Google+ North Carolina Archives - Southern Weddings

Southern Weddings

Tag: North Carolina

Bride Hannah shares her romantic wedding at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn!

Please say ‘hey’ to today’s bride Hannah! Her wedding at The Farm at Old Edwards Inn to Nathan has me dreaming of perfect summer days and musing on the importance of blending families…

We often talk about incorporating family traditions, heirlooms, and even family members into your wedding day, but as y’all know, preparing for your marriage and blending your families starts long before your wedding day. I love how for Hannah and Nathan, not only was their wedding day a celebration of two families coming together, but so was their engagement! Hannah said, “As Nathan and I started our way back to the rooftop [after he proposed] we were greeted (tackled) by my family. The ten of us embraced into the biggest, happiest hug.” I imagine that moment was not only joy-filled for Hannah and Nathan, but their families, as well. Keep reading for more tender moments from these two!

Big SW hugs to Landon Jacob for sharing!

My mom and I did the wedding dress shopping together and made the time together so special. The very first wedding dress store that I ventured into put me into a dressing room labeled “Bella.” My mother, for as long as I can remember, has used the nickname Bella for me. We teared up when we noticed this, and felt overwhelmingly thankful to be together during the exciting time.

What was your favorite thing about wedding planning? It was just so much fun!! My favorite part of the planning were the weekends we spent up in Highlands planning. Every time we had to drive to the venue location (for the florist, walk throughs, cake testing, food tasting, etc.) we made a weekend out of it. These trips helped us make memories that will last forever!

What advice would you give to someone currently planning a wedding? When you walk down the aisle, make eye contact with your husband the whole way down. It is so easy to become side tracked by all your loved ones watching you, but then you will miss out on one of the most amazing moments of your special day. Also, plan a moment in your reception to step back with your husband and take it all in. Look at all your friends and family who came to love you, support you, and celebrate you. Take that moment it and never forget what it looked or felt like.

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues? We knew that we were going to get married in the summer and in the South, where we are both from. I only had one request — I wanted the ceremony outside. Nathan only had one request — he did not want to be hot and sweaty. Uh oh! Instead of having to compromise, we thankfully heard about an adorable mountain town called Highlands, NC where the summer months reach an average of 73 degrees — the perfect temperature for an outdoor wedding. Aside from the weather, we fell in love with the aesthetic features of the venue. It had so much raw beauty that left us in awe every time we visited. The final deciding factor of our venue was the staff at Old Edwards Inn. We absolutely fell in love with the events coordinator, Shayna Bigazzi. She was so kind, hard working, and made our entire journey SO much fun and easy. I never felt stressed planning the wedding because she took care of all the stressful aspects.

What were some of the most meaningful or special parts of your ceremony? The moment immediately following our ceremony when we got a few moments to ourselves was the first moment we had alone as a married couple. I remember Nathan wrapping his arms around me, and I just stared up at my new husband with the biggest smile. We kept looking at each other’s tear-filled eyes and giddily squealed, “we are married! We really are married!” over and over.

Did you decide to do a first look? Why or why not? No first look for us. Nathan and I both wanted that moment to be special. We knew that the first look was something we wanted to save for the aisle. And let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions we ever made. That moment — that look on his face — will FOREVER be etched into my memory.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding? My favorite detail from the wedding was when I had the father-daughter dance with my Daddy. I was never the little girl who dreamed crazy dreams for her wedding. I never imagined what my dress would look like, what my cake would taste like, or what type of shoes I was going to wear. I did, however, dream about the day I would get to dance with my Daddy on the greatest day of my life. He (and Jesus) are the reason I found such a beautiful man to marry. My father’s love and example lead me to the man I got to marry. My dad rewrote the Jack Johnson Song, ” Angel” with lyrics for us. He asked my brother, who is an incredible musician, to play and sing it. The song was a surprise for me. Dancing to these lyrics in my father’s arms to the sound of my brother’s voice made this moment bigger than any dream.

Tell us all about the proposal! We were on a family vacation with my family in Aruba. Although Nathan had planned to propose in the middle of the week, he just couldn’t wait. He, along with his side kicks (my dad, brother, and brother-in-law), scoped out the island on day one to find the perfect spot to propose. Nathan decided to pop the question at sunset on the most adorable dock jetting out into the ocean. That night, we planned to have drinks at a rooftop bar that faced the ocean followed by dinner at my favorite restaurant on the island. Halfway through happy hour and minutes before a spectacular sunset, Nathan asked me if I wanted to go adventure out onto the dock that our rooftop bar was looking out on. Excitedly, I agreed to check it out and walked hand in hand out to the edge of the dock. He hugged me, spun me around, and fell to his knee, asking me the most important question of my life. Completely overwhelmed with joy and shock, I fell into his arms sobbing the happiest of tears. The second most special part of that moment was the cheers I heard from the rooftop in the distance. Realizing that my entire family was there to witness the best day of my life filled my heart with immense gratitude. As Nathan and I started our way back to the rooftop we were greeted (tackled) by my family. The ten of us embraced into the biggest, happiest hug.
When did y’all get married? July 8 2016
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 230
What did you serve for your wedding cake or dessert? We had a simple, three-tier wedding cake. I loved the look of a traditional, white wedding cake.
What was Southern about your wedding? The best way that I can describe my wedding as “Southern” comes down to the people. Everyone who joined in the celebration felt like a part of my family.
What was the hardest part about planning your wedding? The financial aspect was by far the hardest part for us. We had so many dreams for our big day and we wanted SO many of our friends and family to join in that it inevitably became more expensive.
What was one way you saved money or cut costs at your wedding? We had our wedding on a Friday. Our venue cut the cost on so many things for us just for holding it on that day of the week.

Photographer: Landon Jacob | Videographer: Neil Peterson | Planner: Shelley Legg for Chancey Charm Atlanta | Venue and caterer: The Farm at Old Edwards Inn | Florist: Floressence Flowers | DJ: Lethal Rhythms | Bride’s gown, bride’s accessories, and bridesmaid dresses: Bridals By Lori | Hair stylist and makeup artist: Beauty Asylum | Groom and groomsmen attire: Perno’s

marissa Written with love by Marissa
3 Comments
  1. avatar Geoff reply

    What an awesome location. Bravo to the photographer too. These pics really show the day and how it unfolded.

  2. avatar craig williams reply

    Oh My that venue!!!

  3. avatar Luke Hayden reply

    Such wonderful photography!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close

The Old Edwards Inn was one of the first destinations I had the pleasure of traveling to after I moved to the South eight years ago, and it made a BIG impression on me. Now that I’ve added many, many dreamy venues in every corner of the South to my resume, I know that it wasn’t just naivety that made the OEI seem magical – it truly is.

And this property just keeps getting better, especially with the recent addition of Half-Mile Farm, a new hotel and event space under the Old Edwards umbrella! Just like the rest of Old Edwards, it has Old World European charm; impeccable service; stunning surroundings; and friendly Southern hospitality. I can think of few better destinations to bring your guests to for a wedding, and would love to tell you more about Half-Mile Farm this morning!

Half-Mile Farm is a 14-acre property with 35 guest rooms (including 12 luxury suites, and eight rooms within historic on-site cabins). The cabins are perfect for a bridal party or family members, and when hosting your wedding or event at the Farm, all 35 rooms are reserved for your guests only!

We’ve heard time and again that one of the best ways to ensure amazing wedding weekend memories is to house all of your guests in one place, and Half-Mile Farm would be perfect for this.

Speaking of amazing memories, here are a few of the things you and your guests can expect to enjoy during your stay:

— A heated outdoor mineral pool (!)
— Hiking trails with streams and a stocked fish pond
— Complimentary chef-made breakfast
— Afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres
— Fitness center access and bicycles on site
— A private lake with canoes and stand-up paddleboards

As brides, one of the things we plan for and look forward to most about our weddings is being a gracious hostess for our loved ones. I love that Old Edwards and Half-Mile Farm will come alongside us in that, setting the perfect low-key, warm, and welcoming environment in which to create memories.

Half-Mile Farm can accommodate up to 100 guests, and all food and beverage is catered through the Old Edwards Inn (yum!). You can hold both your ceremony and reception on-site; all receptions are set under a tent.

Take a peek at their website for more details, and tell me: have you ever been to the Old Edwards Inn? If not, you MUST add it to your bucket list!

This post is sponsored by the Old Edwards Inn, a property we know and love. Thank you so much for your support of the brands who make Southern Weddings possible!

emily Written with love by Emily
1 Comment
  1. avatar Mary Kay reply

    My husband and I just spend a long weekend at Half-Mile Farm, and it was wonderful! While we were there, I kept thinking about how nice it would be for a wedding- especially, as you note, having all of your guests together. Thank you for the recommendation!

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close

The Old Edwards Inn was one of the first destinations I had the pleasure of traveling to after I moved to the South seven years ago, and it made a BIG impression on me. Now that I’ve added many, many dreamy venues in every corner of the South to my resume, I know that it wasn’t just naivety that made the OEI seem magical – it truly is! (Of course, the many weddings we’ve featured over the years at Old Edwards, like this stunner, helped, too.)

With its Old World, European charm; impeccable service; stunning surroundings; and friendly Southern hospitality, I can think of few better destinations to bring your guests to for a wedding. And whether you’re picturing an intimate celebration with just your closest family members or a blow-out bash, they’ve got a venue for you. Let’s take a tour of this North Carolina gem, shall we?

The Farm, Old Edwards’ largest venue, can accommodate 275 guests. Like all of OEI’s venues, it’s a rustic-inspired but fashionable setting!

The Old Edwards Club is next on the list, with a guest count clocking in at 150. Those views! Each venue takes advantage of its setting in the Blue Ridge Mountains in a different way, but all of them make for a flawless, joyful backdrop for celebrating.

The Piermont Cottage can also accommodate 150 guests. I LOVE that if you chose this venue, you’d get all of the coziness and gracious hospitality of an at-home wedding without the logistical challenges and parking snafus that typically come along with them!

A more petite venue, the Rockwood Lodge can host 100 guests. Like at the rest of the Old Edwards portfolio, your guests will be treated to menus made of farm-to-table cuisine highlighting seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and crafted to complement your theme and vision. Again, those views!!

Finally, the Hutchinson House, which can accommodate up to 50 guests for an intimate party. In addition to smaller weddings, it would be perfect for rehearsal dinners and brunches! I can just imagine sitting around that outdoor fireplace the day after the wedding, rehashing all of the best moments and toasting s’mores :)

It also has to be noted that a trip to the Old Edwards Inn, in addition to being fantastic for a destination wedding, would be a superb option for a honeymoon (in any season!). For more about this Southern gem, head to their website!

This post is brought to you by the Old Edwards Inn. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Southern Weddings possible!

emily Written with love by Emily
0 Comments

Southern Weddings reserves the right to delete comments which contain profanity or personal attacks or seek to promote a business unrelated to the post.  And remember: a good attitude is like kudzu – it spreads.  We love hearing your kind thoughts!

Reply to:
close
Top