Bennett and Sarah didn’t know they were destined for an elegant wedding when they matched on Hinge after they both settled in Raleigh after college. Funnily enough, their initial conversation wasn’t actually between the two. “I have to shout out one of my best friends and roommate at the time, Sydney,” Sarah says. “She made my profile and talked to him for me first.”
Bennett proposed nearly five years later in the home he and Sarah had just purchased together. The couple envisioned an elegant wedding with neutral colors and plenty of baby’s breath and rosy florals to add a romantic touch to the celebration.
Elegant Design and Baby’s Breath Decorate Heights House Hotel
The pair set their wedding date for March 26, 2022. Enchanted by the allure of Heights House Hotel, Bennett and Sarah knew it was the perfect venue for their dream wedding. Even before its completion, the couple had fallen in love with the venue’s unique charm as a historic mansion and location in the Boylan Heights neighborhood. “Heights House Hotel was our first-choice venue,” Sarah says. “We would drive by periodically when it was still under construction and booked it before [it was] even completed.”
Timeless Wedding Arranged by Husband-and-Wife Planner Team
The couple relied heavily on Addie Thompson and Michael Thompson, the husband-and-wife team who operate Dogwood Gatherings and Events. They curated an elegant outdoor ceremony on the mansion steps, followed by a tented reception on the sprawling lawn. The couple’s impeccable taste was reflected in their choice of champagne dresses and navy suits for the wedding party, while their decor featured neutral white and gold tones, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance.
Stephanie Axtell and Charles Axtell of The Axtells: Wedding Photography + Films helped the two feel comfortable in front of the camera while capturing portraits and video. The couple posed with a view of Raleigh’s skyline from a bridge near the Boylan Heights venue. Sarah says one of her favorite memories from the day remains watching guests arrive from the bridal suite window that overlooks the mansion’s main entrance. “It was so special to see the moment where all of our friends and family were in one place to celebrate us before walking down the aisle!”
Advice for Engaged Readers
Reflecting on their wedding experience, Bennett and Sarah shared invaluable advice for engaged couples. They emphasized the importance of staying true to your desires, letting go of expectations, and cherishing every moment of the day. They expressed gratitude to Heart of NC Weddings magazine and website, which provided them with inspiration during the planning process.
