Sarah & Gene’s May Wedding at The Bradford | New Hill, NC

All photos courtesy of Whitney Gremaud

SARAH AND GENE’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Whitney Gremaud

Venue: The Bradford

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Ed Webb (the Bride’s Uncle)

Hair and Makeup: Reign Beauty

Band: Adrian Duke Project

Catering: Rocky Top Catering

Florist: Once Gathered

Cake Design: Publix – Apex

Decor Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Rentals: Curated Events

Specialty Vendor: Love Line Memories

Uplighting: Willis J. Entertainment

Transportation: EcoStyle Transport

All photos courtesy of Whitney Gremaud

Kaycee & Zeb’s April Celebration at The Bradford | New Hill, NC

Kaycee and Zeb at The Bradford from Mark Maya Photography on Vimeo.

Just like the awesome couple they are, Kaycee and Zeb’s wedding day at The Bradford was full of personality, enthusiasm and fun!

Jaime & Niki’s Beautiful May Wedding at The Rickhouse | Durham, NC

Jaime and Niki were all smiles celebrating their May wedding day at The Rickhouse and weren’t about to let a few raindrops dampen the festivities. These beautiful brides shared a special first look before sharing their vows in a lovely ceremony led by Greg Johnson. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Chestnut & Vine’s favorite pair of Middle School teachers followed their ceremony with a touching first dance and then were serenaded during dinner by a close friend whose rendition of “Proud Mary” brought the house down.  Once the cake was cut, the dance floor opened and the heightened, celebratory energy never let up!

A big shoutout to all of the fabulous vendors for helping make Jaime and Niki’s day so special – unforgettable hair and makeup by Bella Trio and Posh The Salon, delectable catering by Donovan’s Dish, gorgeous florals by Tre Bella, cake by Lori Holloway, rentals by American Party Rentals, entertainment by DJ Mass Appeal, and transportation by EcoStyle Transport.  And we are always guaranteed a fun day when Chestnut & Vine gets to work with the one and only Tracy Timmester of Timmester Photography.

Jaime and Niki, thank you so much for allowing Chestnut & Vine to be a part of your big day, and for trusting us in helping you prepare for and celebrate with you and your loved ones.  We feel blessed to know you!  Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Timmester Photography

JAMIE AND NIKI’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Timmester Photography

Venue: The Rickhouse

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Hair: Bella Trio

Makeup: Posh The Salon

Catering: Donovan’s Dish

Florist: Tre Bella

Rentals: American Party Rentals

DJ: DJ Mass Appeal

Transportation: EcoStyle Transport

All photos courtesy of Timmester Photography

Valerie & Noah’s October Celebration at The NC Museum of Art

Valerie and Noah had the most beautiful fall day to celebrate their matrimony. The true definition of a Greek Orthodox wedding, with a family-oriented feel from start to finish, this couple had everyone smiling along with them throughout the afternoon and night.

The gorgeous bride had her hair done by the talented Hairstyling by Aly Scherer and her makeup done by Makeup by Theresa. The first look with her father was absolutely touching, prior to Valerie and Noah’s ceremony at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

Their ceremony was followed by an incredible reception at The NC Museum of Art. A fabulous job was done by all vendors, including catering by Catering Works, cake by Pastry Works, and rentals by Curated Events. The party really got started with a traditional Greek dance and amazing music led by Willis J. Entertainment, and the traditional Greek cookies made with love by Valerie’s grandmother were a huge hit.  We can’t forget the transportation services by EcoStyle Transport and Lifestyle Limousine Company allowing the wedding party and guests to responsibly enjoy their evening. Last but certainly not least, each moment throughout this fabulous day was captured by Brian Mullins Photography.

The newlyweds wrapped up their evening with a sweet final dance, all things chocolate as their favors, and a fun bubble exit that all their guests were able to partake in. Valerie and Noah, your day was simply the best, for your family, your friends, and most importantly- you! Thank you for allowing Chestnut & Vine to play such an honorary and important role in your special day. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness, and a future filled with love and laughter!

All photos courtesy of the exceptional work of Brian Mullins Photography

VALERIE AND NOAH’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Brian Mullins Photography

Venue: The NC Museum of Art

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church

Hair: Hairstyling by Aly Scherer

Makeup: Makeup by Theresa

Catering: Catering Works

Florist: Bloom Works

Cake Design: Pastry Works

Rentals: Curated Events

DJ: Willis J. Entertainment

Transportation: EcoStyle Transport and Lifestyle Limousine Company

All photos courtesy of Brian Mullins Photography

Campbell & Alex’s Perfectly Unique Celebration at The Parlour at Manns Chapel | Chapel Hill, NC

Alex and Campbell at The Parlour at Manns Chapel (Chapel Hill, NC) from Mark Maya Photography on Vimeo.

This video perfectly encapsulates the beautiful day shared between Campbell and Alex. Every last detail, including Campbell’s gorgeously unique dress, allowed their personalities to shine through and through. The Parlour at Manns Chapel served as the perfect location for their nuptials, and Mark Maya Photography did an excellent job capturing the day in both pictures and video.

Sanctuary Spiritual Care led the ceremony, while Color and Fluff Salon (Hair) and Jessica Ly (Makeup) made sure to compliment Campbell’s dress, making for an emotional and intimate moment. Arioso Strings Inc. led the ceremony music, and the florals were elegantly designed by Ever Be Floral

A beautiful ceremony was followed by a fantastic reception, with catering by Beau’s Catering, cake by Once in a Blue Moon, amazing tunes by DJ George, and rentals by CE Rental and Capital Events. Campbell and Alex are both musicians and music lovers, and they included that in their day by sharing their seating on an incredible record display. They also had the talented Tesh Parekh on deck for a captivating live painting!

To cap off a perfect evening, the newlyweds were showered with lavender as they exited the chapel to begin their next chapter as a married couple. Campbell and Alex, your day was so true to you both, and we are thrilled to have been a part of such a wonderful and loving event. Thank you for entrusting in Chestnut & Vine  for your special day. Wishing you nothing but health and happiness!

CAMPBELL AND ALEX’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer and Videographer: Mark Maya Photography

Venue: The Parlour at Manns Chapel

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Sanctuary Spiritual Care

Hair: Color and Fluff Salon

Makeup: Jessica Ly

Catering: Beau’s Catering

Florist: Ever Be Floral

Baker: Once in a Blue Moon

Rentals: CE Rental and Capital Events

Ceremony Musician: Arioso Strings Inc.

DJ: DJ George

Live Painting: Tesh Parekh

Video courtesy of Mark Maya Photography

Ania & Phil’s November Wedding at The Bradford | Raleigh, NC

Ania and Phil couldn’t have asked for a more perfect November day to celebrate their wedding at The Bradford. An absolutely touching first look of the couple was captured before they shared their vows at an outdoor ceremony under the gorgeous floral arch led by the couple’s dear friend Steve Lawson. Another priceless and unforgettable moment was when their adorable niece drove down the aisle as their flower girl in a white decorated Power Wheels (which was controlled via remote control by her dad).

The couple paid attention to every detail from the florals to the menu cards to ensure that all aspects of their wedding day reflected who they are as individuals and as a couple. In tribute to their families’, traditions from Vietnam and Ethiopia were sprinkled throughout their special day.  A highlight of their reception was a traditional Ethiopian dance performed by the groom and his mother that turned into an energetic celebration that brought all of their guests to the dance floor.

Ania’s beautiful hair and makeup were done by WINK Hair and Makeup, complimenting her stunning gown. The groom sported a unique and handsome suit making for picture-perfect photographs captured throughout the day by the talented Stephanie Bailey Photography.

A special shoutout to all of Ania and Phil’s fabulous vendors for making this day unforgettable, including those listed above as well as catering by Rocky Top Catering, florals by Teacup Floral, cake by The Mad Hatter’s Cafe and Bakeshop, rentals by CE Rental, entertainment by DJ Harlem Entertainment, photobooth by ZimZoom Photobooth, and getaway car by EcoStyle Transport.

Ania and Phil, thank you so much for trusting Chestnut & Vine with helping you prepare for and celebrate your wedding day. Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Stephanie Bailey Photography

ANIA AND PHIL’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Stephanie Bailey Photography

Venue: The Bradford

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Steve Lawson

Hair and Makeup: WINK Hair and Makeup

Catering: Rocky Top Catering

Florist: Teacup Floral

Cake Design: The Mad Hatter’s Cafe and Bakeshop

Rentals: CE Rental

DJ: DJ Harlem Entertainment

Photobooth: ZimZoom Photobooth

Getaway Car: EcoStyle Transport

All photos courtesy of Stephanie Bailey Photography

Brittany & Eric’s Wedding Celebration at Market Hall | Raleigh, NC

Brittany and Eric tied the knot at their intimate, April Market Hall wedding. With beautiful details and touches throughout their day, this couple was married by their dear friend Prince who also introduced them!

Pops of purple rang through their gorgeous florals by Fallons Flowers and linens by CE Rental. Brittany’s gorgeous hair and makeup were done by Ari Zarawani and Courtney Caroll respectively. The bride and groom shared their ceremony with a close group of family and friends, followed by a wonderful and fun reception for all.

With in-house catering and bar service, the entertainment was brought by Bunn DJ Company, and photo booth fun by ZimZoom Photobooth. This day was nothing shy of perfect and full of love, and was concluded with a sparkler exit and piggyback ride for the bride!

Thank you, Brittany and Eric, for trusting in  Chestnut & Vine and allowing us to be a part of your special day. We loved having the opportunity to celebrate with you! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Arika Jordan Photography

BRITTANY & ERIC’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Arika Jordan Photography

Venue: Market Hall

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Prince Joseph

Florist: Fallons Flowers

Hair Design: Ari Zarawani

Makeup: Courtney Caroll

Wedding Cake: Artylicious Cakes

Florist: Fallons Flowers

DJ: Bunn DJ Company

Rentals: CE Rental

Photobooth: ZimZoom Photobooth

All photos by Arika Jordan Photography

Reggie & Jasmine’s Dreamy Wedding at the Bradford | New Hill, NC

Reggie and Jasmine’s day was an intimate and dreamy celebration for this gorgeous couple. Emotions were high for this couple, from the bride’s first look with her father, to the groom seeing his beautiful bride walking down the aisle for the very first time.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Reggie and Jasmine’s ceremony and reception took place at The Bradford. Jasmine looked stunning in her gown along with her hair by Karen Hester Hair and makeup by Adorn Beauty LLC. The florals and decor were the perfect touches to kick off their perfect April day.

Delicious food by Unforgettable Food Affairs, a fabulous bar by Artful Libations, and wonderful entertainment by DJ Whitted all made for this a memorable day for the couple and their attendees. The moments and videos were captured throughout the day by photographer Annie Lievens Photography and videographer Lucky Penny Films.

Their evening was topped off by special mother/son and father/daughter dances (inclusive of a wardrobe change by Jasmine and a dance mix with her father!), a sparkler exit, and a special exit in their getaway car.

The smiles were genuine,  so much laughter and good times were had, and an incredible amount of love was shared on this April wedding day. Thank you, Reggie and Jasmine, for allowing Chestnut & Vine to be a part of your special day. We wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Annie Lievens Photography

REGGIE & JASMINE’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Annie Lievens Photography

Videographer: Lucky Penny Films

Wedding Coordination: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Venue: The Bradford

Hair: Karen Hester Hair

Makeup: Adorn Beauty LLC

Caterer: Unforgettable Food Affairs

Bar: Artful Libations

DJ: DJ Whitted

Linen/Dinnerware Rentals: CE Rentals

All photos courtesy of Annie Lievens Photography

Teri & Ashley’s Kick-off to Summer Wedding at The Stockroom at 230 | Raleigh, NC

Teri and Ashley’s day was absolute perfection for two teachers starting their summer! Surrounded by their closest family, friends, and coworkers, this amazing couple shared their vows alongside their children, who made up their wedding party. Teri and Ashley wanted this day to be about their marriage, but also it was a special thank you to their coworkers for all of their love and support.

Their intimate ceremony and reception took place at The Stockroom at 230, with the ceremony led by Rev. Kayelily Middleton. The details of their day included a custom chalkboard design by Domestic Oddess Designs, a gorgeous gluten-free cake baked by friend of the bride Wisam Ali and delicious cupcakes by Sweet Traditions, linen rentals from CE Rental, and handmade wood flowers by Teri herself! Hair and makeup were beautifully done by Locs, Naturals, and More and Makeup by Bria. We can’t forget the amazing food and entertainment by Rocky Top Catering and Royal Lewis DJ, and all of these moments were captured by the incredible Morgan Caddell Photography.

The love between this couple and their dearest loved ones was truly felt throughout their day. Thank you, Teri and Ashley, for allowing us to be a part of your special day, and for trusting Chestnut & Vine. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Morgan Caddell Photography

TERI AND ASHLEY’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Morgan Caddell Photography

Venue: The Stockroom at 230

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Rev. Kayelily Middletown

Hair Design: Locs, Naturals, and More

Makeup: Makeup by Bria

Catering: Rocky Top Catering

Cupcakes: Sweet Traditions

Rentals: CE Rental

DJ: Royal Lewis DJ

Chalkboard Sign: Domestic Oddess Designs

All photos by Morgan Caddell Photography

Loftin and Lyle’s June Celebration at The Pavilion at Angus Barn | Raleigh, NC

Loftin and Lyle had an absolutely perfect (almost) summer day for their celebration! With over 350 guests and two wonderful families coming together, this couple sported two big smiles all day long.

Their day began with the bride and groom getting ready among their closest family and friends. Loftin and Lyle each made their way to the Christ Episcopal Church, where Loftin and her father had a special father/daughter first look before the ceremony. Once the shuttles arrived with all of their guests, a beautiful ceremony ensued. After the knot was tied and photos were taken, it was off to their reception at The Angus Barn.

Prior to joining their guests at the reception, Loftin and Lyle enjoyed an intimate, private dinner that was followed by a touching newlywed dance, dances between father and daughter, and mother and son, and a fun and lively evening filled with dancing to the upbeat sounds of the Atlanta Party Band. How to top off such an amazing day you ask? Mini chess pies and a sparkler exit of course!

Loftin and Lyle, thank you for entrusting in Chestnut & Vine to help with your beautiful day. It was such a pleasure getting to know both of you and your families throughout the planning process. Wishing you both a lifetime of love, happiness, and health always!

All photos courtesy of Visuals By Helen

LOFTIN AND LYLE’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Visuals By Helen

Venue: The Pavilion at Angus Barn

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Videographer: Oak City Films

Florist: Ernie Carter and Petal Pushers

Cake: Susan Joyner

Band: Atlanta Party Band

Transportation: EcoStyle Transport

All photos by Visuals By Helen

Nina & Mac – Intimate Spring Wedding in the Heart of North Carolina

What a ride to Nina and Mac’s special day, which ended up being nothing short of perfect! The couple started out with big plans for a wedding with over 200 guests at their alma mater, Duke University. As we were working together toward their beautifully imagined day, along came the pandemic, which completely changed everything. Unsure of what to do, and with only a couple of months to go, the couple pivoted to their new plan with grace. Their whole new plan for a wedding day at Chapel Hill turned out to be the intimate day they always wanted.

Their incredible day began with a ceremony at St. Thomas Mor Catholic Church officiated by Father Michael Martin. Nina walked down the aisle in her breathtaking gown and perfect hair and makeup by Wedded Kiss. Their guests surprised them outside of the church by waving Duke Blue pom poms to celebrate the Newlyweds.  Following their church exit, they added in a pit stop to Chapel Hill to playfully taunt their cross-town rivals by taking photos in front of the UNC Old Well while sporting their Duke gear.  Then it was off to their reception where they were joined by their closest family and friends at The Parlour at Mann’s Chapel. Gorgeous florals by Tre Bella were featured throughout the day, and their cocktail hour shifted into a delicious menu catered by Southland BBQ that was followed by scrumptious desserts prepared by The Cupcake Shoppe. This couple got their groove on with some fun dance moves thanks to Bunn DJ’s very own Frank Meldau. One of the highlights of the evening was their private dance to Toto’s Africa before their celebratory streamer exit.

Nina and Mac, such an unbelievable couple inside and out, thank you for entrusting your wedding day and planning in Chestnut & Vine. We wish you a lifetime of love, health, and happiness.

All photos courtesy of Timmester Photography

NINA & MAC’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Timmester Photography

Venue: Washington Duke Inn

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Father Michael Martin

Caterer: Southland BBQ Catering

Florist: Tre Bella Inc.

Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss

DJ: Bunn DJ Company

Tent Rental: Capital Events

Rentals: American Party Rentals

Transportation: EcoStyle Transportation

All photos by Timmester Photography

Adrianne & Ryan’s Market Hall Scottish-Inspired Wedding Celebration | Raleigh, NC

Bagpipes, kilts, and a beautiful October day made for an incredible Scottish-inspired wedding celebration for Adrianne and Ryan.

With a bagpipes led processional, Reverend Anne McKenzie went on to marry these two during their ceremony at Market Hall. Adrianne made a stunning bride, with hair and makeup by Silverceiling Beauty Consulting. Ryan sported a traditional kilt to incorporate his routes into their special day. After taking some time to capture some exceptional photos outside and around the venue, Adrianne and Ryan kicked off their reception with their first dance, father/daughter dance, and mother/son dance. Next up came the cake cutting with a delicious cake from Pastry Works. Gorgeous florals by The English Garden topped their cake, surround the venue, and were seamlessly incorporated into their details throughout the day.

Adrianne and Ryan ended their evening with a special getaway exit in a classic car from Classic Event Cars. A wonderful day was had by all, but most importantly, by the couple. Adrianne and Ryan, thank you for allowing Chestnut & Vine to be such an integral part of your wedding day. We wish you nothing but a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos by Amelia Cassar Photography

ADRIANNE & RYAN’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Amelia Cassar Photography

Venue: Market Hall

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Rev. Ann McKenzie

Florist: The English Garden

Hair & Makeup: Silverceiling Beauty Consulting

Wedding Cake: Pastry Works

DJ: Bunn DJ Company

Transportation: Classic Event Cars

Linen Rentals: CE Rental

Bagpipes: Bruce Wright

All photos by Amelia Cassar Photography

Angela and Andy’s Colorful Wedding at The Grove at City Market | Raleigh, NC

Angela and Andy’s day was nothing short of colorful and perfect! Surrounded by their closest family and friends, in just 6 short weeks this incredible couple brought together an all-star vendor team for their unique and intimate day. Every detail was thoughtful and original, and, as the first wedding to be held  at Market Hall‘s The Grove at City Market, was one that we will always remember!

Angela’s gorgeous dress complimented her eye-catching florals by Bloom Works, and each part of their overall design was seamless. A gorgeous cake by Love Cake with lovely seating areas by Cottage Luxe awaited the couple after their ceremony, led by Leo Goldstein. 

The love between this couple and their family was truly felt throughout their day, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of their planning. Angela and Andy, thank you for letting us join you on your wedding adventure and entrusting Chestnut & Vine with your unforgettable day. We wish you a lifetime of love and happiness!

All photos courtesy of Aura Markzouk 

ANGELA & ANDY’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Aura Markzouk 

Venue: Market Hall

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Lee Goldstein

Videographer: One Love Productions 

Caterer: Market Hall

Florist: Bloom Works

Cake: Love Cake

DJ: Lacy Wall

Rentals: CE Rentals and Cottage Luxe

Photobooth: ZimZoom Photo Booth

All photos by Aura Markzouk 

Danielle and Tanner’s November Wedding at The Maxwell | Raleigh, NC

Danielle and Tanner’s day did not disappoint as they brought their love story back to Raleigh, where they met and went on their first date! Both attended UNC-Chapel Hill, but didn’t connect until years later. Tanner proposed in Austin, TX where the couple now lives. Not only is this couple picture-perfect, but this beautiful couple also couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful wedding day.

Elegant Ensembles was heard playing as guests arrived for Danielle and Tanner’s Sunday afternoon ceremony at The Maxwell. The intimate ceremony was led by Eduardo Tanaka, surrounded by beautiful florals from Hathaway Floral Design. As the cocktail hour began, the happy newlyweds were whisked off for photos with family and the bridal party. Once their ceremony space was transformed into their gorgeous reception space, Catering Works served a wonderful dinner, followed by Vox DJ Company getting the dance floor up and running for the evening. 

The couple ended their night with a grand sparkler exit, with a romantic getaway car waiting for them thereafter. Congratulations, Danielle and Tanner!  Thank you for allowing Chestnut & Vine to be a part of your wedding day.  We had a blast and truly enjoyed being a part of such a special day in your lives!

All photos courtesy of Alaina Ronquillo Photography

DANIELLE & TANNER’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Alaina Ronquillo Photography

Venue: The Maxwell

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Eduardo Tanaka

Caterer: Catering Works

Florist: Hathaway Floral Design

Hair and Makeup: Mena Garcia Beauty

DJ: Vox DJ Company

Rentals: Party Reflections

All photos by Alaina Ronquillo Photography

Makenna & Dan’s Gorgeous Day at The Bradford | New Hill, NC

Just over a year ago, Makenna and Dan celebrated their wedding day on a beautiful sunny Saturday in May at The Bradford. Their special day began with a gorgeous and intimate ceremony on the lawn presided over by Rev. Kevin Holland before their picturesque wooden hexagon arch. After hearing Rev. Holland’s retelling of the couple’s heartfelt love story, guests were invited to attend a cocktail hour filled with lawn games and Makenna and Dan’s fun signature drinks for their guests – Mango Margaritas and Whiskey Ginger Mojitos! The newlyweds kicked off their reception with their first dance, a delicious dinner buffet from Rocky Top Catering, and DONUTS! Bunn DJ Company did not disappoint on the dance floor, and the couple’s grand sparkler exit was the perfect ending to their incredible day.

With gorgeous blooms from Taylored Blooms,  stunning hair and makeup by Ruthie and Abby, and the rest of this five-star vendor lineup, this day was sure to go off without a hitch for this fun and loving couple! Between their families, bridal party, and an overarching love for each other, Makenna and Dan made the perfect bride and groom.

Congratulations, and Happy Anniversary Makenna & Dan! Thank you for entrusting your wedding day to Chestnut & Vine. It was a pleasure to work with you both and be a part of your special day!

All photos courtesy of Laura Memory Photography

MAKENNA & DAN’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Laura Memory Photography

Venue: The Bradford

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Officiant: Rev. Kevin Holland, Personal Weddings of North Carolina

Caterer: Rocky Top Catering

Florist: Taylored Blooms

Hair: Ruthie Cortez

Makeup: Abby McFadyen

DJ: Bunn DJ Company

Rentals: CE Rental

All photos by Laura Memory Photography

Cristi and Ryan’s Charming Downtown Wedding | Market Hall | Raleigh, NC

Cristi and Ryan were all smiles on their gorgeous wedding day, despite COVID trying to make its mark in North Carolina (and everywhere else in the world). The entire celebration was held at the industrial Market Hall in Downtown Raleigh where pre-wedding preparations, ceremony, and reception would all take place. The day started with Cristi and her bridesmaids getting their hair and makeup done by Megan Murray Hair and Ellevated Beauty before Ryan and his groomsmen arrived to get ready in another part of the venue. Once everyone was ready, Foxtail Photography captured the first looks and wedding party photos outside the venue on the charming cobblestone street.

The couple was married in the Park View of Market Hall and transitioned to the Market View for their reception. The reception space was simply yet elegantly decorated by Flowers on Broad Street and Theme Works, with stringed lights, signs, candles, greenery, and white bouquets, complementing Market Hall’s rustic tones to create a clean and romantic atmosphere. Guests were treated to a dinner buffet prepared by Market Hall and finished with a stunning cake made by Ashley Cakes, which even came with a personalized sketch of their cake! The night was full of laughter and music provided by All Around Raleigh DJ and topped off with a grand sparkling exit as Cristi and Ryan departed for the first time as husband and wife.

CRISTI & RYAN’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Foxtail Photography 

Venue: Market Hall

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Caterer: Market Hall

Florist: Flowers on Broad Street

Hair: Megan Murray Hair

Makeup: Ellevated Beauty

DJ: All Around Raleigh DJ

Officiant: Elaine Lilliston

Rentals: Theme Works

All photos by Foxtail Photography 

Lauren & Alex’s Bradford Beauty | New Hill, NC

Lauren and Alex met during their first week of college at UNC-Chapel Hill and throughout the next year, they bonded over playing cards, swing dancing lessons, and watching UNC basketball.

In late August of 2020, Lauren and Alex rode their bikes down the Tobacco Road Trail, raced Go-Carts, and walked through UNC’s campus, talking about the many memories they had made there. The walk ended at the Botanical Gardens, which was their favorite spot on campus – one they had discovered together.  Under the big tree in the middle of the garden, there was a basket containing the engagement ring.  Rose petals, a bouquet of flowers, a photo, and a bottle of her favorite Welch’s sparkling juice were all on the scene. Lauren said “yes” to the proposal from Alex, bringing them to their August 2021 wedding at the Bradford.

Lauren had two gorgeous hairstyles for both pre-ceremony pictures and for the ceremony, as well as a stunning touch of makeup from WINK Hair and Makeup. With top-notch catering from our friends at Rocky Top Catering and an evening of fun and dancing with Making Memories DJ Service, Lauren and Alex’s wedding day truly turned out to be a beauty at The Bradford.

It was an honor to have been a part of such a beautiful summer wedding at the Bradford for such a genuine couple, surrounded by their closest family and friends. Lauren and Alex, thank you for entrusting the Chestnut & Vine team with your wedding day!  May your love for one another continue to radiate throughout your entire lives together.

All photographs courtesy of Megan Travis Photography

LAUREN & ALEX’S ALL-STAR WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Megan Travis Photography

Videographer: Reel Weddings

Hair and Makeup: WINK Hair and Makeup

Venue: The Bradford

Wedding Coordinator: Chestnut & Vine Wedding Logistics Coordinators

Caterer: Rocky Top Catering

Cake: The Original Cake Lady

Florist: Tre Bella Floral

DJ: Making Memories DJ Service

All photos by Megan Travis Photography

Meet Our “Friendor”: Willis J Entertainment

FRIENDOR FEATURE SERIES

feat. Willis J Entertainment

Website: www.willisjentertainment.com

Instagram: @willisjentertainment

Services/Products Offered: Wedding DJ Services/ Mobile DJ Services

Number of Years in Business: 5

Number of Members on Team: 3

Describe the experience you want your clients to receive when working with you and your company: What I love for my clients to know is that this is an experience. We don’t take it lightly that a bad DJ can ruin the whole wedding, but a good DJ can turn it into a real event! 

What are some questions that couples should ask when interviewing you and other companies that offer services in your line of business? Hmm…Well when speaking to any DJ company and/or vendor, see if you have a connection. There’s no point in continuing if you don’t think you gel with this person or their company. As far as questions, the usual – Are you insured? Will YOU be my DJ? Do you know who will be my DJ? Can I choose my own music? What are any fees or costs I can expect to pay? And the most important question…why you?

What price range should clients expect to pay for professional, quality services in your line of business? Typically for what we do – for a GOOD DJ – you’re looking at anything over $1000 for a 4 hour minimum.

What sets your services apart from your competitors? Willis cares! I really do. I have no desire in JUST being the DJ at your wedding. I want to build a real connection with you so that by the time the wedding comes around; I’m a good friend who just so happens to be an awesome DJ.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work? Being a part of one of the best days of someone’s life and being able to provide the soundtrack to it.

Is there anything else you would like couples to know about you and/or your company? We’re here to please. Anything we can do to make your day special we’ll do…as long as it’s legal…well…mostly legal. 🙂 (Just kidding)

If you had a month to go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do? Oak Island, NC. A sleepy little town with some of the cleanest unpopulated beaches you’ll come across. Plus, the seafood down there is top notch!

Chestnut & Vine’s “Friendor Feature Series” showcases our talented vendor friends (“friendors”) who share our passion for weddings, strive for excellence, have big hearts and are always fun to be around.  In this Q&A-style blog, we hope to provide you with a more personal look into the heartbeat and purpose behind their highly respected business.

Meet Our “Friendor”: Personal Weddings of North Carolina

FRIENDOR FEATURE SERIES

feat. Personal Weddings of North Carolina

Website: www.personalweddingsnc.com

Instagram: @personalweddingsnc

Services/Products Offered: Officiant

Number of Years in Business: 25

Number of Members on Team: 1

Describe the experience you want your clients to receive when working with you and your company: I am much more than a vendor with my couples. My goal is to be their friend, mentor, and helper throughout the ceremony planning process. I don’t use pre-scripted ceremonies or templates. All ceremonies are completely custom and created only after getting to know the couple. My couples receive unlimited planning and consultation for all aspects of their ceremony.

What are some questions that couples should ask when interviewing you and other companies that offer services in your line of business? The selection of an officiant should focus on three primary areas.

1. Experience – how long has the officiant been creating ceremonies and do they have experience in a wide variety of ceremonies (religious, secular, interfaith, etc.)?
2. Training and expertise – how did the officiant learn their craft? Were they trained to be an officiant (seminary, coursework, etc.) or did they learn from watching YouTube videos?
3. Attention to the couple’s needs and wants – does the officiant start with a template and multiple-choice options or do they listen to the couple and learn their personality/style before creating the ceremony?

What price range should clients expect to pay for professional, quality services in your line of business? My personalized ceremonies range from $450 to $850 depending on the complexity of the ceremony, high season vs. low season, etc.

What sets your services apart from your competitors? Unlike other officiants, I don’t start discussing the details of a wedding ceremony until I spend time getting to know the couple first. I’m one of the only officiants in the Triangle area who has actual church experience and seminary training so that I understand all of the nuances of planning religious ceremonies.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work? The relationships! Because of my style and philosophy, I spend time getting to know my couples and understanding their history, family traditions, etc. It’s common for me to get to know their families during the process as well. I’ve maintained many of those relationships over the years and have even performed infant baptisms and baby dedications for many of my couples.

If you had a month to go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do? That’s easy. My wife and I hope to spend several weeks in the Italian countryside (Tuscany) enjoying the cuisine and, of course, the wine!

Chestnut & Vine’s “Friendor Feature Series” showcases our talented vendor friends (“friendors”) who share our passion for weddings, strive for excellence, have big hearts and are always fun to be around.  In this Q&A-style blog, we hope to provide you with a more personal look into the heartbeat and purpose behind their highly respected business.

Thoughtful Gifts for NC Couples to Give Their Wedding Party and Family Members | Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC

There are so many elements that go into planning and preparing for everything leading up to your wedding day. It can be difficult to remember every little detail on your ever-growing list of things to do, and finding a gift for your future mother-in-law is probably not at the top of that list. That’s why we have put together a collection of creative and meaningful gifts from local businesses that are perfect for all your gift-giving needs! From your wedding party to your parents and in-laws to even your wedding guests – these gift ideas are sure to please each of your loved ones (and relieve some unneeded stress for you)! 

The crowd-pleasing gifts of coffee and treats, which work wonderfully on their own or as delightful add-ons, are classic ways to share your appreciation for the special people surrounding your wedding day. Raleigh’s Sola Coffee Café, Jubala Coffee, and Black and White Roasters (also located in Rolesville and Wake Forest); Durham’s Joe Van Gogh and Cocoa Cinnamon/Little Waves; and Chapel Hill’s Coco Bean are local favorites that provide an assortment of fresh coffee grounds and adorable mugs and glassware. These would make perfect gifts for your coffee-loving bridesmaids, groomsmen, and/or parents. (And if you don’t know what flavors they like best, gift cards never hurt anybody!)

The Chocolate Boutique, which is also set in Raleigh, carries many different types of chocolate desserts with a wide variety of flavors and portions.  These treats also make for some amazing and tasty wedding favors! This boutique even offers signature chocolate-making parties which would make for an entertaining bachelorette party event that also serves as a sweet gift for your squad!  From our friends at Catering Works, Ella’s the Popcorn Atelier is another delectable option that will please anyone. This gourmet popcorn shop contains an assortment of freshly popped corn with incredible flavors, including Campfire Pop, Chai Spice Latte, Cheesy Ranch, Cookies & Cream (a Chestnut & Vine family favorite!), and more!

If you’re searching for something beyond the delicacies, Stuf N’ Such, Edge of Urge, Paper Source, Parker & Otis, and DECO Raleigh supply an array of unique and fun goods. From clothing and accessories to décor and self-care products to books and games, these shops contain unique items for every member of your wedding party. Don’t have time to shop, McCormick Creations will do the work for you by creating personalized gift sets customized to your liking.

If you like the idea of something original and hand-crafted, Bouquets for the Holidays is the perfect choice for you! This sister-owned business provides a gorgeous selection of handmade origami paper flower bouquets, wreaths, and earrings in varying styles and colors that would make beautiful gifts for the beautiful women in your wedding. They can tailor their products to your preferred colors and are also able to provide wedding favors on request.

BONUS: Bouquets for the Holidays also offer affordable products for wedding and event essentials, including bridal bouquets, centerpieces, boutonnieres, and corsages.

If you don’t think these ideas suit the tastes of your friends and family, treat them to an experience! 

Book a pamper party at Midtown Nail Spa for a fun day with your bridesmaids or schedule a spa day at the luxurious Umsted Hotel and Spa as a way to bond with your future mother-in-law. Or why not take your wedding party out for a few pints at Clouds Brewing, Neuse River Brewing, or Bull City Cider Works.  For your artistic friends, plan a take-home pottery class at Branded Vessels Pottery or customize a paint and sip party at Wine and Design for a fun and relaxing evening! These businesses also offer gift cards if you are unable to experience them together.

Meet Our “Friendor”: Cottage Luxe Event Rentals

FRIENDOR FEATURE SERIES

feat. Cottage Luxe Event Rentals

Website: www.cottageluxe.com

Instagram: @Cottageluxe 

Services/Products Offered: Our services range from lounge design, event design, vendor selections, space planning, expert installation, and coordination. Our signature process starts with our expert designers listening closely to your vision and needs, then they weigh in with their expertise to help you select just the right items to give you the best results in both beauty and functionality. We handle all scheduling and coordination of delivery, set up, and pick up for you.

Number of Years in Business: 6

Number of Members on Team: 12

Describe the experience you want your clients to receive when working with you and your company: We want this process to be seamless and easy for our clients. That means we are there for them every step of the way.

By offering our design services, we can provide that extra help should a client/planner need. From conception to completion, our team carefully handles each and every order with attention to detail, compassion for our clients/planners, and professionalism.

What price range should clients expect to pay for professional, quality services in your line of business? We follow minimums that vary throughout the year based on peak seasons, availability, etc. 

What sets your services apart from your competitors? Our professionalism, attention to detail, and the quality of our rental pieces stand out from other rental companies. We take the upkeep of our furniture very seriously and have a meticulous cleaning process in which we follow before and after every delivery to ensure that our pieces look as good as new for our clients.

What do you enjoy most about your line of work? Being a part of the happiest moments in people’s lives! It is very rewarding to know that we helped create a perfect environment for those events to take place in. We love getting to meet and work with new people. And the planners/teams we work with often always bring such joy to this industry! 

Chestnut & Vine’s “Friendor Feature Series” showcases our talented vendor friends (“friendors”) who share our passion for weddings, strive for excellence, have big hearts and are always fun to be around.  In this Q&A-style blog, we hope to provide you with a more personal look into the heartbeat and purpose behind their highly respected business.

Brooke’s Wedding Adventures (entry no. 5)

Hey friend! 

Today I wanted to talk about the vendors I am using for my wedding and the various ways I’ve included my family and friends in our wedding! 

Below is a list of some of the Lynchburg vendors we have booked:

• Venue: Old Pate Chapel & The Bottling Co.
• Catering: Charley’s Restaurant and Catering
• Bubble Tea Bar: Paragon Tea Co.
• Florist: Kathryn’s Flower & Gift Shop

Below is a list of the vendor services/businesses owned by some of my friends and family:

• Photography: Lane J Photography 
• Centerpieces/Reception Florist: Bouquets for the Holidays
• Cake/Dessert: Emma’s Cupcakery (Instagram – @emmas.cupcakery)

Other ways my loved ones have helped me throughout this journey include the following: planning bridal showers and parties, offering to do my makeup and hair, making a list of wedding shoe options, offering ceremony music and vocals, providing cocktail food, and even offering videography services! 

Many of these services provided by our friends and family were offered at a discount or in lieu of a wedding gift. I have been incredibly blessed with many gifted and generous people in my life, and it is a dream come true to be able to receive their gifts, talents, and time to make our wedding unique and personal to us and everyone involved! 

Quick note: *DO NOT EXPECT THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE THEIR FAMILY/FRIEND THAT YOU WILL GET FREE OR EVEN DISCOUNTED SERVICES FROM THEM (especially if they own a professional business)*  

While I have been given a great deal of generosity by so many, this does not mean it will be everyone’s experience. However, if you are financially struggling and know someone who might enjoy offering his or her services, there is a proper way to do this without taking advantage of them. Below is an example of how to respectfully and tactfully ask this:

“We wanted to ask if you would be open to the idea of offering [YOUR SERVICE] at a discounted price or in lieu of a wedding gift. We have a limited budget, but the last thing we want to do is undermine your valuable time and talent. We completely understand whatever decision you have to make!”

You will likely find that many are excited to help with even the little tasks. People love weddings, and they love feeling like they are a part of something big and special! So don’t be afraid to receive willing and helping hands – whether it’s stamping invitations, setting up decorations, throwing a DIY décor party, addressing thank-you notes, running a quick errand, etc.

I hope this blog has given you some ideas for how to be wise about your money while also finding ways to include your loved ones in the process. It has been a joy to share they ways my family and friends have supported me throughout my wedding journey.

Until next time!

Brooke

Brooke’s Wedding Adventures (entry no. 4)

Hey friend! 

It’s been too long since my last letter, and so much has happened since then! But for today, I wanted to talk about what I have learned as a wedding coordinator and why I will have one for my own wedding. I also wanted to share some of the most useful resources I have found throughout my wedding planning process!

Here are the top 3 things I have learned as a wedding coordinator:

1. Day-of coordinators are a must-have for a stress-free wedding. At Chestnut & Vine, we meet with the couple several times before the actual wedding day so that we know exactly what they want and how to execute it smoothly and efficiently so that the bride and groom (along with their family and friends) can focus on just having a good time and savoring every moment. Our goal is to help give our couples the wedding of their dreams by organizing their vision and making it a reality. 

1. There are many things that happen behind the scenes during a wedding that the bride will never know. I’m certain there will be things that “go wrong” on my wedding day – missing seating labels that need to be handwritten last minute, misplaced table signs that need reorganizing, unstable decorations that need fixing, guests who have insulin reactions (yes, I’ve handled all of these situations and more as a coordinator) – and I do not need to know about them when it is my turn to be a bride. ☺ 

1. Coordinators keep track of not only the big picture but also the little details that are easily forgotten (e.g. order of wedding party, whether or not there will be ushers/greeters, order of events, important contacts, place settings, song selection, etc.). Once I figure out these kinds of specifics, I can gladly pass them off to my wedding coordinator and never have to worry about keeping track of every single detail again! 

My favorite wedding resources:

• Jamie Wolfer’s YouTube channel and Facebook page! Jamie Wolfer is a wedding planner, who shares many tips, tricks, and advice on anything wedding related. I have learned and applied so much from her in my own wedding planning.  

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdAcY6YGgF-RgGYXTsOENbA

Facebook link: “Budget Wedding Planning Community” https://www.facebook.com/groups/theweddinghacker

• The Erin Condren Wedding Planner! This planner has helped me stay organized in both my daily and wedding plans. It not only functions as a regular planner, but it also provides resources such as vendor contact lists, photography checklists, a wedding day schedule, inspirations, and note pages to keep all of your wedding ideas, contacts, etc. in one place. From vendor contact lists to photography checklists to wedding party

Erin Condren Wedding Planner: https://www.erincondren.com/wedding-planners?gclid=CjwKCAjw9r-DBhBxEiwA9qYUpcAwwdpuXmQ2K9jZjZAW_S_sNe60UvJxw-0rc0NXbmJqqr9t1JPKbxoCg08QAvD_BwE

• The Knot Wedding Checklist! Caleb and I registered and created our website through The Knot and have found their wedding checklist to be very helpful in tracking the things we need to get done and when to get them done. Instead of trying to figure out and remember every single detail on our to-do list, The Knot’s wedding checklist provides all of that for us and allows us to check off things as we go!

The Knot Wedding Checklist: https://www.theknot.com/wedding-checklist-1

I hope you find some (if not all) of these thoughts and resources helpful as you continue to plan for your own special day! Next time I will catch you up on all the different vendors I’ve booked and ways I’ve included my loved ones in my wedding.

Until then!

Sincerely,

Brooke

Brooke’s Wedding Adventures (entry no. 3)

Hey friend! 

Today I’m going to tell you about my wedding dress shopping experience!

I realized pretty early on how important it was to start researching and making appointments to bridal boutiques, so I started looking in February. Because I was going to school in Lynchburg and my home was in Raleigh, I decided to look for boutiques both in North Carolina and Virginia. I landed on the following options based on affordability and reputation: Church Street Bridal and Celebration Bridal in Lynchburg and David’s Bridal and Maggi Bridal in Raleigh. My first appointment was at David’s Bridal, and I decided to take my mom and sister with me. My consultant helped me search for dresses based on my description of what I wanted as well as my price range. 

After trying on several dresses and getting a feel for what I liked, we made a second appointment at the same place for the following day. This time, I brought one of my bridesmaids along with my mom and sister. During this appointment, I surprisingly ended up finding the perfect dress within an affordable price range (and in my exact size)!! I knew it was the one when I saw myself smile for the first time as soon as I saw myself in the mirror. It was such a sweet moment to be able to share with my family and dear friend, and I am so excited to try it on again for the fitting appointment in a couple months!

At the end of the appointment, I officially asked my friend to be my bridesmaid (she said yes!)

A few things to note:

• Not every bride finds her dress during the first couple appointments (let alone in essentially the perfect size), so do not be discouraged if this does not describe you. Everyone’s wedding journey is different – do not compare!

• Remember to take into account the cost for alterations, add-ons, veil, and other extras when looking for a dress within a specific budget.

• Consider wearing your makeup and hair as you potentially would for your wedding day. I made the mistake of coming in with no makeup, so it was a little tricky to envision how I would actually look for my wedding day. 

• After you decide on your dress, it is completely normal to have doubts on whether or not you made the right choice. You’ve made a big decision and a big purchase, so of course you’ll be tempted to second guess yourself. The bottom line is there will always be a “better-looking dress” somewhere out there. But at the end of the day, the dress you’ve chosen is perfect because it is YOUR dress that you get to wear on YOUR wedding. You will be stunning and unique because no one can wear it like you do, and that makes it complete. (And I’m sure your spouse-to-be will only see beauty as you walk down the aisle;)

• HAVE FUN! You’re getting married! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be spoiled by friends and family and dress like a queen, so just enjoy yourself!

Best of luck to you all as you continue searching and planning towards your big day! See you soon!

Warmly,

Brooke

Brooke’s Wedding Adventures (entry no. 2)

Hey friend! 

Today I want to talk about the early stages of my planning process.

The first thing we did after getting engaged was set a specific budget for our entire wedding. 

After setting our budget, we were quick to secure our venue and set a date. We did this for a couple reasons: 1) The venue is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning (if you don’t have a place, how will you have a wedding??); 2) Venues get booked rather quickly, especially in a COVID world, and we wanted to make sure we got one that suited our style and budget; 3) We needed to plan around our families’ schedules as well as our college schedules, and having a date and location as soon as possible was very helpful. We looked at venues both in North Carolina (where my family and I are currently from) and Virginia (where Caleb and I go to college) and eventually decided on the beautiful Old Pate Chapel and The Bottling Company – a ceremony and reception space just ten minutes away from Liberty University!

Next, we began creating and narrowing a guest list. We both have large families, and our venue has a capacity limit, so this was a harder process than anticipated. We had to meet with each other several times to talk through or update the list before finalizing it. HELPFUL TIP: We created a spreadsheet of all our potential guests and categorized them into lists of priority (columns A, B, and C). This made it easy for us to see all our guests’ names and maneuver them as needed. For example, we knew that no matter what, our entire family would be invited to the wedding, so we added them to column A. On the other hand, we had several coworkers or high school friends with whom we were not as close. Even though it would be an absolute joy to have them at our wedding, they were not the highest priority on our extensive list and so were added to column B. Column C was almost like an “overflow” during the brainstorming process and included people who were not a part of our lives anymore but who we would love to invite if there was a possibility. If a space opened up in column A (e.g. if we were certain someone from that column would not be able to attend), we would move people from column B into that column A and so on.

(SIDE NOTE: If you have a guest limit due to COVID, capacity maximum, or just personal preference, do not feel guilty for not inviting certain people! This is your special day, and while it is wise to be aware and considerate of the people who are invited vs. those who are not, you ultimately have the final say in who you want present on possibly the most important day of your life!)

In the middle of picking the venue and putting the guest list together, I also started brainstorming my color scheme. I already knew I wanted to incorporate emerald green, but I went back and forth about what secondary or accent colors would look best. We finally decided on emerald green and midnight blue as the main colors with accents of gold and wine in the décor, and we love how they all look together!

In my next entry, I’ll be sharing my experience with wedding dress searching and shopping – when I started, who came with me, how many I tried, etc. I can’t wait to share it all with you! Until then!

Warmly, 

Brooke

Brooke’s Wedding Adventures (entry no. 1)

Hello friend! 

My name is Brooke, and I am Chestnut & Vine’s intern/blogger and a newly engaged bride! Having worked multiple weddings with Chestnut & Vine, I not only get to share my perspective “behind the scenes,” but I also get to experience this exciting journey as a fellow bride! Throughout this series, I will share my many ups and downs of wedding planning as a full-time college student, and I cannot wait to walk through this crazy adventure with you!

If you’re anything like me, you want to create the wedding of your dreams without needing to spend boatloads of money for every single detail. Now that I’m paying my way through college, our wedding budget is especially limited, so we’ve had to get creative through the process. I knew right away that I wanted to utilize the skills and help of my friends and family as much as possible, not only because weddings are expensive, but also because they take a LOT of work. I also knew that I wanted to make our wedding a personal experience for everyone attending our celebration, and incorporating some of our loved ones’ talents is such a beautiful yet practical way of doing this. You will in upcoming blogs exactly how we make this happen!

___________________________________________________

How We Met: 

My fiancé Caleb and I first met the day my family moved to North Carolina when he and his dad, along with several others from their church, helped us move in. I still remember the little 12-year-old boy introducing himself to 13-year-old me in the storage unit (little did we know we’d just met our future spouse…) We got to know each other more through church and youth activities, and our families 

became friends over the years. We (finally) started dating five years later in 2018, and he (finally) proposed two and a half years later on January 3, 2021 on the lake during a family vacation! About two weeks later, I started my first semester as a theatre major at Liberty University in Virginia, and Caleb and I entered our first long-distance relationship together. Needless to say, it’s not my favorite thing.

___________________________________________________

While the past several months of getting engaged, moving to college, and planning a wedding have certainly had their crazy moments, I am so excited to see how everything has come together and am honored that I get to share it all with you!

See you soon!

Warmly, 

Brooke

Wedding Songs Series – Reception Songs

The music you choose for your wedding is what sets the tone for every moment of your big celebration. However, trying to find the perfect songs for your special day can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of song and soundtrack options for you to use throughout your entire wedding! From the moment you walk down the aisle to tearing it up on the dance floor, we’ve selected a variety of meaningful and entertaining songs to make your wedding day unique to you and memorable for everyone!

This week we are featuring RECEPTION SONGS:

Fun/Upbeat Songs for All Ages

1.  Classic – MKTO

2.  Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

3.  Single Ladies – Beyonce

4.  24K Magic – Bruno Mars

5.  Yeah! – Usher

6.  Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO

7.  Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson, Bruno Mars

8.  Dancing Queen – ABBA

9.  Turn Down for What – DJ Snake, Lil Jon

10.  Shut Up and Dance – WALK THE MOON

11.  Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson

 12.  This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan

13.  I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston

14.  Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira

15.  Best Song Ever – One Direction

16.  Proud Mary – Ike & Tina Turner

17.  Hair Up – Justin Timberlake, Gwen Stefani, Ron Funches 

18.  Love Shack – The B-52’s

19.  Dear Future Husband – Meghan Trainor

20.  I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers

21.  Shake It Off – Taylor Swift

22.  Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder

23.  Problem – Ariana Grande, Iggy Azalea (2 Rocking Chairs – Jon Bellion)

24.  Crazy Beautiful – Andy Grammer

25.  Worth It – Fifth Harmony, Kid Ink

26.  It Takes Two – Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock

27.  Church Clap – KB, Lecrae

28.  I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

29.  Genetics – Meghan Trainor

30.  Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey

Line Dance Songs

1.  Wobble – V.I.C.

2.  Wop – J. Dash ft. Flo Rida

3.  Cupid Shuffle – Cupid

4.  Bikers Shuffle – Big Mucci

5.  The Git Up – Blanco Brown

6.  Cha Cha Slide – Mr. C

7.  Electric Boogie – Marcia Griffiths

8.  Cotton Eye Joe – Rednex

9.  Footloose – Kenny Loggins

10.  Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) – Silento

Slow Songs

1.  I’ve Got You Under My Skin – Frank Sinatra

2.  You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra

3.  Quando, Quando, Quando – Michael Buble, Nelly Furtado

4.  My Eyes Adored You – Harrison Craig

5.  A Kiss to Build a Dream On – Louis Armstrong

6.  Dream a Little Dream of Me – The Mamas & the Papas

7.  Everybody Loves Somebody – Dean Martin

8.  We Are in Love – Harry Connick, Jr.

9.  Photograph – Stacey Kent

10.  Unforgettable – Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole

Wedding Songs Series – Ceremony Processional

The music you choose for your wedding is what sets the tone for every moment of your big celebration. However, trying to find the perfect songs for your special day can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of song and soundtrack options for you to use throughout your entire wedding! From the moment you walk down the aisle to tearing it up on the dance floor, we’ve selected a variety of meaningful and entertaining songs to make your wedding day unique to you and memorable for everyone!

This week we are featuring CEREMONY PROCESSIONAL SONGS:

1.   Heaven’s Knife – Josh Garrels

2.  A Thousand Dreams – Christina Perri

3.  A Million Dreams – The Piano Guys

4.  Unchained Melody (cello version) – Nicholas Gold

5.  You are the Reason – Calum Scott

6.  Turning Page – Sleeping at Last

7.   Perfect – The Piano Guys

8.   Marry Me – Train

9.   Butterfly Waltz – Brian Crain

10.  Ave Maria – Brooklyn Duo

11.  Canon in D (Pachelbel’s Canon) – Brooklyn Duo

Photographs Courtesy of Natalie E Photography

Wedding Songs Series – Parent Dances

The music you choose for your wedding is what sets the tone for every moment of your big celebration. However, trying to find the perfect songs for your special day can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a list of song and soundtrack options for you to use throughout your entire wedding! From the moment you walk down the aisle to tearing it up on the dance floor, we’ve selected a variety of meaningful and entertaining songs to make your wedding day unique to you and memorable for everyone!

This week we are featuring FATHER/DAUGHTER and MOTHER/SON SONGS:

Father/Daughter Dance:

 1.  My Little Girl – Tim McGraw

2.  I Loved Her First – Heartland

3.  You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby – Bing Crosby

4.  Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

5.  Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

6.  I Just Called to Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder

7.  First Man – Camilla Cabello

8.  Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman

9.  It’s for My Dad – Nancy Sinatra

10. Wildflowers – Tom Petty

11.  Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Mother/Son Dance:

 1.  You’ll Be in My Heart – Phil Collins

2.  Mom – Meghan Trainor

3.  The First Lady in My Life – Paul Todd

4.  Close Your Eyes – Michael Bubé

5.  You Will Always Be My Son – Caleb & Kelsey

6.  A Song for Mama – Boyz II Men

7.  Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler

8.  (They Long to Be) Close to You – Carpenters

9.  Becoming Me – Matthew West, Lulu West

10.  The Perfect Fan – Backstreet Boys

Photos Courtesy of Michelle Elyse Photography | Joe Payne Photography | A.J. Dunlap Photography – Jenna Goetz

Meet Our “Friendor”: Wedded Kiss

FRIENDOR FEATURE SERIES

feat. Wedded Kiss | Nina McCaskey, Owner

Website: weddedkiss.com

Instagram: @weddedkiss

Services/Products Offered: Hair and makeup for weddings, events, shoots, and more!

Number of Years in Business: 14 total; 6 as Wedded Kiss

Number of Members on Team: 9

Describe the experience you want your clients to receive when working with you and your company: We strive to do not only gorgeous work but create a very fun experience while getting glammed up!

What are some questions that couples should ask when interviewing you and other companies that offer services in your line of business? Our FAQ is full of great questions. We send it out to all potential clients.

Wh at price range should clients expect to pay for professional, quality services in your line of business? Bridal starts at $350 and our minimum for Saturdays is bridal plus 5 additional packages.

What sets your services apart from your competitors? The whole team had intensive amounts of training and years in the field. No one on our team is a newbie. Everyone is a lead artist/stylist. Also we are like a lot of freakin’ fun!

What do you enjoy most about your line of work? Making people feel incredible!

Is there anything else you would like couples to know about you and/or your company?

We are incredibly detailed about the schedule and timing for the day. We will always strive to be perfectly on-time.

If you had a month to go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do? Ireland. IT IS ALWAYS IRELAND! It is my Disney world!

Chestnut & Vine’s “Friendor Feature Series” showcases our talented vendor friends (“friendors”) who share our passion for weddings, strive for excellence, have big hearts and are always fun to be around.  In this Q&A-style blog, we hope to provide you with a more personal look into the heartbeat and purpose behind their highly respected business.