A Biltmore Estate Affair Fit for a Royal Wedding

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Greens, Blues, Pinks, Coral, Berry, Periwinkle
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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]It all started with the vision of getting married on the grand lawn in front of the Biltmore Estate and that the dining and dancing would be next to the incredible Blue Ridge Mountains. We wanted guests to feel the grandness of this historic home and property. It’s really a different feeling of being physically present on this property. We leaned into the old world architecture, residential interiors, and seasonal garden blooms the Biltmore Estate is known for.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]On one of their NYC trips, Jackson promised Isabel he would take her ice skating at The Rockefeller Center (Isabel grew up figure skating). And one night, Jackson kept that promise and when their skating session ended and the crowds filtered off the ice, Jackson lead Isabel to the center leaving them two all alone on the rink. Jackson was on one knee (on skates) to pop the question. Little did Isabel know, both their parents, grandparents, and siblings were all watching from the crowd. Not only did it feel magical, it was so thoughtful.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Walking into my first bridal salon mid-Covid era, I knew I wanted something strapless, timelessly elegant, and princess-like to match the grand setting of the Biltmore Estate for my ceremony dress. The very first gown I tried on was beautiful, but everything I thought I didn’t want – frilly, huge, and off-the-shoulder. I almost didn’t walk out of the dressing room — but after my mom and mother-in-law shouted through the curtain to show them anyways, my mom suggested simply tucking the sleeves in, and everything changed. I never like admitting when I’m wrong, but wow – that was my perfect princess dress. I just wasn’t able to see it at first. The Ines De Santo gown came with gorgeous rose detailing, which felt special as my middle name is Rose. The matching veil was my final selling factor – the last move that brought me to tears.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Choosing bridesmaid dresses was honestly the creative decision I struggled with the most. What I did know was that I wanted them to be my “Something Blue” — and that, most importantly, they felt like their most beautiful selves the whole evening. After countless hours on traditional bridesmaid sites where everything looked the same, I took a different approach. Instead of identical dresses they’d never wear again, I found various shades of blue in different fabrics to create a beautiful, dimensional cohesive look. Some chose higher necklines for modesty, and my sister-in-law rocked a gorgeous satin jumpsuit. The varying blues created this stunning, cohesive palette against the Biltmore’s dramatic backdrop. For our Saturday night celebration, I wanted pure fun – each girl picked their own hot pink dress for our “Enchanted Disco” theme, and they absolutely crushed it!
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The guys looked so handsome in their classic black tuxedos for Friday’s black-tie celebration. On Saturday night, they switched things up with James Bond-esque white dinner jackets that perfectly complemented Jackson’s elevated party look while matching the disco theme.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]A true grand moment that just felt fitting at the Biltmore, was the 100 coupe champagne tower at the cocktail hour terrace overlooking the reception tent and sunset on the Blue Ridge Mountains. Nerve-racking but so fun!![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]For Ceremony, we really wanted to showcase the grandeur of the home and let it wow as the backdrop. Instead of an arch, low lush floral wrapped around the altar stage and long aisle. The altar and aisle were elevated to still give the couple their moment and not get lost amongst all the chairs and grand lawn.

To bring intimacy into such a large tent, smaller spaces of vignettes were created along with residential elements. Such as the cozy lounges in every corner, tableside lamps, large trees, topiaries, floral china, and living green hydrangea bars. [/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding tent was so grand that the cake was created to feel proportionate. It was 6 tiers and covered in the most beautiful blooms. During cake cutting, sparklers were set off to enhance the moment which was also a fun surprise to our guests watching.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We wanted the music to tell our story, so our string quartet played modern songs with a classical twist. Family walked in to Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know,” the bridal party to Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams,” and dad and I had our unforgettable march to “A Thousand Years” – which felt like the perfect soundtrack. We left as newlyweds to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.” [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]After ceremony, wedding guests entered the Biltmore Estate to head out to the terrace for cocktail hour. During cocktail hour, guests were able to explore the main floor of the House. It was such a treat as the Estate was closed from the public and our guests had it all themselves to wonder through together. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]While every detail was carefully curated, it was the unplanned moments that made the day unforgettable. Take my dad, for example. Just weeks after Achilles surgery, he insisted on walking me down what felt like the longest aisle in North Carolina determined to be by my side – not just navigating the walk but also somehow managing to wrangle my massive dress! Despite his pain, there he was, steadfast and grinning. His strength and dedication perfectly captured what family means: showing up no matter what.
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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]The invitation was a true labor of love. We wanted the invitation to tell a story through the different layers and pieces of the suite. It featured a lot of watercolor illustrations such as the flowers guests will see on the wedding day, portrait of the venue, Isabel and Jackson’s dog Archie, and the getaway vintage car. There were also little illustrations on the welcome party and after party details cards to give a hint to the theme of the parties. [/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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