European-Inspired Private Home Wedding in North Carolina

Vanessa and Dennis are world travelers. Dennis was raised in Germany, while Vanessa has lived in multiple states and countries (one of them being Germany!) throughout her life. After graduating college, work brought her back to Hamburg, Germany, where she met Dennis. After dating for two years, the couple got engaged.

They chose her family's new private estate in Durham, North Carolina as a unique, personal venue for their wedding day. We were inspired by the beautiful stone arches of the property and home, combined with the couple’s love of architecture in Hamburg, which is famous for its many archways and wrought iron gates. We used these as inspiration for the design plan and incorporated archways and wrought iron gates in the die-cut invitations and entrance of the tent.

The bride wanted to bring the feeling of Hamburg to her family's new town while gracefully combining their love of the English countryside. Upon visiting the family's home, we knew we wanted to incorporate arches in the ceremony.

We decided to create four custom 70 foot arches that would be built on the pre-existing trees. Flowers by Blossom Bay Design in all shades of burgundies, blush, pale pinks, and greens were dripping over the wooden aisle runner and elegant diamond back chairs.

Post-ceremony, guests made their way through the family's home to the backyard, where they were greeted by custom crafted cocktails: The Lemon Charlie (named after their dog) and The Flying Cucumber (a nod to their love of travel).

As guests made their way to the dinner tent, they found their tables on the hand drawn seating chart which featured cities the couple had visited together. The X-shaped head table was anchored in the tent by a large fountain that served as the center focal point. Guests were seated and served their first course of Hochzeitssuppe, a traditional German soup with meatballs, asparagus, and egg noodles.

Later in the evening, the post-dinner entertainment tents opened, with vintage bottles of champagne and french truffles for the ladies, and a cigar roller and whiskey tasting for the men.

After dancing under the twinkling lights of the tent, guests were ushered into the after party that was held over the family's indoor pool—which was covered for the event—with neon signs, party props, and DJ ready to keep them going into the wee hours of the morning.

Congratulations to Vanessa and Dennis! Thank you for letting us share in your beautiful celebration.

Raleigh Wedding Planning + Design: McLean Events
Photographer: Eric Kelley Photography
Videographer: Heartstone Films (watch the video!)
Florist: Blossom Bay
Hair Stylist: Megan Pirrocco
Makeup Artistry: Michelle Clark Makeup
Bar + Catering: Rocky Top Hospitality
Cake: Ashley Cakes
Reception Music: Atlanta Showstoppers
Tenting + Flooring: Skyline Tent Company
Rentals: Ooh! Events, CE Rental, Themeworks
Photobooth: Bourbon Booth
Espresso: Event Espresso
Cigar Roller: Amendola Family Cigars
Guest Restrooms: The Plush Flush
Guest Valet: Resort Valet
Golf Carts: The Cart Company