Jan 103 min read

TAKE A TOUR OF THE MEADOWS

To share Karen + Chris’ Meadows story, we have to back up a few decades.

What is now our 115 acre nature preserve + wedding venue was once a family operated farm in the heart of Raleigh. Multiple generations resided in and cared for the space, but with age and growth came a desire to impart this peaceful land to new owners. Developers were quick to bid because, hey… can you picture a prettier neighborhood to call home?

But, our innovative leaders Kurt + Anna caught wind of the sale and were able to help preserve the space, introduce regenerative land practices, and open the property to couples for their own, candid use and blank slate loves stories. Et voila, after a few months (or years) of additions, thrift excursions, amendments, design meetings, and more The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve was born.

[Enter Karen] Our October 19, 2019 bride grew up neighboring this land and was well-acquainted with the former family. Her father, a passionate Geologist, was particularly excited about our property. After her engagement, The Meadows became a quick and obvious contender for a venue! To add even more personality to their story, Karen + Chris chose Sacred Heart, their family church, to host their ceremony. Following a beautiful exchange of vows, their party caravanned to The Meadows to continue the celebration!

We often have couples inquire on partial use of the space; if your heart is to say your vows somewhere that holds more sentiment to your families, we always support it! Meanwhile, we open both of our homes - The Roost and Aerie House - to your vendors and bridal parties the morning of your wedding for hair, makeup, and hanging out! In short, you’re offered the same accommodations and space to prepare for your ceremony on site with us, and return for your dinner and party. Regardless of where you say I Do, you’re invited to use and maximize the space to your convenience.

Back to our couple at hand: Karen and Chris’ style was incredibly classic, elegant and earthy all at once. They blended their stately, ancient cathedral ceremony with our more industrial, whimsical, and open-air reception space seamlessly. And someone correct me, but Karen’s veil was like a Lace Juliet Cap Veil & Mantilla Veil made a baby - gorgeous.

We’ve gushed about Mews Designs Florist a handful (or hundred) of times and won’t hesitate to do so again. She ran with Karen + Chris’ vision and drafted opulent, straight-outta-October feeling floral art for the day. We have a hard time disliking anything that graces our hanging ladder, but this install had a particular wow factor while staging a stunning family-style head table. We recommend Mews to all of our clients, you can see why for yourselves!

Their celebration was a Meadow’s first for Sally Oakley and Chelsea Morgan Photography, who both set and captured the space stunningly. We’re happy to have the downtime that Winter months brings to reminisce our latest season + inspire Fall 2020 brides with palettes, tablescapes, bridal attire, and so much more.

We’re in gratitude to Karen + Chris and their families for choosing our space to mark their beginning together. You’re always welcome back when you’re in the neighborhood ;)