✨ Introducing America’s couple ✨
Landon & Sydney celebrated their wedding day on Independence Day, so it was only fitting to sprinkle a few Americana touches throughout. From the stars & stripes linens to a fun take on the preamble for their seating chart, we had a blast designing these fun details for such an incredible pair. And, of course, we ended the night with a bang 💥
Huge thanks to this all-star crew:
Planning & Design: @sweetoakevents
Venue: @hayfieldevents
Photographer: @alexandrascottphotography_
Cinematography: @davidsonfilmco
Florist: @joneswellflowers
Catering: @rocky_top_caters
Bar: @brewmastersmobile
Rentals: @partyreflections @bespokerentalsnc
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Details & Stationery: @artbyashleytriggiano
Transportation: @trianglecorporatecoach
I’ve said many times it’s so hard to define my own personal design style because I truly just love good design in it’s many forms and appreciate it even when it’s not my own style, but that’s not entirely true. I do have strong opinions on how I want spaces to look and feel, so here are a few of my hard and fast “rules” if you will when it comes to creating beautiful spaces:
1. Color - Regardless of how sparingly or boldly we decide to use color, color evokes an emotional response that can transform a space. We love to start with how you want your event to feel, explore our outdoor spaces/views and find ways to connect us to nature when deciding on a palette.
2. Texture - A thoughtfully curated event appeals to all of the senses - including touch. Adding layers of different textures invites guests to engage with your event on a deeper level, and we never stop at just a couple.
3. Natural Materials - I love using what Mother Earth gave us, so you won’t find many plastics, basic polyesters, vinyl or synthetics at our events. We believe that nature does it best, so you will see large scale floral installations, stone accents, wooden pieces, and upscale fabric choices.
4. Scale, Balance & Proportion - I once heard that the most important aspects of design are those that go unnoticed, and I couldn’t agree more. When a space just intuitively feels right, we’re able to seamlessly interact with each element and your guests feel right at home.
5. White Space - We as humans need moments of rest. Weddings are naturally busy, so we like to create intentional respite through the form of - space - where your guests can breathe and reconnect. One of our favorite ways to do this is through comfy lounges!
6. Detail - Last, but certainly not least, thoughtful design is FULL of considerate details. Pretty must have purpose - whether that be a tieback to your story or a functional piece needed to amplify guest experience. Every moment is an opportunity to surp
So, what actually is full service? And no, it’s not the same for every planner. That’s not to critique anyone’s skill level, but it’s just the matter of what they include in their full service experience.
As a planner who does this everyday, I sometimes forget that newly engaged couples truly might not understand the scope of what a planner’s role is for your wedding experience ESPECIALLY when there isn’t a standard set for each planner to follow.
For us, it’s truly a concierge level service. Think of it this way, if we can do it for you, we will. This includes allocating your budget, researching all of your vendors, managing the day to day communications, creating your design plan, coordinating all wedding logistics & serving as the primary point of contact for all wedding related items from day one, just to name a few.
There’s always going to be things that you as the couple inherently have to do (we don’t want to sit Aunt Janice next to her ex husband, ya know), but we’re still there to guide you through those decisions as you need us too.
We want to make planning your wedding the easiest, most exciting era where you can focus on what matters most (and hint, that’s not how many rocks glasses need to be behind the bar). 😉
If you’re newly engaged & this sounds like exactly what you’ve been looking for, we would absolutely love to chat with you. 🤍
One of our MOST asked questions is “when should our ceremony be?” and the answer is, it depends on the season!
We’re really big seasonal gals over here, so we always start our timelines with one very important question…when is sunset?
Sunset determines the flow of your entire wedding day. It’s true what they say - pretty sunlight means pretty photos & videos.
We strategically schedule your ceremony 2-3 hours before sunset so that afterwards, your guests can enjoy cocktail hour while it’s still daylight outside AND you can grab those magic golden hour shots with your photo/video team.
Truly, it couldn’t be more perfect when it lines up just right, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we determine your ceremony time (as well as a general overview of events for the whole day) right after we choose your date and book your venue.
For more wedding & timeline tips, make sure you follow us and save this for later. 💗
Listen till the end to hear @donatawhite’s reaction to these numbers 😂
Are you shocked by this too?!👀
We’re finding more and more that the wedding industry is embracing transparency, and “budget” is no longer a dirty word - thank goodness! So, as you’re thinking about your wedding day, chatting investment levels with your family and deciding on your ideal wedding budget, take these tips into consideration.
Of course, like anything for your wedding, this is not a one-size-fits-all approach and simply is to serve as a guideline or starting point. Everyone will spend different amounts on their wedding, and a great wedding planner will stretch those funds as much as possible.
Need help deciding on your wedding budget? DM us and we’ll walk you through a personalized budgeting experience - free of charge (see what I did there?). 😆
#charlestonweddingplanner #charlotteweddingplanner #raleighweddingplanner #lowcountrybride #destinationweddingplanner #destinationwedding #charlottewedding #raleighwedding #ncweddingplanner #ncwedding #hiringaweddingplanner #weddingplanning #weddingbudget #weddingbudgettips
Psst…your venue coordinator and I had a chat, and here’s what you need to know. 🤍
#charlestonweddingplanner #charlotteweddingplanner #raleighweddingplanner #lowcountrybride #destinationweddingplanner #destinationwedding #charlottewedding #raleighwedding #ncweddingplanner #ncwedding #heartofncweddings #fineartwedding #hiringaweddingplanner #weddingplanning
On a (not so) cold, rainy day in December, we had the pleasure of celebrating Morgan & Luke at @carolinagroveweddings to close out our 2023 wedding season, and boy, we really went out with a bang.
From live Christmas trees, live garland, blush lounge sets, custom ornaments, and all the glitter a girl could ask for, this one really was one for the books.
We absolutely can’t wait for to see this magic from @alainaronquillophoto & @whentwobecomeonefilms’ lenses, but for now, enjoy this little sneak peek. ✨
And with that, our 2023 season, comes to an end. 🤍
#sweetoakevents #christmaswedding #christmasweddings #carolinagroveweddings #ncweddings #ncweddingplanner #raleighwedding #charlottewedding #charlestonwedding #weddingflowers
What’s the most important thing in a client/planner relationship? Trust.
And boy, when our clients sincerely trust us to bring their vision to life (or to create their vision) we fall truly, madly, deeply in love.
So as a client, how can you spot the real professional planners in the sea of vendors available to be able to trust them?
It comes down to one thing: Verification.
You may not know this, but there is such a low barrier of entry to be a wedding planner. Anyone can claim the title because there aren’t any degrees or certifications that make any one planner better than another (only experience can do that).
So, to make sure the firm you hire is legit, ask to see things like their portfolio, ask to speak with a previous client, read reviews, ask to see a sample client portal, timeline and you can even ask to see a previous design proposal!
You’re looking to *verify* you like their process outside of the work you see on their Instagram.
Then, after you’ve done your due diligence, you’ll be able to fully trust that the team you hire is qualified, capable and ready to handle the millions of details that your wedding requires.
Because at the end of the day, an authentic connection between planner + client can’t be forced, but a match made in heaven produces absolute magic. ✨
#sweetoakevents #weddingideas #weddingdesign #eventdesign #eventdesigninspiration #weddingdecorinspo #weddingdetails #dreamwedding #2024wedding #2024weddingtrends #weddingflowers #weddinggoals
Trust me, we’ve seen it ALL. From attire snafus, forgotten cables, medical emergencies and even as small as leaving someone off the head table list, we have something to fix just about everything.
Oh, and we’ll take care of it without you even knowing.
As the harborer of many wedding day secrets, our clients never know, and we’ll never tell.
#sweetoakevents #weddingideas #weddingdesign #eventdesign #eventdesigninspiration #weddingdecorinspo #weddingdetails #emergencykit #dreamwedding #2024wedding #2024weddingtrends #weddingflowers #weddinggoals
Coming in HOT with a brand new series for the 2023 holiday season answering your BURNING questions about wedding planning (see what I did there? 😉) starting with probably our MOST asked question of the season: Can I still plan a 2024 wedding?
Here’s our take:
Yes, absolutely 1000%, yes. BUT, you need to trust your planner to find the perfect team for you because we might not get your first choice in every category. Lucky for you, our network is vast, our most preferred vendors only take limited weddings each year (eh, hem meaning they are NOT fully booked yet) and we know the best of the best to make sure your big day is an absolute dream.
But don’t wait! NOW is when dates will fly off the calendar, so let’s start making magic today. Comment below START to make some moves. 💅
#sweetoakevents #holidayseason #christmaswedding #ncwedding #ncweddingplanner #engagement #engagementseason #raleighwedding #charlottewedding #charlestonweddingguide
Charleston, the heart of low-country and arguably our favorite destination on earth. If you feel the same, we’re the planning & design team for you.
We’re sharing wedding inspiration for all over the Southeast. Dreaming of your perfect location? Follow us to find it!
#sweetoakevents #lowcountrybride #charlestonwedding #charlestonweddingplanner #charlestonvenues #charleston #charlestonsc #charlestonbride #charlestonliving
2023 is the year we (actually) share our favorite work consistently, so to kick things off, head over to the blog to read all about our partnership with @thebradfordnc and the Night in Tuscany event we created just a short month ago.
Special thanks to all the vendors who made this night possible:
@thebradfordnc
@hlcateringco
@artbyashleytriggiano
@naomiturnerphotos
@mattandmeredithfilms
@curatedeventsraleigh
@greenhousepickersisters
@hathawayfloraldesign
@whatjanebakedofficial
@bunndjco
@magnolia.string.quartet
#sweetoakevents #raleighweddingplanner #heartofncweddings #raleighwedding #durhamwedding #interactofwakecounty #destinationweddingplanner
Butterflies…🦋
Taylor & Zack’s wedding was 1000% one for the books. Taylor is the epitome of the perfect client who trusted me to do my thing and do it well…and not to brag, but look at the results she got! ✨
But don’t just take it from me…
“Cheyenne will move any mountain to ensure your day is flawless…This team is incredible from their vision, execution and vendor management a bride could not ask for more!” - Mrs. Moran 💕
What’s your favorite part?!
Vendor Team:
@hayfieldevents
@richardbarlowphoto
@point200
@partymakerseventrental
@thebeautytribenc
@sparechangemusic
@graceandgreenery
@cateringworks
@trianglecorporatecoach
@bribakes_
#sweetoakevents #raleighweddingplanner #greensboroweddingplanner #ncwedding #rainyweddingday #southernwedding #weddingflowerinspiration
Will never get over these two or this perfect day…✨
LeeLee & Michael are as pure as it gets with hearts of gold and kindred spirits that make everyone around them feel like the most important person in the room.
There are about a million details that I loved from their special day that will all be on the blog so soon, but for now, let’s all enjoy this super special sneak peek from @point200 😍
P.S. Did I mention Kasey & Tyler are literal rockstars and had this sneak peek playing DURING the reception? Book them. End of story.
#chapelhillweddingplanner #raleighweddingplanner #durhamweddingplanner #greensboroweddingplanner #greensborowedding #chapelhillwedding #raleighwedding #durhamwedding #bustld #northcarolinaweddingplanner #northcarolinawedding #ncweddingplanner #carolinawedding #momentsovermountains #smpweddings #fineartwedding #weddingdesign #weddingwednesdays #sweetoakevents #southernweddings #southernweddingplanner #marthaweddings #bridesmagazine #pursuewhatislovely #insideweddings #oncewed #weddingsparrow #carolinabride #bespokewedding #fineartbride
Top 3 reasons you need a videographer:
1. Video is the ONLY way you can truly capture the sounds and moving aspects of your day. Photo is absolutely fantastic, but will only capture still frames where video is fluid.
2. Video preserves memories in a way that photo cannot. Hear the words spoken on your wedding day, see the tears running down your partners face as you walk down the aisle and instead of having to explain the fun you had to your grandkids, you can just show them.
3. It’s stunning. End of story. Especially when you have someone as talented as @littleeyefilmco behind the lens.
P.S. No, I will never ever be over this shoot featured in @stylemepretty, and yes, I am abundantly proud of this vendor team. 10/10 recommend every single one of them!
#sweetoakevents #greensborowedding #chapelhillwedding #durhamwedding #carolinawedding #ncweddingvenue #wedspo #southernweddingplanner #organicballoongarland #carolinabride #adventurebride #bespokewedding #dayofcoordinator #raleighwedding #ncweddingplanner #fineartbride #sobridaltheory #theknotweddings #itsallinthedetails #southernbride #momentsovermountains #southernweddings #marthaweddings #oncewed #southernwedding #weddingchicks #smpweddings #bustld #wedspiration #ncwedding
A new and improved brand for Sweet Oak Events, coming soon ✨
Hayfield Open House
Y’all. I had the pleasure of planning @hayfieldevents first ever open house this past April and wow. What an honor to have planned this special event for vendors and couples alike!
I’m sharing all of my favorite details and some gorgeous photos from the ever-so-talented @elliemckinneyphotography as well as this fun video from @sarahandbrandonfilms on the blog today! Head to the link in my bio to learn more about this beautiful venue and see the talent of some incredible vendors!
Www.sweetoakevents.com/hayfield-open-house
Vendors:
Planning/Design: @sweetoakevents
Venue: @hayfieldevents
Catering: @cateringworks & @peppermooncatering Photography: @elliemckinneyphotography
Videography: @sarahandbrandonfilms
Rentals: @ce_rental_raleigh
Gown: @whitebridalboutiques
Tux: @bernardstux
Stationery Designer: @magnoliapenandpaper
Bar: @brewmastersmobile @artfullibations Florist: @theskinnyvase
DJ: @bunndjco @djrandyb01
Hair & Makeup: @adorecobrides
Marquee Letters: @alphalittriadnc
#sweetoakevents #springweddings #luxurywedding #ncwedding #dayofcoordinator #bespokewedding #carolinabride #raleighwedding #ncweddingplanner #ncweddingvenue #chapelhillwedding #heartofncweddings #greensboroweddingplanner #weddingflowersinspiration #southernwedding #winstonsalemweddingplanner #raleighweddingplanner #chapelhillweddingplanner #winstonwedding #charlotteweddingplanner #ashevilleweddingplanner #statesvilleweddingplanner #wilmingtonweddingplanner #weddingplanner #summerfieldweddingplanner #luxuryweddingplanner #oakridgeweddingplanner #stokesdaleweddingplanner
