Ashley & Jonathan - Premier Party Planners

August 16, 2017

Although Premier Party Planners is based out of Raleigh, North Carolina, our brides come from all over the Tar Heel state and beyond. One of my favorite things about working with an out-of-town bride is getting the chance to work with new vendors and explore new venues. For Ashley and Jonathan, they knew right away they wanted their special day to take place at Carlee Farm in Oxford, NC.

Carlee Farm, for those of you who may not know is a real working farm! I am talking live animals, beautiful pastures, and just filled with that warm southern charm that I have come to love during my time in the south. (That’s right folks, I’m another northerner who migrated south, fell in love, and never left.) Now, I know what you must be thinking, a wedding, on a farm?! Let me assure you, this venue is nothing short of amazing. The owners, Gena and John have gone to great lengths and thought of everything when turning their property into a wedding venue. As you come down the small, wooded drive and arrive at the front of the property, you are immediately greeted with bright sunshine, and a beautiful barn that is straight out of every southern girl’s dreams. Once you step inside the barn, you would never believe you are standing where animals once slept.

We started working with Ashley and Jonathan fairly early in the planning process and helped them come up with a design and decor concept that would be elegant, and yet still let the natural beauty of the wood barn shine through. By using a lot of greenery, personal items that were special to the couple, and a few pops of the bride’s favorite color, fuschia, we were able to create a fun and elegant space which defined the couple perfectly.

The ceremony took place in a small clearing surrounded by mature trees which made it the perfect spot for this couple’s intimate ceremony. Throw in the cutest ring bearer in history and a couple of tears from the groom as he saw his bride walk down the aisle, and even I couldn’t help but get swept away in the moment.

The cocktail hour and reception followed the ceremony, and consisted of the bride and groom’s favorite dishes served alongside ice cold glasses of sweet tea and lemonade. Although the day was surprisingly warm for a mid spring wedding, it didn’t stop the guests from dancing until the little one’s started falling asleep under the stars on the porch rockers. With weddings like this, it’s no wonder the “elegant barn” trend is here to stay.

Be sure to check out more pictures from Ashley and Jonathan’s Big Day as well as the list of vendors that made the whole thing possible below. And, if you are thinking about having your wedding at a new and exciting venue and are looking for a planner, we would love to hear from you! Just click the “Contact Us” link at the top of the page.