Julie and Eric were married on a beautiful March Saturday at the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, NC. I adored working with Julie, a bride full of energy and smiles! See Julie’s thoughts on her amazing wedding day, and the planning process below!

Why did you choose the Proximity?
“I went to UNCG and used to ride by the hotel regularly in college. I had always told my mom that is where I wanted to get married. Some of the other reasons that I chose Proximity was because I could have both an indoor ceremony and reception. I did not want to have to worry/stress about a rain plan. I also chose it because have you seen it, it is absolutely stunning. I had seen pictures that Proximity had posted and knew that their hotel was my style completely. Clean and modern but also had a classic touch that would never go out of style. I was also sold on the Proximity because they include almost everything for your big day. That was huge to me because I had just started a new job when I got engaged and did not have much time off of work to run around meeting vendors. The Proximity all-inclusiveness helped alleviate the planning process.”

Any other vendors you chose for a special reason?
“My now husband and I had been together 10 years, so of course I had an idea of what I wanted and what vendors I may want to use. I had read almost every Triad Weddings magazines and kept up with a lot of vendors on Social Media I had seen at previous weddings or in magazines.

• Carly Marie Events was referred to me by the Proximity to use as a day of coordinator. After checking out her website and our initial meeting, I knew I would be in good hands with her. Her style was exactly what I was looking for. 
• The band New South Playaz had played at my sister’s wedding 10 years ago. They brought the party then and did the same for my wedding. 
• Anna Paschal Photography. Anna went to high school with my husband and had shot many of our friend’s wedding already so she was the obvious choice to shoot our wedding. 

What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
“Picking out my dress. I knew all along the designer and style I wanted and was so excited to finally get to try some gowns on.  I took my mother and my sister with me to pick out my dress. I wanted to keep it small and intimate and I am so glad I did. It was seriously such a fun day of dress shopping, toasting with Champagne and having a great lunch afterwards.”

What was your least favorite part of wedding planning?
“No sugar coating it but Money. Weddings are expensive. So, having to pick and choose what was important/must have and what was not a necessity. Also, making the final decision on things was tough, I was so worried I would not like what I had decided on after I ordered etc.”

Did you have a theme or vibe that guided your planning?
“Classic and Traditional Southern. I wanted everything to be elegant, sophisticated and timeless.”

What did you want your guest experience to be?
“FUN, EASY and GOOD FOOD! I wanted to have a big party that everyone could enjoy themselves. We wanted a dance floor full of people and good music playing all night. I also wanted everything to be easy. That is why I chose a venue that both ceremony and reception were together so guests didn’t have to travel between places. I also chose a seated dinner so guests wouldn’t have to wait in a line and could sit down and enjoy themselves or socialize. I heard so many compliments from my guests on how good the food was.”

What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?
“Our first look. My now husband was very skeptical and said NO immediately. He did not want to see me until I came down the aisle. However, I kept asking and he finally caved in, and we decided about four weeks prior to the wedding that we would. That alone time with him calmed my nerves and made the rest of the day go smoothly. We exchanged gifts and letters and went ahead and got a few pictures out of the way. Also, being able to go ahead and see each other we got bridal party photos out of the way before the ceremony.”

What was your favorite personal detail or item on your wedding day?
“Honoring the memory of my father. I lost my dad six months prior to our wedding. I had a piece of one of his old shirts sewn into a heart in the back of my dress. My sister/Matron of Honor also surprised me with a locket to add to my bouquet with his picture in it. It gave me comfort that I felt like he was with me through it all.”

What was your favorite part of the décor on the wedding day?
“I did not use much décor as the Proximity is pretty and did not need extra décor to spruce it up. However, my favorite piece of décor were my center pieces. They included a variety of blue and white ginger jars with florals and lots of candles. The blue and white ginger jars are part of the traditional southern theme I was going for. Blue and white never goes out of style and also gave the room a pop of color along with the flowers.”

Planning – Carly Marie Events
Photography – Anna Paschal Photography 
Band – New South Players (ECE) 
Ceremony music – Corda Entertainment 
Florals – ABBA 
Hair –The Hair Company 
Make Up – Mary Davis
Officiant – Tommy Massey 
Videographer – Anesia B. Videography
Cake & Cupcakes – Sweet Revenge 
Bridal dress – Anne Barge
Bridal Salon – Bellisima
Bridesmaids Dresses – Morilee
Groom + Groomsmen – Men’s Warehouse Tommy Hilfiger 
Bride’s Shoes – Badgley Mischka 
Bride’s Jewelry – Her Grandmothers