Bay 7 Enchanted Forest Wedding | Irene + Ben
Urban chic meets Greek heritage—do they go together? Absolutely, in this Bay 7 wedding! When Irene, who herself is the epitome of "cool," came to us with a vision for bringing an organic vibe to an industrial space in the heart of downtown Durham, North Carolina, we were giddy with excitement. Pulling elements from her traditional Greek roots through a mix of lush greenery accents and a beautiful Orthodox ceremony, and combining it with inspiration from the couple's favorite Manhattan eatery, translated into a magical evening at Bay 7!
Irene and her posse chose a suite at 21c Museum Hotel in Downtown Durham to prep for the wedding, the view from their suite was the ideal backdrop for her day!
Irene + Ben's little love, Liesl is probably the cutest wedding day side-kick we have ever seen. She got the last approval on Ben's ensemble!
This is mix and match done right. Irene selected gowns from BHDLN for your maids in an array of complimenting patterns and natural colors. It was absolute perfection.
Does it get any prettier than this?? Anna Routh Photography captured the most beautiful lighting!
Irene and Ben are avid travelers, but of all the places they have been Manhattan has their heart. There they love a tiny little restaurant tucked away from the hustle and bustle that brings a lush garden indoors. We took that idea and dreamt up an enchanted garden -- oh yea, and inverting it. As guests entered Bay 7 they were immersed in a garden overhead.
Irene and Ben wanted to incorporate subtle nods to Irene's Greek heritage - enter a rummy olive bar, homemade baklava, Jordan Almond favors, Butter Cookies, and a whole lot of Greek dancing!
As they dined on the delicious eats of the famous Angus Barn, the glow of candle light and organic arrangements floating from the ceiling, Ben and Irene's favorite song was preformed by artist Dawn Landes, a surprise gift from the bride to her new husband.
Another surprise treat? One of the grooms favorites, hot dogs, complete with an old fashioned serving cart and even a vegetarian option for the crowd!
Another cute note from their day, their Instagram hashtag, #getbentothegreek - well she got Ben to the Greek and she did while looking incredibly gorgeous and chic.
This night was truly one of the history books and one Irene and Ben will remember forever!
Irene and Ben were also recently featured in The Knot Magazine Carolinas now on newsstands!
Hats off to a fantastic team of vendors!
Planning + Design - Erin McLean Events
Ceremony Venue - St Barbara Greek Orthodox Church
Reception Venue - Bay 7
Photography - Anna Routh Photography
Videography - Heart Stone Films
Florals - Watered Garden Florist
Cake - Ashley Cakes
Hair + Makeup - The Makeup Culture
Rentals - CE Rental
Ceremony Musicians - Arioso Strings
Reception Musicians - The Shakedown
Catering - The Angus Barn
Lighting - Get Lit Special Event Lighting
Gown - Monique Lhuillier
Bridemaids - BHLDN
The McLean Events team would love to plan a Bay 7 wedding in Durham, North Carolina that is unique to you. Inquire with us for more details.