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

A few years ago Teresa moved to North Carolina for a career opportunity. While on the flight to North Carolina she sat beside a lady who striked up normal conversation with her, you know, the good southern thing to do. Teresa mentioned she was looking for friends in the area as she would know no one; this stranger on the plane said "I know of someone you should meet, I met him a few weeks back on another flight, he is the absolute sweetest man and I think you two would just hit it off!" Teresa, of course, feeling slightly put off by this stranger telling her this, pays no attention but accepts this ladies offer by writing down how to get in touch with him.  Keith, who is the CEO of the Special Olympics, was not hard to find. After a few weeks of living in North Carolina, Teresa decided to take a chance and email Keith, and if anything, they could both joke about how off the situation was. They met for coffee and the rest was history! Seriously, I know it's unheard of but talk about the odds!

I am over the moon about Teresa and Keith's quaint little wedding day! With it's ties to all things "Carolina," I am sure you will find humbleness and maybe even some pudding pie. Teresa and Keith wanted their wedding to be based more so around family, more humble, and down to their roots. Their bridal party was small, consisting of only 1 family member on both sides, and of course their 2 sweet pooches. Yes, they even had bow ties! The venue was set at Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill, NC, overlooking a crowd favorite of Franklin Street. The details surrounding the venue were delicate, small, but impactful. The best detail off the bat was their family crest on a scroll which served as their ceremony backdrop. Everything from the topiary florals to the hummingbird champagne stationary really set the scene for a romantic night.

Wedding Venue Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill, NC
Gown from New York Bride and Groom in Garner, NC
Calligraphy by Danielle Olcott with Mason Dixon Designs
Flowers from Tre Bella Florist in Durham, NC
Music by Stylus
Hair and Makeup by Perfection by Patricia
Shoes by Badgley Mischka
Gown Designer Maggie Sottero
Transportation by Raleigh Rickshaw
Grooms Suit by Kannon's Clothing
Grooms Tie by Alexander Julian

Can we talk about the best home, garden, and family ever?! Yes, it's time. What I am about to show you is eclectic, modern, and shows so much southern vintage flare--shot both on film and digital. The parents are both small business owners in the good ol' city of Durham, NC, and still find time to clean their house. This session showcases some new parent vibes along with old family traditions.

Rachael and Chaz have been known to go against the grain, but in style and dreams. Millie, their 5 month old, will definitely grow up a firecracker and will inevitably be the cool kid on the block when she is older. Georgia, their lifelong pup, is completely smitten with the newcomer and she even is seen sporting a flower collar--courtesy of one of Rachael's small businesses, Tre Bella Florist. Chaz from Chaz's Bull City Records  decorated the halls with old school posters of his favorite bands--which we get to see more of when we enter his record store later to document his family. My favorite? Nirvana.

Seriously, you have to swoon with me on this! Love how modern this sweet family is! Oh, and for added measures of awesomeness--this session is featured on Beyond the Wanderlust and Oh. My. Stars.!! You can find their original blog post here.