Carson & Alex | The Upchurch, Cary, NC

Carson and Alex met at Georgetown University, where they were both star athletes – Carson playing soccer and Alex playing lacrosse. It was an instant connection, but after leaving Georgetown, they had to commit to long-distance for a bit while they began to build their post-college lives. When Carson got placed in North Carolina for their residency, they were able to reunite and merge those lives in their home of Durham. They, of course, had to solidify that merge by adopting an adorable pup, Goose. Carson was in the midst of working at Duke Hospital toward her anesthesiology residency, and Alex had a full-time job in marketing. With their busy schedules, there was no question that they wanted to hire a full-service wedding planner, and luckily, they found us and our lead planner Ally, who was a perfect fit.

Photography by Tanika Jane Photo

The Little Details

From the start of planning, Carson and Alex knew they wanted a classic palette of white and greens, with a sharp and timeless contrast of black. From this, we chose to lean into organic shapes, structures, and secondary colors, including grays, creams, and shades of brown. Black-tie attire was non-negotiable, and that translated throughout the bridal party, with bridesmaids and groomsmen both in black.

Their invitation suite features a custom monogram, which was continued throughout the wedding day signage by Wilkinson Creative Co: in their custom-made wooden guest book, their seating chart, and programs. We also incorporated a specialty bourbon bar – featuring bottles from the groom’s personal stash, of course – and matchbook favors, both designed and named around their pup.

The Ceremony

With a wedding date in May in North Carolina, we planned for ultimate guest comfort. Umbrellas, parasols, and fan-style programs were provided for guests to keep them cool through the vows.

Wild Flora took the design brief and, as they always do, made it even more beautiful than we had dreamed. Premium blooms, including garden roses, delphinium, and snapdragons, tied in the classic green-and-white color scheme we’d envisioned. The focal point of the ceremony was a stunning 3-foot-tall semicircle meadow, and the aisle was lined with coordinating garden-style ground arrangements. To add some warmth to The Upchurch‘s Magnolia Lawn, wooden Thonet chairs were brought in, elevating the look of the ceremony further. Throughout guest arrival and the ceremony itself, string music was provided by NC Violinist, upping the romance even more. It was a truly unforgettable ceremony design.

The Reception Design

The design flowed beautifully from ceremony, through cocktail hour, and straight into the reception, where it was deepened even further by the touches of black. Textured white linens dressed the guest tables, where they were greeted by menus reflecting each individual guest’s meal selection, custom-made table numbers, stoneware china, low compote-style centerpieces, and plenty of candlelight. Patterned linens from Curated Events were used on cocktail tables and the cake table to add additional interest.

A checkered dance floor was centered in the space to add shape and structure to the Conservatory’s grand hall, and to soften the space, a movement-filled drapery installation provided a point of focus just behind the couple’s sweetheart table – which was surrounded by an immersive garden-style meadow.

The Party

The party was unforgettable. Alex’s personal bourbon stash was poured from their specialty “Goose” bar, and the main bar offered an open selection throughout the entire evening. The newlyweds cut a stunning two-tier cake from Once In A Blue Moon Bakery, and guests were treated to an interactive chef-attended donut flambé station. After the sweetest first dance, DJ Intershade kept the dance floor packed all night, and the night concluded with a classic sparkler exit.

We had such an incredible time celebrating Carson and Alex, from the very first consultation call to the end of the wedding night. The romance, true-to-them design, personal details, and a guest list full of people who loved and supported them brought together the most incredible day for them, and we are so glad we were able to guide them through the process seamlessly.

Vendor Team

Wedding Planning & Design: Vow & Verve

Photography: Tanika Jane Photo

Videography: Sixteen 9 Films

Venue: The Upchurch

Catering: Rocky Top Catering

Ceremony Musician: NC Violinist

DJ: DJ Intershade

Floral Design: Wild Flora

Rentals: Curated Events Raleigh

Stationery: Wilkinson Creative Co.

Cake: Once In A Blue Moon Bakery

Glam Team: Wedded Kiss

Officiant: Rondo Middleton

Transportation: Carolina Car Service

Vow & Verve is an award-winning luxury wedding planning and design team based in North Carolina that specializes in personalized design, thoughtful execution, and a warm, high-touch planning experience.