A Sentimental Azalea Garden Wedding
Van and Jessica‘s love story began six years ago at cosmetology school in Raleigh, North Carolina. Little did they know that they would later fall in love and tie the knot at the WRAL Azalea Gardens, surrounded by the flora and fauna that held a special place in Jessica’s heart. “My great-grandfather used to take me to an azalea park when I was growing up,” she says. She felt that having a garden wedding ceremony was the perfect way to make the event personal and sentimental.
After the garden wedding ceremony, the reception was held at the Tucker House, a beautiful neoclassical revival-style building in Raleigh’s Oakwood neighborhood. Jessica and Van kept their wedding local by booking vendors from the area. The Sola Coffee Café in North Raleigh catered the reception, and Two Roosters Ice Cream provided dessert from their mobile van. It was the perfect choice of dessert in lieu of a wedding cake since they tried it together on one of their first dates.
Left Shot Photography Captures Delicate Details and Romantic Moments of Azalea Garden Wedding
Their photographer, Left Shot Photography, captured all of the delicate details of the day, including the dusty blush and sage color scheme and Jessica’s rings from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Leen Lorig, the founder of Left Shot Photography, also facilitated a peaceful and romantic moment for the couple. Jessica and Van snuck away from their family and friends immediately following the ceremony with Leen. “[Those] are some of my favorite photos from the day,” Jessica says.
Jessica’s Attire and Advice
Jessica wore a Morilee dress from Savvi Bridal, and her shoes were from Madison Boutique. Her bridesmaids wore sage-colored dresses from Birdy Grey, and jewelry from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Callie, her stylist at Savvi Bridal, was amazing in helping her choose the perfect dress for her big day.
Their wedding planning experience was fun but stressful, as with many couples. They tried to keep things as local as possible and made sure to have as much fun as possible during the process. Jessica’s advice to engaged readers is to try to enjoy the process and remember why they’re doing it in the first place.
Where are the Newlyweds Now?
Van and Jessica now reside in Raleigh, where Jessica is a hairstylist at Lux Salon and Van is an account manager at Apex Systems. Their azalea garden wedding beautifully represented their love for each other and their home state of North Carolina.
