Lauren and Everett’s Surprise Engagement

Whimsical Warehouse Wedding at The Cotton Room

Real-life couple Lauren Wilkinson and Everett Pendergast were selected as models for this styled wedding at The Cotton Room. Blush-toned florals combined with pink velvet seating created a whimsical, romantic feel in the warehouse space. The sweet style made for a fitting backdrop for a surprise proposal once the photo shoot wrapped! Everett had secretly planned to ask Lauren to marry him with the help of the entire vendor team, family and friends.

The Cotton Room – Warehouse Wedding Venue in Durham NC

The styled wedding took place at The Cotton Room’s space on the third floor of a restored textile factory within the historic Golden Belt District in Durham. The Cotton Room can host more than 400 guests for a wedding or event. Belt Line Station and Lucky Strike Suite, on-campus sister venues, offer more intimate event spaces for smaller celebrations. Natural light, authentic exposed brick walls, wood floors and timber framing make The Cotton Room one of the most sought-after warehouse wedding venues in the state.

In addition to on-site catering and event staff, The Cotton Room is owned by the same team behind Petal & Oak, a flower and decor company based in Raleigh. This partnership makes styling easy and attainable. The Petal & Oak designers know exactly what makes the venue shine.

Florals & Rentals **Petal & Oak** Venue **The Cotton Room** Photographer **Morgan Caddell Photography** Dress & Jewelry **Gilded Bridal** Formalwear **Bernard’s Formalwear** Hair & Makeup **Posh The Salon**

Whimsical Meets Warehouse

For this styled warehouse wedding, Petal & Oak made use of whimsical garden-style flowers and decor to soften the industrial-chic interior of The Cotton Room. Two asymmetrical floral installations composed of greenery, pampas grass and white and pink blossoms mark the altar. A single gold chandelier above the altar adds to the cottagecore design.

The sweetheart table is crowned with flowers at the center of two head tables. Petal & Oak set this sweetheart table apart by selecting a textured Eyelash Gipoor gold linen. Two King Louis XVI chairs – named for their oval back, soft upholstery and regal style – complete the sweetheart table. The head tables flanking it are decorated with Xtreme Crush ivory linens, greenery, candles and succulents potted in textured bronze and gold vases. Petal & Oak also designed a luxury lounge area featuring a pink velvet couch and gold accents where guests can relax and take pictures.

Lauren & Everett’s Love Story

Lauren and Everett have been together for eight years. They met through a mutual friend who thought the two would be a perfect match. The pair had their first date on New Years Day in 2014. Lauren says Everett gives her butterflies before every date, and she always feels protected, respected and loved whenever she is with him. “It just felt right from day one, even though he showed up to our first date late,” Lauren jokes.

Everett came into Lauren’s life during a difficult time following her father’s unexpected passing. “She was vulnerable and going through a lot in life at the time we met,” Everett says. “Even still, she was compassionate, kind, understanding and beautiful.” That’s how he knew she was the one. Lauren says that Everett helped make the situation more bearable for her. It wasn’t long before she realized she wanted him to always be at her side.

Lauren thought that they were only participating as models in this styled warehouse shoot. Little did she know, Everett had a family heirloom, his grandparents’ diamond and emerald ring, hidden in the pocket of his dark navy suit from Bernard’s Formalwear. Everett had always known that he wanted to make a grand engagement gesture. When they were selected as models for this shoot, Everett knew that it would be the perfect moment to propose.

The Proposal

Everett waited for his cue while Lauren twirled in a WTOO by Watters dress from Gilded Bridal. When the first few verses of “Forever Love” by Dolly Parton played, Everett expressed his love to Lauren and got down on one knee to pop the question. Simultaneously, Lauren and Everett’s moms stepped out from their hiding spot behind drapes to witness the proposal. Everyone toasted with Champagne after Lauren said, “Of course!”

Morgan Caddell Photography captured it all on camera. Lauren says that Morgan made her feel natural and at ease in front of the camera, “We felt like it was just the two of us in a room because she didn’t make it feel uncomfortable at all,” Lauren says. “We desperately want her to photograph us at our actual wedding if possible because we clicked with her.”