The RiverRoom Wilmington North Carolina Wedding
Laura and Matthew have the quintessential North meets South love story. He was a United States Marine Corps veteran who hailed from Massachusetts. She was a Carolina girl born and raised. Over four years after they first met, an intimate gathering of their closest loved ones traveled across the country to witness their striped and sophisticated wedding in Wilmington, North Carolina. The couple chose the Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall for the ceremony. The quaint, white-washed chapel embodied the Southern gentility they desired. Guests were welcomed with baby's breath wreaths on the chapel doors, complete with blue and white striped bows a decorative detail seen throughout the day.
The couple's invitation suite looked classic with scripting on navy blue paper. For a fun surprise, they included stripes in the envelopes.
To match the theme of the day, Laura walked down the aisle in navy blue and white J. Crew peep toes.
Her gown was an ivory mermaid silhouette with a sweetheart neckline. It featured statement beading, lace fabric on the bodice, and a classic lace hemline. She accessorized with teardrop earrings and chose a traditional floor-length veil. Her bouquet was full of classic white roses and bells of hydrangea tied with striped ribbon.
As the doors opened, Laura walked down the aisle to her groom.
Matthew was standing at the altar in a navy blue suit, white shirt, and gold and blue striped necktie. He wore a single white rose boutonniere and looked every bit the handsome groom.
The couple had a dear friend officiate the ceremony. Instead of a traditional unity symbol, Laura and Matthew chose to use an Irish hand fasting chord. They recited their vows and tied their hands together with a chord handmade by Laura.
After the couple said their tearful “I dos,†they retreated to the chapel’s memorial garden for photos.
They invited their guests to a dinner reception at the River Room in Downtown Wilmington. Located on the Cape Fear River, everyone was guaranteed an amazing sunset as they dined and danced. Laura and Matthew seized the moment and took photos next to the water before the sun retired for the evening.
The River Room was sophisticated and welcoming. Spectacular string lights hung from the ceiling, while the windows were outfitted with soft candlelight. One unique feature of the reception was the menu display. Instead of having cards, the couple chose to have their menu written in chalk calligraphy on the bar. Not only did it tell guests what treats were in store for the night, but it looked incredibly elegant.
Laura and Matthew wanted the reception to feel close and intimate. Everyone sat at one long family table covered in navy blue. Place settings included gold charger plates, white dinner plates, and navy blue scripted place cards.
To keep the conversation flowing, the couple chose short square centerpieces of hydrangea and white roses to run the center of the table. For added glow, Laura included her great-grandmother's dark blue vintage glassware to house additional candles. And since their beloved basset hound couldn't attend, they placed his picture right at their seats.
Their cake featured two round tiers covered in white buttercream, navy blue fondant bands and pearl details. To honor Laura's Southern roots, the couple's monogram was on the front and inside was the delicious flavor of red velvet.
It was always a dream to have a small and elegant wedding, but Laura and Matthew's vision come-to-life exceeded their expectations. Their navy blue and white striped affair was a love-filled day that was as warm as the Wilmington air and as sweet as the tea that flowed.
Photography: Keepsake Memories Photography Ceremony Venue: Frank H. Kenan Chapel at Landfall Reception Venue: The RiverRoom Cake: One Belle Bakery Rentals: Etc Party Rentals Catering: A Thyme Savor Coordinator: Melissa Mendoza of Knot to Shabby Events Dress: New York Bride and Groom in Charlotte Florist: Bloomer's