Intimate Wedding at Lantern Restaurant of Chapel Hill
When Ryan and Britney Perlowin first met, they quickly realized they had a lot in common and Britney joked they should get friendship bracelets. Fast-forward nearly three years later, Ryan and Britney were enjoying a picnic (a favorite weekend activity), and Ryan gave Britney a stack of polaroid photos showing some of the significant locations from their relationship. The photos were tied to a box containing two friendship bracelets. As Britney looked at the bracelets she thought about how sweet it was that he remembered, and about how this was a waste of a perfect proposal opportunity. Ryan then got the engagement ring out and asked the sweet question.
Ryan and Britney’s first date was at the bar at Lantern restaurant in Chapel Hill, so naturally it became “their spot.” It’s where they went for anniversary celebrations and the day they got engaged. “Aside from being a sentimental pick, it also has the best food in Chapel Hill and is absolutely beautiful,” says Britney. There is even a stunning garden patio in the back perfect for a small ceremony.
Everything about their small wedding weekend was personal and meaningful. “It was a celebration of our love for each other, for our family and friends, and for our life together in the beautiful town we’ve made our home. We wanted the weekend to feel intimate, fun, whimsical, and to be a representation of who we are,” Britney shares.
There were 19 people at the wedding – immediate family and bridal party friends. “While our first instinct was to invite every single person we know and love, it was important to us the day felt intimate and that we truly shared the day with the people who are essential to who we are as individuals and a couple,” says Britney. And she reminds brides-to-be that “the day is about the two of you and it should be exactly what you want it to be – an elopement, a gala, or somewhere in between, have the wedding that feels right and makes you happy.”
The photographer with F8 Photo Studios was well prepared for the occasion, learning exactly what the couple wanted on their big day. “She stayed flexible as things changed while gently keeping us on track,” says the bride, who was also very happy with the her look created by Gabriela at Mina’s Studio in Chapel Hill. “I had a complicated updo, which required adjustments and tweaks, and I was one of many appointments that day, but she gave me all of her attention to make sure I was comfortable and happy every step of the way.”
With the help of a long-time friend, Caroline, who Britney asked to be her “day of” coordinator this charming small wedding was exactly what they hoped it would be.
SB&G VENDORS
VENUE & CATERER Lantern Table (restaurant in Chapel Hill) | PHOTOGRAPHER f8 Photo Studios | HAIR Mina’s Stuido | ACCOMMODATIONS The Siena Hotel | ENGAGEMENT RING Diamonds Direct
Others
MINISTER Sharon Wheeler | GOWN Songbirds Consignments in Greensboro | ALTERATIONS Bridal Alterations by Juliana | MAKEUP Kayla Cross | BRIDESMAID GIFTS Personalized necklaces | GROOM Bar III | GROOMSMEN GIFTS Personalized whisky or pint glasses | FLORIST Bloomin’ Rose Flowers | CAKE Mad Hatter Bakeshop | STATIONER Shutterfy.com (calligraphy by friend) | CEREMONY MUSIC Emma Dunlap-Grube on bass and Josh Moore on acoustic guitar | FAVORS Homemade s’mores packages
