Gowns. The sweet and Southern jewelry is from Anfesa’s Jewelers, and Douglas Carroll Salon did a fabulous job bringing out Catalina’s natural beauty!
These stunning formal wedding gowns are from Savvi Bridal, while our groom sports a more classic look from Savvi Formalwear. We love the dropped-waist on the gown on the right, and the bejeweled bodice adds the perfect amount of glam.
One-shoulder gowns have become increasingly popular, and with styles like the one above from Savvi Bridal, we understand why! The ruched bodice and jeweled waist detail give this dress a Grecian vibe that we’re totally smitten with. Our groom’s tuxedo is from Savvi Formalwear.
So, brides and grooms, when you’re looking for the latest in wedding fashion, don’t leave Gorgeous Gowns, Bernard’s Formalwear, Savvi Bridal and Savvi Formalwear off your list! And if you’re looking for a venue with old-world charm, look no further than Cobblestone Hall.
We’d like to extend a huge thanks to everyone who made this wonderful shoot possible, including: Neil Boyd Photography, Gorgeous Gowns, Bernard’s Formalwear, Savvi Bridal, Savvi Formalwear, Douglas Carroll Salon, Ninth Street Flowers, Anfesa’s Jewelers, Cobblestone Hall, and of course, our sweet couple — Catalina and Adam!
Real NC Wedding — Lindsey & Jeff
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
The Matthew’s House Open House – January 13th
The Matthews House is one of our favorite local venues — we are over the moon for its elegant decor, heart pine floors & lush lawns under stately Oak trees.
Open Houses are the perfect opportunity for brides and grooms-to-be to check out the ins-and-outs of a venue, and in this case, even sample the food by The Matthews House Catering Team, and their brand new bakery division, Patisserie, which will focus on wedding cakes, decadent pastries & delicious desserts! The Matthews House is dedicated to using fresh and local products, which makes the food all the better!
Head to Cary’s historic Chatham street on Sunday the 13th and see if this venue is a good fit for your big day dreams!