Jake and Sai met freshman year in college. During a hike in one of their favorite state parks Jake proposed on a bridge, where “if he dropped the ring, he could jump in after it.” Luckily, it all went smoothly!
The couple chose Jake’s granddad’s beautiful farm as their ceremony site. Holding the ceremony on his land meant their 93-year-old grandfather could be involved and was a special way to honor him. Since moving to NC, some of Sai’s most cherished memories were at the farm and are what made her feel like she was truly part of Jake’s family.
For the reception, they knew they wanted a classic Durham look and feel and the huge bay windows in The Cotton Room were a selling point. The urban look was softened with romantic pink, ivory and pastel hues.
Sai says she had so much fun shopping for her dress at Alexia’s Bridal Boutique, “They chose the perfect amount of classic options while also picking out dresses I wouldn’t have picked out for myself – one which ended up being the dress I ultimately ended up choosing!”
The team from Makeup for Your Day created a beautiful and natural look that all the bridesmaids and flower girls loved!
The bride’s family friends from Kenya supplied all the roses for the wedding (shipping around 180 dozen from their Kenyan farm!) and they flew all the way from Nairobi to be a part of the wedding. Since there were so many international guests in attendance, they held a Friday night get together, bridesmaid and groomsmen activities on the wedding day, and a farewell brunch on Sunday at The King’s Daughter’s Inn in Durham, where many of the wedding party stayed.
One of the bride’s favorite moments was at the reception when her parents took everyone by surprise and performed a song they had composed. Her mom had written the lyrics to the song and they had taken voice lessons to practice singing it! The lyrics were all about watching Sai grow up and being with Jake and their wishes for the future. Everyone’s jaws dropped.
Robin Lin was the first photographer the couple met with and they immediately knew they wanted to work with her. Her trained eye for composition and timing produced amazing photos that captured all the special moments.
CEREMONY VENUE Family farm | RECEPTION VENUE The Cotton Room | PHOTOGRAPHER Robin Lin| REHEARSAL DINNER Parizade | MINISTER David Pender (friend) | GOWN Liancarlo from Alexia’s Bridal Boutique | BRIDESMAID DRESSES Amsale, Nordstroms, and J.Crew | HAIR & MAKEUP Makeup for Your Day | VIDEOGRAPHER Ted Denton | FLORIST Victoria Park Florist | CAKE Cinda’s Creative Cakes | CEREMONY MUSIC Quartet from Musica | RECEPTION MUSIC Hipshack | PARTY RENTALS American Party Rentals | PHOTOBOOTH Classic Carolina Photobooths | LIGHTING The Cotton Room | TRANSPORTATION Carolina Livery and Sterling Carriages | GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS The King’s Daughters Inn | FAVORS Groom brewed two different beers (the Ever After ESB and Rye Do) and bride’s mom brought beaded doilies from South Africa to package different snacks from around the world
