Elizabeth and Michael - Laurel Hall May 31st 2014

Liz and Mike's wedding was a perfect reflection of the the two of them:  relaxed, fun, unexpected, non-conformist yet not too far from tradition; just off the beaten path. The wedding ceremony and reception were both held at Laural Hall. If you have never been there, think mini castle with beautiful woods and lawns.



Before the ceremony, guests were invited to have some fun playing lawn games and to enjoy some beverages on the patio. Outside background music of choice (from the bride and groom) was Carolina Beach music and Bluegrass!



After about an hour, guests were invited down the steps to the lower lawn for the wedding ceremony lovingly officiated by Liz and Mike's friend Whitney. Liz walked down the aisle with her Father to the song Can't Help Falling In Love - Ingrid Michaelson.

Note the 5:00 pm shade for the guests.

Following the ceremony, it was back to the patio for a 2nd cocktail hour and photo time for the bride, groom and family. The music of choice was Motown!

After the cocktail hour, guests headed to the dining room for introductions.  Welcome and toasts followed, and then a delicious family style dinner catered by Hoaglin Catering ensued. True to their non-conformist style, Liz and Mike decided to skip having a traditional cake (and cake cutting) and thought cupcakes and mini pies would be a nice change of pace for dessert.

After dinner and dessert, guests were spread inside and out but came together for Elizabeth and Mike's first dance to Can't Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley.

 

Liz then shared a dance with her Father and Mike with his Mom. From there it was open dancing for the next 2 and half hours. When I announced at 10:55 it was time for the last dance of the evening I was booed (in a friendly way) which later Liz and Mike apologized for - but I told them I took it as a great compliment - It meant everyone was having a great time and did not want the night to end!
I have to say that this is one reception where I wish I was a guest and not working (though I loved every minute!) Congratulations to Elizabeth and Mike and I hope you have a blast on your honeymoon in Greece!

First dance - Can't help falling in love - Elvis Presley
Father Daughter dance - Time to Say Goodbye - Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli (shorter edit)
Mother Son dance - In my life - Beatles
Biggest song of the night Rapper's Delight - Sugar Hill Gang (Request from guest)

The Amazing Vendors Who Made This Day Possible:

Venue: Laurel Hall  - Stephanie Miller 
Catering: Hoaglin Catering 
Wedding Planner: Events by Design - Meg Massey
Photographer: Gail Werner Photography 
Florist: Kathy's Kloset
Transportation: Carey Limousine 
Bakery: Heavenly Sweets 
DJ: Mark Beecher Grapevine Productions