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Volume 3, Issue
1230 West Morehead St., Suite 308 Charlotte, NC 28208 704-523-6987
southparkmagazine.com
PROJECT EDITOR
Sarah Fligel
PROJECT ART DIRECTOR
Alyssa Kennedy
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER
Miranda Glyder
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Amanda Lea, Jennings Cool Roddey
published by SouthPark Magazine
PUBLISHER
Ben Kinney
EDITOR
Cathy Martin
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Sharon Smith
ADVERTISING
Jane Rodewald, Cindy Poovey
MARKETING SPECIALIST
Sarah Fligel
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Brad Beard
INSTAGRAM @weddings_by_southpark
OWNERS
Jack Andrews, Frank Daniels III, Lee Dirks, David Woronoff in memoriam Frank Daniels Jr.
PRESIDENT
David Woronoff
david@thepilot.com
Destination weddings
16 | Going the distance
Destination weddings prove popular
18 | belle & chase
Nantucket nuptials
26 | atisha & michael
On top of the world
32 | charlotte & hardin
Blowing Rock bound
40 |
Braving the budget
A deeper dive into Charlotte wedding costs
46 | From Charlotte, with love Wedding favors and meaningful mementos for guests
Wedding stories
50 | amanda & bubba
Racing & romance
58 | elizabeth & brooks
Showered with love
66 | sarah & josh
Pretty in pink
74 | sammy & blaise
Magic at The Mint
79 |
Advertiser directory
List of vendor partners
80 |
Happily hitched
Cheers to future years
ABOUT THE COVER
Amanda and Bubba Wallace photographed at JW Marriott Charlotte by Anastasiia Photography
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When Weddings by SouthPark put out a call for local wedding submissions this year, we were flooded with responses — each one depicting a beautiful day of celebration filled with unique details and meaningful moments. Many were held in the Queen City which, of course, offers gorgeous venues to tie the knot. But we also received several from Charlotte couples who said yes to destination weddings — from the white-sand beaches of Turks and Caicos to the icy glaciers of Alaska.
They were not alone. Roughly two in 10 couples got married in 2022 in a location other than their hometown or current city, according to a recent survey by wedding marketplace The Knot. Most opted to stay in the country (91%), and 55% chose a spot that was significant to them. For others, destination weddings or elopements can provide a chance to visit a dream locale
or a beautiful backdrop for stunning photos. Regardless of where couples choose to have a destination wedding, finding trusted, recommended vendors who know the area is crucial. Caroline Fraylick, owner and lead planner of Goldbug Events in popular wedding-destination spot Charleston, S.C., says hiring a planner who has experience working with local professionals — rather than relying on Google searches — makes all the difference. “While Charleston’s wedding industry is very large, it is also a very tightknit community,” she says. “We all have become friends and work together to build community over competition … We connect our couples with the best of the best.”
Katrina Hutchins, owner of Katrina Hutchins Events, often works with couples planning destination weddings, many in the North Carolina mountains. “A lot of destinations are different in their methods and ways of
doing things, so be cognizant of that and patient when navigating new terrain,” she recommends.
Belle Cowart, a Charlotte real-estate agent who chose Nantucket, Mass., for her wedding, created plenty of Pinterest boards to share her vision long distance. “It definitely makes it stressful to plan a wedding when you can’t be in person,” she says. She visited once before the wedding to meet key vendors and placed a premium on choosing a photographer who understood her style. “That was the biggest thing for me, because after it’s over, you just have the photos and videos to look back on.”
Planning and organization are also top priorities for a destination wedding. When setting a budget, make sure you account for unexpected expenses like airport transfers and day-of transportation, baggage fees, shipping costs, vendor gratuities, and welcome bags for guests. Secure guests’ accommodations first, then send Save the Dates as early as 12 months in advance, both Fraylick and Hutchins advise. Wedding invitations should go out about four months ahead of the wedding.
Another tip: Arrive a few days in advance of your destination wedding to allow time to relax. Charlotte Lucas spent several days in Blowing Rock before the festivities began. She brought her two black Labs along, too, to help things feel like home. “Having them with us in Blowing Rock during the week of our wedding brought a sense of calm,” she says. “I couldn’t have gotten ready for my big day without them.”
For Atisha Patel and Michael Utsey, a destination elopement was the solution to stress-filled months envisioning a wedding that blended her traditional Indian American background and his conservative Southern roots. After some research, the couple landed on an Alaskan elopement planner that offered a helicopter ride and ceremony atop a glacier. “We finally decided that this was the coolest thing we will ever do,” Atisha says. The couple booked the trip about nine months in advance but kept it a secret. “We waited to tell our family until all final deposits were made,” she says. “So there was no backing out.” W
NANTUCKET, MASS. | 10.07.2022
For Belle Cowart, where she was going to get married was decided long before the who. A Charlotte real-estate agent from Mooresville, she spent her childhood summers at her family’s cottage in Nantucket, Mass. “I had seen so many brides walking down the cobblestone road outside our cottage, taking photos,” she says. “And my mom and I would always peek out and watch as they went by. I always wanted that to be me someday!” That someday happened on a sunny, 70-degree day in October, following days of bad weather. The couple took first-look photos in front of the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, the spot where Chase proposed. “It was such a beautiful and intimate moment for
us,” Belle says. They wed at the Siasconset Union Chapel, where Belle’s grandparents’ memorial sits in the garden. Following the ceremony, guests strolled next door for the happy hour and reception, enjoying Cape Cod cocktails and his/hers specialty drinks, surf (halibut) and turf (tenderloin), a high-energy band, and a memorable father-daughter dance to two songs: Frank Sinatra’s “The Way You Look Tonight” and the Rolling Stones’ “Start Me Up.” “When ‘Start Me Up’ came on, we broke out into a choreographed dance that my dad came up with,” Belle says. “We had everyone join us on the dance floor right after. Everyone loved it, and it set the tone for the rest of the night!”
The details:
Photographer | Emily Elisabeth Photography, Nantucket, Mass.
Venue | Siasconset Union Chapel (ceremony); Siasconset Casino Association, Nantucket, Mass. (reception)
Planner | Maggie Stewart Events and ACK Gift Bags, Nantucket, Mass.
Floral Design | Sheila Daume, Nantucket, Mass.
Dress | Ladies of Lineage Charlotte
Wedding Accessories | Olive & Piper
Rings | Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry
Bridesmaids Dresses | Dessy
Hair & Makeup | RJ Miller Salon & Spa, Nantucket, Mass.
Groom Attire | Custom tux, Sankaty Head
Lighthouse cuff links
Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Caterer | Island Kitchen, Nantucket, Mass.
Cake | 45 Surfside Bakery and Café, Nantucket, Mass.
Band | Perry Rossi Band
Stationery | Olive Paper
Come
At The White Crow, we can bring your wedding and special event ideas to fruition. Our picturesque Wedding Venue offers everything you can dream of to ensure a memorable experience for you and your guests. Our years of experience in the service industry has taught us the value of personalized service. At The White Crow, you are not just another date on our calendar. We feel honored to be a part of your special day, helping to make memories that last a lifetime.
DESTINATION
KNIK GLACIER, ALASKA | 05.10.2022
While they were dating, Atisha, a first-generation Indian American from a traditional Indian family in Anderson, S.C., and Mike, a “Southern gentleman” raised conservatively in Columbia, S.C., envisioned a big Indian wedding. Once engaged though, the Charlotte couple realized blending their different backgrounds into one conventional ceremony would be difficult. “These thoughts started to stress us both out and honestly make us sad,” Atisha says. “And weddings shouldn’t be sad!” They began researching elopements, eventually landing on an Alaskan “adventure elopement planner,” who presented an option for a helicopter ride to Knik Glacier and ceremony atop the 25-mile icecap near Anchorage. Sharing the news with family was awkward at first, but it helped when the couple shared videos of other elopements there. “Then they un-
derstood: It was so magnificent, who wouldn’t want to get married there?” Atisha says. Prior to eloping, the couple held small Pithi and Mehndi ceremonies — traditional Hindu ceremonies for good health and prosperity — and a “final fiesta” party the night before they left. After exchanging vows on the glacier, Atisha and Mike cut the cake, toasted with champagne and enjoyed a charcuterie board that included some Indian treats. They spent a week traveling through Alaska, with a stop in Salt Lake City on the way home to Charlotte. The couple have no regrets. “It was magical,” Atisha says. “It is your day. Your families will eventually get over it if you do not include them in certain things. They love you and support you … so just do what you want and what makes you and your groom the happiest.”
The details:
Photographer | Kristian Irey, Anchorage, Alaska
Videographer | Elko Media, Anchorage, Alaska
Venue | Knik Glacier, Alaska
Planner | Alaska Wild Hearts Events, Anchorage, Alaska
Floral Design | Honeybloom Floral Design, Anchorage, Alaska
Dress | Dream Girl, Alkapuri, India
Hair & Makeup | Vibe Artistry, Anchorage, Alaska
Cake | Midnight Sun Cakery, Anchorage, Alaska
Rings | Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry, Morrison Smith Jewelers
Stationery | Watercolor Design Studio
Transportation | Alaska Helicopter Tours, Palmer, Alaska
When Charlotte Lucas began planning her wedding in Blowing Rock, she wanted every detail to reflect the beautiful fall mountain landscape. Working with planner Katrina Hutchins, she brought in bold, jewel-toned colors — like chartreuse, pink and teal — mixed with textures and prints. For the rehearsal dinner, the couple wanted a dramatically different feel than the wedding, opting instead for greens, whites and browns, with touches of bark and plaid for a “cool masculine mountain vibe.” Blowing Rock is special to Charlotte and Hardin, both native Charlotteans who attended preschool together at First Presbyterian Church and began dating while at UNC Chapel Hill. Growing up, they often spent summers and holidays in the mountain town, and long
weekends there together as a couple. Their wedding featured plenty of unique touches, starting with a custom floral watercolor they incorporated in their invitations and bar face at the reception. Welcome tags on champagne bottles for the guests included artwork of the wedding venues by Charlotte’s grandmother, a graphic artist. She also drew a caricature of the couple that was printed on koozies for the guests. Charlotte and Hardin’s wedding weekend was so much fun, no one wanted it to end. When “At Last” played for the couple’s “private last dance,” everyone stayed. “They all circled around us and cheered us on as we danced to our ‘not-so-private’ last dance,” Charlotte says. “It was hilarious and special, and the perfect way to end the night.”
Photographer | Katheryn Jeanne Photography
Videographer | Handiwork Media
Venue | St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church (ceremony); Blowing Rock Country Club (reception)
Rehearsal Dinner | Lakehouse, Blowing Rock Country Club
Planner | Katrina Hutchins Events
Floral Design | Millefleurs, Valle Crucis, N.C
Dress | Sassi Holford, Ladies of Lineage Charlotte
Rings & Custom Earrings | Morrison Smith Jewelers
Bridesmaids Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids
Hair & Makeup | Be Pretty, Lindsey Regan Thorne
Stationery | Olive Paper
Caterer | Blowing Rock Country Club
Cake | Hallmark Cakes, Blowing Rock (ceremony); For Goodness Cakes (rehearsal dinner)
Band | Mo Money (reception); Noel Freidline (rehearsal dinner)
Stationery | Olive Paper
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The love of your life drops to one knee and asks arguably the best question you have ever heard. You say, “Yes!” and the excitement begins. Engagement parties, celebrations and congratulations are in full swing. But while you are soaring on cloud nine, the thoughts of wedding planning loom in the background.
What venue should you book? How many people should you invite? Should you opt for a sit-down dinner or food stations? Should bridesmaids and groomsmen wear blush or light green?
And then the inevitable question: How much will everything cost?
The Knot, a leading wedding marketplace, surveyed nearly 12,000 couples that wedded in 2022. It revealed that participants spent an average of $30,000 on their ceremony and reception — a $2,000 increase from 2021’s national average. (The cost depended on various factors, such as guest count, location, season, number of vendors, etc.) In 2023, 61% of couples getting married within the year indicate the economy has already affected their wedding plans or decisions, according to the report.
That left us wondering: Is the average in The Knot’s report accurate for the Charlotte market? Sarah Cook, luxury wedding planner and owner and artistic director of boutique planning and design company SoHo Event Design & Planning, begs to differ.
“Sites like [Wedding Wire and The Knot] are throwing out flat numbers — and alarmingly low numbers — for total wedding cost,” she says. Prices vary considerably, she adds, and no two budgets are the same. Factors like city, venue, guest count and choice of vendors can all influence price.
One of the most significant factors determining your budget is guest count. “The more people, the more money you spend and vice versa,”
Cook says. Depending on what the client prioritizes, she adds, food and beverages, along with venue, often account for the biggest expenses.
Keeping in mind that pricing fluctuates, Lauren Pressley of Southern Savvy Events, a wedding planning and event design firm, recommends setting aside money for any incidentals. “If you get engaged in ’23 and aren’t getting married until late ’24, it’s possible that your food and beverage cost will not be locked in until mid-’24,” she says.
Even when you think you have your budget nailed down, sometimes sneaky or higher-than-expected costs surface. “I find that many people underestimate the categories that require labor on the event weekend,” says Catherine Dooley, director of sales and brand experience at North Corner Haven, an event venue in Lancaster, S.C. “Floral installations,
specialty lighting, tent drapery or even transportation are examples; and don’t forget gratuities where appropriate.”
To help brides and grooms gain perspective on the costs associated with large-scale hospitality, Dooley recommends imagining what it would cost to host a group for dinner at a nice restaurant or a catered dinner party at home. “Then think about taking that off-site to professional locations and all that comes with that — setup, breakdown, coordination and professional fees, etc.,” she says. “Hiring proven professionals is not inexpensive, but it pays off in experience and, many times, ends up saving you dollars in the long run.”
“Food and beverage is usually the largest piece of the puzzle,” says Dina Blazek, founder of Dina Berg Blazek Events. It is common for couples to neglect considering tax and gratuity on food and beverages when composing a budget, she adds. “Many contracts read ‘x’ amount of dollars for food and beverage minimum. That minimum does not include tax and gratuity, which will add another 30-35% to your cost.”
When taking on a new client, the first thing Blazek and her team prepare is a budget. “This helps make vendor/design
decisions from the start instead of getting too far in and not being able to go back.” She typically asks clients to give her the top three most important things they envision for their big day, and Blazek and her team build from there.
“The best advice I received from my wedding planner when I was getting married was to budget 30% more than what I thought,” says Marysue Boyle, owner and creative director of Beau Monde Venues, a full-service event hospitality firm. “This was a hard concept for
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We asked Sarah Cook, luxury wedding planner and owner of SoHo Event Design & Planning, for some guidance on setting a Charlotte wedding budget. Expenses will differ depending on each couple’s priorities and choices, she cautions. Listed below are some general recommendations.
• Food & Beverages: 25%
• Venue: 15%
• Florals: 10%
• Full-service planner: 10%
• Rentals*: 10%
• Photos/video: 9%
• Entertainment: 7%
• Attire: 5%
• Transportation: 2%
• Beauty: 2%
• Stationery: 2%
• Miscellaneous/buffer: 2%
• Cake: 1%
*Bar fronts, chargers, upgraded flatware/glassware, specialty lighting, draping, lounge furniture, tables, specialty chairs, etc.
me to understand, considering I thought my budget was healthy. This additional 25-30% was helpful when final bills came in, gratuities were dispersed, taxes and fees, etc.,” she says. “I try to share this guidance to any clients who are beginning the planning phase.”
With every event and celebration, there are always ways to cut costs, the biggest being inviting fewer guests. Pressley says guest count impacts everything — food and beverage, rental needs, florals, etc. “If you find that your budget is going to be tight, the best remedy is to reevaluate your guest list before sending Save the Dates,” she says.
Boyle agrees, noting typically every additional eight guests triggers increased costs for rentals and labor. “If you want to bring the overall price down of your event, keep the guest list small.”
Adjusting the style of services can also save money. Boyle suggests considering a family-style meal to help with costs. “You can reduce the amount of service staff with this style and often can find great, but budget-friendly meal options.”
Couples can also come up with different ways to save. Emily Gaskin
Walls,a bride featured in the Fall 2022 issue of Weddings by SouthPark, pictured her big day filled with florals. But she knew she had to be creative to incorporate her vision into the budget. “I knew what I wanted was going to be out of our budget, so we utilized silk florals in our centerpieces and large arrangements. It helped reduce the cost so much,” she says. “They looked stunning and could be reused or re-sold after the wedding, too.” W
From welcome baskets and reception favors to bridesmaids bags and groomsmen gifts, you don’t have to look far to find unique items to share with your family and friends.
by Amanda LeaPresenting family and friends with small gifts is a way to show your appreciation for helping you celebrate your special day. Your wedding is also the perfect opportunity to introduce your guests to some of the Queen City’s local offerings.
“Many of the couples I have worked with live here, but are not from here,” says Libby Sarver, owner of Details Wedding Planning. “Or they live out of town and are coming back to their hometown for their wedding. Either way, they want to showcase their city and highlight some of their favorite local-based items.”
There are a few things to consider when planning which gifts and favors work best for you and your wedding crew. Katrina Hutchins, owner of Katrina Hutchins Events, says to keep in mind many of your guests may be traveling by plane. “Things that are small and flat, like koozies and keychains, are easier to pack into luggage and won’t hold up the security line,” she says. “You can also
offer something guests can eat during the wedding weekend, like pretzels and cookies, so they don’t have to add anything to their carry-on.”
Hutchins adds that while local items offer a personal touch, Charlotte-centric gifts don’t need to be too on the nose. “Most people just want something that reflects the city in which you live,” she says. “Think about things you and your partner enjoy about Charlotte – your favorite places to shop, snacks to eat, sports teams to cheer for. That is what you get to share with your guests.”
It can also be helpful to consider how you want to present your gifts. Sarver suggests hosting guests for a drop-in at a local brewery the night before the wedding, so you can hand-deliver welcome bags and mingle with your guests before the wedding day chaos kicks in.
Here are a few of our favorite finds to help ensure your guests have Carolina on their minds.
Set the tone for a fun day with your girls with comfy PJ’s from KK Bloom, brunch from Roots Catering and a few bottles of bubbly from Crown Town Frosé.
Show your bridesmaids you have their back with a cute clutch from Girl Tribe in SouthPark, filled with go-to items they may need on the big day. Think chapstick, stain remover, tissues, safety pins, bandages and bobby pins. You can also pop in some foldable flats from Swoozie’s. (When it’s time to hit the dance floor, these comfy kicks will be a lifesaver.)
Grab some fun tote bags from Disco Honey and pack them with self-care items to enjoy at home. Try lip polish from Ruxton Mercantile, “Just Breathe” bath bombs from Paper Skyscraper or luxurious hand cream from Eliza B’s Gift Shop. You can also surprise your leading
ladies with matching medallion initial necklaces from Boem, or unique statement earrings from Ivy & Leo.
Sarver encourages couples to consider what items can incorporate the shared experience of your wedding but can also be enjoyed by each individual for years to come. For the gentlemen, Sarver says fun socks and bow ties are popular picks. But items like etched Charlotte-map whiskey glasses from Moxie Mercantile can spark a cherished memory when your best men serve up drinks in the future.
You can also give traditional gifts a glow-up, like customized cuff links from Swoozie’s that feature the shape of a state outlined in silver or gold. For one-of-a-kind belts, key rings, wallets and valet trays, Charlottebased ColsenKeane Leather creates handcrafted leather products that can include a monogram of your choice.
To honor your parents and grandparents and their special roles in your life, Sarver says sentimental gifts are sure to be cherished and appreciated.
A “Thank You, Mom” clutch from the Mint Museum Store, a monogrammed glass-and-leather flask from The Sporting Gent, or a commissioned piece from Two Ships Pottery are meaningful mementos that will bring a smile to their face when they think of you and your partner.
Extend some southern hospitality and set guests up for success with a carefully curated collection of Queen City swag.
Like Hutchins, Sarver also suggests filling your welcome boxes with locally-made consumables that guests can graze on between the wedding weekend events. Try to incorporate things that reflect you and your partner’s palates.
Queen City Crunch pretzels, Lance crackers, small bottles of Cheerwine, prepackaged snack bags from Popcorn Heaven, crispy cheese snacks from Piedmont Pennies, Bear Food peanuts or a can of craft beer from your favorite Charlotte brewery are all delicious ways to introduce your visitors to a taste of the city.
Another helpful item to include in a welcome bag is a hangover kit. A few essentials – a bottle of water, mints, stomach soothers, pain relievers, vitamin C packets, sunglasses – can help make the morning more manageable for those who lived it up the night before.
Whatever you choose to include in your welcome bags, a Charlotte-centric postcard from Archer Paper Goods to thank guests for coming is a nice finishing touch. Sarver also recommends including printouts of wedding event details so guests have the rundown in-hand.
When it’s time to wrap up the festivities, give guests something they can sink their teeth into.
“Consumables work best for favors so people can eat it right then, or bring it back to the hotel to snack on later,” Sarver says.
Sweets from local confectioners like Wentworth & Fenn, Manolo’s Bakery, Suárez Bakery and Sunflour Baking Company are solid stand-ins for traditional wedding favors. Or consider a doughnut bar from North Carolina-based Krispy Kreme or refreshing treats from King of Pops.
When it comes to personalization, you can give guests a subtle nod to your big day without having to put your name on everything, Hutchins says. Skyline twoin-one coaster bottle openers from CLT Find or “CLT” koozies from MadPark Designs are fun ways to send guests home with a little piece of our Crown Town.
By the time you have booked the venue, picked your dress and finalized the flowers, it may be overwhelming to think about what to get everyone on your list. Luckily, there are several local companies that can take the gift procuring off your hands.
“You already have a lot going on with the rest of the wedding planning, so we’re happy to help you have one less task on your list,” says Whitney Holofchak, founder of Bonnie + Bud. The team works with a variety of local vendors to create thoughtfully curated gift boxes for everyone from your future father-in-law to your West Coast bestie. For weddings, Bonnie + Bud can work with you to choose everything from the ribbon colors to the items that will fill your gift boxes. You start by taking a brief online survey, and the team takes it from there. Several of their popular gift boxes include “Be My Bridesmaid,” “Cheers to the Happy Couple,” and “Welcome to the Carolinas.”
CLT Find is another Charlotte-based business that partners with local artisans to create a collection of customized gift boxes. Fill a cute North Carolina canvas bag with local favorites like snacks, a postcard map of the city, koozies, keychains, magnets and more. CLT Find also offers specialized bridal party gifts, like self-care products, jewelry for bridesmaids and customized leather goods for the groomsmen. You can even work with the team to create a custom scent and label for candles, so the memories can live on long after you say “I Do.” W
Amanda and Darrell Wallace Jr. had Spanish class together at Northwest Cabarrus High School in Concord, but there were no “te amo’s” being said back then. It wasn’t until 2015 at a University of Tennessee football game that they reconnected and soon after, began dating. Bubba proposed six years later, during a hike with good friends to Latourell Falls near Portland, Ore.
The couple knew New Year’s Eve was the ideal date to marry. Bubba, a NASCAR driver, has a short off season, from November through January. Wanting a venue that provided proximity for the ceremony, reception and lodging, they chose the JW Marriott Charlotte, aiming for a “romantic and sexy” ceremony filled with white flowers and countless candles. Florals — transitioning from white to pinks with pops of color — draped the staircase leading to the reception.
To spend as much time as possible with their 200+ guests,
the couple opted for passed hors d’oeuvres and station-style food that included favorites such as tacos, burgers, Italian and Asian stir fry. Instead of a cake (Bubba does not eat desserts and the couple preferred something less traditional), a dessert table doled out goodies like cake pops, sugar cookies, macarons and banana-pudding shooters. Champagne flowed from two acrobatic performers, and sparklers and a Champagne toast helped ring in the New Year. To close out the evening, guests nibbled on chicken nuggets and fries from a McDonald’s food truck.
Some of Amanda’s favorite parts? The checkered, holographic dance floor — a nod to Bubba’s racing career — that stayed packed all night long, the vibrant florals and the opportunity to exchange handwritten vows in front of family and friends. (Bubba kicked his off in Spanish, asking Amanda how she was.) “I loved the overall emotion in our ceremony,” Amanda says. “I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.”
Photographer | Anastasiia Photography, Asheville
Videographer | Lucky Penny Films
Venue | JW Marriott Charlotte
Planning & Design | Fabulously Created Events
Floral Design | Blossom Bay Design
Dress | Madam Burcu Couture, Anjolique Bridal & Formal, Cornelius
Shoes | Lola Cruz
Groom Attire & Shoes | Stitched by Mitch
Wedding Bands | Windsor Jewelers
Makeup | Artistry by Alyssa
Hair | Sweet Magnolia Beauties
Pastries | Bake Me A Cake Charlotte
DJ & Lighting | Cease Fire Productions
Rentals | Pomp Posh Event Rentals, Concord; AFR
Furniture Rental; Curated Events Charlotte
Dance Floor & Aisle Vinyl | Red Eye
Designs, Mooresville
Entertainment | Elevate
Photobooth | ShutterBooth Charlotte
Stationery | Atheneum Creative
by Monique Lhuillier, Ines Di Santo, Lela Rose, Reem Acra and more…
05.07.2022
One of Elizabeth’s best bits of wedding advice is one she knows from personal experience: “Don’t harp on the nitty-gritty if something goes wrong,” she says. For her and husband-to-be Brooks’ wedding weekend, that something was the weather. During the rehearsal dinner, a tornado warning went into effect; during the outdoor wedding ceremony, rain began to fall. When it came time for the couple’s final exit, the battery in the farm’s getaway truck died. But thanks to a talented team of vendors and a willing-to-pivot mindset, those wrinkles went away, leaving plenty of time to celebrate. Ensuring their friends and family were comfortable and well-fed and the venue “felt like celebrating at home with loved ones” was important to Elizabeth and Brooks, who met at the University
of Georgia. Getting married at North Corner Haven was the natural choice, as Elizabeth’s family founded the 600-acre working farm and events venue in 1972. “We wanted to bridge the gap between a formal wedding and casual atmosphere where everyone could let loose and enjoy,” Elizabeth says. Party poppers and paper crowns — something Elizabeth’s family has on hand at holidays — made the event feel familiar and fun, along with custom bandanas and family recipes served during cocktail hour (her mom’s mini tomato pies and the farm’s jalapeno cheddar sausage). “The rain was the party guest we didn’t know we needed!” Elizabeth says. “It got everyone smiling and laughing, and I think that energy carried through the whole night.”
The details:
Photographer | Gayle Brooker, Charleston, S.C.
Videographer | Hart to Heart Media
Venue | North Corner Haven
Planner | North Corner Haven, Fete and Function, Mount Pleasant, S.C.
Floral Design | Proper Flower
Dress | Anne Barge, Hayden Olivia Bridal
Styling Services | Lesley Brickman, The One Gown, Los Angeles, Calif.
Bridesmaids Dresses | Sachin & Babi
Hair & Makeup | Colette Renee Laplante & Cali Stott Artistry
Caterer | Best Impressions Caterers
Cake | For Goodness Cakes
Music | The Atlanta Showstoppers and Nelson String Quartet
Rentals | Party Reflections, Curated Events Charlotte, PR Design Styled Collection
Linens | Party Reflections, Party Tables, Stradley Davidson, Charleston, S.C.
Tent Drapery | Party Tables
Lighting & AV | FireFly Productions
Stationery | Arzberger Stationers, Bonnie Clark Calligraphy
WEDDING STORIES
Had it not been for Josh’s younger sister Bethany, he and his wife-to-be may never have crossed paths. While they both attended Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., Josh was a senior when Sarah was a freshman. It wasn’t until the wedding of Bethany — who was Sarah’s “big sister” in their sorority — that Sarah and Josh met, and eventually, began to date. When it came time for their wedding, the couple settled first on a venue and band, knowing those choices often set the tone for the day. Sarah, who grew up in Charlotte, wanted it to have a “romantic garden feel,” and be memorable and fun for guests. The couple also wanted plenty of time to dance, so they
focused on talking to guests during the dinner hour. After that, they hit the dance floor, where everyone wore Mardi Gras beads to celebrate the couple’s move to New Orleans. Josh is owner/ operator of a Chick-fil-A there, and Sarah is a pediatric physical therapist. “It was one of those nights you wish would never end,” Sarah says. Having a first look prior to the ceremony was also special. The couple read letters they had written to each other, and their videographer captured the moment. “Doing a first look was definitely a favorite for us both, and such a sweet time between Josh and I.”
The details:
Photographer | Megan Travis Photography
Videographer | LIVEMORE Weddings
Venue | Separk Mansion, Gastonia
Planner | Caylea Flanagan
Floral Design | Kay McGarity & Dale Farish (family friends); Charlotte Flower Market
Dress | Rita Vinieris, Hayden Olivia Bridal
Shoes | Badgley Mischka
Wedding Accessories | Vivian Drew, bride and bridesmaids earrings
Bridesmaids Dresses | Amsale, Bella Bridesmaids
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux
Hair & Makeup | Beauty Asylum, Anna Whiting
Caterer | Something Classic Catering
Cake | Sunflour Baking Company
Band | Big Night Dynamite
Linens & Plating | Curated Events Charlotte
Exit Car | Roaring 20s Limo Co.
Wedding Crest | Shuler Studio
Stationery | Minted
Sammy and Blaise are a couple who get sports. Blaise is a former basketball player at Birmingham Southern College, and Sammy is an Auburn University grad wellversed in in-state rivalries. So when their wedding fell on the historic UNC-Duke matchup during the NCAA Final Four, they knew they needed a TV at the reception. “I have plenty of Carolina fans on my side of the family; my husband of course, is a Duke fan though,” says Sammy, who grew up in south Charlotte. “Dancing with all your friends and family while simultaneously cheering for a rivalry game was memorable.” The couple, introduced by mutual friends and both physician assistants in Atlanta, envisioned a color scheme that was “clean
and crisp.” Ironically, they had picked blue and white. Deciding on a traditional wedding party was more difficult, fearing they would leave out someone they loved. Instead, Blaise had three “best men,” and Sammy, two matrons of honor. She asked a close group of friends to wear pastels or spring florals, take photos and get ready with her before the ceremony. Following the couple’s exit from the church, Blaise had the idea for guests to gather on the steps and join them for a group picture. “That is by far one of our favorite photos,” Sammy says. “At the end of the day, this day is all about you and your spouse starting your marriage … Break what you think is the mold and make things work for you.”
The details:
Photographer | Kristin Byrum Photography
Videographer | The Family Films, Asheville
Venue | First United Methodist Church Charlotte (ceremony), Mint Museum Uptown (reception)
Planner | Mallory Gardner Feigl, I Do Zone
Weddings and Events
Floral Design | Jimmy Blooms Floral Design
Dress | Martina Liana, Wedding Angels, Roswell, Ga.
Bridesmaids Dresses | Birdy Grey
Hair & Makeup | Cali Stott Artistry
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Bank
Rings | Da Vinci Fine Jewelry, Atlanta
Band | The Queen’s Court
Cake | Publix
Caterer | Best Impressions Caterers
Stationery | Minted
Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, p. 55 alexiasbridal.com
Hive & Colony, p. 12 hiveandcolony.com
John Emily Studio, p. 73 johnemilyalterations.com
Mackins Bridal Boutique, inside back cover mackinsbridalboutique.com
Paul Simon, p. 71 paulsimonco.com
Sunflour Baking Company, p. 43 sunflourbakingcompany.com
Legion Brewing, p. 6 legionbrewing.com
Something Classic, p. 63 somethingclassic.com
Sunflour Baking Company, p. 43 sunflourbakingcompany.com
Veronét Vineyards & Winery, p. 10 veronetwine.com
Swoozie’s, p. 65 swoozies.com
Diamonds Direct, p. 25 diamondsdirect.com
Elizabeth Bruns, p. 8 elizabethbruns.com
Fink’s Jewelers, inside front cover finks.com
Perry’s Diamonds & Estate Jewelry, p. 15 perrysjewelry.com
Sumpters Fine Jewelry, p. 37 sumptersjewelry.com
Windsor Jewelers, back cover windsor-jewelers.com
Charlotte Prop Supply, p. 71 cltpropsupply.com
Bedside Manor, p. 4 bedsidemanor.com
Elizabeth Bruns, p. 8 elizabethbruns.com
Swoozie’s, p. 65 swoozies.com
Anne Springs Close Greenway, p. 13 ascgreenway.org
Legion Brewing, p. 6 legionbrewing.com
The Mint Museum, p. 57 mintmuseum.org
North Corner Haven, p. 2 northcornerhaven.com
The Ruth by Beau Monde, p. 31 beaumondevenues.com
SouthPark Church, p. 45 southparkchurch.com
The White Crow Wedding & Event Venue, p. 23 thewhitecrow.com
Town of Elkin, p. 39 elkinnc.org
Veronét Vineyards & Winery, p. 10 veronetwine.com
Beau Monde, p. 31 beaumondevenues.com
Finding the right dress is one of the most important elements to your wedding day. At Mackins Bridal, we believe every bride deserves a luxury bridal experience at an affordable price. You will find a variety of styles from boho to modern to classic and more! Everv dress in the store is under $2,000. We also offer custom designs at a higher price point.
From Ms. To Mrs.
At Mackins Bridal from the moment you step in the doors, you will have a sense of Bridal Nirvana! To find the perfect dress for you on your special day, call at 980-416-5434 to make an appointment so we can give you the best experience at Mackins Bridal Boutique, 2023 Beatties Ford Rd. Suite 400 Charlotte, NC 28216.
