Highgrove Estate Wedding Venue in Fuquay-Varina, NC Sees Major Renovations for Local Weddings 

Pouring Love and Renovations Into Cherished, NC Wedding Venue 

If you had planned a wedding at Highgrove Estate fifteen years ago, you would’ve been signing up for an outdoor tent in the beautiful yet unruly landscape of North Carolina wilderness. To say that Fuquay-Varina’s leading wedding venue, Highgrove Estate has been transformed would be an understatement. For staff, the ongoing process of renovating Highgrove Estate to make it the venue it is today has been a journey of love. A statement to which they can honestly attest to because most of the staff has worked at Highgrove since the very beginning!

Years of building additions, selecting paint palettes, designing luxurious bridal suites, and pinning down the perfect backyard pergola construction have all been done with one goal in mind: to create a full-service wedding venue where every detail is covered and your wedding planning is made simple.

Fried Rice & Diamond Rings, the Perfect Proposal   

A sudden knock at the door – the food is here! Every Valentine’s day Sarah and Ben order take-out Hibachi food and eat it together in their cozy, Chapel Hill apartment home. This sweet and simple ritual is tradition. But what’s this? Instead of savory fried rice, one take out container hid a diamond engagement ring. Ben proposed to Sarah in exactly they way she wanted him to – at home, alone together in romantic intimacy.

From Ordering Take Out to Planning a Wedding at Highgrove Estate 

Ben and Sarah dove head first into wedding planning. They started their wedding planning journey by looking for a full-service wedding venue. 

“I am not really a “details” girl, so I wanted to get married at a place that would cover essentially all of the coordination in terms of food, rentals, timelines etc., “ Bride Sarah said. “Additionally, I wanted our venue to have a southern feel/look because at least half of our guests were traveling from the North and I wanted them to get a full Southern experience!”

Highgrove Estate checked off all of Sarah’s boxes. Fast forward to the big day, and you’ll find Sarah calmly sipping on champagne with her bridesmaids and mother in the comfort of the bridal suite. A soft and inviting room with walls covered in mirrors and green wreaths. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen straightened their suits and ties in the groom’s suite. A dapper, vintage luxury room with chocolate brown leather couches and woodsy decor. 

Ben & Sarah’s Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Beneath Highgrove Estate’s Newly Renovated Pergola 

The wedding colors were mint green, sky blue, navy blue, and white. And on their wedding day, the sky decided to help Ben and Sarah out by adding its own romantic array of smokey blue and grey sunset colors. The bride and groom said “I do” beneath Highgrove Estate’s latest outdoor addition – the pergola. Designed by Lane House Design and Construction, Highgrove’s renovated pergola offers a wedding ceremony altar unlike any other in NC. The three wooden arches create stunning symmetrical beauty and frame a picture perfect view of treetops hovering above Lake Laurel. Standing beneath the pergola feels a lot like standing in the mountains!

The outdoor pergola ceremony space is an architectural vision of peace and tranquillity. Oh, and we cannot forget to mention, the pergola’s little (but fierce) sister. The drop-dead-gorgeous crystal clear chandelier that was custom designed in Italy and delivered to Highgrove Estate’s front doorstep. This ceremony chandelier is so beautiful that the staff insists on referring to her as a “she” – what do you think they should name her? We suggested Audrey Hepburn, to match her grace and elegance.

Ben & Sarah’s Ballroom Reception at Highgrove Estate Wedding Venue 

Following their sunset vows, Ben and Sarah invited their guests to an indoor wedding reception within Highgrove Estate’s ballroom space. As you enter Highgrove’s ballroom the first thing you will do is look up. The ceiling is covered in whimsical white drapery which veils twinkling lights and is parted by elegant chandeliers. The drapery covered ceiling creates an ambiance of romance and intimacy. Just like Ben and Sarah’s love story! Reception tables were covered in cream colored linens, modern dinnerware, and navy blue napkins from CE Rental.  

Custom Designed Dinner From Highgrove Estate’s First-Class Catering Team 

For dinner, Highgrove Estate’s Executive Chef Troy Hogue prepared a custom designed menu selected by the bride and groom. Wedding guests raved over Chef Troy’s food, especially their popular chicken and waffle appetizers served at cocktail hour! What you may not know, is that every couple who books their wedding at Highgrove Estate is invited to an exclusive tasting event at the venue before the big day. At this special tasting event, couples get to sample dozens of Highgrove menu favorites and decide their wedding dinner template with one or two of their family members, planners, or best friends!  

Ben and Sarah’s Highgrove Estate wedding was full of beautiful details and personal touches. Including an extra sweet wedding favor – mini maple syrup bottles! As if their wedding couldn’t get any sweeter, the couple shared their first dance song to a slowed-down version of Wagon Wheel. This was the first song that Ben and Sarah ever danced together to while dating. Swoon! 

“Our wedding was the epitome of perfection and it was all because of the wonderful staff at the Highgrove,” said Bride Sarah. “If you’re looking for a stress-free, flawless set-up, stunningly beautiful venue, this is the place for you.”