Charming Summer Wedding at The Sutherland in Wake Forest
On their tenth anniversary, Alexis and Cole got engaged when Cole popped the question using a message in a bottle. Ten months later, on July 26, 2020, they tied the knot during a charming ceremony on the lawn in July at The Sutherland in Wake Forest.
East Carolina Roots
Ashley and Cole met at the Player’s Retreat in Raleigh where they hit it off immediately. Both Alexis and Cole had attended East Carolina University’s College of Business and even worked for the same company post-grad, although on different floors in the same building. These serendipitous events brought them together, and the rest, as they say, is history! When it came to choosing a venue for their summer wedding ceremony, The Sutherland, a stately wedding and event venue in Wake Forest, was the perfect fit.
Elegant Aqua Wedding at The Sutherland
Alexis says she kept a copy of Heart of NC Weddings on her coffee table to draw inspiration from. The couple chose The Sutherland after seeing photos of the Wake Forest property and, despite having to push their wedding date back due to the pandemic, the venue did not disappoint as the site of their ceremony and reception.
“From beginning to end, the owner Ashlee Adams went above and beyond and we couldn’t have been happier,” Alexis says.
This gorgeous, sprawling Wake Forest wedding venue paired well with the colors the couple selected for their big day: aqua, blush and white. These colors were incorporated throughout the event, from the wedding party attire to invitations to bouquets and programs. Alexis and Cole kept their florals simple with white and green blooms from Bloom Works decorating their altar and bouquets.
Although it was hard to choose just one, Ashley says that the standout moment of the wedding was joining hands after her walk down the aisle, as they vowed to commit their lives to one another.
Engagement and Wedding Photography by Arika Jordan
Arika Jordan of Arika Jordan Photography captured the couple’s journey, from their engagement to the wedding ceremony and reception. Alexis says that Arika helped them feel comfortable in front of the lens throughout the entire process. “From our engagement photos at The Biltmore where we felt like we connected with her instantly to our wedding day, we loved the entire experience.” Meanwhile, Sarah from Gold + Sage was their videographer of choice.
The couple also praised Diamonds Direct, who supplied their wedding bands, and CE Rentals, who decorated the venue in a way that thrilled Alexis and Cole. Their caterer, Catering Works, provided delicious food and excellent service, Alexis says.
“These vendors never skipped a beat with our wedding or reception, even during COVID-19,” Alexis says. “That speaks volumes to their professionalism and expertise. We are so incredibly grateful to everyone involved that helped make our special day feel perfect.”
“Just take it one day at a time,” says Alexis to those planning their own weddings. “ It’ll go by very fast so make sure to soak it all in, have fun, and just breathe.” The couple now lives in Raleigh where Alexis works as a business support consultant for Wells Fargo and Cole is a driver for UPS.
