A French Countryside Wedding in North Carolina

Outdoor Garden Wedding at The Bradford

Natalie had always envisioned getting married on the French countryside. Given that her and her fiancé were getting married in the Raleigh area of North Carolina, she wasn’t sure how French her wedding would actually be. When Natalie and Zach saw The Bradford for the first time they knew it was meant to be. It was the perfect NC wedding venue that almost made you feel as though you were walking in the French countryside. The couple filled their wedding with wildflower florals and had the most beautiful outdoor garden wedding at The Bradford.

Natalie and Zach’s Love Story

Natalie had moved to Savannah for grad school and was in search of the student book store. She stopped to ask a random guy for directions and that random guy was none other than Zach! After chatting a little about the area he offered to show her around her new city and the rest is history!

On a recent trip to Disney World to visit with family, Zach made Natalie’s fairytale dreams come true. He got down on one knee and popped the question in front of Cinderella’s castle.

The Bradford Wedding Venue Outside of Raleigh, NC

The Bradford is a French country estate located in New Hill, right outside of Raleigh, NC. It has a French feel to it while still being charmingly fitting for a North Carolina wedding. Between the gorgeous gardens, stunning terrace and ballroom, no matter the vision you have, there is a picture perfect space for your wedding at The Bradford!

The Bradford Wedding Venue Raleigh Durham, Johanna Dye — VENUE The Bradford

Natalie shared, “When I started wedding planning I definitely had a vision of the French countryside in my mind. I am in love with France and all things romantic and feminine. I saw The Bradford advertised in Southern Bride and Groom Magazine before we were even engaged and I knew one day I had to get married there. It looks like it belongs in France but it is right here in North Carolina. It couldn’t have been more meant to be!”

Invitation Suite with purple florals for wedding at The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye

Bride dancing in front of The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye — VENUE The Bradford

The bridesmaids wore mismatched colors that perfectly paired with the wildflower bouquets by Bowerbird Flowers. Each bridesmaid wore a unique color and designed long gown and they were effortlessly beautiful next to one another. The mismatched colors perfected the beautiful garden feel of the wedding.

Bridesmaids in mismatching long gowns for wedding at The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye

Wildflower Wedding Florals by Durham Florist, Bowerbird Flowers

One of the most important aspects of the wedding for the bride were the flowers. Natalie chose to have Bowerbird Flowers, a Durham Florist, bring her vision to life. Bowerbird Flowers is known for their eclectic and one-of-a-kind eye for a modern floral design sourced from local farms.

Natalie shared, “Bowerbird Flowers gives off such an ethereal and romantic vibe so I fell in love with them immediately. Diane really took my vision and turned it into everything I was hoping for and more. From the fresh lavender on the place settings — to the beautiful floral crown she made for me, it was all perfect.”

Bridal bouquet by Raleigh Florist Bowerbirds at The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye — FLORIST Bowerbird Flowers

Groomsman in navy suits outside at The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye

Groom in Navy Suit with Perriwinkle tie at wedding at The Bradford, Raleigh Wedding Venue, Johanna Dye

Outdoor Garden Ceremony and Reception at The Bradford

Natalie and Zach chose to take advantage of the many gorgeous spaces that The Bradford has to offer on its grounds. Their ceremony was held in their gorgeous garden areas with lush green backdrops of the surrounding trees and their reception was held adjacent to create an effortless flow from ceremony to reception celebration.

Bowerbird Flowers dressed the ceremony and reception in simply beautiful wildflower arrangements that brought Natalie’s romantic vision to life.