Real Wedding: Danielle + Phillip at Merrimon-Wynne House

I have been waiting for so long to share this wedding with you! Shortly after we got the pictures, we were told that Style Me Pretty was going to feature it on instagram and in their vault. Then we decided to use this wedding as our feature in Southern Bride and Groom. Yes, it was that beautiful! So we had to hold on until the magazine came out. It was totally worth the wait. The feature is below and it is perfect. Not only did Michael and Carina just do an exceptional job with photos (who are the cutest couple and so easy to work with!)- but I just loved Danielle and Philip and the whole process. I know you probably hear me say often that we have the best clients. But seriously, we have the best clients. 

I met Danielle and Philip almost a year out from their date. We chatted over coffee and I instantly just loved their vibe. I can always tell that the planning process is going to be really great when I get to work with the groom as well. I just love seeing the chemistry in my couples. It helps me understand them so much better and I really feel like I can get a handle on their vision. I enjoyed every bit of planning their wedding. They are the warmest, kindest, most thoughtful people and I loved how much they just trusted me. We always laughed and had the best time at meetings. It was one of those events that I truly, really, was so sad to see put in my "past weddings" folder. 

I was so into this design. I loved every piece and element. I really wanted blush napkin ties - and people seriously need to take a lesson on the color blush. It is one of my biggest pet peeves. All I could find was champagne or baby girl pink. So, I of course, decided to just hand dye some fabric. It was worth it. We picked out a lounge with a hanging dessert table, and I think the pergola at The Merrimon-Wynne was by far my favorite spot! I loved the desserts from all their favorite countries, the trio for cocktail hour, the polaroid guest book, the menu card place mat, and all the small details. It was so much them and who they are. 

It unfortunately decided to rain - but that did not stop this crowd. They were greeted inside the house with a glass of gold sugar rimmed champagne. We left them all in the house until right before the ceremony and shuttled them outside under umbrellas as quickly as possible. The ceremony was held in the pergola of the carriage house. The rain eased up literally almost exactly as they were walking down the aisle. It was perfect. The bridal party then hopped onto The Raleigh Trolley and took some photos downtown while guests enjoyed passed apps and drinks back inside the house. We then got everyone back inside the carriage house for a very yummy plated meal. The party did not want to stop! It was a fantastic group who partied the night away. The sweetest part of all was at the end of the night. We were all lined up getting ready to do sparklers and the bride and groom pulled me aside to give me a gift. It was so sweet that they took the time on their day to do that. It is one of my favorite moments. 

I am so, so, so happy they chose me. It is by far one of my top 5 weddings I have planned. Danielle and Philip- I am so grateful I got to work with you two! Thank you for trusting me, and letting me be a part of your day. If we could do it again- I would in a heartbeat. 

Enjoy the photos from Micheal and Carina
















Below is the Wedding Feature in Southern Bride and Groom:



Thanks to all our awesome vendors!
Planner: Dana with C&D Events
Rentals: CE Rental
Specialty Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Ceremony Florals: Bushel and Peck Designs
Reception Florals: Tre Bella 
 Ceremony and Reception Music: SPIN
Cocktail Music: Carolina String Society
Dessert: Details Cake Design
Hair and Makeup: Perfection by Patricia

Happy Holidays!

We want to extend the warmest wishes for the happiest holiday season possible. We are so looking forward to taking a break with our families and getting some much needed snuggle time, cookie baking, and of course lots of giggles. We love this season for some many reasons! We love the kindness people exude, the anticipation of gift giving, and the love that we give and get from those that mean the most to us. No matter if you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, The Solstice, or just the break- we hope it is relaxing, wonderful, and full of joy and cheer. 

So- from our family to yours - Happy Holidays! 

photo by: Anderson Shore Photography



**Just as a reminder the office will be closed from today to December 28th.**

Our Favorite Things...Part II

The second part of Our Favorite Things! Today, we hear from Bailey, Dana, Leah & Whitney!

Bailey's Favorites
The Holiday: Curling up and watching this movie with Hot Coca (spied with Bailey's) is one of my favorite traditions with my girlfriends every Christmas!

Love and Lemons Cookbook: This darling cookbook isn't just great for its amazing photos, but its recipes are delightful! It will spark some inspiration into your regular cooking routine!


Dana's Favorites
Kendra Scott Sophee earrings: These are my go to earrings. I got them last year from my momma. Previously, I just stole Courtney's pair every other day. I think she told mom to get them for me so I would stop taking hers! They go with everything! I especially love them in rose gold. They are perfect for a casual day volunteering at school, catching a meeting, or dressing up and going out on a date!  I also really love the quality - they don't hurt my ears, and they are super light, so they don't feel like I am wearing a statement earring. They are a great neutral that anyone who like earrings will appreciate. I seriously love these - I wear them at least 4 times a week!

America's Test Kitchen Cookbook: 30 Minute Meals: My MIL got this for me a few years ago in the height of Bradford construction. She said she wanted to give me something that made my life easier. It is seriously one of the most useful gifts I have ever gotten. It has really awesome recipes in it with ingredients that I typically have on hand. I also now know some of the staples the recipes use and try to have that always in my pantry. Not only is it easy, quick, and efficient in terms of pots/pans but they are so yummy! We LOVE the salmon cakes, black bean burgers, shepherd's pie, spinach pesto, and glazed carrots to just name a few. If you don't know what to get a mom of toddlers, or someone who is just super busy ALL the time- this is the best gift!


Leah's Favorites
Melinda Maria Jewelry: Her jewelry (all styles) is so beautiful and unique, and best of all it's affordable! You can tell that the pieces are crafted well and each one is special. I own a lot of her pieces, but the Gwyneth Ring is one of my favorites!

Savory Spice Shop: The spices are so pure and high quality, and you can just tell the difference from the big name brand stuff. Their unique spice blends are the best and they have so many different sweet and savory options to choose from! Plus their prices are really great for such high quality spices. Right now one of my favorites is the Fajita seasoning - I literally put it on everything: Fajita Seasoning, Family Style!


Whitney's Favorites
Planners: I love, love, love a planner. I write all of my to-dos and appointments in my planner. I still use Google Calendar for a lot of items as well but there is something beautiful about holding paper in your hands and writing down your events with ink. This year (2017) I'm using the Gold Paper Source planner. It's a weekly edition so I can see the whole week on the page layout. Last year (2016) I used the Simplified Planner's daily edition and highly recommend it if you need/want a 30 minute breakdown for your day. 

Scarf with Pockets: Travel often? Hate carrying around your purse all the time? I bought this scarf when I took a trip to Italy to carry my Passport around and some money. After the trip, I found myself using it all the time. Hands-free and even adds a safety feature so you don't have your purse sitting somewhere or hanging on your shoulder. I have the charcoal color pictured here but they have a ton of fun patterns and colors too! Here's the link to check them out!


Real Wedding: Catherine + Justin

Hello all! I wanted to share with you some sweet images from one of my weddings this past Spring - Catherine and Justin were married at the Historic Baptist church in down town Raleigh and had their reception at Cafe Luna. The day was just beautiful and it was so evident how much love and support these two had from their families. They were both super laid back and go-with-the flow type of people which made the planning process fun and feel more like friends meeting up and chatting then a client/planner relationship. We also had the privilege of designing their invitations and their event through our sister company Bushel and Peck.  Hope you enjoy the pictures and maybe get a little inspiration! 
















Vendors
Venue: Cafe Luna
Floral: Bushel and Peck
Planner: Courtney/C and D Events