It is with great pleasure to share with you this wedding. I have had the privilege of getting to know not only both Stacy and Alex, but their families, as well. Being able to collaborate and dream with them has been one of the best perks about this wedding, and it was just an all around good time. Stacy and Alex tied the knot on New Years Eve and threw a massive party for all of their guests to enjoy. Guests flew and drove from all over the country for this, and that just tells me that these two were extremely loved from the beginning.

Stacy and Alex met while working in DC. From what I heard via the reception speeches, this came out of the blue and there were sparks of instant attraction. Stacy and Alex moved back to this area shortly before their wedding— Alex is originally from the triangle, and Stacy is from Florida. I quite enjoyed getting to know them a bit more and where they were from. Surprisingly, Alex grew up literally right down the street from my husband in Carrboro. I found out Stacy had an adorning love for all things agriculture, which you all know is my sweet spot. She stole my heart, too.

Stacy and her bridesmaids got dressed and ready at the quirky hotel 21c in downtown Durham. They started the day out here drinking mimosas and having hair and makeup done by Bella Trio. Right across the square, Alex and his groomsmen were getting ready at the Marriott Hotel. This was perfect because later for their first look all they had to do was walk outside and meet in the middle of the square.

We ended up doing their first look photos right in front of Pour which was great because of the fun twinkle lights that surrounded the small trees in front. Take a look at some of those images because they may be some of my all time favorites. I love the ones that Samantha took of the full group (bridesmaids and groomsmen). Seriously, they make me smile some kinda big when I look at them.

The ceremony took place at the beautiful Asbury United Methodist Church and they were married by Pastor Wes Neal. I enjoyed the ceremony and the ambiance of the church, but the best part was being able to see Alex’s face when Stacy and her dad walked down the aisle to him. It’s the little things that get me, and this is just the best part of the whole day. This one part. Yall, the little moments matter. It was a site to see, especially with all of the couples bridal party standing right next to them in this packed full of guests church. All of their friends and family in one place to witness.

The reception took place at one of my favorite Durham venues (not even kidding!)— The Rickhouse! This night could not get any better, but it did. The spirit of all of the guests made this night one to remember. The food, the dancing, the laughter—it was just the place to be for New Years. I loved the small details meant for guests, like flip flops for dancing on the dance floor, or even beaded necklaces and fun glasses to indulge in for the big NYE ball drop. I don’t know what was the best thing about the reception—all of these little things or the fact that they had late night snacks come out when the party needed it.

Obviously, this was our last wedding of the year—and we went out with a bang! I so enjoyed getting to know these two and being a part of their celebration. I do meet some incredible couples, but mine have to be some of the best people around. Stacy and Alex, congratulations on your marriage! I wish you so many years of love and happiness—you two deserve it!

Special thanks to all of these vendors!
Hotel and Accommodations 21c Museum Hotel & Marriott
Hair and Makeup Bella Trio Salon
Bridal Gown Coastal Knot
Florals Fallon’s Flowers
Ceremony Asbury United Methodist Church
Transportation Carolina Livery Transportation
Rentals American Party Rentals
Catering Southern Harvest
Reception Venue The Rickhouse
DJ Vox DJ
Photography Fancy This Photography

The Triangle's NACE community is, by far, one of the best I have ever seen. I love how creatives, entrepreneurs, and just all around great companies come together once a month to learn more about the events industry. For the month of October I had the privilege of photographing their event that was held at 21c Hotel in Downtown Durham. This month's event focused on how to cater to unusual venues and the like. 21c Hotel was perfect as this venue hosts some of the most modern artwork in the triangle area, has a bold layout, and is just out of the ordinary extraordinary. 

Upon entering you are greeted by melodic sounds stemming from a local guitar soloist and sites of a mesmerizing acrobatic. The first thought that comes to mind is "this is going to be a great event." Each guest is given a number correlated with a team. From here you find the rest of your team with the same number and are given a task to find certain items throughout the museum hotel. There are 3 floors to the museum, and about 10 or so items that you are needed to find. Once you were done, you head back downstairs for a panelists Q & A, along with delectable food to pair. Dinner was served family style and Slice Pie Company came in for a delicious dessert to boot. I not only went home full, but inspired. 

Vendors

Venue 21c Museum Hotel
Planning and Coordination RSVP Events
Florist Tre Bella
Specialty Catering Slice Pie Company
Rentals American Party Rentals
Table Decor Table of Contents
Event Lighting Get Lit Special Event Lighting
Stage Design and Furniture AFR Event Furnishings
Performance Art Cirque De Vol

Oh my word, y'all! Chelsey with Gather Together Events outdid herself with this amazing back yard bbq styled NACE event that took place this month at the ever so beautiful Merrimon-Wynne. Seriously?! It was the cutest most southern thing I think I have ever seen. Everything from the linens, to the beverages, the lanterns, the flowers, and--I mean the list just goes on! I had so much fun interacting with so many other vendors old and new. If you have ever been on the fence about attending a NACE event, please come talk to me so I can persuade you to come as my guest. If not for the amazing opportunities to meet likewise people in the industry, at least come for the spectacular service given from the vendors who put on every month. 

List of vendors who knocked it out of the park:

Venue // Merrimon-Wynne
Planner // Gather Together Events
Caterer // Donovan's Dish
Lighting and Sound // Spin
Dessert Bar // The Freezing Pointe
Cake // Details Cake Design
Rentals // American Party Rentals
Music // Adam Lee Decker
Photobooth // Shutterbooth
Speaker // Angela Proffitt
Beauty // Makeup For Your Day
Photography // Fancy This Photography
Florist // Tre Bella