We had our first taste of Spring at the Farm on Sunday, February 23 for an Open House! The sun was shining, it was 55 degrees with a light breeze; we couldn't have chosen a better day for inviting guests into the Barn for a fun bridal experience! If you missed visiting the venue that afternoon, we're sharing all the beautiful details and photos by Christina Chapman Photography!

Design: The center of the Barn featured a unique arrangement of guest tables staged for a wedding reception. A mix of round and long tables adorned with CE Rental's Casablanca Midnight velvet linens caught guest's eyes as soon as the doors opened. Nicole Smith, Wedding & Event Planner and Owner of Vision Events, styled these tables with a mix of blue, white and gold China, each table featuring its own unique style! Guests lounged around our cocktail tables in CE's Colonial Toile linens. One of my favorite tables included Embossed Square Chargers and a Fuchsia satin napkin providing a pop of spring color that tied in with KatieDid Florals' tabletop arrangements. On another guest table, the luxe linens and CE Rental's Jin Jin china paired perfectly to highlight 2020's color of the year, Classic Blue. The true showstopper of Sunday afternoon was the fireplace boasting a beautiful smilax design by Katie Thomas with KatieDid Florals. We wish we never had to take it down!

Photography: Christina Chapman Photography, Florals: Katie Did Florals, Rentals: CE Rental, Design: Vision Events

Vendors: We were incredibly honored to host so many talented vendors in our wedding venue for our first Open House of 2020. Many of these vendors we had the pleasure of working with during 2019 and we can't wait to see them again at Oakland this year!

Guests grabbed an afternoon snack while visiting 3 of our favorite caterers: 39 West Catering, City BBQ and The Old Place Catering and Events. POUR Bar Services provided tasty libations including a variety of local beers, wine and champagne to toast the many recently engaged couples browsing the Barn. Guests with a sweet tooth were treated to Enchanted Moments Sweet Shop's most popular wedding cake flavors in mini-cupcakes. And if that wasn't enough sugar, Millie's Mama Bakes showcased and sampled her custom cookies.

Several of our favorite photographers and videographers returned to the Farm to meet with couples about engagement pictures and capturing their wedding day. Christina Chapman Photography snapped most of these beautiful pictures throughout this post! DVOC Photography brought along her friend Eryn Jones who entertained guests with her incredible voice and harp playing talents. John Vaughn with Story Focused Media captured guests' attention with a beautiful video of a June wedding he filmed at our wedding venue. You can check out the highlight video of Anna & Drew's wedding day here.

Smells of perfect roses came wafting from Ted's Flower Basket's table. He prepared samples of bouquets, table floral arrangements and more. Plus, he even created a gorgeous centerpiece in a chinoiserie vase for Oakland Farm's table! Markie Cauthen with Looking Glass Salon & Spa showcased her hair talents by providing a demonstration of an up-do on the Looking Glass esthetician and owner, Anna Kelly. After talking with Markie, Brides ventured over to meet Erin Kelly Makeup who provided mini-makeovers! She had everyone feeling glamorous leaving her chair!

We were so lucky to have several organized and talented wedding coordinators and planners including Jenn with Knot Your Average Events and Logan with Woodell and Co. Crystal Smith, with Deep River Charm, even decorated our Pavilion with her vintage doors and chapel windows, which were a favorite for couples tying the knot at Oakland Farm.

Ward Productions had guests lounging on their white leather couches while discussing rental options, DJ services and more with those who are in the middle of planning their perfect wedding. For those looking for ceremony music, Sterling Tunes had his guitar in hand and CDs for guests to sample Sergio and Dana's beautiful sounds. Randy Smith, Your Personal DJ, provided upbeat tunes as we mixed and mingled all afternoon.

Poppy & Co. traveled from Raleigh to share their adorable loungewear, elegant jewelry and perfectly curated bridal gift baskets. Right next to their booth, guests met with Susan who taught us all about making candles and displayed Oxford Green Candle Co.'s custom candle options for wedding gifts, bridesmaids treats and more. She even created a custom candle for Oakland Farm!

Over 140 guests joined us for a fun-filled afternoon at the Farm. Wedding planning was in full swing for many as they met with some of the most talented vendors in the area. We're already counting down to another Open House that we'll host later this year! We're always happiest when our Barn venue is full of clients, friends and loved ones!

Beating the Winter Blues at our Spring Open House