In the middle of a busy spring wedding season, we celebrated two high school sweethearts, Emily + Blake. Even a few months later, we’re still dreaming of their perfect wedding ceremony and reception at Oakland.

The Proposal: Emily had just graduated from NC State, to celebrate they took a trip to Hilton Head, SC and where Blake popped the question. Blake asked Emily to marry him on a pier that looked out across the marshy water. Emily told us, “turns out he had no idea when he wanted to propose during the trip and he decided that this view was the place.” Sometimes the least expected and least prepared proposals turn out to be the best stories and surprises.

The Party: Just over one year after their engagement, Emily was preparing to walk down the aisle to Blake on a beautiful spring day. Our bride and her ladies spent the morning getting ready in the bridal suite, our Farmhouse on the Oakland Farm property. The bridesmaids wore chiffon dresses in Rosewood from Revelry, which perfectly complimented the bouquets of blushes, whites and greens designed by KatieDid Floral. Emily was jaw dropping in her lace Maggie Sottero ballgown from Simply Blush Bridal.

Blake and his favorite guys put on their suits from Joseph A. Banks, including a special bowtie for the groom by Brackish Bow Ties. Once the wedding party was dressed and ready, it was ceremony time! Emily’s dad walked her down the aisle under our Pavilion which was lined by the most stunning floral arrangements. KatieDid Design created elevated pieces on gold stands for the start and end of the aisle with smaller arrangements lining the center. The cross design was the perfect focal point beneath the white draping - every detail of their wedding ceremony was absolutely dreamy!

Once vows and rings were exchanged, the couple shared their first kiss as Mr. + Mrs. and the fun began with cocktail hour followed by a wedding reception inside the Barn. One of our favorite parts of working with KatieDid Florals is that her team transfers the ceremony pieces into the reception space during cocktail hour, making the most of our couples’ floral budgets. Dinner, dancing, sweet toasts, and an unforgettable sparkler exit was the perfect way to celebrate Emily + Blake’s love.

Advice to Future Brides + Grooms: We always ask our couples after their wedding day for tips to share with other recently engaged sweethearts. Emily says “My biggest advice is lean on your team of people who are there to help you.” She said “It is important that you trust your event coordinator/planner, florists, photographer and venue management team.” With a helpful team everything will be just as you planned on your wedding day! Check out the list of amazing vendors that were involved in bringing this dreamy spring wedding day to life!

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Emily + Blake: A Spring Soiree in May