Nicole + Joe 6.20.11

When I first met with Nicole and Joe, I couldn't help but notice how in love they were with each other.  And not the "get a room" type of love; but the sweet, "this is going to last" type of love.  Then, when I found out Joe is serving in the Marine Corps, I was totally sold on these guys!   How could I not do a wedding when the bride's name is Nicole and the groom is in the military?!!  It was destiny. 

Since not all of us have jobs that force us to learn all the Saturday dates in each month, you probably didn't notice that June 20th was not a Saturday --- it was a Wednesday!  Yep, these crazy love birds decided to get married on a Wednesday!  The ceremony and reception was held at Shady Wagon Farm in New Hill, NC.  The bride & groom got married by the lake which provided a beautiful backdrop for guests during the ceremony.  Once Nicole & Joe were pronounced husband and wife, guests were escorted around the pond and over to the pavilion for cocktails and appetizers.  

Catering by Design did an amazing job with the food and beverages!  Plus the service was outstanding!  Great job guys!  As usual, Cinda's Creative Cakes pulled out another amazing cake design!  I LOVED their cake topper and cute little details Nicole had her add!  Cinda also provided the guests favors with her impressive candy buffet. 

Patrick Cooke with PC Productions kept the guests entertained with music and fun games for the guests.  Patrick and his team also did a great job with purple uplighting for the barn during Nicole & Joe's dinner!  Have I mentioned I love purple uplights?!  ;)

Mel Day from Dogwood Tree Floral Designs did an amazing job pulling together Nicole's vision for her colors.  I loved the mixing of purples, reds, and pinks! 

Thank you to Anne Alexander for taking these great shots and really capturing Nicole & Joe's super sweet wedding day!  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicole & Joe - it was truly our pleasure to be a part of your special day!!  We wish you many years of happiness together!!!  Congrats!

Nicole + Jimmy 5.20.12

For anyone who has been flowing our blog and/or me in general, knows that Jimmy and I (finally) tied the knot back in May.  The whole "Wedding Planner planning her own wedding" thing was very interesting.  For the most part, I was just like any other working bride --I did most of my (personal) planning at night/on the weekends when I wasn't attending to the needs of my clients (i.e. other brides!).  There were some minor (and a few major) bumps along the way, but now I fully know what it feels like to "walk the walk".  =)

The ceremony was held at Fairmont United Methodist Church.  Jimmy and I had been searching alllll over Raleigh and when we walked into Fairmont, we both immediately agreed that "this was the place!"  The church has the most beautiful set of stained glass windows.  Eight in all that depict the life of Jesus, from birth to the cross.  

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the Renaissance at North Hills for the cocktail hour and the reception.  Thanks to my amazing vendors, the ballroom was BREATHTAKING!  I mean, really!  Patrick Cooke and his team from PC Productions outdid themselves with the purple uplighting!  I couldn't believe how amazing the room looked.  Also, the team at English Garden did an amazing job setting up hundreds (literally!) of floating candles and purple roses on the tables.  The combination of candlelight and uplighting blew my expectations out of the water!   

Next was our cake.  Leona Taylor of Frosted Bliss Cakes created a cake that was just too pretty to cut!!  (we eventually did cut it, though!).  Everything was amazing!

I am sooo thankful that we hired our videographer!  It was something we weren't going to do, but my mom and (at the time, future) sister-in-law convinced us to reconsider.  Vincent Murphy and his team from Red Carpet Wedding Films did an amazing job covering our day.  They killed it! 

Lastly, a HUGE thank you to Karen Clark for being my day-of planner!!!   There wasn't anyone else I would have trusted with our wedding day!  You are amazing!   

Special thanks to our photographer, Cole Gorman of Blest Photography for capturing our special day. (warning!  lots of pictures ahead!  =) )

 

  

my "something blue"  =)

 

 

my "something borrowed" Grandpa Sam bought these in Italy for Grandma.  <3

"Bye!  See ya at the church!" 

 

love love loved our bouquets!!!  Thank you English Garden!

<3

hehehe!  They thought they were so cool!

one of the best moments of the day

 

the new Mr & Mrs! 

I still can't believe this was our ballroom! 

 

 

 

YUM!!!

 

Mr. & Mrs. Jimmy Conder  :)

 

 

some of our guests were "encouraging" him to smash cake in my face!  Luckly he knew better!  HA!

 

 

 

I cannot wait for the video - Jimmy danced for me before he took off the garter! 

 

 

Normally, I end our postings thanking the couple for allowing us to be a part of their special day.  Since I can't really do that, I am thanking the vendors and my parents.  I know I've said it already, but I really could not have done this without their amazing help and talent.  My vendors were the force behind the magic.  Yes, I planned it, but without them it would not have gone off without a hitch.  From the bottom of my heart, thank y'all so much!!   <3