catherine and mike {inspiration}

For years I have wrestled with the idea of whether or not to share client's design/inspiration boards. And until now, I have not shared them publicly as I felt like they were my intellectual property that was intended for client's eyes only.

So after much {internal} deliberation, as well as potential clients asking to see design boards, I have decided to start sharing boards...at least for the time being.  I figure with the Pinterest-Instagram-Twitter-infused world that we live in, it's what people want to see. 
So, if I can't beat em, why not join em? Right?

Here is the inspiration behind Catherine and Mike's Foundation for the Carolinas wedding. While it is not until next June, we are already knee-deep in design. Think traditional, yet with a modern twist. You will just have to wait until next June to see it all come together. 

Whatcha think?

with love.
Anne

alyssa and graham {tie the knot} the arbors

Alyssa and Graham's 'how they met story' reminds me of something out of a romantic comedy. Alyssa is a social worker and Graham is in law enforcement. How did they meet? On a case. It sounds so 'Law and Order', right?!

Alyssa and Graham were married on a very hot, but equally beautiful day at The Arbors Events in Cleveland, North Carolina.

The vision was for a rustic-inspired wedding with class. Combining the burlap linens, with soft flowers and lots of candlelight- I think our mission was accomplished.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a French-served {where the protein is presented by servers at each table} dinner by La-Tea-Da's Catering.

While the wedding day was a beautiful celebration, I feel that I would be amiss if I did not mention the loss of Alyssa's father. From the moment that I met Alyssa and her mother, I was told that her father was battling cancer and that their hope was that he would be able to attend the wedding. Not three weeks before the wedding, Alyssa's father passed away. While the day did have a somber note, there was no doubt a sense of his presence.

Please enjoy some of my favorite shots from the day, captured by Lindsey Lee Photography.

Thank you to all of the vendors who made this wedding so amazing.

Venue: The Arbors Events

Photographer: Lindsey Lee Photography

Caterer: La-Tea-Da's Catering and Events

Florist: Flowers from the Cellar

Cake: Wow Factor Cakes
Officiant: Jim Lytle

Rentals: Party Reflections

Vintage Rentals: Old South Vintage Rentals

Ceremony Sound: Split Second Sound

String Quartet: Summit Strings

Band: The Celebrity All Stars

Stationery: Inspire Design Studio

Makeup: Erin Ashley 

Hair:  Rebekah McCann
Transportation: Silver Fox Limos

Wedding Gown: Hayden Olivia

Alyssa and Graham, I wish you a lifetime of happiness and amazing sushi!

with love.

Anne 

priya and chris {engagement session}

Please meet Favor Me Events couple, Priya and Chris.

Priya is a zoologist at the Greensboro Zoo and Chris is a middle school teacher. Of course, I had to ask Priya which animal was her favorite to with at the zoo. Her reply? Penguins. Apparently, they are the closest thing to human at the zoo.

This sweet pair is set to marry in a Christian ceremony on July 19th at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, with an Indian ceremony on July 20th at The Ballantyne Resort and Spa.

Priya and I have been working hard on the details for both days. The first night is the laid-back night with burlap, sunflowers and a contra band. The next night is rich in Indian tradition, yet will have an American twist.

Please enjoy some of the photos from Chris and Priya's engagement session, photographed by the talented Crystal Stokes Photography.

Priya and Chris, I am so looking forward to your special days!

with love.
Anne

wow factor cakes {industry event}

Helllllloooooo, Spring {all 40 degrees of it}! While it's chilly outside, it was hot, hot, HOT at Wow Factor Cakes last Thursday night.

It did not take much from Amy at Wow Factor to convince me to help plan last week's industry dinner for twenty-eight of Charlotte's talented wedding professionals to network, re-connect or meet for the first time.  Once Amy said Passion 8 Bistro was catering and blindfolds were involved- I was on board! Yes, you heard correctly-- blindfolds.

So, why blindfolds? The team at Wow Factor Cakes and Passion 8 Bistro feels that you should allow your taste buds center stage while in a food and wine pairing and have your other senses take a back seat for the night. But what I really heard when Amy mentioned blindfolds was '50 Shades of Gray' theme! **full disclosure: I have not read the book. In fact, it is sitting on my nightstand collecting dust as we speak.

I immediately started on the inspiration board and came up with this:

And what actually came together was even more amazing than I could have imagined. Between the stunning florals by Carey Roberts Design Company and the super cool paint-by-numbers cake by, who else, but Wow Factor Cakes-- the night was spectaular. And the food--- oh, the food!!!

Please enjoy some photos by the talented Rachel Fesko Photography:

A HUGE thank you to all of the vendors that participated in the event! 

Studio Space/Cake: Wow Factor Cakes

Caterer: Passion 8 Bistro

Florals: Carey Roberts Design Group

Rentals: Party Reflections

Small desserts: Neet's Sweets

Photographer: Rachel Fesko Photography

Stationery: Olive Paper

with love.

Anne