Black-Tie, Bold Vibes: A Chic and Playful Celebration at The Bradford

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Black + White[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

European / Contemporary / Modern / Chic Grace envisioned a wedding day that was equal parts refined and memorable, rooted in the timeless elegance of a black and white palette. Set against the European-inspired architecture of The Bradford, every detail was thoughtfully curated to feel elevated yet approachable. In a bold and stylish move, Grace asked all of her guests to wear black, which she lovingly referred to as “a funeral to her last name.” Guests delivered, arriving in sleek, all-black attire that added an air of sophistication and created the most stunningly cohesive gallery. The overall look set the tone for an effortlessly chic celebration. From the very beginning, we prioritized guest experience and high-touch details that added texture and sophistication to the design. Beautiful glassware, luxe linens, layered place settings, and a variety of intentional lounge seating created a welcoming and stylish atmosphere throughout the cocktail hour and reception. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with a welcome table offering champagne and non-alcoholic beverages, setting the tone for a celebration centered around hospitality and joy. Wedding newspapers offered a playful and personal touch during cocktail hour, while a customized photo booth and elegant plated dinner rounded out the immersive experience. At the heart of the reception space, a bold black and white checkered dance floor—our favorite last-minute splurge—served as the visual centerpiece and tied the entire aesthetic together. The most meaningful and dramatic moment of the day was the ceremony design. Grace was drawn to the stately charm of the front drive, with its centered fountain and the venue’s architecture as a clean, romantic backdrop. Together, we crafted a unique ceremony layout that hadn’t been done at The Bradford before: guests were seated along the circle drive, and the bridal party entered from the side. In a striking twist, Grace and her father made a surprise entrance from behind the altar through the grand double doors. It was a theatrical and emotional moment that left a lasting impression—exactly the kind of magic we hoped to create.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Grace had always dreamed of saying “yes” in Europe, while Jace envisioned a celebration stateside surrounded by all their loved ones. So while on a family trip in Mallorca, Jace saw the perfect opportunity to create a moment that honored both dreams. With every detail thoughtfully planned, he proposed in the most picturesque setting—and completely surprised Grace in the process. Though they ultimately chose to host their wedding in North Carolina, Grace still got her European-inspired day. The Bradford, with its elegant architecture and romantic, lush greenery, felt like a hidden European chateau tucked just outside of Raleigh, bringing their love story full circle.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Grace’s wedding day style was the perfect reflection of her: timeless, modern, and effortlessly elegant. For the ceremony, she wore a romantic gown by Alena Leena Bridal, purchased from Beloved Bridal. With its structured bodice, soft off-the-shoulder sleeves, and flowing layers of airy tulle, the dress moved like a dream and brought a sense of softness and grace to the day. It struck that rare balance—ethereal yet sculptural, refined yet relaxed—and suited her beautifully. Later in the evening, just before their formal reception entrance, Grace changed into the Margaux gown by House of CB. Sleek and minimalist with a draped neckline and curve-skimming silhouette, the second look felt like a natural extension of the chic, modern energy of the reception. It was a striking contrast to her ceremony gown—clean, confident, and perfectly suited for dancing the night away. The transition between the two styles beautifully mirrored the flow of the day, from romantic, light, and airy to something more sleek, dramatic, and effortlessly elegant.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Grace’s bridesmaids wore matching black silk gowns from Rumored, each donning the Sunset Strip Maxi Dress—a silhouette the designer describes as “pure old Hollywood charm.” The look was elegant, understated, and impossibly chic, echoing the European-inspired aesthetic of the weekend. With its slinky fit and subtle glamour, the dress struck the perfect balance between timeless and modern, allowing each bridesmaid to shine while complementing Grace’s romantic bridal look. The black satin also created a striking contrast in portraits, making every photo feel editorial and elevated.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Jace looked sharp and sophisticated in a custom black tuxedo from Enzo’s Custom in Charlotte, tailored to perfection for the occasion. The look was timeless and refined, styled with a crisp white shirt, classic black bow tie, and polished patent shoes. As a sentimental surprise, Jace had their wedding date embroidered on the underside of his collar and revealed the custom detail to Grace during their first look and gift exchange. It was a quiet, personal gesture that made the moment all the more special—one of many ways the day was filled with heartfelt intention and thoughtful design.

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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”]

The food and drink experience was a top priority for Grace and Jace. With many guests traveling from out of town, they wanted to create an elevated, memorable meal that felt both festive and satisfying. An open bar kept spirits high, and in true summer fashion, spritzes were in hand all evening, while the bride enjoyed her signature drink, a strawberry margarita. During cocktail hour, guests were treated to an array of passed hors d’oeuvres: seared crab cakes, pork belly tostadas, chicken and waffles bites, and sweet corn risotto cakes. For dinner, the first course was a vibrant seasonal berry salad with fresh greens, mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, pistachios, and goat cheese, all topped with a refreshing orange poppyseed vinaigrette. Guests then selected from three decadent entrées, with the slow-braised beef short rib emerging as a clear favorite—a standout dish and truly one of the best meals I’ve ever had at a wedding. One of the most beloved details? During the tasting, Jace fell head over heels for Rocky Top’s famous Tia Maria Cookie Stacks. He loved them so much that he requested a private box for himself and his groomsmen to enjoy while getting ready the morning of the wedding. These indulgent treats—coffee liqueur-brushed chocolate chip cookies layered with whipped cream, mocha buttercream, and topped with chocolate-covered espresso beans—were passed late-night on the dance floor, giving guests a sweet (and caffeinated) second wind to keep the celebration going strong.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Kris from Eden Rose Florals brought Grace’s vision to life in the most thoughtful, breathtaking way. With a design rooted in simplicity and sophistication, we focused on a classic palette of white and green florals, letting texture and form take center stage. Grace’s bridal bouquet was a standout: an airy, organic mix of hydrangeas and viburnum that felt timeless yet modern, perfectly complementing her frame and gown. The bridesmaids and mothers each carried a single long-stem calla lily tied with a sleek black ribbon—an effortlessly chic detail that felt both minimal and impactful. The men wore matching mini calla lily boutonnieres for a cohesive and refined look. For the ceremony, we created a deconstructed baby’s breath arch at the front entrance of The Bradford, framing Grace’s dramatic and unforgettable walk through the venue’s grand double doors. The arch was later repurposed behind the head table, adding dimension and softness to the reception space. And the floral moment everyone’s still talking about? A show-stopping installation above the dance floor featuring clouds of baby’s breath and mirrored disco balls. Paired with the black and white checkered floor, the reflections and movement created pure magic—it was the perfect finishing touch to an already unforgettable celebration.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

When designing the timeline, Grace knew she wanted to include two fun, memorable moments: a champagne tower and a cake cutting. Rather than spotlighting them with formal announcements, she envisioned these moments as more intimate and organic—little surprises woven into the evening. We combined the two into one effortlessly chic vignette that became one of Grace and Jace’s favorite memories from the day. The cake was a petite couple’s cutting cake; strawberry shortcake—Grace’s favorite and the only kind she truly loves—decorated with delicate piped edges and topped with a custom “just married” script. But when the wrong cake was delivered on the wedding day, Rocky Top pulled off what can only be described as a wedding-day miracle. Within an hour of the scheduled cake cutting, their team styled and delivered a brand new cake that matched Grace’s original vision perfectly. It was a true testament to the power of a rockstar vendor team and one of those behind-the-scenes saves that made the night feel all the more magical. Set beside the champagne tower, the cake sat atop a soft, draped pedestal surrounded by tulle, fresh florals, and a few playful disco balls that tied into the dance floor design. Guests mingled nearby as Grace and Jace shared the moment—no spotlight, no announcement—just a quietly joyful pause in the evening that felt perfectly true to them.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Grace and Jace approached their ceremony with deep intention, thoughtfully incorporating meaningful elements that reflected their shared faith and values. The service included live worship, communion, and a family prayer, and was made even more personal by having Grace’s older brother officiate. He perfectly toed the line between heartfelt and humorous, bringing guests to tears with his touching words before delivering a perfectly timed joke that had everyone laughing through their tears. The sibling banter added such a personal, memorable touch to an already emotional moment. As The Blessing by Kari Jobe played, their families gathered around them in prayer, blessing their marriage and the future ahead. Communion followed, led by Grace’s family pastor. The couple stepped quietly to the side and shared their first communion as husband and wife while New Wine by Hillsong Worship was sung—a reverent, private moment amid the celebration. To close out the ceremony, Grace and Jace were pronounced husband and wife and recessed down the aisle to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole—a joyful, upbeat anthem that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

It’s impossible to talk about Grace and Jace’s wedding day without talking about the weather, because, in many ways, it shaped the heart of their celebration. From the start, Grace had one non-negotiable: an outdoor ceremony. It was central to her vision. While we had a rain plan in place (as all planners must), it was always Plan B. So when the forecast showed nonstop rain for their entire wedding weekend—and reality confirmed it with a drenched, windswept rehearsal dinner—it felt like the one thing Grace had hoped for might be slipping away. The morning of the wedding was worse than expected. Grey skies, heavy rain, and no signs of clearing. We moved forward with the backup plan, transforming the ballroom into a ceremony space. The florals were installed, sound was wired, rentals were in place, the reception flip team was scheduled and onsite. Everything was ready indoors. And then, at 4:30 p.m.—less than an hour before guests were set to arrive—the light changed. The clouds lifted, and sunlight started pouring through the trees. The radar still showed storms across the region, but there was an actual, visible break right over the venue. It was surreal. That’s when Jace came to me and asked: “Can we try?” He was ready to do whatever it took—change clothes, move chairs himself, rally the groomsmen. As a wedding planner and a certified hopeless romantic, how could I say no to that? He was willing to do whatever it took to make his bride’s dream come true. And with the help of the incredible teams from The Bradford, Rocky Top Catering, Eden Rose Florals, our DJ, and every vendor on site, we made the call. In just 40 minutes, we flipped the entire ceremony back outside. What followed was one of the most joy-filled, emotionally charged ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed. You can feel it in the photos—the gratitude, the disbelief, the overwhelming joy of something long hoped for coming to life. The energy among the vendor team was electric. Every single person showed up, not because they had to, but because they wanted to. Grace and Jace had poured so much kindness and trust into every relationship, and it all came full circle that day. And somehow, the rain never came back. Not during the ceremony, not during dinner, not during dancing. It held off until the very end of the night, when the final boxes were packed, the last cars pulled away, and I turned onto the gravel drive. That’s when the skies opened up again. It was the kind of day you plan for in spreadsheets and schedules—but the magic of it? That you could never plan. It was one of the most magical wedding days I have ever been a part of!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Guest comfort was a top priority for Grace and Jace, especially with their wedding taking place in the height of summer in North Carolina. Knowing guests would be dressed in formal black attire for the outdoor ceremony, we incorporated elegant, functional details to help everyone stay cool while still complementing the overall design. White parasols were placed throughout the ceremony space—a romantic, European-inspired touch that not only added to the visual charm but also offered much-needed relief from the sun. Hand fans were also provided for each guest, styled to evoke a sense of old-world glamour. Together, these thoughtful additions blended form and function, creating a guest experience that felt both considered and beautifully cohesive.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]While Grace originally hadn’t planned on a first look—wanting to preserve the impact of her dramatic ceremony entrance—the realities of a 6 p.m. ceremony start time and a full photography timeline led to a thoughtful pivot. Adding a first look not only eased pre-ceremony nerves, but became a crucial part of the day’s flow. It allowed Grace and Jace to share their private vows in a quiet, heartfelt moment before guests arrived, and gave us the time to capture all of their family portraits and formals while the light was still beautiful. With the unpredictable weather and multiple contingency plans in motion, this ended up being one of the most important decisions of the day, giving us the margin we needed to stay on track while still prioritizing the emotional moments that mattered most. As a result, the couple was able to be fully present for their cocktail hour and reception—no stress, no rush, just celebration.

To bookend the day with the same sense of intention, we added in a private last dance while guests lined up outside for the grand sparkler exit. With the terrace now quiet and empty, Grace and Jace shared one final dance together to Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish. It was a peaceful, joy-filled pause—just the two of them soaking in the final moments of an unforgettable day. Minutes later, they stepped back through the double doors and into their waiting white Range Rover—selected as a subtle nod to the European elegance woven throughout the day—closing out the night with the same emotion and refinement that carried through from start to finish.[/field]
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