Family Heirlooms Were the Perfect Accessories for This Southern Bride

By Southern Living
Nancy Ray Photography

It’s easy to see that the joyous merging of family traditions was on this couple's minds from day one. Amanda and Zac intermingled meaningful moments from both their faiths with important family treasures, keeping lighthearted fun and important family touches at the forefront the entire day.

From handkerchiefs passed down generations to a sisterly borrowed “something blue,” the bride brought two families together in one outfit alone. To top it off, Zac’s father handmade the wooden chuppah they said their vows beneath. Add in a dose of fall décor and beautiful wedding design, and we’re sure you wont be able to get enough of this beautiful North Carolina wedding, captured by Nancy Ray Photography.

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The Bride and The Groom

Nancy Ray Photography

Amanda and Zac wanted to design a wedding day that seamlessly brought together their families, incorporating each of their family’s backgrounds into their Big Day in a way that felt connected.

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Lively and Light Invitation Suite

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Delicate, light leaves dotted Amanda and Zac’s invitation suite and paper details.

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A Special “Something Old” and Hidden “Something Blue”

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The bride used a delicate white handkerchief handmade by the groom’s great grandmother. She also browed a little something blue from her eldest sister, a blue patch sewn and hidden inside her garter.

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Airy White Elegance

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Amanda’s fairy tale dress was full of soft, lush layers and fit perfectly with her vision for a lighthearted, joyous day.

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Fresh Fall Garden Bouquet

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A garden bouquet of eucalyptus, dahlias, roses, scabiosa, hydrangeas, and astilbe blended rich fall tones with light bridal blooms for a perfect fall focal point. 

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Autumn-Inspired Ensembles

Nancy Ray Photography

Amanda’s supporting ladies looked marvelous in their seasonal mauve gowns.

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Handsome Fall Frill

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Deep purples and light greenery on the groomsmen's lapels perfectly complemented the ladies’ looks.

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Gentlemen in Gray

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The boys looked dapper in light gray suits that offered the perfect backdrop to their dark fall boutonnieres.

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Whimsical and Wood-Inspired

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Zac’s father crafted the couple’s chuppah himself, incorporating natural wood as a nod to Zac’s love of woodworking.

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Frame-Worthy Ketubah

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The couple signed a stunning papercut ketubah , a traditional Jewish marriage contract, which they will display in their home.

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A Merging of Family Traditions

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The couple designed a ceremony that effortlessly intertwined the most important traditions from both their families, with meaningful moments from both of their faiths.

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Outdoors in Early Fall

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The two said “I do” at The Oaks at Salem in Raleigh, North Carolina and celebrated al fresco in a wonderfully crisp, early fall setting.

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White Blooms and Deep Hues

Nancy Ray Photography

The couple’s fall palette came to life in their floral arrangements which featured a pinch of purple, deep reds, berries, and greenery all surrounded by wonderful white blooms.

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Romantic Head Table

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The head table was draped in greenery and romantic buds.

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Metallics, Wood, and Fall Color

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A nod to her soon-to-be husband’s love of woodworking, Amanda choose wooden table numbers surrounded by metallic votives and pretty, petite vases as the focal point for her guests’ tables.

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Sweet Buttercream

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The couple’s elegant white wedding cake featured a delicate texture and a touch of florals.

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A Sparkling Send Off

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The newlyweds walked away from a picture perfect evening surrounded by sparklers and smiles.

Cheers to the vendor team that brought this day to life: 

Planning + Design - McLean Events

Florals - The English Garden

Rentals - Party Reflections + CE Rental

Venue - Oaks at Salem

Cake - Ashley Cakes

Paperie - Smitten on Paper / Wiregrass Weddings

Beauty - The Makeup Culture

Catering - The Garden on Milbrook

Gown - Hayley Paige

DJ - All Events DJ

Strings - Arioso Strings

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