To Rome With Love – Finding the Perfect Outdoor Raleigh NC Wedding Venue at The Bradford 

The first time Meredith and Endrit hung out one-on-one they went to a Miami Heat basketball game. How’s that for a first date? Their first date went so well that they went out again the next day in downtown Raleigh, where they had dinner at the Raleigh Times and drinks afterwards at Fox Liquor Bar.

Fast forward, and Endrit is getting down on one knee at Pincio Terrace in the Villa Borghese gardens of Rome. With the skyline of Rome behind her, Meredith said yes to spending the rest of her life with Endrit by her side. Meredith and Endrit spent the rest of the afternoon on an adventurous engagement photo shoot all over the city of Rome. Talk about romantic!

Meredith and Endrit wanted their wedding to be a mix of both of their family backgrounds – Meredith is a Southern belle, born and raised in North Carolina, and Endrit is half Greek, half Albanian. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church was a natural fit for the ceremony. For their reception in Raleigh, NC, The Bradford matched their unique Southern meets Mediterranean vibe.

Southern Greek Goddess Bridal Gown from Alexia’s Bridal Salon Raleigh NC 

Meredith and her bridesmaids got ready for the southern mediterranean wedding day inside at The Bradford wedding venue in Raleigh, NC. It was important for Meredith to find the perfect dress for her outdoor wedding event at The Bradford. She chose a stunning Liancarlo bridal gown design from Alexia’s bridal salon. The romantic dress featured cream and gold colors with a showstopping gold sequin bodice and sheer neckline. Even Greek goddesses who would be jealous of Meredith’s bridal gown from Alexia’s! The bridesmaids stepped into elegant, navy blue, floor length gowns with chic halter top necklines.

Meanwhile, the groom Endrit and his groomsmen wore classic black suits with bow ties. They looked handsome and happy as they prepared for a special wedding ceremony at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox in Raleigh, NC.  

Traditional Wedding Ceremony at The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Raleigh, NC

Meredith and Endrit shared their marriage vows for one another at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church in Raleigh, NC. The cathedral’s bright red carpet, gold decor, and magnificent stain glass windows created an incredible ambiance. Meredith looked like a greek goddess in her Liancarlo bridal gown from Alexia’s as she walked down the aisle on the arm of her father. Following the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds were showered in rice by their friends and family. This powerful wedding ceremony set the mood for a meaningful wedding reception to follow at The Bradford wedding venue in Raleigh, NC.  

Whimsical Outdoor Reception at The Bradford Wedding Venue in Raleigh, NC  

Guests were astonished when they entered the outdoor patio reception area at The Bradford wedding venue in Raleigh, NC. What they saw were hundreds of twinkling lights, fresh summer greenery, cream linens, and candles on every table. Meredith and Endrit enjoyed picking out the perfect southern mediterranean dinnerware and antique looking silverware from CE Rental’s selections. The Bradford’s outdoor garden patio was the perfect outdoor setting to bring the bride and groom’s families together for the very first time, with an al fresco candlelit family style meal.

Meredith and Endrit made their outdoor reception at The Bradford wedding venue in Raleigh, NC personal in many ways. Guests were greeted by a table covered with the wedding photographs of both the bride and groom’s parents and grandparents. F8 Photo Studios photographs of Meredith and Endrits special day will be added to the treasured family momentos. For dinner, family and friends feasted on a custom designed southern mediterranean menu. Wedding favors included miniature bottles of limoncello, a greek and italian traditional liquor, and Greek Koufeta (5 Jordan almonds).

Bride Meredith’s favorite wedding moment was sharing her first dance with her husband. “Having everyone we love in the same room and getting those few minutes just to ourselves was unforgettable.” This moment was made possible by Stylus S.E DJ Eric “Animal” Mills. The bride and groom were so thankful that Stylus S.E went above and beyond by tracking down some of the hard-to-find Greek and Albanian song they wanted played.

At the end of Meredith and Endrit’s wedding day they were filled with joy. The bride and groom couldn’t have picked a more perfect wedding venue in Raleigh, NC.

“The Bradford is unbelievably gorgeous and Bailey with the Bradford was very responsive and sweet! The Bradford was so helpful – we would love to have another event there again in the future!”  -Bride Meredith

Today, the new-nesters live in Apex, NC. Meredith works in International Education at RTI International and Endrit works in IT at GSK. 

Want to see more beautiful outdoor wedding venues in the Triangle? Check out our SB&G preferred wedding venue guide!