It starts with a gorgeous girl who knows her own mind and hired us to make her day beyond memorable. Meet Sarah – or Sam as she’s known to her nearest and dearest.
Her gown for the ceremony and loose, wavy boho hair made Sam a vision! The navy blue chosen for the bridesmaids, and other decor, was an understated and elegant touch and each of the bridesmaids looked beautiful on their own and flanking Sam. The color blue is a classic and Sam even picked out the gown her mother would wear: another blue but singular to her mom, shimmery and beautifully cut.
Part of the plan we coordinated with Sam included images taken with her mom and bridesmaids outside of White Memorial Church. She and her father had a “first look” moment and his expression is priceless. We wonder if parents are ever ready for this moment. (They MAY be during the teen years, but it’s never easy when the day comes.) Father-daughter moments can bring wedding planners to our knees – even those of us who’ve been doing this a while!
Their church wedding was tasteful and sweet and had all the traditional elements including laughter, tears, a blessing and kiss to seal the deal. Sam and groom Martin Jernigan could not have been happier to lay eyes on each other, say their vows and get on with the party.
From the red carpet and the I Dos, Sam, Martin, and their guests, made their way to Traine. But before this, photographer Arika Jordan captured the dress change that Sam made along with Martin’s reaction. There’s something about that “We’re Done” moment that says “Sweet Relief” and those photographs never disappoint. Sam’s and Martin’s are divine.
And now to Traine! This premier event venue is in the historic Seaboard Railroad Station in downtown Raleigh. Built in the early 1900’s as the original Railway Express, the building itself features original brick walls and heavy wood timber trusses solidifying its place in the surrounding historic neighborhood next to William Peace University. For Sam and Martin, however, it was also chosen as a space to welcome the new family formed from their own families: the McLawhons and the Jernigans.
There was a ton of dancing throughout the evening, including the bride and her father and groom with his new mother-in-law, the couple began with a first dance and ended their evening with a final dance before the big send-off. The band, Legacy, was a HUGE hit. The father of the bride was most excited about Legacy and everyone crowded the floor to dance, sing along and enjoy the more community part of the celebration.
Before we get to the final goodbye complete with sparklers, we want to share some key details that Premier Planner Tara cooked up with the bride! Peep the vendor info at the end of the blog.
And finally, the celebration ends with sparklers and an enormous, loving send-off! Congratulation Sam and Martin. We loved helping make your big day possible and wish you joy for decades to come.
Vendor list for the McLawhon and Jernigan Wedding:
Planner: Yours Truly – Premier Party Planners @tara_premierpartyplanners
Ceremony: White Memorial Church, Raleigh
Reception: Traine @Traineraleigh
Photographers: Arika Jordan @arikashelest
Rentals: Party Reflections (Isabelle @partyreflections)
Caterer: Rocky Top @rocky_top_caters
Wedding Cake: Confectionate Cakes @confectionatecakes
Florist: Jeffrey Surles Design @jeffreysurlesdesigns
Reception Band: Legacy (ask for Lewis)
Hair & Makeup: Wedded Kiss (ask for Sarah @weddedkiss)
Transportation: White Horse
