It’s wedding feature Wednesday at Southern Bride & Groom and we’re excited to share Hillary and Landon’s rustic chic wedding with plenty of Southern charm at Portofino – a luxury home complex and equestrian center in Clayton, NC.
Landon and Hillary met at WakeMed in 2011 when Landon was on duty as Hillary’s Meme’s nurse in the Surgical Trauma Center. After a few days, Hillary realized there was something really special about him, and a few weeks later they contacted each other via Facebook and set up a first date in Cameron Village.
Landon proposed on the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway at one of their favorite overlooks. Hillary expected them to park the car and enjoy the breathtaking views and wasn’t sure why they stayed in the car for three hours trying to get cell phone service – unbeknownst to her, Landon was trying to get in touch with her parents so they would have the opportunity to film their special moment (cell service in the mountains isn’t the best). Needless to say, she was very surprised and delighted when she figured out what the master plan had been about all along!
While researching wedding venues throughout North Carolina, Hillary searched for something that felt “like home” – a place with true natural beauty. She came across an issue of Southern Bride & Groom Magazine which featured a Kentucky Derby styled shoot at Portofino. Hillary grew up with horses and Landon had surprised her with Derby tickets for Christmas years before, so the images really resonated with her and promoted her to make an appointment to see Portofino in person.
The Thompson House is charming with a red roof and two giant oaks overlooking horse stables and beautiful pond and The Equestrian Center is gorgeous with exposed wood beams and magnificent apartment overhead (used as the bridal suite). For the reception, The Piazza has the right amount of space both inside and out and features two real fireplaces made of stone.
Landon’s cousin, Jessica Loflin, sang a special song during the ceremony: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri and the couple enjoyed a private dinner before heading over to the reception, which allowed them to have time to eat and enjoy time together as newlyweds before the party.
Talented wedding photographer, Jamie Blow, rallied the large groups of guys and gals together in different locations for incredible shots that capture the bond between friends and family as well as the charming natural beauty of the setting.
VENUE The Piazza and The Thompson House at Portofino | WEDDING CONSULTANTS Sandra Thompson with Portofino and Lynn Scott with Happily Ever After | PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Blow Photography | REHEARSAL DINNER Mia Francesca in North Hills | MINISTER David Guinn | CATERER The Q Shack | VIDEOGRAPHER Honey Dew Films | GOWN Allure Bridal from The Bridal Boutique in Cary | BRIDESMAIDS Donna Morgan from Bella Bridesmaids, Raleigh | FORMALWEAR Men’s Warehouse | FLORIST Vance Street Market | CAKE Cakes by Chloe | INVITATIONS VistaPrint and Zazzle | CALLIGRAPHY Jessica King with Happily Ever After | MUSIC Stylus S.E. (DJ) and Soloist, Jessica Loflin | PARTY RENTALS Ram Rentals | HAIR Natalie Soto (friend) | MAKEUP Natalie Soto and Rose Marie Soto (friends) | FAVORS Monogrammed koozies
