I’d like to think that the folks who created the classic film Father of the Bride took inspiration from an outdoor wedding like Brittany and Adam’s. Right down to the white picket fence that surrounded their front yard ceremony with the town’s oldest and largest historic house as their altar and backdrop. I love how the picturesque white and black exterior of the Haywood House perfectly accents the wedding party outfits; how the walkway to the house became an ideal center aisle for the bride and groom to walk down…oh and of course the inviting gazebo that housed all three of their yummy cakes and oodles of frosty cupcakes!
Brittany + Adam | October 9, 2010 | Haywood Hall Museum House and Gardens, Raleigh, North Carolina
The Ceremony
Adam and I wanted to be married outside, in autumn, when the leaves changed to beautiful colors, and yet, it would still be warm and bright. We were married in front of a historic house, Haywood Hall, which sits in the center of downtown Raleigh and is engulfed with gardens. It was a wonderful combination of flowerbeds, dogwoods and magnolia trees, along with the city background. We had a small, intimate ceremony with mostly family and close friends surrounding us. Our minister, Rev Vernon Tyson, performed a very simple, classic ceremony. I walked up a traditional center aisle to a violin and cello duet playing music by Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble to compliment our urban backdrop. Adam and I then stood by the foot of the front porch of the house. I will never forget how Adam smiled as I walked toward him, and how I could not stop smiling back. It was an amazing moment in time that my husband and I were able to share with the people who are closest to us.
The Reception
Our reception took place at the side of the historic house, in the gardens under a beautiful large white tent, filled with candlelight. Pub tables were placed alongside the tent, around the brick walkways, and under the trees in order to create a relaxed and inviting place for everyone to mingle. The ceremony was followed by a cocktail hour where shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, and sushi rolls were passed around. We then proceeded to enjoy dinner that had a buffet of treats to sample, while listening to wonderful, touching toasts, given by the maid of honor, my sister, and by the best man, Adam’s best friend. The night followed with the traditional cake cutting ceremony (where we had a ball smashing cake into each other’s faces) and the bouquet toss, and then finally, dancing to an exciting mix of music by our DJ. It could not have been a more wonderful, beautiful day that we were able to share with everyone.
How Brittany Felt in Her Dress
Classic, elegant and stunning
Why Brittany Decided to Sell Her Dress
I decided to sell my dress because I want someone else to be able to feel how I did when I wore it. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world, to have the dress that I wanted.
BRITTANY’S DRESS | Priscilla of Boston Maeve PHOTOGRAPHY | Nicole Faby Photography
