Classic Yet Contemporary Wedding at The Carolina Inn
Although Sara and John both attended college at Notre Dame, they met when they were both studying abroad in different countries. They reconnected after graduation when Sara was finishing up nursing school at Duke and John was settled in Santa Monica, CA. This time, they didn’t let each other go. Hour long phone calls turned into cross country flights, and eventually John asking Sara to move to Southern California.
Sara and her mother were running a half marathon out of town one weekend in a small town a few hours outside of Santa Monica. John drove up and surprised Sara at the finish line, dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him. Breathless and exhilarated, she said yes.
The bride grew up in Chapel Hill. She was always enchanted by the classic Southern beauty of The Carolina Inn and has many memories of passing by and seeing people gathered on the lawn for weddings. It was the perfect place to celebrate marriage with friends and family.
Getting Ready For Chapel Hill Wedding at the Carolina Inn
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
Ceremony and Grey and Navy Wedding Party
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
The bridesmaids wore a mix of J.Crew dresses in dark navy while the groomsman wore matching navy ties paired with their chic grey suits. The classic grey, navy looks paired perfectly with the all white floral bouquets my Watered Garden.
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
Classic Yet Contemporary Reception at The Carolina Inn
The Erin McLean design team mixed a soft classic palette with acrylic and stunning calligraphy. With contemporary ghost chairs, transparent table numbers and a stunning seating chart, they created a design based on layers and textures instead of color.
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
[one-half-first]
[/one-half-first]
[one-half]
[/one-half]
“I am still overwhelmed by how incredible our wedding day was and it was all because of the incredible Erin McLean Events team who guided us through every step,” raved Sara. “As someone who values organization over everything else, their meticulous planning strategies were amazing and made us feel stress-free for the entire year we planned with them. Beyond their obvious expertise in wedding planning, Erin and Carrington made me, my husband, and our families feel so comfortable and cared for. They are just the most fabulous people to have with you on the happiest day of your life.”
SB&G Preferred Vendors
WEDDING CONSULTANT: Erin McLean Events |RECEPTION, FOOD & ACCOMMODATIONS: The Carolina Inn | HAIR & MAKEUP: Makeup for Your Day
Other Vendors
Photographer: Perry Vaile | Rehearsal Dinner: Morehead Planetarium | Ceremony: St. Thomas Moore: Sara’s childhood parish | Minister: Father John Wall | Videographer: Heart Stone Films | Bridal Gown: Heidi Elnora from Traditions by Anna | Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman | Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew | Florist: Watered Garden | Cake: Cinda’s Cake | Stationer: Purple Puddle | Calligrapher: Yellow House Calligrapher | Ceremony Musicians: Elegant Ensembles | Reception Musicians: (when live) Sleeping Booty | Party Rentals (linens, tables, chairs, tent, etc): CE Rentals | Lighting: Total Production Services | Transportation: Eco-Style | Wedding Favors: Chapel Hill Toffee
