Nate + Richard | Aug 10, 2018
Rev. Kevin Holland had noticed that even after retiring from active church ministry that many LGBTQ couples assumed he wouldn’t work with them because of his religious association. In order to change that, Kevin wanted to set up a styled shoot catered toward LGBTQ couples.
After a simple Facebook message to a Triangle-area Facebook group, the response of other vendors interested in participating was overwhelming. More than 60 vendors, ranging from venues to planners to caterers and everything in between, split into five groups to team up on a series of styled shoots.
“The message was clear,” said one of the photographers. “These vendors were committed to providing the best possible wedding experience to all couples.”
One vendor team planned a vintage golf themed styled shoot that turned into a vow renewal and our hearts melted all over the greenway where they exchanged vows.
The late summer shoot used the golf club setting as inspiration. The planner’s brother and his husband agreed to be the models and shortly thereafter decided to take advantage of the opportunity and turn it into a vow renewal. The rolling green hills of the golf course, the grand staircase they made their entrance on, the modern place settings and vintage furniture all combined together for one incredible looking day.
The wedding designer and stylist said, "I was excited to juxtapose a modern, inclusive love story with a very traditional venue and vintage theme."
About 20 friends and family took their seats on the greenway on that perfect summer afternoon. The grooms walked hand and hand down the iron staircase and took their place in front of the simple wood arbor with loosely hanging white drapery. Rev. Kevin Holland performed the most touching vow renewal ceremony and after the grooms shared a kiss, they walked back down the aisle hand in hand.
Richard and Nate were each dressed perfectly to match their vintage gold themed summer ceremony. Both in khaki pants, they kept the look different on top. One wore a matching khaki vest and hunter green bowtie, while one wore just suspenders with a burgundy bow tie.
After the ceremony, the couple wandered all around the grounds taking pictures on the greenway, inside the club and even making a pitstop for a champagne toast and a snack off the vintage wooden bar cart. Then they headed to the club’s portico where their sweetheart table was set for an intimate meal.
There was vintage wooden table set with two white wood vintage chairs with chalkboard backs that had “Mr.” written on the back of each chair. On top of the table was a small hunter green and burgundy plaid table runner topped with a display of vintage cigar boxes, the top one filled with a bouquet of ivory and burgundy florals, some greenery and an oversized succulent to add even more character to the look.
Each place setting had a gold rimmed acrylic charger, gold rimmed ivory plate and khaki napped wrapped with a gold napkin ring. The gold flatware, gold rimmed coupe glass and vintage whiskey decanter with matching whiskey glasses were all the perfect table accessories to finish out the look.
And because no wedding, styled shoot or vow renewal (or any event, really!) is complete without dessert, there was a beautifully simple single tiered wedding cake set for the grooms to enjoy. The cake sat on top of a rose gold pedestal cake stand, which was sitting on top of a round white vintage table. The table was dressed up with some loose greenery that matches the loose greenery on the cake.
Everything about this styled shoot was perfect, from the golden light caught in the pictures to the smallest detail of the plaid table runner. The best part was the real love the couple shared, because in the end, that’s what it’s all about.
Still looking for the perfect officiant for your wedding? Check out Rev. Kevin Holland of Personal Wedding of NC here!
Florists
Lilybird Flowers
Bakeries
Baked by Billie
Venues
River Ridge Golf Course
Planners
Lillian Suarez Weddings Events
Lilybird Design
Hobnob Occasions
Photographers
Hans Rosemond Photography
Beauty
Theresa Burden Makeup Artistry
Rentals & Decor
American Party Rentals
Celebration Sidekicks
Hobnob Occasions
Wedding Enhancements
Virgin Cigars
Officiant
Personal Weddings of NC
Attire
VIP Formalwear
