Destination New Bern

New Bern, NC – One of the Most Romantic Wedding Destinations in North Carolina

Like a river flows surely too the sea, the city of New Bern is undoubtedly one of the most romantic wedding destinations in North Carolina. Nestled at the intersection of the Neuse River and Trent River, downtown New Bern buzzes with the soft bustle of restaurants, cafes, art galleries and antique stores. New Bern’s beautifully preserved architecture and historic charm have attracted new visitors from near and far. In addition to breathtaking homes and gardens, there is no shortage of talented wedding and event vendors in New Bern.

Local wedding planner-florist team Anne Griggs and Christa Tarver led a group oof vendors in a spectacular summer styled shoot that spanned over the course of two days and across six different sites. The dynamic duo, known as The French Bee Events, has decades of experience combined and are dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences.

Wedding Invitation Suite New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose
INVITATIONS The French Bee Events

The Story Behind This New Bern Wedding Photo Shoot

This styled weddings shoot, designed by The French Bee Events, tells the story of a couple who choose to host their destination wedding in New Bern. Like all weddings, the shoot starts with the bride and groom getting ready in the bright and airy suits of The Jarvis at 220 bed-and-breakfast.

Enjoy a Romantic Getaway at The Jarvis at 220

Denise and Michael Gleason moved to New Bern to restore a bed-and-breakfast. In 2018, they opened The Jarvis at 220. Stay in the master suite and enjoy a cocktail prepped by Denise herself while watching the sunset overlooking Pollack Street. From getting dressed to first looks, The Jarvis is full of gorgeous photo opportunities!

Enjoy a full weekend at the Jarvis at 220, complete with luxury overnight accommodations for 8 people, access to the wine cellar and complementary Bear City Fudge! The entire wedding weekend is very affordable, with $6,500 weekend packages available. This rate includes a tent large enough for a 100-person dinner on the patio. It also includes use of the speakeasy styled cellar. Complete with pool, foozeball and a bar, this cellar is great for an after-party.

The Jarvis at 220 Bride Groom New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose

Shop Small Batch Gallery + Goods

Small Batch Gallery + Goods owner Shannon Luquire’s father, John McQuade, is the artist behind The Jarvis at 220 guest book. Small Batch Gallery can also customize your own guest book with, for example, an engagement photo or a painting of your wedding venue. Based in New Bern, NC, Small Batch is a charming boutique store that sells thoughtful gifts. From your bridesmaid gifts to your welcome bags, let Small Batch Gallery + Goods make wedding gifting easy.

North Carolina Inspired Bridesmaid Gifts Show Your Bridesmaids Some Love | Heart of NC Weddings Shop Small Batch Cynthia Rose
BRIDESMAID GIFTS Small Batch Gallery + Goods

Wedding Dress Inspiration from Thornbury Brides New Bern, NC

French Bee Events designed the styled shoot around one object: the wedding dress. The gown, selected from New Bern’s boutique bridal salon Thornbury Brides, features sleek lines and a modern shape, which Anne says contribute to many of the imaginary wedding’s details. Neutral colored flowers such as quicksand rose, locally harvested coastal grasses and the bride’s dried bouquet of lunar set the tone for a nude color palette.

Luxury Wedding at The Jarvis at 220 New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose
DRESS AND TUXEDO Thornbury Brides

Timeless NC Wedding Photography by Cynthia Rose Photography 

Cynthia Rose Photography and Videography was founded by husband and wife wedding photography and videography duo Cynthia and Victor. Cynthia and Victor are honored to capture the love stories of NC couples. They like to think of themselves as moment preservers who document some of the most special days of our lives. Cynthia Rose Photography offers engagement, wedding and bridal sessions. Hear what Anne Griggs, the planner of this stunning New Bern styled shoot, has to say about working with Cynthia Rose Photography.

“We have worked with Cynthia Rose Photography so many times and she never ceases to amaze us. She sees things that the average person will not see and therefore gets the unexpected picture and to top it ooff the quality of her shots are unparalleled. They are always clear and crisp. She truly puts 120% of herself into her work.” – Anne Griggs of The French Bee Events

Garden Wedding at Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC

After the groomsmen finished a round of pool in The Jarvis at 220’s hidden cellar bar and lounge, the wedding party trickled up the road to Tryon Palace. Originally home to the British governors of North Carolina, from 1770 to 1775, the palace grounds gave the styled ceremony, cocktail hour and reception a whimsical Pride and Prejudice garden theme. A flock of children attendants dressed in white follow the bride and groom as they trapeze from garden to garden at the Tryon Palace.

Gold painted oyster shells guide imaginary guests to their seat at a farm table beneath a pleached allee.

New Bern, NC Flavor

Scarborough Fare Catering prepared a generous grazing table, passed hors d’oeuvres and a feast of shrimp and blue grits. Each culinary creation popped against dusty pink velvet linens and cream-colored party rentals.

They say the way to your guests’ hearts is through their stomachs, but with so many options, it can be hard to settle on cuisine for your big day! Have no fear, Scarborough Fare Catering does it all – from classic southern comfort food to sushi to Italian and beyond! Brother-sister duo Justin Wilkes and Allison Thomas are passionate about southern hospitality, and committed to combining amazing taste in food with gorgeous presentation. No matter your selection, food will be cooked on-site and with the freshest ingredients, and that is what makes Scarborough Fare stand out from the rest!

Garden Wedding Reception Tryon Palace New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose
Garden Cocktail Hour Tryon Palace New Bern Wedding Venue Planner and Flowers by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose
Garden Cocktail Hour Bride Groom Lounge Area Tryon Palace New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose
PLANNER AND FLORALS The French Bee Events | DRESS AND TUXEDO Thornbury Brides
Cake in the Gardens of Tryon Palace New Bern Wedding Destination Styled by The French Bee Events Cynthia Rose

The lovebirds drifted between lounge areas with glasses of champagne before tiptoeing into the final garden area for cake, dancing and a bacon and bourbon tasting by Scarborough Fare Catering.

Whether you’re planning your wedding in the area or taking a getaway weekend, the southern hospitality and famous legacy of New Bern invites you to get a taste of coastal North Carolina heritage. Click here to learn more about New Bern wedding vendors.

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