Patrick and Caitlyn’s Timeless Wedding

St. Mary’s Chapel Wedding Designed by Sally Oakley Weddings and Events

Patrick Johnstone and Caitlyn Willis are high school sweethearts – he was a football player and she was a cheerleader. Ten years after meeting at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, Patrick told Caitlyn that he would propose by the end of 2017. True to his word, he popped the question on New Year’s Eve while on a walk with their puppy, Finley. The couple celebrated their engagement and the start of a new year surrounded by friends and family at the Angus Barn – a yearly tradition started by Caitlyn’s grandparents more than 40 years ago. Witness their beautiful real wedding at St. Mary’s Chapel, planned by Sally Oakley Weddings and Events!

Navy wedding invitation suite by Mason Dixon Designs wedding rings Bailey's Fine Jewelry Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
STATIONER Mason Dixon Designs | ENGAGEMENT RINGS Bailey's Fine Jewelry | PHOTO Azul Photography
Bride and mother getting ready St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul

Timeless Memories at St. Mary’s Chapel 

Patrick and Caitlyn said “I do” at St. Mary’s Chapel, which was chosen because Caitlyn’s grandmother attended St. Mary’s Chapel as a child. “It held a special place in my heart, as well as my parents’,” Caitlyn said.

St. Mary’s Chapel was originally built in 1856, and this historic white chapel has been wooing couples of all denominations to get married there. With its steep gable roof, lovely octagonal stained glass window, and gabled entryway, St. Mary’s Chapel makes for the sweetest place to say “I do!”

Wedding welcome sign by Mason Dixon Designs St. Mary's Chapel Wedding by Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
CALLIGRAPHY Mason Dixon Designs
Bride and groom first kiss St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul

Sally Oakley Weddings and Events – Trusted Wedding Planning

Caitlyn always knew she wanted her wedding theme to be timeless elegance with a modern twist. “Growing up, my mom and I always shared a love for the color navy for its classic sophistication. That is why I selected navy dresses for my bridesmaids as well as navy accents throughout the wedding.”

For executing the “twist” in Caitlyn’s wedding theme, she turned to Sally Oakley Weddings and Events. With her help, Sally was able to add touches of burgundy to accentuate the fall colors of September, and to turn down the deep tones, she added white and light pink to the mix.

Sally Oakley has earned a reputation for creating and delivering spectacular events celebrating life’s most anticipated occasions. Her team offers everything from partial or full service planning, to day of planning in the greater Triangle area. “Sally is a true wedding professional. Whenever I felt stressed or concerned, Sally knew exactly what to say to put me at ease,” Caitlyn said.

Bride and navy blue bridesmaids Bella Bridesmaids St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES Bella Bridesmaids
Bride and parents mother of the bride dress Kannon's Clothing St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE DRESS Kannon's Clothing
Bride and groom metal butterfly chair St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul

Stunning Calligraphy from Mason Dixon Designs

Caitlyn worked with Danielle from Mason Dixon Designs to bring her wildest ideas and thoughts to reality. Danielle worked tirelessly to deliver stunning invitations, signage, menus, and even a duogram neon sign!

“My favorite quote working with Danielle was when she said, ‘Sometimes when you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself.’ That is when I knew Danielle and I were on the same page. She worked tirelessly to make my day come true,” Caitlyn said.

Armed with craft supplies and 10-plus years of experience in the wedding industry, Danielle Olcott serves couples with passion and professionalism. Have your wedding elevated with calligraphy, signage and displays, graphic design, paper goods and chalkboard art by Mason Dixon Designs!

Custom neon sign Mason Dixon Designs St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
CALLIGRAPHY Mason Dixon Designs
Navy wedding table setting Mason Dixon Designs CE Rental St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
PARTY RENTALS CE Rental

Reception details included the neon sign created by Mason Dixon Designs, a Finley-inspired cake topper and a “Decade table” with photos from every year of Patrick and Caitlyn’s relationship.

Walking into the reception area for the first time, Caitlyn was blown away. “The flowers were stunning, and the table settings were prettier than I could have imagined. Every detail was breathtaking, and I could not have been happier.”

Caitlyn also loved that the dance floor was packed from start to finish, and her and Patrick got to show off their dance moves on stage as the band performed!

Family photos in remembrance St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
Bride and groom dance on stage St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul
Wedding Cake St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul

As soon as Caitlyn got engaged, she turned to Heart of NC Weddings. “I can remember flipping through all the pages and seeing a spread on Sally Oakley Weddings and Events, and the rest is history.”

Caitlyn also shares her advice for brides: “Get an excellent wedding planner such as Sally Oakley Weddings and Events so you can slow down and enjoy the process; it may seem stressful at times, but I promise, you will miss the excitement after your wedding.”

Bride and groom kiss sparkler exit St. Mary's Chapel wedding Sally Oakley Weddings and Events Azul

Want to see more stunning real weddings? Check out our blog here!

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