Local Wedding Planner Says Her Vows at The Umstead Hotel and Spa

From a circular ceremony symbolizing unity to pops of vibrant fuchsia and aqua, Chris Haskett and Diane Wolk’s thoughtfully designed wedding blended heartfelt storytelling, family and coastal-inspired colors into one unforgettable wedding day at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina.

Chris and Diane met in 2016 at a workout boot camp. Their friendship grew over time, and they started dating in 2017. That same year, Diane founded Vui Co. (formerly Bustled Events), blissfully unaware that one day she would use her planning prowess to design her own spectacular wedding.

Cary’s Tranquil Luxury Hotel: The Umstead Hotel and Spa

When the pair got engaged, they began searching for a venue that would offer accommodations on-site for their elderly guests. The Umstead Hotel and Spa checked that box and more. “As soon as you pull in, you feel like you’re transported to a destination,” Diane says. “You feel the tranquility and peacefulness of the space.”

The Umstead’s lawn provided ample space for the unique, circular ceremony setup Diane envisioned, carefully arranged to highlight the unity of her and Chris’ blended family. “We didn’t want the ceremony to be short and sweet,” she says. “We wanted people to hear about our journey, what our second love meant to us and [the importance] of having our kids be part of that [rather than rushing right to the party].”

A Thoughtful Ceremony Honors Family Bonds

Unfortunately, scattered showers loomed during their big day on May 17, 2024, so the celebration was relocated indoors. (Let this serve as a reminder to always, always make a rain plan!) Chris, Diane and their children held hands in a circle, promising to love, support, grow and laugh with one another.

Then, each family member poured a unique color of glass shards into a vessel that was later transformed into a vibrant sculpture. “It was very important to us to have our kids be part of the ceremony and see the importance of our families coming together,” Diane says.

Fuchsia and Aqua Wedding Details

Fare provided by The Umstead was a highlight as the evening continued. “All of my guests raved about how their steak and fish were cooked perfectly,” Diane says. “The food was stellar.”

Guests danced off their exceptional meal beneath an intricate installation created by Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary and Get Lit Event Lighting. Cakes, cookies and tarts from La Recette Patisserie lined a decadent dessert table, and the couple surprised Diane’s brother with MilkLab boba tea (one of his favorite drinks).

Pops of fuchsia featured throughout the reception decor, and vivid pink joined aqua in the table settings and centerpieces. “I wanted to go with what was true to myself. I gravitate toward brighter colors because it matches my personality,” Diane explains. “Those colors reflect who I am and what I wanted to see.” The lively palette was also a nod to the couple’s shared love of the beach. “I grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Chris grew up in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina,” Diane says. “The blue really tied in our love for the ocean.”

Diane relied on her personal sense of style and self while planning, which ultimately resulted in an event that was “elevated but still fun,” she says. Implementing mood boards, she adds, helped to solidify her early ideas into a cohesive design. “Creating these was really helpful to me to visualize and put it all together,” she says.

Diane relied on her longtime personal friend, Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary founder Diane Joyal, to create intricate floral displays for the event. “There’s so many beautiful [flower varieties] out there,” Diane says. “I wanted the texture of [many different] flowers and all of the color that spring offers.”

Linens, chairs and glassware rented from Curated Events Raleigh plus lounge seating and other items from Greenhouse Picker Sisters enhanced “the whole feel of the experience,” Diane says.

Diane encourages couples to build a reliable team of vetted professionals no matter the scale or scope of their wedding. “When you hire these vendors, you’re hiring them because you like what you’ve seen [of their work],” Diane says. “So trust in that and trust in the person you hired to do what they do best.”