Soft. Pretty. Delicate. It’s a design inspiration we’ve heard time and time again from brides all over, yet it never seems to get old. And, judging by these beautifully arranged florals, it’s a look Lily Greenthumbs is definitely no stranger to. With The Vanlandingham Estate as the perfect backdrop, this fairy tale wedding is a fresh take on a timeless combination for pretty. Get a glimpse of the gorgeousness (thanks to Jim Trice Photography!) in the gallery here.
From the Bride… My wedding day inspiration didn’t come to me all at once. It developed and transformed into what it was little by little along the way. I knew I wanted to have the overall feeling be very soft and fairy tale-like with delicate textures and colors. It was important to me that nature be a big part of the design– it’s natural beauty doesn’t cost anything! Having the reception outdoors under an open-air, twinkle-lit frame was my first decision. I knew I had to find the right venue to make this happen, but also somewhere to accomodate the dance party that would ensue shortly after dinner.
The VanLandingham Estate was the perfect backdrop. There is something so special about being in an old home that dates back to the 1800’s. The elegant details and nostalgia added a vintage element to my wedding inspiration and the gardens spoke for themselves. I knew the venue would then help with pulling together the other pieces. I focused my attention next on the bridesmaids’ dresses. I knew I wanted to have each girl in their own, unique dress. It was important to me that they be comfortable and feel beautiful. I cringe at spending money on something I will never wear again (aside from my wedding gown!) so I hated the thought of each of them buying a dress and shoes that they would donate or toss shortly after. I told them the color scheme and sent a few examples from the Internet and then left the rest up to them! I wanted them to have different textures and colors so that each one would stand out. And they did– each girl looked so gorgeous.
One of the main resources that I used for inspiration and for purchasing decor items came from Anthropologie’s bridal site, BLHDN. I fell in love with all the sweet, vintage-y decor and accessories. As many of their items can seem outlandishly pricey, I just kept checking their sale page on a weekly basis to see if my favorite things were listed. And many times they were! The first thing I bought from them were my shoes. I was able to get them on sale and they were perfect! From then on I gathered up other items here and there: a birdcage for the cards, a mix of pennants (lace, floral and gold) to use throughout the reception, mini antique cake stands for my bridesmaids, the table number cards, and a chalkboard sign to name a few.
The dress. I’ll never forget how it happened. As I was walking back to the room to try on one of the other five or six I had selected, there it was, hanging all by itself on a random peg- as if someone just hung it there until they had time to figure out where it really belonged. I pointed at it and said, “I think I want to try this one.” I came out, steped on the block, turned around a few times and started to cry. I knew this was the one. I didn’t think that feeling really existed, but for me it did– and it felt really good!
The flowers literally took my breath away. This is the one area of the planning that you really don’t get to see until the day of your wedding, and to me, one of the best parts! I knew I wanted a mix of blush and ivory flowers with soft greenery accents. From the start, Karen Grennoe, owner of Lily Greenthumbs, was able to see my vision come to life– soft, vintage, candle-lit mercury glass, and low profile flowing centerpieces. When I walked into the reception I felt like I was in my own fairy tale.
As my vision was starting to become much more clear, I couldn’t have pulled it all together without the help of my wedding planner, Ginger Hussey, owner of HeyLove Events. Not only did she seemlessly coordinate and execute all the events of the day, I was able to rent several items of hers to complete my look. I rented her beautiful farm tables, vintage china, market street lighting and chandelier, and the old door for the polaroid guest book. The menus, name cards, and invitations were designed by her talented daughter, Lauren Calnin. I was so impressed how perfectly the menus matched my flowers, without having seen them together first. The lace table runners were made by Marilyn, my step mother, and the cork table number holders were made by my mother-in-law, Linda.
Our wedding day wouldn’t be complete without a solid rave party… and so we made sure to throw one! Corey and I love Electronic Dance Music and so we sought out our amazing DJ, Brandon Willett, who tailored the dancing to match our favorite tracks and mash ups. All our guests raved with us adorned in neon glow, head to toe. We wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Photography: Jim Trice | Videographer: Timm Young Films | Wedding Planner: Hey Love Events | Floral Design: Lily Greenthumb's Wedding & Event Design | Wedding Dress: Vanessa By Watters Wtoo | Cake: For Goodness Cakes | Ceremony Venue: Myers Park United Methodist Church | Reception Venue: Van Landingham Estate | Catering: Van Landingham Estate | Make Up: Lovely By Lindsey | DJ: Brandon Willett | Transportation: Ballantyne Limo | Rentals: Party Reflections
