A Pink-and-White Outdoor Destination Wedding in North Carolina

Kendra and Jeff

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Nancy Ray Photography

We've all heard the old phrase "Mother knows best." But the statement rings even truer for Florida natives Kendra and Jeff, whose mothers were the very reason that they met. Knowing their daughter and son would be a perfect match, the women sent Jeff to Kendra's boutique to get his mother a Valentine's Day gift. The two hit it off, had their first date the following week, and have been inseparable ever since.

Four-and-a-half years later, on June 16th, 2012, they tied the knot in Highlands, North Carolina, near Jeff's family's vacation home. Their intimate, garden-party affair had bright colors, lush flowers, and plenty of personalized details.

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The Stationery

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Nancy Ray Photography

When the couple had a hard time finding their ideal wedding stationery, Kendra took matters into her own hands. She asked a graphic designer friend to help create the suite's leaf and wreath motif and designed the rest herself. Laughing Owl Press letterpressed the suite.

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The Bouquet

bride and groom
Nancy Ray Photography

Kendra worked with Beth Hohensee of Studio Flora Diva to create a larger-than-life clutch of mixed roses, ranunculus, and peonies accented with ferns and vines. As a sentimental touch, she wrapped a strand of her grandmother's pearls around the stems.

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Blushing Bridesmaids

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Nancy Ray Photography

The bridal party wore flowing pink Amsale dresses, and Kate Spade bangles that read "hand in hand" and "there's strength in numbers." "I thought it was representative of the purpose of having bridesmaids standing at the altar with you," said the bride.

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Bridesmaids' Blooms

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Nancy Ray Photography

Each of Kendra's 'maids carried full, deconstructed bouquets of ranunculus, roses, peonies, seeded eucalyptus, dusty miller leaves, vines, and ferns.

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The First Look

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Nancy Ray Photography

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private moment, then posed for portraits taken by Nancy Ray in the venue's apple orchard.

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The Fashions

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Nancy Ray Photography

The bride wore a strapless Watters gown, Kate Spade pumps, and a Vera Wang veil, which she shortened last minute from cathedral length to avoid getting it stuck on the venue's rocky ground. Jeff paired his Hugo Boss suit and shirt with Allen Edmonds shoes.

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A Hidden Detail

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Nancy Ray Photography

Kendra's mother sewed the couple's names and wedding date onto a napkin that belonged to the bride's late grandmother. The fabric was then sewn under the layers of the gown, serving as her something old and her something blue.

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Sneak Peak

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Nancy Ray Photography

Kendra and her father took a quick look out the window before the ceremony began.

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Rosy Refreshments

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Nancy Ray Photography

Guests sipped pink lemonade from Julep cups before the service.

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Here Comes the Bride

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Nancy Ray Photography

Kendra was all smiles as she walked down the petal-strewn aisle to wed Jeff in front of 125 loved ones.

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The Ceremony

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Nancy Ray Photography

Jeff's uncle, a minister, officiated the ceremony, incorporating many personal touches into the service. "When he got choked up asking the guests to be seated, I knew we were in for a very special ceremony," the bride said.

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A Joyful Kiss

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Nancy Ray Photography

Jeff threw up a cheerful fist pump as he kissed his new wife, marking the transition to the lively reception that would follow.

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Cocktail Hour

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Nancy Ray Photography

A framed menu outlined the newlyweds' signature beverages, one of which was the Greyhound made with vodka and fresh grapefruit juice.

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Beer Flights

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Nancy Ray Photography

Different beer samplings were also available as a nod to the groom's love of craft brews.

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Venue in Bloom

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Nancy Ray Photography

Pink-and-white striped table linens brightened up the rustic reception space, while compotes of cascading floral arrangements provided an overgrown garden feel.

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A Glowing Display

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Nancy Ray Photography

Clusters of candles cast a warm glow over the seating card table.

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Blooming Escort Cards

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Nancy Ray Photography

Single roses in mini terracotta pots had paper flags calligraphed with guests' names to guide them to their seats.

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Lush Garlands

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Nancy Ray Photography

Ten feet of greenery topped the head table, which was also embellished with candles and mixed flowers.

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Leafy Chair Embellishments

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Nancy Ray Photography

Garlands also adorned the back of the bride's and groom's chairs.

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The Table Numbers

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Nancy Ray Photography

Simple pink numbers in white frames accompanied glass vessels brimming with mixed coral blossoms, vines, and ivy.

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The Menu

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Nancy Ray Photography

Old Edwards Inn pulled together a menu that offered plenty of salad and appetizer options, including a mac-and-cheese bar, which was a huge hit among guests.

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Dinner is Served

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Nancy Ray Photography

For the main course, guests had the option of pintade--a guineafowl dish--or beef tenderloin.

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Setting for Two

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Nancy Ray Photography

Knowing that they'd be hard pressed for alone time, Kendra and Jeff decided to dine at a private table for two overlooking the water, where they enjoyed their newlywed status.

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One Cake, Three Flavors

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Nancy Ray Photography

This multi-tiered confection featured different flavors for each tier, including banana cake, dark chocolate cake, and vanilla cake, each with their own icing flavor. Vibrant pink-and-green blooms carried out the garden-party theme, and two cheeky gator toppers paid homage to Jeff's alma mater, the University of Florida.

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Canine Toppers

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Nancy Ray Photography

Dog figurines representing the couple's three pups also topped a few of the layers.

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The First Dance

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Nancy Ray Photography

Kendra and Jeff shared their first married dance to "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray Lamontagne.

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A Sparkly Exit

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Nancy Ray Photography

The couple departed through a path of loved ones holding festive sparklers at the end of the evening.

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The Getaway

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Nancy Ray Photography

After saying goodbye to guests, the pair made their great escape on the back of a trolley.

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Sources

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Nancy Ray Photography

Photography: Nancy Ray Photography

Venue and Catering: The Farm at Old Edwards Inn

Wedding Planner: Nicole Riley of Verge Events

Band: US Beat

Florist: Beth Hohensee of Studio Flora Diva

Cake: Tiffany's Baking Co.

Letterpressing: Laughing Owl Press

Hair: The Secret Spa

Makeup: Blush by Wendy Balance

Linens: I Do Linens

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