We've a particularly gorgeous celebration to share with you guys today, Valerie and Bobby's Southern wedding, with fall hues, a rustic feel, and luxurious styling.
These college sweethearts married near Raleigh, North Carolina with a beautiful big day that paid homage to the state where they grew up, and fell in love.
And they chose some of the finest vendors in the region to help them do it, with Graham Terhune Photography documenting their day, and Erin McLean Events on planning.
Valerie and Bobby's choice of reception venue came naturally with The Angus Barn, a place that had special memories for both of them, while their church wedding sounds like quite the tear-jerking affair (I'd be a bit gutted if there are no tears at the vows!).
Their opulent decor was infused with pretty details and personal touches. Luxurious hues and textures adorned their tables, while the favours were a sweet nod to the sugary offerings of their state.
But really we can't sum up this wedding without gushing just a little bit over the style.
Not only are Bobby & Valerie one gorgeous and rather chic pair (you'll love the sparkles, bow and backless style of Valerie's gown) but their bridesmaids and groomsmen were just as glamorous in metallic gowns and black tuxedos.
And the award for most swoon-worthy bridal party goes to…
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Bobby and I met in math class during our first semester at East Carolina University. We would meet for lunch just about every day before class and spent countless hours studying together.
Over a year later, Bobby finally mustered up the courage to tell me that he liked me as more than a friend. He convinced me that being with him would be the best decision I would ever make.
Eight years later, he was right!
He proposed spontaneously, in the middle of the summer, in the middle of the week, after work, on an ordinary day at our apartment. It was a surprise, to say the least.
I came home to a bouquet of roses with the diamond ring in one of the roses. Very simple and sweet, like Bobby.
Our Wedding
We wanted the feel of old Southern charm and elegance with emphasis on my NC roots.
The Angus Barn Pavilion is rustic and grand, but feels warm and cozy on a fall night with the majestic fireplace centerpiece.
The palette of soft blush, sparkly gold, and deep plum was soft and romantic but lively and effervescent at the same time.
(The plum was Bobby's addition, to represent our alma mater.)
The Dresses
I wore a fitted lace Pnina Tornai gown that was purchased from Kleinfeld's in New York City.
My beautiful bridal party wore a mix of long, beaded blush and gold Adrianna Papell gowns.
The Flowers
My bouquet of soft pink peonies included an antique brooch from my great-grandmother and a dainty handkerchief given to me when I was born to be carried on my wedding day – my something “old.”
The bouquet was peonies, anemones, cafe au lait dahlias, ranunculus.
The Photography
Graham and Samantha Terhune are so talented, easy going, and fun to work with. They made us feel relaxed and comfortable, like we had known them for years.
Based on their portfolio, I had no doubt that our pictures would be gorgeous – and they were!
For videography, I have been a big fan of Twenty One Films for a long time. They are amazing storytellers and portray your wedding not as an event, but your story.
Favourite Moments
My favorite part of our wedding day was when Bobby and I said our vows. Once the ceremony was over, our bridal party and parents ran over to give us hugs; we were filled with so much love and joy.
My second favorite moment would probably be my dad's speech. He included many wonderful childhood memories that I hadn't thought of in years. He was sentimental and funny.
Another highlight was just being with my bridesmaids, sipping mimosas on the patio while getting ready at my parents' home. The weather was perfect.
Advice for Other Couples
I highly recommend a wedding planner! I wanted planning to be stress-free and fun for me and my family!
The Ceremony
I was baptized as an infant at this historic church where we were married, Orange United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, NC.
Our church wedding coordinator had been my preschool teacher, Miss Melissa!
My brother read the scripture from Colossians 3:12-17. My favorite part of the ceremony, looking back, was when Bobby broke down in tears while repeating his vows.
It was such a heartfelt and emotional time that most of the congregation was smiling through their tears.
The Venue
Growing up, my dad loved taking us to The Angus Barn for special occasions.
When my family moved away to New Jersey, he would plan trips for just the two of us to visit home in North Carolina and it always included Angus Barn French onion soup, ribs, and chocolate chess pie for him, sawdust pie for me!
I introduced Bobby to this special place in our senior year of college. We arranged for both of our parents to meet there for the first time.
The Pavilion was the only venue we considered. The Angus Barn holds family history that is near and dear to our hearts and is also iconic in North Carolina.
We knew it would be a treat for our family and friends, especially those traveling here from Connecticut for the first time, to experience such a delicious menu with the most impeccable service found in our state!
The Decor & Details
Sequinned tables were adorned in flowers and candlelight.
We had a combination of tall and low floral centerpieces in blush with a spark of plum color.
Our sweetheart table for two was placed in front of the huge fireplace which was also draped in flowers and filled with candles. I loved our sweetheart table; it was so intimate.
The Refreshments
A Southern gourmet cocktail hour with country ham biscuits and Caprese skewers (what else?) was a big hit with the open bar.
The formal dinner was served to seated guests. The menu included salad, steak, ribs, shrimp, and assorted vegetables followed by the infamous chocolate chess pie and cheesecake.
Ashley Cakes provided the delicious four-tiered white and cinnamon swirl wedding cake decorated in lace and flowers. It was almost too pretty to eat!
Our main request for the cake was that it be cut in BIG slices – our families enjoy their cake!
The Music
Christina Perri's, ‘A Thousand Years,' was played by a string quartet as the bridal party entered the sanctuary. The bride's procession was Pachelbel's ‘Canon in D.'
At the reception, Bobby and I first danced to ‘Then' by Brad Paisley.
My father and I danced to ‘My Little Girl' by Tim McGraw. The groom and his mother danced to Dixie Chicks' ‘Godspeed'.
The Embers had the crowd up and dancing all night long.
The Favours
At the end of the night, guests received parting gifts of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and old fashioned bottles of Pepsi Cola, “the taste born in the Carolinas” – true icons in our state.
The Honeymoon
We spent ten days hiking, sunbathing, and exploring in Maui, Hawaii after our wedding. It was amazing.
Such a gorgeous wedding, right? I really like how there's an autumnal feel without it being too themed. Don't you love the bridesmaid dresses – and I know so many of you will be borrowing Valerie's sweet idea to include her grandmother's brooch on her bouquet.
Thanks so much to Graham Terhune Photography, Erin McLean Events and of course the fabulous Valerie & Bobby for sharing their elegant Southern wedding with us.
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