Jimmy's North Carolina Wedding: Did The Team Make It?

Jimmy and Erin's wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina, was a dream come true. The couple, who met at their CrossFit gym, hosted their special day at Market Hall, a sought-after warehouse wedding venue known for its raw, exposed brick and cobblestone streets. The Gathering Co, a wedding planning company, played a pivotal role in bringing their vision to life, and the result was a unique and memorable celebration. From the colourful wedding theme to the involvement of their beloved dog, Larry, as the ring bearer, it was truly a day to remember.

Jimmy and Erin's wedding venue in Raleigh

Erin and Jimmy's wedding venue in Raleigh, North Carolina, was Market Hall, a sought-after warehouse wedding venue located in the heart of downtown. The historic building, once a farmer's market, features raw, exposed brick and cobblestone streets that create a charming backdrop for wedding photos.

The venue offers two large industrial ballrooms under one roof, providing flexibility for different wedding sizes and styles. The Market View room, with its white exposed brick and abundant natural light, can accommodate up to 350 guests. On the other hand, the Park View room is perfect for more intimate gatherings, hosting up to 150 guests, and boasts a blank space that couples can transform to their liking, including an upstairs loft.

One of the standout features of Market Hall is its in-house catering service, which takes away the stress of external catering arrangements. The food at Erin and Jimmy's wedding was a hit, with guests raving about the delicious cuisine. The venue also allowed the couple to include their dog, Larry, in the ceremony, making the day even more special and memorable.

The happy couple chose Market Hall because it aligned with their vision of bringing natural elements into the indoor space, and they loved the raw, exposed brick and the building's history as a former farmer's market. The venue's unique characteristics, coupled with the couple's colourful wedding theme, created a magical atmosphere for their dream wedding in February 2020.

The couple's love story

Erin had lived in Raleigh her entire life, and Jimmy moved to the area from Pittsburgh almost a decade ago. They met at their CrossFit gym, and when Erin had two weeks to spend between moves, they decided to give it a shot. They did everything together, from mountain biking to dinner dates, and even drove to the beach during a hurricane.

After a successful long-distance relationship, they took a trip with friends to the Bahamas. That's where Jimmy proposed! The proposal was a total surprise to Erin, as they had never been ring shopping or talked about plans.

For their wedding, they chose Market Hall in downtown Raleigh because they loved the raw, exposed brick, the many lodging options for their guests, and that the building was originally a farmer's market. "We are big local health food supporters," they said. "Our theme came about pretty organically; we knew it would be too cold for anything outside, so we really wanted to bring a lot of texture and natural elements to the indoor space... but ultimately we just wanted a great party! And they let us have our dog at the ceremony!"

The couple involved their whole family in their big day, including their dog, Larry, who was the ring bearer. Erin's favourite moment of her wedding was seeing Jimmy cry as she walked down the aisle.

Wedding vendors and professionals

Venues

North Carolina offers a variety of wedding venues to suit different preferences and styles. You can choose from elegant mansions, luxury hotels, historic castles, charming barns, or even beachfront locations.

Some popular venue options include:

• Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst: Offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, including elegant ballrooms, intimate rooms, gardens, and lawns.
• The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte: A luxury venue with options like the grand Ballantyne Ballroom, outdoor terraces, and the intimate Lodge at Ballantyne.
• Chateau des Fleures in Angier: A castle venue located just 30 minutes from Raleigh, offering dramatic backdrops for photos, such as a grand staircase and a gazebo.
• The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville: Features indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, including the Country Club and outdoor terraces.
• Market Hall in Downtown Raleigh: A sought-after warehouse wedding venue with two large industrial ballrooms, raw exposed brick, and cobblestone streets ideal for wedding photos.

Other Wedding Professionals

In addition to venues, North Carolina is home to many talented wedding professionals who can help create a seamless and memorable event.

• Photographers: Raleigh-based photographer Arika Jordan Photography is known for capturing bright and energetic moments, making couples feel comfortable in front of the camera.
• Caterers: Market Hall in Raleigh features its own in-house catering service, known for delicious food that has received many compliments from couples.
• Wedding Planners: The Gathering Co. in Raleigh, NC, is a wedding planning company that creates unique and intentional weddings, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
• Officiants: WeddingWire lists several experienced wedding officiants in North Carolina, such as Kevin Martin in Wilmington and Chaplain Holli Saperstein, who can create personalised ceremonies.
• Makeup Artists: Melanie Richards, based in Raleigh, is a talented makeup artist who can enhance your natural beauty for your special day.

With so many talented wedding vendors and professionals, North Carolina is an ideal location to plan your dream wedding and create lasting memories.

The bride's dress

Erin had no problem finding her dream wedding dress with the help of the team at Gilded Bridal in Raleigh. She described the experience as "amazing", and praised the team for making her feel so special. The owner, Susan Langford, and her team are warm, welcoming, and super laid back, ensuring that each bride has a relaxed and fun experience.

Gilded Bridal is a unique wedding dress shop, filled with gorgeous gowns from wall to wall, designed by independent designers. No matter the style, you're sure to fall in love with a dress.

Erin's dress complemented her colourful wedding theme, with jewel-toned florals in her bouquet, and on the tables. Her bridesmaids wore mismatched velvet jewel-toned gowns, and she even wore emerald green shoes!

The wedding officiant

Who Can Officiate a Wedding in North Carolina?

A wedding in North Carolina can be performed by a magistrate, or by any minister who is ordained in a religious denomination or authorized by a church. Weddings can also be performed by someone in the recognized manner of any religious denomination that does not use officiants, or in the manner of any federally or state-recognized Native American tribe.

Choosing a Wedding Officiant

When choosing a wedding officiant, couples should consider their personal preferences and beliefs, as well as the tone and style of their wedding. Some couples may opt for a traditional religious ceremony, while others may prefer a more personalized or unique approach.

Popular Wedding Officiants in North Carolina

For those seeking inspiration, here is some information on popular wedding officiants in North Carolina:

• Rev. Brad Hughes of Love Story Weddings in Charlotte, NC, offers a memorable and authentic experience.
• Pastor Skip Corbett of Weddings of Topsail in Wilmington, NC, creates a warm and welcoming ceremony that is personal to each couple.
• Chaplain Holli Saperstein in Wilmington, NC, adopts a kind and caring approach, understanding that each ceremony is unique.
• Maritsa Hartlove of Hartlove's Wedding Ceremonies in Wilmington, NC, customizes marital ceremonies to reflect each couple's love story and guides them on their journey.
• Ceremonies by Alex in Pinnacle, NC, is led by ordained, nondenominational Christian minister Alex Cheek, who performs weddings across the South.
• Grace Raleigh in Raleigh, NC, offers skilled and passionate officiants with over 15 years of experience, ensuring they understand the importance of the wedding day.

A Personal Touch

For a truly personal touch, some couples may choose to ask a family member to officiate their wedding. This was the case for Jimmy and Erin, whose wedding story is detailed by Heart of NC Weddings. Erin's uncle, Mike Bruton, officiated their ceremony, making it an even more intimate and special occasion.

Frequently asked questions