Jamie + Ethan 6.16.12

As I sit here trying to put into words what was such a beautiful and special day for two people who have become great friends of mine, I realize that it was just over a year ago today that I first met with Jamie & Ethan and started on their wedding journey with them.  As people say, time flies when you're having fun! 

At our first meeting I soon found out that Jamie was going to be a very busy bride!  Busier than most actually.  Her and Ethan were moving to Raleigh, house-hunting, job-hunting, AND planning a wedding all at the same time!  Whew!  We definitely had our work cut out for us.  =)  Thankfully Jamie knew what she liked and knew what she wanted.  As we met with our vendors, we slowly but surely started to pull together the most beautiful ivory, purple, and BLING wedding!

The ceremony was held at Hope Lutheran Church in Wake Forest.   When Jamie showed me a picture of the sanctuary, I was blown away!  It is stunning! 

After Jamie & Ethan said "I do" guests made their way to the Embassy Suites in Brier Creek for cocktails and appetizers on the outdoor patio.  Even though it was mid-June, the weather was perfect for outdoor socializing!  If you haven't checked out the Embassy Suites, you must go!  The decor and architecture is amazing! 

Thanks to all our super talented vendors - Ashley Cakes, The English Garden, DJ Paul Fitts, and Red Carpet Wedding Films for their dedication to details and making each bride's day feel special.  You all rock!

Thank you to Lisha Myers Photography for sharing these beautiful shots! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I LOVED Jamie's dress!!  Lucky gal got to go to Kleinfelds with her mom and actually met the designer! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Matron of Honor's daughter was the cutest wedding guest ever!

Jamie & Ethan - Thank you guys so much for allowing me to tag along on your special day!  You both were amazing to work with and I'm so grateful that we've been able to become good friends!  I wish you many, many years of newlywed bliss!

 

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