GONE CAMPING

Long nature walks, intimate groups, endless snacking, heartfelt convos, and cold afternoon beers. Have we gone camping or are we talking about quarantine? Either way, The Big Fake Wedding fortuitously made its way onto our early March calendar, bringing together an evening of creativity for couples around the triangle.

By Colette Photo

The Big Fake Wedding is exactly what it sounds like: vendors collaborate from all fields of interest to design a ceremony + reception (and all the details in between). Plot twist - you’re the guest. Engaged couples attend to cement details, see their venue in action, taste-test their favorite caterer (or, let’s be honest, bar), and more. Consider it a trial run for your own day, but with a birds-eye-view.

By Colette Photo

Speaking of birds, our meadows were born for this design. The inspiration was somewhere between mountain top adventure elopement and glamping. From byob (build-your-own-bouquet) bars to bohemian tapestries, a bold and earthen color palette, floral hoops, the classiest s’more setup, and breeze blown hair, the stage was set for a night of easy, fireside elegance.

By Colette Photo brought her arsenal of moody, true to color, creative techniques. Her content includes our favorite ruffled feather GIF, awe inspiring shots of our 115 acre preserve, and details that only an artist would notice. Did we mention she can breakdance? This makes her a better photographer in our books, not that she needs any brownie points there. Crisp, cool, dramatic, and fun loving (is this her personality or her photo work?), we recommend her to all of our clients. 

And while ruffled feathers make for an excellent altar (keep scrolling), Ruffled Blog also published the gathering. Yup, this Big Fake Wedding was that beautiful.

EZER Photo

But, nothing beautiful comes about without good planning; thanks to Timeless Events NC (and a team of solid vendors!) the sporadic downpours just added to the ambiance instead of ruining any timelines. After all, if you don’t get a little muddy did you even go camping? Nicole is quickly becoming a resident planner at The Meadows, and we’re thrilled to see our couples making such a solid choice.

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There’s nothing like fresh air and a getaway to conjure your glowing goddess; luckily, Styled by Sofia is available to wake your inner shimmer without a nature hiatus. She gave the bride + her bestie a soft, radiant, and “did the wind do this or a curling wand?” sort of look. We’ve seen her work on our brides before and can testify to her timeless, natural approach to beauty.

EZER Photo

We also had the honor of hosting two more incredibly talented teams: EZER Photo and Jaclyn Nolin Photography. EZER takes a bold, deep, and detailed approach to her work and Jaclyn’s content breaths light and life into a space. Between the 3 photographers featured at BFW, brides and grooms can literally keep dreaming - your options are broad and tailored to the features you treasure most in your memories.

Jaclyn Nolin Photography

By Colette Photo

By Colette Photo

Jaclyn Nolin Photography

Pause - good things must actually come in threes? Meet Mother of Wild, Florescence Design, and Oak + Dahlia Floral Design. This event was the stuff your Pinterest boards are made of.

Mother of Wild designed our favorite ceremony backdrop to date, and we aren’t exactly an easy bunch of daisies to impress. She had us at cafe-au-lait roses, but continued to woo by incorporating orchids, sun-kissed palms, and so much fluff. Throw a boho rug and pup in front… perfection.

By Colette Photo

EZER Photo

By Colette Photo

By Colette Photo

By Colette Photo

By Colette Photo

By Colette Photo

Oak & Dahlia + Fluorescence Designs went above and beyond.. literally above. They played on the existing height in Heron Hall with hanging installs above tablescapes. Mother of Wild made another show stopping design of anemones + drapey amaranthus for a Marie Kondo approved minimal aesthetic. As a whole, the hall was lush, forested, fluffy, and inspired to say the least. 

EZER Photo

Jaclyn Nolin Photography

Jaclyn Nolin Photography

By Colette Photography

Oak & Dahlia made perfect use of our sky high window wall by adding a pop of florals in between and centering the sweetheart table strategically beneath it all. And, Fluorescence Designs ditched the typical bridesmaid bouquet for a boho floral hoop. Different, perfect, personal. 

Smoke bombs, savory dinner from Cue Burger and a tart refreshment from Thirsty Buffalo to wash it down, all topped off with s’mores and a good dance floor. Scatter some stunning hand lettering + rentals throughout, and we may have raised the universal glamping bar.

Jaclyn Nolin Photography

By Colette Photo

I could keep gushing about how perfect The Big Fake Wedding was, but I’ll leave you to enjoy the gallery… nature calls.

EZER Photo

Vendors

Event: The Big Fake Wedding

Photography: By Colette Photo          

Photography: EZER Photo    

Photography: Jaclyn Nolin Photography

Cake: Bestow Baked Goods

Catering: Cue Burger Food Truck

Ceremony Musician: Eryn Jones Fuson – Harpist

Day-of-Coordinator: Timeless Events

DJ + Emcee: All Around Raleigh DJ

Dog Handler: Furever + Fur Always

Floral + Event Design – Flower Truck + Tables 1, 4 : Blossom and Bone Florals

Floral + Event Design – Personal Flowers + Tables 2, 5: Florescence Design

Floral + Event Design – Sweetheart Table + Tables 3, 6: Oak + Dahlia Floral Design   

Floral + Event Design : Ceremony Backdrop + Tables 7, 8: Mother of Wild Flower House & Event Co.

Hair + Makeup Artist: Styled by Sofia

Hotel Accommodations: Cary Collection of Hilton Hotels       

Mobile Bar Service: Thirsty Buffalo Beverage Catering

Party Goods: For Your Party

Photo Booth: Glass Eye Photo Booth

Real Estate: Keller Williams Realty

Rentals: DeeJays Event Rentals

Signage: Handwritings by Hannah

Stationery: Ruthie Kellar Studio   

Venue: The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

Videography: Hello Cheetah Productions

Wedding Dress: Ella & Oak

National Sponsors:

Alcohol Sponsor: Ketel One & Baileys Irish Cream

Botanical Bubbly: Dry Soda Company

National Travel Agency: Taylor & Co. Travel