Author name: Heart of NC Weddings

Planning Tips, Wedding Planners

How We Celebrate Now

The New Rules of Wedding Planning: 3 Ways Modern Couples Are Rethinking Wedding Traditions

By Meagan Culkin

North Carolina wedding planner Meagan Culkin, who has contributed to more than 700 weddings, has witnessed firsthand how trends and traditions have evolved. Modern couples are approaching wedding planning in completely new ways, with different budgets, etiquette expectations and a greater focus on guest experience. 

Meagan Culkin, founder of Magnolia Collective. Photo by Anna Grace Photography

Meagan … Read More

Traditional wedding stationery
Invitations, Planning Tips

Save the Dates, Invites & RSVPs: Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Invitations

North Carolina Wedding Invitations, Calligraphy and Paper

Plenty of details go into planning a wedding – selecting a catering menu, color palette, attire for the wedding party, the list goes on – but the very first thing your guests will get to see and touch is the invitation.

Imagine opening your mailbox, sorting through your mail and finding an envelope with beautiful handwritten calligraphy. Forget the bills and junk mail – this is a letter … Read More

Outdoor spring wedding white and green
Venues, Wedding Inspiration

The Most Romantic Wedding Venues in NC

Picturesque and Romantic NC Wedding Venues in the Triangle, Triad and Coast

So, you’re engaged. Congratulations! Ready to find the perfect place to say “I do”? Your wedding will reflect the true love you share. Go for sheer romance. In this blog you’ll find the most romantic NC wedding venues. This list includes wedding venues from the Triad to the Coast and everywhere in between.

These romantic NC venues are some of the most dreamy … Read More

Historic Durham NC wedding chapels
Planning Tips, Venues

Saying ‘I Do’ at Duke Chapel

When, Where and How to Book Duke Chapel for Your Wedding

Duke University Chapel weddings are truly unforgettable. This gothic-style chapel is a gorgeous, historic highlight of the university’s campus, and stands out for its breathtaking medieval-style architecture – making it one of the most highly sought-after venues for weddings in the Triangle. The chapel’s high ceilings, stained glass windows and towers provide picturesque backdrops for ceremonies.

Photography by Cliché Photographers

The first wedding ceremony … Read More

Market Hall downtown Raleigh wedding venue
Around Town, Planning Tips, Venues

18 of Our Fave Wedding Venues in Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh Wedding Venue Guide

Welcome to our downtown Raleigh wedding venue guide! There’s no shortage of venue options for your wedding in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Many of these event spaces offer top-notch Southern charm and hospitality.

Venue: Melrose Knitting Mill | Photo by Danielle Volk Creative

In addition, downtown Raleigh is bustling with entertainment for any wedding party, from art and natural history museums to food truck rodeos. On any given weekend … Read More

Beaufort NC wedding
Destinations, Planning Tips, Real Weddings, Wedding Planners

Lessons from an Event Planner’s Own Big Day in Beaufort, NC

Destination Planning Tips From a Wedding Planner Who Tied the Knot in Coastal NC About the Couple

Chelsea Cooper works as a senior associate planner with Chad Biggs Event Planning & Design. A native of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, she grew up helping with her mother’s floral design business. She later worked part-time on the catering team at Rose Hill Estate, and connected with wedding planner Chad Biggs (also owner of The DistilleryRead More

NC wedding catering
Catering, Planning Tips

Heart of NC Weddings’ Favorite NC Caterers

The Best Wedding Caterers in the NC Triangle

Whether you and your fiance are foodies or simply want to ensure a delicious experience for your guests, the wedding caterer you choose will have a big impact on your celebration. The good news? There’s several NC wedding caterers we know and trust to provide an exceptional meal for your event.

Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh | Planner: Vui Co. | Caterer: HL Catering Co. | Photo by… Read More
Summer wedding decor
Planning Tips

Wedding Budget Breakdown: Average Wedding Costs in NC

What Does an Average Wedding Cost in NC?

You’ve probably dreamt about all the fun aspects of your wedding. Now, you need to figure out how much those things will actually cost. The first step of wedding planning – before you can even pick a venue or planner – is to create your wedding budget. 

Venue: The Cookery | Photographer: Kivus & Camera | Florals: Bowerbird Flowers & Apothecary | Dress: Gilded Bridal | Formalwear:… Read More
Romantic downtown Raleigh wedding venues
Venues, Wedding Inspiration

Rock ‘N’ Romance at Slim’s Dive Bar

Dive Bar Microwedding Inspiration at Slim’s in Downtown Raleigh

Layer upon layer of stickers and graffiti doodled over every inch of Slim’s Dive Bar tell the story of the Wilmington Street establishment that’s been serving beer and bands since 1999. Pinball machines, billiards and a mural by Raleigh cartoonist Paul Friedrich add to the charm.

Slim’s Dive Bar Offers a Unique Setting for Small Weddings in Raleigh

“Slim’s has been a downtown Raleigh staple for … Read More

New wedding venues in Durham
Around Town, News, Planning Tips, Venues

What’s New With Wedding Venues

North Carolina Wedding Venues You Haven’t Heard of Yet

Struggling to find a wedding venue in NC that still has a Saturday date available? You’re not alone. Thousands of NC couples will be searching for a wedding venue this year, too, and as you may know, venues book up quickly. This means finding a place to tie the knot should be one of the first tasks on your wedding planning checklist! The newly opened … Read More

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