Orangerie Events

One of the biggest unspoken compliments I can receive is for another event planner to hire me to coordinate their wedding.  It’s the ultimate stamp of approval when someone as OCD and logistically driven hands over the keys to their own wedding and says, “Here. Take it for a spin.”  When Pilar, who has a background as an event planner in Atlanta, brought me on board for her wedding, I slapped a big fat sparkly golden star next to my name.

Pilar and Rob were meant for each other.  I mean that.  They just fit together like a bowl full of peanut butter and jelly.  Which by the way, you should always mix together before spreading onto your bread.  It’s the only way my mom made PB&J sandwiches growing up and it is delicious!

Pilar and Rob were married at the Great Aunt Stella Center in Charlotte and held their reception at The Big Chill.  Pilar chose to incorporate natural elements in a jazzy setting.  From the organic floral bouquets to the branch centerpieces with hanging candles to vases filled with lemons as decor, a classy cool yet fresh tone was set.  I mean seriously, how dapper does Rob look in his white tux?

The couple was determined to give their guests an amazing experience from start to finish and they certainly succeeded.  Instead of having a DJ or band, Pilar and Rob opted for dueling pianos.  Guests loved being able to give song requests and had a blast watching the interaction between the musicians.  (Curious?  Quick little video of the dueling pianos and enthused crowd posted below.)  From the surprise entrance center stage to the photo booth provided by ShutterBooth, the reception was one of the most entertaining and energetic parties I’ve seen.  As wedding favors, guests were treated to fresh pretzels as a yummy take-away.

Pilar and Rob exited their reception to an explosion of colorful streamers.  It was so fitting for a cheerful couple who always had a smile on their face.  We had such an amazing time getting to know them, working with their fabulous vendors and reliving their day through these gorgeous pictures by Almond Leaf Studios.  Congratulations Pilar and Rob!

Ceremony Venue: Great Aunt Stella Center

Reception Venue: The Big Chill

Photographer: Almond Leaf Studios

Officiant: Reverend Rebecca Nagy

Florist: Carey Roberts Design

Cake: Nona’s Sweets

Entertainment: Howl at the Moon

Photo Booth: ShutterBooth

There’s some exciting news that has been marinating over here at Orangerie Events and it’s finally time to fill you in on our little secret.  Since starting the business at the end of 2008, I’ve worked diligently to set my wedding planning company apart from other planners by offering a fresher, more organic approach.  I know my ideal bride and I know that her wedding is going to be exploding with stunning aesthetics and personally meaningful details.

I built the Orangerie Events team on a daydream.  A reverie that literally smacked me across the face while I was sitting at a desk in a pencil skirt and collared shirt.  I was working full-time for a real estate developer and the last place you wanted to be in 2008 was working full-time for a real estate developer.  Four years, thousands of business cards and eighty and some change weddings later, I’m not necessarily living the dream but I am living out a dream.

I am so honored and graciously humbled that Orangerie Events has been accepted to two kind-of-a-big-deal wedding industry blogs.  You can now find Orangerie Events listed as a Little Black Book Wedding Vendor on Style Me Pretty and as a Blue Ribbon Vendor on Southern Weddings.  Unlike some (and most) wedding related blogs that publicize any vendor willing to fork over the dough, Style Me Pretty and Southern Weddings actually investigate the vendors they promote.  They interview, check facts, seek references and probe the ins and outs of the business and weddings designed before giving them their stamp of approval.  Being listed on their sites as a leading North Carolina wedding planner validates that I’m steadily transforming from a nobody to a somebody.

And because I really want to pretend I’m winning a Grammy, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank some amazing people.  No seriously, a load of gratitude goes to my girls who work alongside me to keep Orangerie Events moving in a positive direction.  I’m biased but I really have the most talented and loveliest ladies working with me.  Most importantly, a huge bear-sized hug to all of my past and present clients for inviting me into their wedding world and for trusting me with one of their dreams.

Sean and Tori came to Orangerie Events by way of Brett and Jessica.  We coordinated Brett and Jessica’s wedding in October 2010 (seen here).  Sean and Tori are friends with Brett and Jessica and were married in October 2011. Brett and Jessica are wedding photographers who photographed Sean and Tori’s wedding.  Orangerie Events coordinated Sean and Tori’s wedding and we’re crossing our legs like we have to pee and jumping up and down to show you what happens when good friends attend a wedding as great photographers.  Make sense?

Describing Sean and Tori in one word is easy: infectious.  Tori has a shy smile that makes you blush and a bursting smile that captivates you.  Sean is a total cool cat with a knack for tasty beers (Pun completely intended: He owns Tasty Beverage Company in downtown Raleigh) and giving well-deserved thumbs up.  To work with them was like putting a quarter into a slot and getting the best, most colorful bouncy ball a vending machine can offer.

I love collaborating with couples that combine splashes of classic style (Hello birdcage veil!) with modern.  Sean and Tori picked the Visual Art Exchange in Raleigh to host their ceremony and continued the wedding festivities at the Marbles Kids Museum for an anything but boring wedding reception.  Rocky Top Catering kept mouths chewing and bellies full by providing a delicious assortment of food.  Fallon’s Flowers provided the stunning bouquets and arrangements while The Square Rabbit created a beautiful and tasty wedding cake.  Guests danced the night away while DJ Yes Sputnik! kept the jams spinning.  As a take away, Sean and Tori included an Old Time Photo Booth for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.  A huge thank you to Sharon and Kate of Orangerie Events who coordinated the ceremony and reception the day of to keep things moving smoothly.

From the moment Tori showed me her invitations, I smiled every time we talked about her wedding.  The custom design was created by Jaime Van Wart and was carried throughout the invitations to the table numbers to the wedding website.  Which, by the way, their wedding website sprinkled colorful confetti the day of the wedding in celebration.  The wedding was a perfect representation of them as a couple.  It was like stepping into a box of crayons and leaving with a smile plastered on your face.

Ceremony Venue: Visual Art Exchange

Reception Venue: Marbles Kids Museum

Photographer: Brett Arthur Photography

Caterer: Rocky Top Catering

Florist: Fallon’s Flowers

Cake: The Square Rabbit

Photo Booth: Old Time Photo Booth

DJ: DJ Yes Sputnik!

Stationery: Jaime Van Wart

I’m literally squealing with excitement over my client’s custom designed comic book save the dates.  I’m not even exaggerating.  It’s the perfect representation of who the couple is, what they enjoy and how they fell in love.  Since the moment I saw the proof, I couldn’t wait to share it with you.

This couple is a combination of geeky coolness with complete class.  When I say these two were meant for each other, I utterly mean it.  I’ve been fortunate to spend time with them through this planning process and it’s totally obvious that they’re smitten with one another.  I am over the moon about planning their August wedding and feel blessed to have them in my life.  This rad save the date is only the beginning to what is sure to be an unforgettable wedding.

It isn’t humanly possible for Brett and Jessica to be any cuter.  From their amazing fashion sense to their quirky and adorable personalities, they’re the kind of couple you want to plan a Friday night double date with.  They’re kids at heart and they certainly have huge, wide open, loving hearts.

Brett and Jessica were married at the All Saints Chapel in Downtown Raleigh on a perfect October day.  The wedding party, including the adorable ring bearer, looked as if they had just stepped off of a movie set.  We worked with Brett and Jessica to create a design that was simple yet catchy.  Rustic chic details were incorporated throughout the wedding from the antique tags tucked inside mason jars as escort cards to a custom built wooden mailbox for cards.  Using mason jars, acorns, fresh flowers and chalkboards as table numbers, we assembled centerpieces with countrified appeal.  Following the incredibly sweet ceremony, the couple exited to a shower of confetti from paper cones.  Representing Orangerie Events the day of the wedding and coordinating it oh so beautifully was the one and only Sharon.  I promise I’m not biased because she’s my mom.

The stunning wedding cake was provided by none other than Swank Cake Designs.  As an ode to the theme and the couple, two squirrel figurines were used as the cake topper.

Brett is a professional photographer {Brett Arthur Photography} and is remarkably talented.  It’s only fitting that he would select an out-of-this-world photographer to capture his own wedding and Collin Hughes certainly didn’t disappoint.  Behind a different set of lens, the fabulous duo of Heart Stone Films filmed each and every moment and put together an artistically beautiful display of the wedding highlights.  Be sure to read their blog here and check out the video here.

Given our chosen careers, I’ve had the pleasure of running into and working with Brett and Jessica even after their I Do’s.  I am so looking forward to growing our relationship and crossing paths more often.  For now, enjoy these gorgeous snippets of a young couple in love and their day of professing it.

Ceremony + Reception Venue: All Saints Chapel

Photographer: Collin Hughes

Videographer: Heart Stone Films

Cake: Swank Cake Designs

Florist: Gingerbread House Florist

I met sweet Rachel to talk about all things wedding six months before her big day.  She was a breath of fresh air.  Throughout the entire process, I could always count on her to be cool, calm, collected and smiling.  She and her Australian beau were married at Mordecai Historic Park in Raleigh on a gorgeous September Sunday.

The outdoor ceremony took place at Mordecai with the grape vines as a perfect backdrop.  Gregg, with Brides & Bouquets, added flowers in various shades of purple to compliment the setting.  The ceremony was flawlessly performed by Rev. Roy and two four-legged members of the wedding party almost stole the show.  Almost.

The reception was held at Humble Pie in downtown Raleigh.  Following introductions, the couple shared their first dance as DJ Brian O’Toole provided the soundtrack for the entire evening.  The restaurant provided an amazing buffet spread highlighted by phenomenal service.  Throughout the reception, guests were able to be a little silly at the photo booth provided by Hice Photography.  Simply Cakes NC showcased their talent in the form of a square 3-tier wedding cake complete with intricate detail, pintuck and a touch of purple.  And yes, it tasted as good as it looks.

Once the dancing began, the seemingly shy and reserved Rachel took center stage with an inflatable guitar for a solo performance to Journey.  Capturing this unforgettable moment and every other detail was the dynamic duo of A.J. Dunlap Photography.  Seriously?  How incredible are these photos?  I love working with AJ and Kyle!

Rachel and Adam spent two weeks following the wedding in Australia for a continued celebration with the groom’s family.  I’m slightly jealous.  If any couple deserved an extended vacation, it would definitely be these two.  Their positivity for life and love for each other was infectious and I’m grateful to have shared in their wedding day.

Photography: A.J. Dunlap Photography

Ceremony Venue: Mordecai Historic Park

Reception Venue: Humble Pie

Florist: Brides & Bouquets

Cake: Simply Cakes NC

Photobooth: Hice Photography

Pastor: Rev. Roy

DJ: Brian O’Toole

It isn’t uncommon for a couple to request assistance with coordinating their rehearsal dinner in addition to their wedding ceremony and reception.  I’m always delighted to extend my help as it usually gives me an opportunity to work with the groom’s family .  Tiffany and Brennan were married last October and the groom’s mother, who traveled between North Carolina and Florida, needed some creative direction on pulling together a fun, fresh and modern rehearsal dinner.

We established early in the planning process that we wanted to use a color palette of black, white and lime green.  In order to set a fun and engaging tone, we incorporated a dotted theme.  From the polka dot table linens to the hanging white Chinese lanterns, we infused circles and dots throughout the rehearsal dinner decor.  As guests arrived to Youssef 242, they began by enjoying a cocktail hour on the patio complete with a live acoustic guitarist.  Moving indoors to the rehearsal dinner, a looped slideshow played throughout dinner while guests were wined and dined.  Watered Garden Florist in Raleigh provided the contemporary floral arrangements.  In addition, we used various vases and globes from Ikea to create a modern collection for centerpieces.  We even tied the votive candles into the overall theme by adorning them with black and white circled stickers.  To create a cohesive theme, we designed all of the table stationery including menu cards and table numbers to reflect the dotted theme.

We worked hard to make the rehearsal dinner a contrast from the wedding without going overboard and without overshadowing the main event.  The circled theme proved to be the perfect setting for an intimate and inviting rehearsal dinner.  A huge thanks to Dana Arndt with Dana Arndt Photography for the amazing photos!

Venue: Youssef 242

Photographer: Dana Arndt Photography

Linens: CE Rental

Florist: Watered Garden Florist

Guitarist: Jimmy Atkins

The Southern sun couldn’t have been more generous to this adorable couple on their wedding day.  The rays glistened across the vines at Buffalo Baker Creek Vineyards which provided the perfect ambiance without the heat for the wedding of Kim and Cass.  As guests arrived by trolley, they were greeted with a “Welcome Wagon” complete with a wedding wishing tree to leave their advice and congratulations for the couple.  They were then treated to a pre-ceremony cocktail hour complete with a Sangria station and bottled Sundrop and Cheerwine.  (A couple after my own heart solely because they incorporated Sundrop.)  Homemade nametags adorned the mason jars used for the beverages.

With every detail, the couple aimed to reflect a rustic appeal with vintage charm.  The ceremony was held on the front lawn as the couple stood beneath a large oak tree draped with flowers hanging in mason jars.  The groom and groomsmen wore pinstriped suits with different patterned bow ties while the ladies carried bouquets from Nectar that mimicked freshly picked wildflowers.  Kimberly looked stunning as she wore a lace gown accompanied with cowboy boots.  As opposed to having the guests seated, attendees stood scattered around the couple as they exchanged vows under the setting sun.

The guests enjoyed a buffet dinner full of southern comfort foods from Dressing on the Side including baked mac-n-cheese.  The buffet was served in a small barn located on the winery.  Collections of vintage bottle centerpieces filled the reception tables.  As the wedding coordinator, I assembled the centerpieces using fresh flowers picked up at the local Farmer’s Market.  The bride and groom had a private eating area complete with a stunning view of the winery.  It proved to be the ideal spot for some amazing pictures of the newlyweds captured by the oh-so-talented Blue Sky Studio.  The bride opted for a simplistic wedding cake from Do You Love It complete with buttercream frosting situated on a bed of fresh rosemary.  For guests desiring something different from traditional wedding cake, an assortment of pies were displayed on an old wooden door atop wine barrels.  The guests danced the night away beneath a gorgeous tent provided by Got You Covered while Tim Boggs kept the music fresh and fun.

From start to finish, Kim and Cass created a beautiful representation of their personality and style.  Not only was I lucky to work on such a creative and gorgeous wedding, but I was thoroughly blessed to meet and work with such a genuine and incredible couple.

Photography: Blue Sky Studio

Venue: Buffalo Baker Creek Vineyards

Caterer: Dressing on the Side

Personal Flowers: Nectar

Tent: Got You Covered

Cake: Do You Love It