We are so excited to begin our Southern Bride & Groom styled shoot spotlight series, in which we share some of our favorite photos – many that did not make it into our printed edition. We are kicking off this annual series with the exquisite shoot that appears on the Winter-Spring Cover for SB&G 2016, this contemporary Southern wedding on the beautiful grounds of The Umstead Hotel and Spa evokes picturesque images of historic estates, bourbon cocktails, silver services, ballgowns and black tie formalwear.
In the following images, you’ll notice classic Southern touches from gardenias to pound cake juxtaposed beautifully with today’s beautiful contemporary styles and designs for a sensational wedding look.
Welcome to the New South
Katie Dunn, of Events by La Fete, styled a modern “New South” wedding with timeless charming elements of yesteryear along with gorgeous modern elegance. This inspiration is all about a formal wedding day, complete with pre-wedding events, sterling silver accessories, the sweet scent of magnolias, handwritten-scripts, and friends dressed to the tee, gathered to share the couples’ lifetime occasion.
The distinguished Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary’s luxurious five-star hotel, represents a New South location. It is set in a natural paradise, nestled amid towering pine woods with a three-acre lake, while its interior is refined and relaxed with a modern artistic ambiance. The elegant Umstead Hotel is popular for both intimate and ballroom weddings, and has everything to host a wedding weekend.
Beautifully scripted invitations by The Oblique Pen mimic the elegant look of the magnolia decor.
Stylish Bridal Luncheon
Below, the Bride and her ‘maids gather poolside for a pre-wedding luncheon under a cabana, clad in colorful Lilly Pulitzer frocks from Belk paired with Moon & Lola jewelry, this bridal entourage epitomizes the look of the modern Southern Belle. Each lady receives a gift they’ll cherish in those classic Bailey’s Fine Jewelry boxes.
The Man’s Corner
A cozy groom’s lounge is brought outdoors, set in the Umstead’s herb garden, which is used by the onsite restaurant, Herons. Get Lit’s plank backdrop mimics a cottage wall and provides privacy where the men share a cocktail and some laughs before the ceremony.
A bottle from a North Carolina whisky distillery becomes a keepsake with some handiwork by The Oblique Pen.
Magnolias Make the Look
A treasured token of the South, the Magnolia with its year-round greenery was a natural choice for a classic floral theme in designs by Eclectic Sage. Garlands of magnolia leaves line the aisle of The Umstead’s wedding lawn and were used to build an exquisite wedding arbor. A few white magnolia blossoms, which symbolizes purity and femininely, are accents in the arrangements, on the wedding stationery and cake.
Old tradition meets new trends in the unique seating chart. Delicate bubble ornaments hung on a magnolia wall hold each guest’s name and table number in gold calligraphy script.
The table is the essence of Southern elegance with magnolia garland runners, specialty upholstered chairs from theme works, and exquisite china and candelabras from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. The extra touch is the scripted menu in calligraphy along with hand-penned place cards on leaves by The Oblique Pen.
A classic white bouquet features cabbage, garden roses, gardenias and tulips set in magnolia leaves.
Romantic colors, stunning looks
For the modern bride, a glamorous Liancarlo gown from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in a hint of blue-gray was chosen to counter the white tuxedo jacket from Bernard’s Formalwear. The bridesmaids are wearing soft chiffon dresses from Monique Lhuillier in the palest pink.
A Memorable Evening
Nothing spells Southern tradition like a pound cake, a specialty from Edible Art Bakery. Dove gray icing shade reflects the modern quiet color scheme.
The newlyweds share a moment to enjoy live music provided by a local big band-jazz group, The Boulevard Ensemble.
Heron’s exceptional food is a big draw for “foodie” brides, as are the spa services and stately guest rooms.
The new fire pit on the second-level terrace is the latest addition to The Umstead Hotel, a cozy spot for final toasts.
COORDINATION & STYLING Events by La Fete | PHOTOGRAPHY Renee Sprink Photography | VENUE & FOOD The Umstead Hotel & Spa | CAKE Edible Art Bakery | FLORAL DESIGN Eclectic Sage | CEREMONY GOWN Liancarlo from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique | RECEPTION GOWN Liancarlo from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique | BRIDESMAIDS GOWNS Monique Lhuillier from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique | WEDDING JEWELRY Bailey’s Fine Jewelry | CHINA, GLASSWARE, FLATWARE & CANDELABRAS Bailey’s Fine Jewelry | FORMALWEAR Bernard’s Formalwear | HAIR & MAKEUP Makeup for Your Day | OFFICIANT Reverend Kayelily Middleton | CABANA OUTFITS Belk at Crabtree Valley Mall | CABANA JEWELRY Moon and Lola | PLANK WALL & UPLIGHTS GROOM’S LOUNGE Get Lit Special Event Lighting | INVITES, LETTERING & CALLIGRAPHY The Oblique Pen | SEATING Themeworks | LINENS La Tavola | MUSIC The Boulevard Ensemble | HAIR ACCESSORIES Mignonne Gavigan
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