Host Your Apex Wedding at The Upchurch
Built in 1905, the historic home is being converted into a stunning venue, complete with magnolia-filled lawns and charming details. The property will perfectly join old and new; the victorian charm of the home will be preserved, but modern finishes will pop perfectly. The main house features two dressing rooms, so wedding parties can get ready on site, as well as a custom bar and a kitchen ideal for catering.
The back patio is perfect for cocktail hour, with plenty of room for guests to mingle and gorgeous accent flowers planted around the space. Just off the patio lies the stunning lawn, accompanied by magnolia trees. With over 2,000 square feet of green space, the lawn will the perfect ceremony spot. Up to 225 guests will be able to watch you say “I do!” under those stunning magnolias.
The Conservatory
“The entire aesthetic of The Upchurch has a basis of botanical,” Cara says. “I pulled the idea of The Conservatory from something I loved from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, which was the scientific flora and fauna illustrations, to come up with the concept for the botanical theme.”
The white walls and high ceilings of The Conservatory, accented by dark wooden beams, will create the perfect atmosphere for guests to dance the night away. Bubbly, modern chandeliers will add a fresh twist, especially when contrasted against the traditional woodwork. If you’re looking for a spot for a sit-down meal indoors, a prep kitchen and tables make the space versatile, and the perfect place for an elegant meal. Up to 200 people will be comfortable while seated in The Conservatory. And with over 4,200 square feet of space in The Conservatory, guests will have plenty of space to get their groove on!
Rocky Top Catering
Speaking of catering, Rocky Top Catering accompanies The Upchurch as the in-house caterer. The locally owned company has been in the business for over 20 years, and serves everything from garden salads to flavorful sushi to buffalo dip to steak! Not to mention the best part … dessert! Munch on more than just wedding cake, because Rocky Top has cake pops, truffles, macarons and more. No matter what guests’ tastes are, everyone will find something delicious to enjoy.
Apex Wedding Florals by The English Garden
For the styled shoot, Cara’s fun, colorful style of photography meshed perfectly with vibrant florals for the styled shoot, designed by The English Garden.
“I wanted the florals to feel modern with the palm and the tropical elements (we know my affinity for Hawaii) and classic with the warmth of the color used as well as the soft greenery and carnations,” Cara says. “And to top it off The English Garden painted the palm copper to match our main logo.”
Elegant greens and palms added texture to the bride’s cascading pink bouquet. Touches of maroon and peach flowers completed the whimsical look. Like the rest of the venue, the floral design struck the perfect balance incorporating fresh ideas with a classic spirit.
The Wedding Dress
The bride’s fashion was the real showstopper of the shoot! Not even the stunning florals could distract from her gown. She wore a classic beaded wedding dress with a frothy tulle skirt and an open back from White Bridal Boutiques. A look fit for a modern princess!
Cara’s goal for the wedding dress was to look “something vintage but modern as well to mirror the concept of the shoot.” The front of the dress featured a dramatic v-neck and ornate lace sleeves to complement the beadwork. A simple veil, an artfully messy fishtail braid and a cat eye rounded out the look.
“I wanted the hair to be soft but the eyes to be more bold and edgy,” Cara said. “ I wanted to convey a look with the model and the makeup that was more fashion oriented to set off that incredible couture dress.”
If you’d like to bring these stunning styles to life, check out each of the featured vendors below! For more inspiration on how to pull off a modern wedding at a classic, vintage venue check out this piece on how to create a wedding inspired by the hit tv series Bridgerton.
