Kerry and Bob were married in August at the University Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. They were both extremely busy people and needed a helping hand, which is where I came in! Their wedding was very unique because they had guests from all over, including a good amount from Ireland where Kerry’s family is from. Because guests were traveling so far they really wanted everyone to enjoy every moment of their wedding weekend! When guests arrived at their hotels they were greeted with custom tote bags filled with yummy snacks and drinks along with itineraries and info about the Chapel Hill area. Also, there were huge (I mean huge!) welcome tubs of local snacks, champagne, and essentials like sunscreen for guests staying at the cottages at the Governors Club. Friday evening the couple, instead of a rehearsal dinner, hosted a Welcome dinner for everyone at the Carolina Inn. We wanted something completely different from the wedding, so we had a Mexican theme for this event. We brought in colorful pink, green and orange linens and Fresh Affairs created beautiful centerpieces filled with bright gerbera daisies and candles. Guests snacked on Mexican specialties and enjoyed margaritas. DJ Joe Bunn from Bunn DJ Company completed the theme with laid back, beachy music, he did a great job coming up with music that made you feel like you were on the beach in Mexico instead of in Chapel Hill!
The next day guests were invited to take a tour of the Duke Gardens and the Duke Chapel with tour guide Kay Miller from A Going Concern and transportation provided by SouthernCoach. I definitely recommend doing something like this for your guests, they really appreciate it and it’s a great way for them to learn about the area. Later in the afternoon, all the guests were picked up in buses from Southern Coach and taken to the church. Kerry looked stunning and her bridesmaids dresses were so beautiful.
After Bob and Kerry said I do, guests were greeted with a harpist playing for them as they boarded the buses to go to the Governor’s Club. On their short trip over they watched a photo montage of Bob and Kerry’s life together. As they arrived at the Governor’s Club they ascended the grand staircase that was lined in a stunning garland and candles climbing the steps. During the cocktail hour, they snacked on sushi at the sushi bar (complete with waterfall), enjoyed music from a pianist while they sipped on the signature cocktail, a Pimm’s Cup. If you haven’t had it you must try it, so delicious! The ballroom doors were opened and all you heard were gasps. The cake was placed in the entry and it was a masterpiece. Greg from The Art of Cake created an amazing cake complete with candles inside and edible diamonds. On the top of the cake was the couple’s custom logo. Fresh Affairs did a beautiful job creating gorgeous centerpieces of candelabras overflowing with flowers and candles. Each table was named for a special place to the couple and as the guests found their spots, they were each greeted with a custom letterpress menu card with their name calligraphed on the top.
After dinner the guests danced the night away on an all white dance floor to the sounds of Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters. They were absolutely amazing! After Bob and Kerry cut the cake, Scotti and the staff at the Governor’s Club whisked it away and placed a piece for each guest in their own box to take with them. Later in the evening, grilled cheeses were served, to satisfy those late night cravings. Kerry snuck off and changed into her getaway dress and the couple departed to a shower of sparklers in their classic car. It was an absolutely beautiful event with so many wonderful touches, I loved it! Not to mention the fact that Bob and Kerry are so incredibly sweet! Best Wishes you guys! Thanks so much to Tamara Lackey for all the beautiful images. There are so many that I love, so look for more posts soon!
