lauren and justin {tie the knot} the duke mansion

Each year it seems like there is one venue that I frequent. This year, it was hands down The Duke Mansion. Not that I am complaining, the space is absolutely gorgeous and the staff is fantastic to work with {shout out to my girl, Gina Bailey!}

Wrapping up my 'year of the Duke' was Lauren and Justin's wedding on October 5th. You may remember this sweet couple from here.

Lauren and Justin share a love for dessert, so it was no surprise when they decided to incorporate sweets throughout their reception, including custom made bon-bons and a visit from Ben and Jerry's.  

Justin's partner in his law firm performed the ceremony which made it extremely personal and left not a dry eye.

Please enjoy some photos taken by the super sweet, and equally as talented, Dan and Candice Lanning of The Beautiful Mess.

Thank you to the vendors that made this day extra special!

Venue: The Duke Mansion

Photographer: The Beautiful Mess

Videographer: Landon James Video

Florist: The Bloom Room

DJ: Split Second Sound

Rentals: Party Reflections

Draping: Sterling by Design
Vintage Rentals: Vintage Charlotte

Stationery: Pink Toast, Inc.

Invites: Exclusively Weddings

Cake: Cake Lady Jill

Bon-Bons: The Secret Chocolatier

Ice Cream Buffet: Ben and Jerry's

Hair and Makeup: Who's the Fairest

Lauren and Justin, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your day. I wish you a lifetime love, happiness and amazing desserts!

with love.

Anne

autumn and chad {tie the knot} the duke mansion

I met Chad and Autumn about 15 months out from their wedding. At the time, they didn't have a date or a venue chosen. They did however have the most amazing story of how they met. One that makes me truly believe that there is such a thing of 'meant to be.'

Autumn had started her first day of work as an oncology nurse at a Chicago hospital while Chad was on his last day of chemo treatment. Autumn unhooked Chad from his last treatment. He asked her out and she couldn't resist the guy who wore a suit to treatment. She pretended to like sushi and took Chad up on his date.

Autumn and Chad were married on August 31st at The Duke Mansion, the same week as Chad's birthday and fifth year of being cancer free. To say that they had a lot to celebrate is an understatement.

Please enjoy some images from Autumn and Chad's day, courtesy of the crazy-talented Cheyenne and Geoff Schultz of The Schultzes.

A special thank you to the vendors that made this day even more special:

Venue: The Duke Mansion
Photographer: The Schultzes
Florist: New Creation Flower Company
DJ: Split Second Sound
Cake: Wow Factor Cakes
Rentals: Party Reflections
Dress: JMajors
Groom's Attire: Vera Wang
Stationery: Magic Marketing and Graphics Inc
Officiant: Evan Albertyn
Hair and Makeup: Who's the Fairest

Chad and Autumn, you two are an amazing example of true love. You are such a remarkable couple, both individually and together as a couple. Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your day  and to be able to call you both friend. Rock, paper, scissors...

with love.
Anne