“They hoped to recreate some of the beautiful and whimsical summery feeling that they felt when they met and fell in love one year ago. The details were so elegant but still full of handmade qualities: the ceremony and reception itself took place at the Bride’s parents’ home in Hillsborough, North Carolina, Hannah and her bridesmaids put their bouquets together from florals purchased from a local florist and their escort cards were made by hand as well. Hannah walked down the aisle to a song that she and her brother recorded together and Hannah and Scott were married under an arbor built by Scott and her brothers. The couple did not opt for a first look but we were able to get some stunning golden hour portraits of them. They danced the night away, stopping to cut their cake and eat a cone of ice cream from the local Maple View Farms and left for their honeymoon on the beaches of Florida after a sparkler exit. The whole evening was truly magical, and we were glad to be there to capture it!” –Radian Photography

What is your favorite wedding day memory?

Walking down the aisle to Scott was the most amazing feeling that I have ever experienced. My younger brother and I recorded a song for Scott {as a total surprise!} for this special moment. Our tear-filled eyes were locked the entire time and I couldn’t believe that I had the honor of marrying such an amazing man!

What did you DIY for your wedding?

All of the flowers for the tables, bridesmaid bouquets and my bouquet were done by myself and my lovely bridesmaids – the wildflowers were from a local farm. I also ordered lots of silver dollar eucalyptus that we made into garlands for the arbor that we were married under which was also DIY’ed by Scott and my brother!, the bar tables, and across our wedding party table.

One of my favorite pieces of the wedding was the escort card table. The wooden frame was made by my friend’s brother and I handwrote all of the names and table numbers. Each card was tied to wire on the frame by blue velvet ribbon. On each guest’s plate was their name card {also written by me}, tied with more blue velvet ribbon around wildflower seed packets. I also did my hair and the flower adornment that went in ​my hair was created by ​me! The whole creation of the look and feel of the wedding was something that I had in my head since I was a young girl. Opened on the escort table was a Tasha Tudor book, Seasons of Delight, which my aunt gave me when I was only 5 years old. There was one scene of a party in the woods with romantic lighting and a sweet, whimsical vibe that I knew I wanted for my special day. And I truly felt that was what came to life!!

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

I wore my Grandmother’s earrings as my something old and something borrowed {they belong to my mom}. She was extremely special to me and lived with us my whole time growing up. She’s passed, but it was so sweet to have something of hers near to me. The something new was my beautiful dress and veil! One of my favorite things was my “something blue” – my gorgeous shoes by Gee Wawa from Anthropologie.

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Our wedding day was a truly wonderful day – altogether sacred, loving, joyful, and a little bit crazy. Although we put tons of care into planning the day {every single thing was done by hand by us and my bridesmaids}, we really realized the next day that our wedding day was just a moment in our life – a very special moment, but the marriage that continues after the wedding day is what it’s all about. Our advice to future brides/grooms would be to make sure that your day is how you’ve always envisioned it, but more than anything plan for a strong and everlasting marriage! Also…live it up on your wedding day! Don’t get bogged down by what you think others expect of you. If you want to dance to every song with your wedding party instead of mingling – do it! We did and it was the best! -Hannah, the bride

Event Credits

Photography: Radian Photography // Venue: Private Residence // Flowers: Wild Scallions Farm // Invitations: Minted // DJ: Will Haridson DJ // Catering: Hillsborough BBQ Company // Desserts: Maple View Farm // Rentals: American Party Rentals // Engagement Ring: Bailey's Fine Jewelry // Wedding Bands: Armante Design // Bride's Robe: BHLDN // Bridesmaid's Robes: Le Rose Gifts // Bride's Attire: Traditions by Anna Bridal Boutique // Bride's Shoes: Anthropologie // Groom's Attire: Brooks Brothers // Groom's Shoes: Aldo // Groomsmen's Ties: Jay Kirby Ties // Ring Bearer Bowties: Sew Mice // Welcome SIgn + Table Numbers: MW Designs OK on Etsy // Bouquet Ribbon: Shy Myrtle