Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Valerie and Bobby’s Southern wedding, a celebration that exuded warmth, elegance, and romance. The loving couple, who met in college, chose North Carolina as the backdrop for their special day, paying homage to the state where they fell in love. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Erin McLean Events and Graham Terhune Photography, ensuring that every moment was captured with precision and flair.
The Angus Barn, a venue steeped in sentimental value for both Valerie and Bobby, played host to the reception, while their church wedding was an emotional affair that left no dry eyes. The opulent decor was a masterclass in blending rustic charm with luxurious sophistication, featuring intricate details and personal touches. Tablescapes were adorned with rich hues and textures, while favors paid tribute to North Carolina’s sweet traditions.
But what truly sets this wedding apart is its unbridled style, which shone through every aspect of the celebration. Valerie and Bobby, an effortlessly chic couple, were joined by their glamorous bridesmaids and groomsmen in metallic gowns and black tuxedos, making for a truly unforgettable bridal party.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Today, we’re thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Valerie and Bobby’s Southern wedding, a celebration that exuded warmth, elegance, and romance. The loving couple, who met in college, chose North Carolina as the backdrop for their special day, paying homage to the state where they fell in love. To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the expertise of Erin McLean Events and Graham Terhune Photography, ensuring that every moment was captured with precision and flair.
The Angus Barn, a venue steeped in sentimental value for both Valerie and Bobby, played host to the reception, while their church wedding was an emotional affair that left no dry eyes. The opulent decor was a masterclass in blending rustic charm with luxurious sophistication, featuring intricate details and personal touches. Tablescapes were adorned with rich hues and textures, while favors paid tribute to North Carolina’s sweet traditions.
But what truly sets this wedding apart is its unbridled style, which shone through every aspect of the celebration. Valerie and Bobby, an effortlessly chic couple, were joined by their glamorous bridesmaids and groomsmen in metallic gowns and black tuxedos, making for a truly unforgettable bridal party.
Our Wedding
We aimed to evoke the quintessential charm and sophistication of old Southern hospitality, with a nod to my North Carolina heritage. The Angus Barn Pavilion’s rustic grandeur transforms on a crisp autumn evening, as the majestic fireplace takes center stage. Its warm glow creates a sense of cozy intimacy.
Our color palette of soft blush tones, glittering gold accents, and deep plum hues strikes a delicate balance between romance and effervescence – a perfect blend of classic elegance and lively joie de vivre. The plum shade, courtesy of Bobby’s insight, pays tribute to our alma mater, adding a personal touch to the overall aesthetic.
The Photography
Graham and Samantha Terhune possess a unique trifecta: exceptional talent, effortless charm, and a passion for their work that makes collaborating with them an absolute delight. The moment you meet them, you feel like you’ve known them forever, thanks to their down-to-earth nature and genuine warmth. Looking at their impressive portfolio, I was thoroughly convinced that our photos would be nothing short of stunning – and they did not disappoint.
The end result was a visual masterpiece that exceeded my expectations in every way. When it comes to videography, Twenty One Films has long been a favorite of mine. These masters of storytelling are able to capture the essence of your special day, transforming it into a beautiful narrative that transcends mere event coverage instead, they weave together a tapestry of memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Favourite Moments
As we exchanged our vows, Bobby and I were overcome with emotion – it was truly the most memorable moment of our special day. The ceremony concluded, our closest friends and family members swarmed us with hugs and congratulations, bathing us in a sea of love and happiness. In retrospect, another highlight that stands out in my mind is my dad’s heartfelt speech. He regaled us with cherished tales from my childhood, many of which I hadn’t revisited in years.
His words were both poignant and humorous, leaving me beaming with pride. Lastly, it was an absolute delight to share some quiet moments with my bridesmaids before the big event. We sipped mimosas on the patio at my parents’ home, basking in the perfect weather and each other’s company. It was a truly special time that I’ll always treasure.
The Ceremony
As I look back on our special day, I’m reminded of the significance of Orange United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill, NC – not only is it where we exchanged our vows, but also where my infant baptism took place. What’s more, our wedding coordinator was no stranger to me; she had been my preschool teacher, Miss Melissa. The ceremony itself was a poignant moment for all in attendance.
My brother brought a lump to his throat by reading scripture from Colossians 3:12-17, while Bobby’s vows reduced him to tears. It was an emotional and heartfelt time that left most of the congregation smiling through their own tears.
The Venue
As I grew up, my dad would take us to The Angus Barn for special celebrations. The memories we created there are still cherished today when I was older and living in New Jersey, he’d plan trips back to North Carolina just so we could visit The Angus Barn together every time, it was the same routine: French onion soup, ribs, and chocolate chess pie for him, sawdust pie for me. This beloved restaurant holds a special place in my heart.
In fact, I introduced my partner Bobby to this iconic spot during our senior year of college. We even arranged for both sets of parents to meet there for the first time – the perfect setting for making memories. The Pavilion was the only choice we considered, and it’s easy to see why. For us, The Angus Barn is more than just a restaurant; it’s a part of our family history.
And now, as I look back on those special moments, I’m reminded that there’s no better way to create new memories than by sharing them with loved ones at this beloved North Carolina institution.
The Music
As Christina Perri’s iconic ‘A Thousand Years’ filled the sanctuary, a string quartet’s rendition accompanied the bridal party as they entered The atmosphere was set with Pachelbel’s timeless ‘Canon in D’ playing softly during the bride’s procession. Later at the reception, Bobby and I took to the dance floor for the first time, swaying to Brad Paisley’ hamlet ‘Then’. A special moment followed when my father and I shared a tender dance to Tim McGraw’s sweet serenade, ‘My Little Girl.
‘ Meanwhile, the groom and his mother exchanged a poignant dance to the Dixie Chicks’ uplifting ‘Godspeed’. The party really got going as The Embers brought their high-energy performance to get everyone on their feet and dancing all night long.
The Favours
As the evening drew to a close, a sweet surprise awaited the departing guests – a thoughtful gift basket filled with the classic treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity: warm, fluffy Krispy Kreme doughnuts and vintage-style bottles of Pepsi Cola, a brand deeply rooted in Carolina culture. The iconic duo provided a fitting finale to an unforgettable night.
The Honeymoon
After our special day, we embarked on a 10-day adventure in Maui, Hawaii, immersing ourselves in the island’s breathtaking landscapes, warm sunshine, and rich culture. It was truly an unforgettable experience. I must say, I’m particularly fond of the understated autumnal charm that permeates this wedding celebration. The bridesmaid dresses are simply stunning, don’t you agree?
And I’m sure many of our readers will draw inspiration from Valerie’s thoughtful gesture of incorporating her grandmother’s brooch into her bouquet – a lovely way to honor loved ones. I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Graham Terhune Photography, Erin McLean Events, and the beautiful couple, Valerie and Bobby, for trusting us with their elegant Southern wedding story.
As we continue to celebrate the beauty of real weddings, I hope this tale inspires you to create your own unforgettable moments.