Raleigh Wedding Venue

Part of what I love about my job is getting to know new faces. The recent open house at The Meadows offered a full day of mingling and photographing wedding vendors galore. Couples and friends of the engaged where delighted to have so many local vendors in one spot. I wanted to compile a hit list of my favorites to help all of you lovely brides in planning your best day ever.

This 115 acre nature preserve has such a variety of dreamy spots from the southern charm of the white brick home to the endless field of wheat. Even offering a onsite ranch styled retreat for all your overnight needs.

It was my pleasure getting to know some of the best local caterers, florist, bakers, stylists, makeup artist and more. Brides, if you are looking for wedding inspiration, wedding vendors or planning an upcoming event, check out these wonderful choices.

Vendors

Caterers: Rocky Top catering and Happy Cardinal catering has such good eats

Florist: Mews Floral Designs

Calligraphy Signs and invites: CK Creations Design

Bakery: Slice of Pie co.

Event Planning: The Gathering co.

Event Rentals: Petal & Oak + Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Makeup artist: Wedded Kiss

Wedding Dress: Oak City Bridal

Bridesmaids dresses: Bella Bridesmaids

In whatever stage of planning you are in, this list should help you with your search. hugs, Leah

Happy wedding day!

When I sleep, I dream of you, and when I wake, I long to hold you in my arms. If anything, our time apart has only made me more certain that I want to spend my nights by your side, and my days with your heart.”

When Ingrid + Stuart called to meet up at a local coffee shop, I instantly felt the connection. Stuart and his humor and sweet Ingrid and her big baby blues lit up the room. We had so much fun that we nearly forgot to talk wedding details. They mentioned having a small celebration and wanted me to feel like part of the family and later told me they hired me for my personality. Did I mention how much I love my job? Located on a historic dairy farm near Chapel Hill, NC, Fearrington Village is one of my favs. With beautiful gardens, private nooks and so much Southern charm makes for a dreamy wedding day. Fearrington weddings have been featured in magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings, Southern Weddings and Brides Magazine, as well as, Style Me Pretty and rightly so. As we arrived at the bridal sweet on the wedding day, I instantly felt at ease. This small celebration included the makeup artist, Amy of Ministry Makeup who also doubles as an officiant. That was such a cool first to watch her prepare the bride than officiant soon after. The groom who once worked in the wedding industry came in to put on the brides veil..what a hoot. It was such a beautiful and intimate day. We then all dined at the fabulous Fearrington House restaurant which I recommend anyone and everyone to enjoy. The evening closed with cake and dancing under the moon.

A moment of happiness, you and I sitting on the verandah, apparently two, but one in soul, you and I. We feel the flowing water of life here, you and I, with the garden’s beauty and the birds singing. The stars will be watching us, and we will show them what it is to be a thin crescent moon.” – Rumi

These adorable newlyweds and I just met up recently to design their wedding album. As we chatted for hours and talked about meeting up soon for a meal. It blesses my heart to build relationships with my couples and I wish Ingrid + Stuart a lifetime of happiness.

When Rebecca called me up to tell me she was getting married I was so excited for her. Then she tells me that she always wanted me to be her Photographer and I couldn’t help but accept the honor with love. She is one of the sweetest there is. The charm of beachfront southern weddings make my heart skip a beat.

What a magical celebration as we traveled to the beaches of Southport, NC for the wedding of Rebecca + Mauricio. This spot is filled with beauty, history and southern charm. The sweet couple had their own private dock on the marsh overlooking the sea where their ceremony took place. The pier and docks full of romantic wooden boats made for the perfect nautical photo shoot.

Oh, to be lying,

On a beach,

Somewhere,

With sand in my toes,

And the wind,

In my hair.

And only the sound,

Of the seagulls,

On high,

On a beach,

Somewhere,

Under sunny blue sky.

The gentle caress,

Of the waves,

On the shore,

And you close,

Beside me,

Could I ask for more?

A soft sandy beach,

That goes on,

Forever,

You, me,

And a beach,

So happy together.”

Dear future Mr. & Mrs., first of all, congrats on finding your forever love! I thought I’d share some important advice to you as a future bride and groom planning your best day ever. I have consoled many couples that approach me after getting married with, ” I wish I would of…”. So here’s hoping to prevent possible planning mishaps and regrets.

I know planning your wedding can be stressful, overwhelming and expensive. I get it! First choosing your perfect dress, hair, makeup and those many important details you’ve envisioned. Then there’s the Venue, the Wedding Planner, the Photographer, the Florist, the Caterer, the Baker, the DJ and the list goes on. You want the perfect day and you should, after all it’s the most important day of your lives besides becoming parents.

So I understand trying to cut costs. However, the one area you do not want to spend too little on is in choosing your wedding Photographer. Trust me, you may forget your cake, your DJ and your flowers but you’ll never forget your photos. Those are the forever moments that you frame, share, post and pass down to your future generations. If you have an experienced wedding Photographer, then they can make Whole Foods bouquets look just as lovely. Even if you must have a friend make your cake or cater at your reception, I advise that over going cheap on your Photographer.

I cannot tell you how many couples approach me, once the wedding day has settled with, “We wish we had a better Photographer, our photos do not look good, they missed many important moments, they were not great to work with. We were trying to save money so we picked them.” I always sympathize with these couples, but I cannot turn back time. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for.

Along with that, a cheaper Photographer might “filter”/airbrush your images or not edit as nicely. Which in a few years when that style is out and dated, you’ll lose the timeless factor. Hiring someone that is talented in every aspect is crucial and it’s part of what you pay for.

Make sure you choose specifically a wedding Photographer. I know of a bride that hired a very talented children’s Photographer that had not much wedding experience. She missed key moments during the day and even apologized afterwards when it was too late. You see a Photographer with wedding experience understands the timeline of your day. They know exactly what photos need to be taken, how to communicate and assist with the stresses of your day without getting stressed themselves.

An experienced wedding Photographer is worth it! After all, these are your priceless forever moments that tell your love story.

I hope this helped you and Happy Planning! I wish you a lifetime of beautiful moments!

The romantic Barn at Camp Nellie took me to dreamland. With an outside wedding pavilion overlooking the pond and an old covered bridge. This rustic venue was perfect and Julianne, an artist, gave every detail that Southern touch. From the soft pastel palette of the bridesmaids dresses to the decor. Can I say cheers to seafoam and peonies which are my favs! The day included makeup artist Jessica of Awakened Beauty coming out and following the girls to give them photo touch ups. The personal details that made the day complete included koozies, a wooden plaque for the guests to sign and cocktail napkins. When you put it all together, at every turn, you can’t help at smile at the beauty of this day.

Julianne + Tom are like that model, magazine couple you’ll see in Southern Weddings. Even more, they are equally sweet and it was so much fun being part of their special day. Watching every one of the girls tear up during the ceremony, was a moment to cherish. The wedding party were such a delight even urging me to get on the dance floor. This wonderful couple truly had the best day ever.

I love you
Not only for who you are
But for what I am when I am with you.
I love you
Not only for what you have made of yourself
But for what you are making of me.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out.
I love you for putting your hand into my heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can’t help.
Dimly seeing there and drawing out, into the light all the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.” – Roy Croft

Congrats to Julianne + Tom ♥

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