Katelyn + Ryan: A Winter Wonderland Wedding

Happy Anniversary, Katelyn + Ryan!

Last year, the Oakland Barn was transformed into a winter wonderland as we celebrated Katelyn + Ryan’s wedding day! Christmas trees at the entrance, evergreen and magnolia branches donning tables and the mantle, tiny red berries contrasting against the blue and white chinoiserie decor - every detail was perfection!

The Proposal: Katelyn and Ryan are from the same hometown, Sanford, NC, just minutes from Oakland Farm. They attended the same high school and had mutual friends but their paths didn’t cross until after they finished college and began their careers. Ryan asked her out on a date and Katelyn finally worked up the nerve to say yes. Little did she know that would be the first “yes” they would share as their relationship blossomed. The best “yes” was quite a surprise for her. Katelyn planned a photo session to have pictures made with their pup Willie. After several photos of just the two of them, they changed outfits for Willie to join in the photo fun. They called him over and Katelyn noticed a jingle on his collar. That jingle was a tag that said “Will you marry daddy?”. Ryan dropped to one knee and slid a gorgeous engagement ring on her finger. The sweetest surprise and the easiest YES for the soon-to-be bride! After their engagement, the arrived at Katelyn’s parents house for a surprise engagement party!

The Party: Katelyn’s vision for her wedding day was elegant blue and white chinoiserie chic, and her vendors definitely delivered! Starting with the invitation suite, designed by Broadway Belles, who happens to be Katelyn’s talented sister, Bayleigh! Bayleigh designed a custom crest that would be incorporated throughout the entire wedding day. Each piece of the crest tells a part of her and Ryan’s love story, and was included on a tobacco basket hanging above the mantle, on their invitations, on frosted cups for guests, stickers on favors, and more.

The crest tied beautifully into the table decor including vintage chinoiserie china pieces, light blue and gold chargers, custom ornaments for each guest and beautiful winter greenery. Katelyn’s best ladies wore dusty blue chiffon dresses from Azazie that complimented Ryan’s groomsmen’s’ navy suits. Their bouquets included the dusty blue and navy colors, which Katelyn had found from GlamminItUp Boutique on Etsy. You can tell details were important to this sweet bride, as she incorporated monograms on her bouquet wrap, sweetheart table and beautiful signage throughout the ceremony and reception.

Katelyn’s Maggie Sottero dress from Blush Bridal was a stunning ball gown with detailed lace sleeves. Her gown was stunning, but we LOVED that before her exit she changed into her mother’s wedding dress. Melanie from Silver Threads and Golden Needles customized the heirloom gown to fit Katelyn perfectly.

Advice to Future Brides + Grooms: “Do whatever your heart desires! My mindset for our wedding was that we are only getting married once so I wanted it all. I thoroughly considered and planned every single detail of our wedding. I mean down to the Christmas Cookie shaped dog treats for our loved ones to take home to their four-legged friends. I will remember hand painting the wooden Ginger Jar ornaments that our guests took home when I see them hanging on their tree every Christmas. I will remember how the seats at our ceremony were curved in to create an intimate feel. I will remember that we had all of our favorite foods and desserts. I will remember everyone who came up to me or Ryan or our parents and told them how truly wonderful the day was. Please please please if you want it, look at your budget, and figure out how to make it work. Do not look back and wish that you would have had this or done that. Make your wedding day a true reflection of you and your soon to be spouse!”

Even a year later, we’re still in love with all the beautiful details of this winter wedding. December weddings don’t have to be all red, greens and golds - Katelyn’s wedding day at Oakland is the perfect example of how you can make your wedding vision come to life no matter the season!

Wishing you all a very MARRIED Christmas, and a Happy New Year!

Mr. + Mrs. Stack’s incredible vendor team:

Olivia NorrisDecember 28, 2021Comment