We had the best time celebrating with Simone and Ralph at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, North Carolina! We’ve always heard so much about The Umstead Hotel and to finally be able to spend the day celebrating with such an amazing couple was incredible!

Simone and Ralph are such a sweet couple! These two met while dancing in the Caribbean and spent months planning their special day! I can totally see why they chose The Umstead for their big day! The grounds are stunning! They chose to have their ceremony, cocktail hour and reception outdoors! We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect October day for an outdoor wedding!

Simone was in the middle of makeup when we arrived! Ralph was getting dressed downstairs in the boardroom! We spent some time with Ralph and Simone before heading to the ceremony! The ceremony was filled with beautiful florals on the outside lawn! Witnessing Ralph see Simone for the first time on their wedding day was so sweet! There were so many happy tears! One of my favorite moments from the ceremony was when Ralph reached over and dried Simone’s eyes at the beginning of the ceremony! So sweet! The couple exchanged vows and kissed for the first time as newlyweds!

All of the guest headed to cocktail hour while the couple and family took portraits on the lawn! Almost an hour and half later, it was time for the reception to begin! Brian announced the newlyweds into the reception and they shared a fun and sweet first dance! Their first dance was one of the things that they’d told us they were really excited about! Everyone enjoyed dinner, cake and dancing for the remainder of the evening! The couple ended the reception with a confetti dance! It was so much fun to witness!

What are you most excited about on your special day?

We cannot wait to share that moment with our family and friends. We’ve been waiting for that day forever and really look forward to making it the best day of our lives.

The Team

Venue: The Umstead Hotel

Planner: Sally Oakley Weddings

Makeup Artist: S Dot Davis Makeup Artistry

Photographer and DJ: Story and Rhythm

Florist: Tre Bella

Cake: Edible Art

Bridal gown: Bridals by Elena

Hair Stylist: CrystalRed HairCare4U