The Love Story Behind McKenna Bleu’s Charlotte Wedding
After returning to the Queen City a few years ago, McKenna Bleu and Russ Adams were briefly introduced through mutual friends. However, it wasn’t until the next year on St. Patrick’s Day that they reconnected at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery. Maybe it was the romantic ambiance of the beer garden, or maybe it was the good luck of St. Patrick’s Day – McKenna and Russ shared a spark that neither could resist. One week later they went on their first date, and as the influencer said it herself, “the rest is history!”
Russ gave McKenna the promise of a lifetime on the same day that they closed on their Charlotte townhouse. In an empty living room, he got down on one knee and proposed. You won’t be surprised to find out that the pillow-cut Diamonds Direct engagement ring was a lovely shade of pink! With hopes of hosting a summer wedding in just three months, McKenna immediately hired a professional planner, The Graceful Host. The result? A flawlessly executed pink floral boho inspired Charlotte wedding day.
“I truly couldn’t have felt more calm and relaxed on my wedding day and it was all because I left it all in the hands of my wedding planner,” McKenna Bleu said.
First Look at McKenna Bleu’s Charlotte Wedding
Loved by her fans for hot pink jumpsuits and the occasional polka dot sundress, McKenna Bleu’s wedding dress did not disappoint! With less than 60 days to find her dream dress, this NC bride-to-be ordered her bridal gown from BHLDN. Whimsical, romantic and a light shade of pink, this Willowby by Watters Laine Gown was made for McKenna Bleu. Groom Russ couldn’t help but smile at the first look of his future wife twirling in a skirt full of tulle. Delicate floral details on this wedding dress reappear throughout the wedding theme and style. Look closely at the bottom of the bride’s wedding veil and you’ll notice a trail of hand-sewn pink flower petals. McKenna’s cousin designed this one-of-a-kind bridal veil specifically for her wedding.
McKenna Bleu’s Charlotte Wedding Ceremony & Reception
McKenna and Russ tied the knot on June 22, 2019 at Board & Batten Events venue. Less than an hour outside of Charlotte, Board & Batten is an all-inclusive venue nestled on approximately 60 acres of countryside. Rustic dried wheat grass, pink baby’s breath and peach and white peony blossoms marked the ceremony aisle and altar. The walls of Board & Batten feature white, pine wood herringbone detail and an industrial ceiling – perfect for a Southern wedding.
“My favorite memory was walking down the aisle to my favorite song “Conrad” by Ben Howard and seeing the love of my life at the end of that aisle,” McKenna Bleu said.
After the bride and groom said “I do”, they invited their guests to an evening of celebration. Blush velvet table linens and candles gave the reception space a romantic glow. McKenna Bleu’s Charlotte wedding journey ended by dancing barefoot to a live band beside the love of her life.
Rustic Charm and Modern-Day Sophistication at Board & Batten
Board & Batten is nestled on approximately 60 acres near High Rock Lake in Lexington, NC. The all-inclusive event space blends rustic charm with modern-day sophistication. The Board & Batten team offers every amenity you could imagine for your wedding celebration. In addition, the elegant venue is the idyllic setting for any event because the team precisely designed and built it with your special day in mind. The expertly designed event space radiates warmth and elegance. Likewise, each custom aspect makes entertaining effortless.
From the moment you book an event at Board & Batten, the team will treat you like family. Hospitality is at the heart of the company. Only one event happens a day at the venue so that the team can focus solely on you. The team takes care of every detail in order for you to enjoy an enchanting evening. You and up to 250 guests will remember it for years to come. Plus, you can enjoy the space year-round as the venue is fully equipped with heating and air conditioning.
Today, the newlyweds are living out their happily ever after in Charlotte and are expecting their first child this summer! Russ works in real estate and you can follow McKenna Bleu’s lifestyle blog at mckennableu.com or on Instagram @mckennableu. Congratulations to this NC couple, we are so happy to have been able to share in their wedding journey.
“I loved using Heart of NC Weddings to find inspiration for our big day!” -McKenna Bleu
