Winter weddings are not the most traditional, but it’s hard to imagine a more enchanting ambiance than Duke Chapel and the Angus Barn Pavilion during the Christmas season!
Lenox and Bradford were married at Duke Chapel in late December, where the couple knelt to receive communion on a kneeling bench that belonged to the bride’s great-grandfather, the sports medicine doctor at Duke University for many years, and namesake of the hospital. As Lenox waited on the other side of the large chapel doors to walk down the aisle with her father, the seasonal O Holy Night filled the chapel with joyous music.
The evening was followed by a magical reception at The Pavilion at Angus Barn. The venue fit perfectly with the cozy feel the couple was aiming for at their pre-Christmas wedding. The groom was sold on the space when he saw the amazing fire pit and envisioned his buddies enjoying celebratory cigars around it. The foodie couple also knew the Angus Barn, reputed for its culinary excellence, wouldn’t disappoint when it came to the catering.
As if on cue, there was a light snow shower on the day of the wedding. The Pavilion was lined with giant Christmas trees adorned with thousands of sparkling lights. Thick fur throws were scattered around the couches and the fireplace to keep guests warm, and rustic accents like wooden barley twist candles and pine cones peppered across long farm tables. Having fun with the holiday theme, keepsake ornaments and pashminas were gifted to the bridesmaids, and Santa hats and reindeer antlers were passed out as wedding favors.
When it came to planning assistance for this large 400-guest wedding, Amanda Scott with A Swanky Affair “was an absolute God-send,” Lenox shares. The bride and her mother had attempted to handle the planning on their own, but when the numerous contracts and details began taking over their lives, it became abundantly clear to them how much they needed the organization, expertise, guidance and experience that Amanda had to offer.
“Not only did our entire weekend go without hiccup, but we were able to enjoy all of the time and weeks leading up to the weekend knowing we were in good hands! We truly could not have done it without her,” says Lenox.
With great music, lots of love, the spirit of the gospel, and the presence of so many family and friends, this wedding represented all the important pieces of their relationship and the holiday for them. They joke that they wish they could do every Christmas the same way!
WEDDING CONSULTANT A Swanky Affair | CEREMONY Duke Chapel | RECEPTION & CATERER The Angus Barn | REHERSAL DINNER Raleigh Country Club | PHOTOGRAPHER Graham Terhune Photography | BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Joanna August from Bella Bridesmaids, Raleigh| BRIDAL GOWN Lea-Ann Belter from Traditions by Anna Bridal Boutique | MENS FORMALWEAR Ralph Lauren | HAIR Parlor Blow Dry Bar | PARTY RENTALS Party Reflections | LIGHTING Get Lit Special Event Lighting | LINENS CE Rentals | FLORIST Watered Garden | CAKE Cinda’s Creative Cakes | STATIONER Reaves Engraving | CALLIGRAPHER Lynn Titchener | CEREMONY MUSIC Organist, Christopher Jacobsen; Trumpeter, Don Eagle; Soloist Susannah Stewart | RECEPTION MUSIC Sleeping Booty Band | GUEST ACCOMODATIONS Renaissance Raleigh and Hyatt House North Raleigh | VIDEOGRAPHER Ink Spot Crow | TRANSPORTATION Horizon Coach Lines Guest | REGISTRY Belk
