Virtue Events Planned this Eclectic Wedding Near Chapel Hill, NC
Before Joye Speight of Virtue Events stepped in to plan their dream wedding at the Haw River Ballroom, a passion for art connected Shirlette and Laura. Their relationship began as a friendship after they met while working in Carrboro, NC. When the pair decided to tie the knot, Virtue Events helped them plan an outdoor ceremony in Saxapahaw, NC, where they could gather beloved members of their community for a deeply personal wedding ceremony that included a reading from North Carolina’s poet laureate.
Laura & Shirlette’s Love Story
Laura and Shirlette sparked a friendship when they met as co-workers at The ArtsCenter in Carrboro, NC. They bonded over shared views on art and politics. Shirlette and Laura started dating after getting to know one another over a long period of time as friends.
The pair mutually decided to tie the knot. Still, Shirlette was able to surprise Laura after their original wedding date had to be postponed due to COVID-19. Shirlette gave Laura a custom ring made by jeweler Emily Triplett over their favorite home-cooked meal. Laura says the ring was a sweet gesture during the pandemic. While postponing a wedding date can be hard and stressful, Virtue Events helped the couple continue to plan.
Virtue Events Planned This Fall Wedding
The ceremony on Oct. 16, 2021, was orchestrated by Joye Speight of Virtue Events. Joye joined the couple’s journey to help them navigate planning during uncertain times. Predictably, Joye helped the couple plan an event with lots of influence from their artistic backgrounds. “Joye Speight is a boss,” Shirlette says. “She’s cool and calm under pressure and held our hands through the entire event.”
Joye helped to ensure that their wedding day took place without any added stress. She brought together personal details that Laura and Shirlette wanted, from the dress code, ceremony format and content to contributions from loved ones.
“[Joye] really brought our whole vision together,” Shirlette says. “She was braced for unexpected turns and prepared us for the well of emotion and joy that marked our magical day.”
Shirlette wore a custom maroon suit designed by Glenwood South Tailors. Laura’s Willowby wedding gown with floral details perfectly aligned with the couple’s first look in a field of yellow blooms.
Gathering Together
The idea of community was a central theme of the wedding. A host of friends, loved ones and family came together to honor the couple. During each part of the wedding, many members of their community contributed.
Evvie Rumsey of Arrow Studio, Laura’s longtime hairstylist, matched an updo and makeup to her flowing, floral look. Floral arrangements sourced from local farms by Lee Crawford of Hana Lee covered the altar at the Saxapahaw River Amphitheater. “Their work complemented the already-gorgeous natural environment at Haw River and it was important to us to work with local and sustainable growers,” Laura says.
River Takada, a Durham-based textile artist and friend of the couple, created indigo-dyed pillows that served as seating for guests.
Meanwhile, singer Kamara Thomas of Aquarian Devils was accompanied by Chris Boerner on guitar during the ceremony. Celebrant Jim Lee, a close friend and mentor of the couple, officiated as they exchanged vows. The couple says that his words were among their favorite details of the wedding day. North Carolina’s poet laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, shared a poem during the ceremony.
Haw River Ballroom Reception
The approach of photographer Carly Romeo meant a lot to the couple. Photos captured everything from emotional moments at the altar to the lively reception. “We chose to work with Carly Romeo because of their feminist and queer-affirming approach to wedding photography and the stunning quality of their work,” Laura says.
Navy and cream table settings decorated the seated reception before guests danced the night away to The Shakedown band at Haw River Ballroom. “Every part of the event was very personal and special to us,” the couple says.
“For us, this event was about sharing our love with our community,” Shirlette says.
Haw River Ballroom is a place holding significant meaning for the couple. They often attend concerts or events there and make it a destination on weekend drives. “We love Heather and Tom LaGarde and respect the many ways they show up for the arts community,” Shirlette says. “It was a pleasure working with them.”
After a day of worrying about the threat of rain, Laura says that a clear sunset was one of the best moments of the evening.
An Evening to Remember
The event was catered by Matt Kelly of Mothers & Sons Trattoria. Cuisine was inspired by the regional foodways of the couple’s families.
So many memorable moments marked the day for Shirlette and Laura. Hearing cheers from loved ones as they entered the amphitheater was one of their favorites. They also loved the thoughtful poem reading and being able to share the day with family members.
“Every part of the event was very personal and special to us – from the way we entered to the ceremony format to the dress code to the content,” Shirlette says.
The couple resides in Durham, NC. Shirlette is a musician and film producer. Laura works as community arts organizer and curator.
If you’re inspired by this celebration, take your own wedding to the next level with these fresh wedding entertainment ideas!
