Happy Wedding Wednesday! We’re excited to share Allie and Eliud’s modern DIY wedding in downtown Durham at The Rickhouse.
Allie Efland and Eliud Arbelo II met while working in Washington, DC, and eventually their friendship turned into a long-lasting relationship. Eliud proposed in a very romantic setting: London at Kensington Palace very early on a Sunday morning on a private bench near the water fountain. It was a complete surprise to Allie and immensely sweet and special. It was followed by a fun day of shopping in London!
Because they were engaged in London while touring Buckingham palace, the couple was inspired to design their wedding colors after the old iron gates; black, gold and green. Classic yet modern and very clean.
With a guest count of 200 people, the size and the gorgeous rustic and open look of The Rickhouse was perfect for their vision.
The dress Allie wore for the ceremony was her mother’s (who was married in 1985 at Duke Chapel). She had the sleeves removed and the pleats on the skirt widened; she then changed into a Modern Trousseau gown for the reception.
The bride and groom created the centerpieces themselves out of artichokes, pears, rosemary and succulents. They also created a DIY custom hanging plant and lighted wall. The Rickhouse allowed the wedding party to set up the decorations the night before (while they were rehearsing). “It was a special team effort and made the day of much less stressful,” Allie shares. The lighted hanging plant wall served as the perfect backdrop for photos.
Both parties felt it was special to have their oldest friends stand by their side, regardless of gender, so the bride’s brother was a “Bridesman” and the groom’s best friend was a “Grooms-Woman.”
According to Allie and Eliud, Durham Catering Co. “knocked the food out of the park!” and The Rickhouse was “the most accommodating venue.”
VENUE The Rickhouse | BRIDAL LUNCHEON Counting House at 21c Museum Hotel | REHEARSAL DINNER Dashi | MINISTER Shaun Binner | CATERER Durham Catering Co. | PHOTOGRAPHER Beth Ely | VIDEOGRAPHER Adam Clayton | DAY OF PLANNER Lynn Hobgood | BRIDAL GOWN Modern Trousseau | BRIDESMAIDS & MENSWEAR Nordstroms | FLORIST Pine State Florist | CAKE Sugarland | RECEPTION MUSIC Joey Tubiolo | ACCOMMODATIONS 21C Museum Hotel, The Durham, Marriott Downtown Durham | HAIR Dyanna Hough, Sola Salon Studios | MAKEUP Annie Wheeler, Chanel
