Oakland Farm Wedding with Blue and White Ginger Jar Details

Katelyn says that the ginger jar-inspired design of this winter wedding at Oakland Farm grew from her “wild ideas, daydreams and doodles.” She had dreamed of a holiday or Christmas wedding meshed with blue and white ginger jars, personalized details and a cozy reception. Oakland Farm’s open pavilion gave this ceremony the feel of an open-air chapel, while a festive, speakeasy-inspired tent hosted a cheery cocktail hour. Katelyn and Ryan tied the knot at Oakland Farm on December 19, 2020. The magical winter evening had a cohesive theme tied together by the deep blue and white designs of ginger jars.

Personalized Ginger Jar Details

Katelyn had dreamed of wedding decor and details centered around blue and white chinoiserie ginger jars. Katelyn had begun collecting the jars with her mother to decorate their homes and wanted to create a winter wedding inspired by the bold colors of the beautiful china.

Blue and white ginger jars paired with fresh boughs and greenery from the Raleigh State Farmers Market decorated Oakland Farm’s spacious barn. Touches of bright red and holly berries added contrast.

The couple focused on adding personal touches to their decor. Stationer Broadway Belles created a custom monogram with Ryan and Katelyn initials and their dog which the couple used to decorate koozies, doggie treat bags, napkins and other paper products.

Love Story

Ryan and Katelyn both grew up in Sanford, North Carolina, and attended Lee County High School. The two had mutual friends but didn’t cross paths until they’d each graduated college. Ryan asked Katelyn out, and – after Katelyn worked up the nerve to say yes – they had their first date in October of 2018.

The pair got engaged in February of 2020. Katelyn says that Ryan went beyond her “wildest dreams” to pull off an amazing proposal. Katelyn had planned a photo session with their dog, Willie, and when he ran over to her, a note dangling from his collar asked if she would marry Ryan. After Katelyn said “yes,” the couple celebrated at her parents’ home where Ryan had planned a surprise engagement party.

Ryan and Katelyn used their love story as inspiration for their big day – even the catering drew on one of their favorite date night meals. “There really wasn’t anything that was not a reflection of us and our relationship,” Katelyn says.

Kudos for Oakland Farm

“Throughout the wedding planning process, I had so many questions come up. There was never a time that I couldn’t give Kaitlyn a call or send her a text to get a measurement/picture/advice to ensure that the idea I was envisioning would work,” Katelyn says. “She knows the ins and the outs and the how-to’s and how-not-to’s of everything about Oakland Farm. And let’s talk about Oakland itself – a picturesque cozy farm wedding venue out in the country that offered a designated space for every event of our wedding weekend. I can’t say thank you enough to Kaitlyn and the Oakland Farm staff!”

Katelyn gives praise to all of the vendors involved who brought her winter wedding to life. “I honestly can say we could not have asked for a better team of vendors. Everyone was so helpful, knowledgeable, and professional. They offered advice when we needed it and they were focused on making everything we asked for a reality. There is no way to put our gratitude into words for how phenomenal our vendors were,” Katelyn says.

Winter Props from ZimZoom Photo Booth

For their reception inside Oakland Farm’s barn, Katelyn and Ryan chose ZimZoom Photo Booth to add an entertaining element to the evening. In line with this winter wedding, ZimZoom’s fun holiday props like tinsel, Santa hats and reindeer glasses kept the festive spirit going.