Stephanie + Justin 10.9.11

When I met Stephanie for the first time, I was so excited for her wedding day!  The thought of all her homemade goodies, the BBQ, the home-brewed beer, the dancing, and all the other details...(I really could go on and on), I just couldn't wait.

Stephanie and Justin's nuptuals were held at the beautiful Rock Quarry Farm in Chapel Hill.  The main home is over 120 years old!  The current owners have put some major TLC into updating and renovating it (any bride would enjoy indoor plumbing!), yet still maintaining the charm and nostalgia of home's history.  I cannot wait to do another wedding there (call me Camille!!).

The BBQ that Stephanie couldn't stop raving about was courtsey of Allen & Son's in Chapel Hill (sorry guys, no link, the restaurant doesn't have a website!).  Those guys pulled up with some authentic southern cookin!  Best banana pudding I've had in a loooong time.  The rest of the days goodies came straight from the bride's kitchen.  Stephanie actually sells her homemade goods online at The Bumpkin Gourmet (the pumpkin caramel sauce & jalapeno-peach jam is beyond delish!). 

as guests arrived, they were welcomed by some of the wedding party and this adorable sign

while the guests waited for the ceremony, a vicious game of cornhole took place

'I Do' Ale

Stephanie found vintage soda bottles with some very cool flavors (ever had boysenberry soda?)

the beautiful bride patiently waiting

the bride used haybales draped with pieces quilted fabric for seating

they're married!!!

the wedding party.  Those sunflowers were gorgeous!

the bride and her maids.  They each got to pick their own dress

the bride continued to incorporate the burlap and sunflowers into the reception decor

the bluegrass band.  They were awesome!  yes, that house is real.  =)

guests were treated to Stephanie's homemade red velvet, pumpkin and vanilla cupcakes (with plain and chocolate milk!)

Yum!

as the evening winded down, guests were encouraged to take some of Stephanie's pumpkin caramel sauce AND apple pie jam!

Stephanie, your wedding was absolutly beautiful!  I'm still daydreaming of your jalapeno-peach jam and the pumpkin caramel sauce....  

Jen + Michael 10.8.11

I am sooooooo excited to post this blog!!  I have been waiting paitently for these pictures to come and they're finally here!!  Jen was the most DIY/crafty/artistic bride we've seen in a long time.  She put so much thought into every detail imaginable.  The end result = a beautifly crafted rustic chic wedding in Chapel Hill, NC. 

First, let me thank our wonderful vendors --- without each and every one of you, this event would not have been as flawless as it was.  Major cudos to you.  =) 

Our venue was the mysterious Barn at Valhalla.  If you've ever been to the Barn, you'll know why I say 'mysterious' --- it's always a gamble if you're guests are going to find it!  Tre Bella of Durham did an amazing job on all the flowers.  Our caterer was Durham Catering Co., which thanks to them, I was able to try my very first pickled okra (Yum!).  And of course, our photographer, Cole Gorman of Blest Photography -- without you this event would not have been perfectly captured. 

How amazing is this?!
Blest Photography

How cool are those ulehe fern fronds (a.k.a. fiddleheads)!? 
Blest Photography



Jen made this bunting banner herself!  Told you she was crafty!
Blest Photography

Dinner was served under the most amazing tent ever!

How cool are these bunting banners??
Blest Photography

Each table centerpiece was a little different than the next.  I loved the mis-matched eclectic vibe and of course the fresh herbs!

Who doesn't love milk glass?!
Blest Photography

Who doesn't love fresh Basil?!
Blest Photography

Who doesn't love rustic-looking lanterns?!
Blest Photography

I LOVED her china!  The coolest plates. ever.
Blest Photography

Jen designed & made all her stationary herself!  Ah-mazing!
Blest Photography

After guests had to sing for their food (a totally outrageous in-prompt-to a cappella break out), they were ushered into the barn for dancing and sweets.

Blest Photography

Since Jen & Michael already had a killer "guest book", they set out an antique typewritter for guests to peck away well wishes and notes

Yes, that typewriter really worked.
Blest Photography

no traditional wedding cake here!  Lots of cookies, brownies, mini cupcakes, bundt cakes, and coconut cake!
Blest Photography



How adorable is this cake topper?!  You have to check out their engagement session to really get it 

Blest Photography

Sorry Cole, I couldn't help myself! 
Blest Photography via a random guest  =)

There were soooo many awesome shots that I had the hardest time picking which would make the blog.  Please check out the Premier's Facebook page to see the full album.

One last shot for the road...

Blest Photography

Kristi & Bryan 9.24.11

Kristi and I first met back in Januray when she booked Premier for her wedding day coverage.  I couldn't wait for her day to finally get here!  Kristi & Bryan were such a fun couple to work with!  I mean, not everyone actually has a bleeding armadillo Groom's cake!!  When she told me she wanted that for Bryan, I HAD to make it happen!  Thank you so much to Leona of Frosted Bliss for reincarnating 'Shelby's' bleeding armadillo grooms' cake - with grey icing! 

Finally their day arrived --- Kristi & Bryan were able to come together and celebrate with friends and loved ones of their very special union. 

A very special "Thank You" to Teresa Porter of My Friend Teresa Photography for the beautiful pictures.  You captured the day flawlessly! 

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

How adorable are these flower girls?!! 

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

I absolutly LOVE the lights in this church! it looked like stars =)

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

  Kristi's dress was absolutely gorgeous!!

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

"(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

 Kristi and Bryan decided to do their Father/Daugher & Mother/Son dances together - very sweet!!

"(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

"(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

 Here it is, in all it's bleeding glory! 

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

 One of my favorits!! 

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

(c) 2011. Teresa Porter. My Friend Teresa Photography. www.myfriendteresa.com

Kristi & Bryan - your wedding was beautiful!  Many blessings to you both!

the sweet taste of Hope

As I've mentioned before, Fall is a very busy time of year for weddings/events.  Our state bleeds Carolina-blue skies all season long and we are lucky enough to enjoy beautiful fall weather.  So this means lots going on!!  This also means, I can get a behind with "housekeeping" and I'm loooong overdue for a blog post.  =) 

Premier was blessed with the opportunity to help plan the Annual Benefit Dinner for House of Hope.  I cannot tell you how excited I was to work on this event - the venue, the caterer, and of course the folks at House of Hope.  You all were a pleasure to work with and I hope there are many more endeavors together. 

A special "thanks" to Dan Hacker Photography for the lovely photos that captured the event:

All the jars had cute little tags on them.  <3

never actually tried taking candy from a baby, but I'm sure it isn't easy!

A special "Thank You" to the staff at Marbles Kids Museum - you guys did an excellent job with everything!  Set-up, A/V, breakdown, etc.  Premier cannot wait to work with you again!

Our tables were decorated by the very talented Krystl Newton.  She was so generous with her time and creativity.  Thank you Krystl for making the event stand out!

Look at all that delicious food!!  Cafe Luna did an amazing job catering for 200 people!

Towards the end of the evening, House of Hope had guests stand up and give their "cardboard testimony".  This was one of the best parts - being able to hear actual stories from individuals who's life was directly impacted and changed for the better.  All because of House of Hope and financial donations.

Thank you again to all the vendors and volunteers who came together to make the night as special as it was.  It shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that this Benefit Dinner had the most donations since HOH started hosting the event!  Thank you to all who made financial donations!  You are truely making an impact to young girls in need.

Since House of Hope is a Christian non-profit organization, they depend solely on the generosity of the surrounding community.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating to House of Hope, or want to learning more about what the organization does, please visit their website for more information.