Pattern and Color Fill Downtown Raleigh Warehouse Venue in This Styled Wedding
Great food and gracious hospitality are cornerstones of any memorable celebration, and these qualities shine at every Melrose Knitting Mill event. The lovingly restored warehouse on downtown Raleigh’s North Dawson Street, which was reimagined as a venue in 2014, is managed by Umbria Hospitality Group.
Melrose has become a go-to for unforgettable rehearsal dinners and weddings together with its ground-floor eatery, Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar (which originally opened as the Moroccan-influenced Babylon Restaurant in 2009), offering a delightful dining experience with carefully curated menus and a warm, welcoming Southern charm.
The circa-1900 structure served as a textile mill for three decades before sitting vacant for the better part of the next 80 years. Today, its turn-of-the- century craftsmanship is on full display. Gracefully arched windows framed by umber brickwork, exposed beams and vaulted ceilings punctuated by dripping chandeliers create a warm, inviting ambiance for up to 180 guests.
Playful Patterns, Textures and Colors Collide in This Styled Wedding
The ocher tones across Melrose’s walls, wood floors and ceiling provide “a clean, neutral base upon which to build,” says Amy Plant-Perdue, editorial shoot creative director for Heart of NC Weddings. This balanced backdrop allows for the playful collision of pattern and color like those featured in Curated Events Raleigh’s newest collection of exclusive linens, lounge furniture and tabletop rentals highlighted throughout this editorial.
“There are four different textures and patterns layered together in the place settings,” Amy says. Keeping the palette limited to shades of blue and yellow helped maintain cohesion overall while embracing variety. “I also look for similarities in patterns that tie them together,” Amy says, adding that scale is also a factor to consider.
“The linen in the Jayden Indigo pattern is a really large floral print, so we chose china with more delicate patterns,” Amy says. The menus, designed by stationer Ashley Triggiano, fan open for easy reading, adding a unique touch to each place setting.
Industrial Elements of Melrose Knitting Mill Pair Well With Bright Blooms
Tall floral arrangements by The English Garden, making use of branches to mimic trees, soften Melrose’s industrial elements while also filling the space between tables. “This concept brings the outdoors inside,” Amy says. Greenery also takes center stage in asymmetrical altar arches, adorned with peonies and dainty chamomile daisies, where real-life spouses Alexis James and Tevin James exchange vows with a view of downtown.
“The large windows flood the space with natural light, making Melrose a dreamy indoor ceremony spot, especially during the off-season when outdoor locations would be extremely hot or cold,” says photographer Danielle Volk.
Lounge chairs, an unconventional but luxurious choice for ceremony seating, offer comfort for guests and can be repurposed for later in the evening. The third-floor space is made reception ready while cocktail hour takes place in Mulino’s lush courtyard. Amy suggests maximizing the use of specialty rentals in multiple phases of the event to streamline logistics and get the most value.
While revelers mingle, the couple and their entourage pose for portraits on Melrose’s front steps. Alexis dazzles in a Gilded Bridal gown, its intricate beadwork leaving a lasting impression. “The soft, flowy fabric definitely stands out in a more industrial space,” Amy says. Glossy waves and neutral glam makeup by Reign Beauty accentuate this off-the-shoulder style.
Floral Patterns and Mixed Styles Showcase Trending Wedding Party Fashion
Tevin shines in an emerald suit from Bernard’s Formalwear while the wedding party wear jumpsuits and dresses from Bella Bridesmaids Raleigh for a stylish, modern touch.
Get the Party Started with Raleigh Wedding Entertainers
The evening continues, and guests strike poses at ZimZoom Photo Booth’s customized Pro Booth while DJ Stylus S.E. sets the tone for a lively celebration as local wedding pros gathered for our annual mixer following the photo shoot.
Attendees enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and a mini chicken-and-biscuit station, and left with personalized mini Champagne bottles hand painted by Ashley, each its own tiny work of art.
