Caitlin and Will’s Intimate Wedding at The Graylyn Estate
In March 2020, we were merely days away from Caitlin and Will’s wedding day at the Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem, North Carolina when the executive order kicked in that halted everything. Flowers had been ordered, deliveries were on their way to us, guest travel itineraries were finalized (and some underway!) paper elements and custom welcome gifts were assembled and personalized for each guest, and all of the many months worth of planning were about to come to fruition in the most beautiful day, until that was no longer an option.
To say that we were scrambling behind the scenes is the understatement of the decade. It was emotionally traumatic for everyone, but nobody felt the heartbreak more than this incredibly deserving couple. We continue to be in awe of the grace and resilience they demonstrated as they had to make the painful decision – first to postpone the wedding in full for five months, and then to condense their plans for a large celebration into a very intimate ceremony and dinner party for their families and wedding party. It was a whirlwind. And of the many thousands of couples who found themselves postponing, reimagining, or canceling plans to elope, including all of our clients, we know that these two were dealt the hardest blow because of how quickly the ground shifted underneath them, just hours from the time they would have exchanged their vows.
But lest we dwell too much on what was hard about last year, I want to shift the focus to the joyful celebration of marriage that finally took place in August. I’m delighted to share a glimpse at the festivities, photographed by Lauren Rosenau. It was one of the loveliest days in our memories, and we felt so privileged to play a role in it!
The ceremony took place as originally planned in the stunning White Garden at The Graylyn Estate. We were blessed with picturesque weather, a soft breeze, and the perfect amount of sunshine. Though the chairs were spaced for social distancing and the overall headcount was much smaller – we kept all of the original ceremony plans intact.
Following the ceremony, Caitlin and Will shared a toast in the garden with their guests, some of whom would then depart (as restrictions in effect at the time allowed a larger count for a ceremony, but required a much smaller group for the reception gathering.)
Meanwhile, just across town, our team worked diligently to transform the outdoor patio space at Bernardin’s Restaurant. Originally, the reception would have taken place at Graylyn as well, but we knew we needed to seek an outdoor space to create the safest possible environment. Hosting the event outdoors would also allow a slightly higher number of family and wedding party members to be present. We’re grateful to the chef and his team at Bernardin’s for welcoming all of us with open arms and being such incredible partners to help bring this new vision to life.
Our partners at Professional Party Rentals helped us carefully move and temporarily store the existing patio furniture so that we could set up beautiful estate tables for a plated dinner party. We added smilax greenery to the rafters and an abundance of floral elements and candlelight to the patio.
Caitlin, Will, and their guests enjoyed a beautiful four-course dinner prepared and served by Bernardin’s with toasting and laughter for hours. It was the kind of evening that unfolds in a dream, and the happiness and relief at finally being able to celebrate was palpable.
Every year, we’ll remember this cheerful couple and celebrate them on two dates… March 21st and August 28th. And if there were ever two people who deserve the chance to celebrate their anniversary multiple times per year – it’s these two. Congratulations Caitlin and Will! We love you!
Thankful for our team of vendor partners:
Photography: Lauren Rosenau | Planning, Floral Design, Stationery & Event Production: Rebecca Rose Events | Ceremony Venue & Toast: The Graylyn Estate | Reception Venue & Catering: Bernardin’s Fine Dining | Hair and Makeup: Mena Garcia | Wedding Cake: Regi Originals | Table Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Professional Party Rentals | Entertainment: Allegro Music Events | Lighting/Rigging & Audio Visual: Sound Illusions | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carole | Transportation: Triad Trolley