Our brides (and couples) are all so dear to us, because we work closely with them to create their day to remember. By the time the last bit of birdseed or confetti has been swept up, we’ve been on a journey with them from first idea and theme to completed execution of the details. They are triumphs of collaboration and dreamy fun. In short, we love our clients and our work. 

It’s doubly special when the bride is already a beloved member of the family. Enter Anna Claire – a planner at Premier – whose wedding was set for July of 2020, but postponed to October due to the pandemic. Like many others, she realized in May of last year that her wedding would never happen (or only include 10 people), so she took a breath and waited.

The Couple

Anna Claire and Michael met their Freshman year of high school and soon became good friends. She admitted to being crushed out a bit, but the two never seemed to be single at the same time. During Thanksgiving break during their college years, however, the two reconnected, and with the encouragement of friends ended up chatting about their feelings. After a long distance relationship for eight months, they both landed in Raleigh and got engaged at Pilot Mountain (these two are rock climbers).
Let’s just face it: they look so happy together, so right for each other. So the planning began, with our other beloved team member Tara!

Getting Ready

After moving the date from July to October 30th (Anna Claire’s mother’s birthday!), the bride and Tara began transitioning elements and colors to a more fall look and they worked with vendors (some swapped due to scheduling) to make sure that her new autumn wedding would still be what she hoped for. On the day, Anna Claire and her girls prepared themselves at their venue, Traine, in their gorgeous bridal suite.

First Look

Groom Michael Uber’d to the campus of Peace University to make sure that he wouldn’t be late for First Look portraits and group shots. There’s nothing like a guy who sticks to the schedule no matter what! Everyone made it, of course, and their first look was priceless. The buildings and tree lined sidewalks at Peace made delicious backdrops for the bride and groom and their attendants.

The couple read each other letters at the First Look and then took group photos. Anna Claire said that the pre-wedding photo time allowed the entire party to relax and release any jitters before walking down the aisle. 

The Ceremony

Traine bosts a modern, chic and industrial atmosphere that suited Anna Claire’s vision. Both indoor and outdoor spaces were maximized and with floral touches and lights, it was a perfect setting.

The Details

Reception & Party

Anna Claire: “We had the most fun night of our lives during our reception. Everything looked gorgeous, and our guests could not stop talking about the hanging cake table. We were so so thankful for Premier’s help and Tara’s support, in planning our perfect day.” 

Dancing, toasts, laughter, relief and joy are all elements of a great wedding reception and this one did not disappoint. 

The Send-Off

The only thing more twinkly and bright than the sparklers were Anna Claire and Michael’s smiles. It was truly a beautiful day for these two and we’re so proud to have been a part of it. Congratulations! We love you both.

Are you ready to start planning your big day with Premier Party Planners by your side? Then Let’s Chat!

Vendor info:
Wedding & Reception Venue: Traine @traineraleigh 
Caterer: Fords Fluent n’ Food @fordsfluentnfood
Decor: Greenhouse Pickers Sister 
@greenhousepickersisters
 Florist: Maddie More 
@madsamoore 
Photographer: K. Hice Photography @khicephotography
Stylist: Wedded Kiss @weddedkiss
DJ: Oak City Entertainment 
@oakcityentertainment
Rentals: CE Rentals @ce_rental_raleigh 
Wedding Planners: Premier Party Planners @tara_premierpartyplanner

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