I am so excited to share Laura and Niland’s beautiful April wedding at Winmock at Kinderton! The trees were in hot pink beautiful bloom, the sun was shining and these two could not have been happier! Read below to see how Laura felt about planning a wedding from across the country (we didn’t actually meet in person until the week of the wedding!) and her favorite parts of the day!
Why did you choose the venue you chose?
“I felt like all of the puzzle pieces fit together perfectly when choosing the Winmock. The venue is absolutely beautiful, but the deciding factors came down to location and proximity of our guests, size, and ability to have everything indoors. I did not want to stress about the weather ruining my wedding day plans, so the Winmock met my needs perfectly and allowed everything to be indoors.”
Any other vendors you chose for a special reason?
“My ceremony musicians were a very personal choice. Tonya Smith, our pianist, was my kindergarten music teacher and high school band director, so I have known her for most of my life. Similarly, I have known Mary-Claire since she was born, so it was an obvious choice to ask them to be our ceremony musicians. We are so happy they helped us, and they did such an incredible job setting the tone for our sweet ceremony.”
What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
“Choosing the flowers! I really think that flowers are crucial to pulling off the look and feel of your wedding! I love simple white flowers with ALL the greenery, so I felt like Green Bee Floral Designs really understood my vision and carried out the plans perfectly!”
What was your least favorite part of wedding planning?
“Planning a North Carolina wedding from California! I had to do most things virtually, which is not how I pictured planning my wedding. I tried to plan my trips home to NC to include as much wedding planning as possible–not ideal but we made it work! Luckily my mother and mother-in-law were a huge help in making sure things were taken care of if I was not able to be there!”
Did you have a theme or “vibe” that guided your planning?
“I love everything simple: neutral pallets, neutral flowers, etc. I wanted the Winmock to be able to shine without many things to distract from its natural beauty. Therefore, I tried to make choices that would highlight and add to its charm.”
What did you want your guest experience to be?
“First and foremost–I wanted my wedding to be a party! I did NOT want it to be stuffy and formal but to be a reflection of us and our friends. I think most guests would agree that was the overall vibe–maybe a little too loud for some of the older guests 😛 “
What was your favorite moment of your wedding day?
“Definitely seeing Niland as the doors opened for my dad and I to walk down the aisle. Thank goodness Megan Travis Photography got an awesome picture of his reaction! It is a memory I will cherish forever.”
What was your favorite personal detail or item on your wedding day?
“A few minutes before walking down the aisle, my parents and I exchanged gifts. My mom gave me a letter and a little box containing the wedding band my dad gave her on their wedding day. It was such a surprise and meant the world to me. It was also funny to see Niland’s reaction when he realized I already had a wedding band on my finger when we exchanged our rings during the ceremony!”
What was your favorite part of the décor on the wedding day?
“The greenery on the chandeliers in the Winmock loft! I doubt a lot of guests even noticed them, but I thought that touch really warmed up the massive yet beautiful ceiling in the loft. I would definitely recommend that floral touch to any bride getting married at the Winmock.”
What was your first dance song?
“May I Have This Dance” by Meadowlark
Planning – Carly Marie Events
Venue – Winmock
Photographer – Megan Travis Photography
Caterer – Providence Catering
Reception Music – Rev O and the Barnburners through East Coast Entertainment
Ceremony Music: Tonya Smithand Mary-Claire Hooper
Dessert: Maddie Cakes
Hair and Makeup: Blush and Bobbys
Officiant: Chad Whitley
Videography – Sugar Shack Films
Florist – Green Bee Floral Designs
Bridal Dress Designer – Ti Adora by Allison Webb
Bridal Salon – Bellissima
Bridesmaids Dresses – Wtoo by Watters
Groom + Groomsmen outfits – The Black Tux
Bride’s jewelry – Roberto Coin necklace and Marlena DuPelle earrings for the bride; Olive + Piper earrings for the bridesmaids
