Lego-themed Reception at Raleigh’s All Saints Chapel
Exactly seven years after their first date, Jessie and Zach said “I do” at All Saints Chapel, Raleigh’s charming wedding chapel. Jessie, who grew up in Boone, met Burlington-native Zach while working an on-campus job when they were both undergraduates at UNC. What started as a friendship soon grew into a relationship and after over a year of long-distance dating, the couple moved in together in Chapel Hill with their cats Rice and Lemon.
Zach proposed during a socially distanced Christmas celebration with Jessie’s family in December 2020. While Jessie wasn’t completely surprised – the couple had been dreaming about their wedding and talking about getting engaged for years – the timing was unexpected, and Jessie was thrilled to have her closest family present, even at a distance! “That moment ranks among the best for an otherwise hard year,” Jessie says.
Raleigh’s Charming Wedding Venue: All Saints Chapel
Jessie says she and Zach inquired with both their venue and Fancy This Photography after flipping through a copy of Heart of NC Weddings. All Saints Chapel was the first venue that the couple toured. While Jessie says that neither she nor Zach are religious, they both love the architecture of the detailed chapel and wanted the feel of a church wedding. They found the perfect fit in All Saints, a chapel dating back to 1875 that still has original wood beams, floors and colorful stained glass windows. The venue is situated in Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood.
On their February wedding day, unseasonably warm weather allowed the couple to celebrate with the chapel windows open. Photographers Nikki Whitt Belch and second shooter Sarah captured emotional moments and delicate details of the chapel. “They went above and beyond at every turn and made me feel amazing throughout the entire process,” Jessie says.
The couple prioritized women-owned businesses and vendors who were familiar with All Saints Chapel while choosing the rest of their team. Jessie’s hair and makeup was perfected by Meredith Johnston of Radiant Hair + Makeup. Jessie decorated her updo with pieces from her grandmother and mother’s wedding dresses.
Family and friends were central to the big day. Jessie’s brother, Bradley Nash III, officiated the wedding. Jessie’s grandmother Ellinor, Zach’s grandmother Eleanor and niece Nora stole the show as flower girls, which the couple nicknamed the “Petal Patrol.” Jessie says one of their favorite wedding moments was listening to the speeches made by members of their wedding party.
Lego-themed Reception Details
Zach and Jessie chose a green and blush color scheme that was not without personal touches. The couple surprised their guests with a Lego-themed reception, inspired by their favorite pastime. Groomsmen bore Lego cufflinks, bridal party members were gifted customized Lego mini figures that resembled them each, and Lego bricks adorned the guest book and seating chart. A cupcake tower and cake was adorned with a Lego cake topper. Guests customized their own mini figures for Jessie and Zach to display in their home.
“The Lego guest book was a hit! We had bowls with different body parts and accessories and then a display case where folks could add their creation,” Jessie says. A ZimZoom Photo Booth rental entertained guests and captured memories to be enjoyed for years to come. ZimZoom included fun props for guests to pose with.
The couple now lives in Raleigh. Jessie is a program manager at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School and Zach works as a senior software developer at K4 Connect. To those planning weddings of their own, Jessie says not to get too hung up on tradition. “Do what makes you happy.”
