Christmas Tree Farm in Downtown Raleigh: Amanda & Jonathan's Winter Wedding

Spring is making its way here, but before we dive in, let's take a look back at Amanda and Jonathan's magical December wedding, as featured in Carats & Cake last month. They had a dream of a welcoming, yet luxurious winter wedding.  When we suggested creating a Christmas tree farm on the lawn of the historic Merrimon-Wynne House, the bride emphatically said "Yes!" Read on and fall in love with this warm and inviting winter wedding...

Amanda & Jonathan's custom invitation suite, featuring an interlocking monogram, navy letterpress and gold foil - stunning!

Amanda & Jonathan's custom invitation suite, featuring an interlocking monogram, navy letterpress and gold foil - stunning!

A quiet moment in the Merrimon-Wynne's beautiful bridal suite.

Amanda wore the same Manolo Blahnik heels that Sarah Jessica Parker wore in her SATC wedding.  Her bouquet was a replica of Kate Middleton's, with Lily of the Valley and the addition of meaningful North Carolina and English blooms.

The evening began with a candle-lit ceremony at All Saints Chapel.  The altar was filled with opulent candelabras, winter white blooms and Christmas greenery. Magnolia wreath wrapped lanterns lined the aisle, creating a warm and romantic setting.

Arriving at the Merrimon-Wynne House for cocktail hour, guests nestled their gifts under a Christmas tree and found their table assignments on hand-painted ornaments, right off the tree!  Garlands of winter greenery and magnolia cascaded over staircases and mantles. A bar on the lawn, nestled between twenty-six North Carolina Fraser fir trees, gave guests the experience of a lifetime - a cocktail party among Amanda and Jon's own Christmas tree farm!

Deck the fireplace!

After cocktail hour, guests were invited into a twinkle light- and fabric-draped tent for dinner. Farm tables were lined in gold embroidered runners and topped with wooden slabs, white flowers, and greenery. Gold-trimmed glassware and flatware added a luxurious touch. A wood and wrought-iron chandelier overflowing with fir and falling flower buds was the perfect centerpiece over the family table. 

A memorable view from the tent to the Christmas tree farm on the lawn

A three course family style menu started with a "warm welcome" of chicken & dumplings

Copper bulb pots filled with winter white florals

Copper bulb pots filled with winter white florals

Wreath wrapped sweetheart chairs

Wreath wrapped sweetheart chairs

The cake was decked with sugar "snow"

After guests danced away the night, they sent off the couple as “snow” fell from the sky and guests rang jingle bells. What a magical night!

• Gather Together (Event Planner & Designer)

• Katherine Miles Jones (Photographer)

• Light Cannon Films (Videographer)

• All Saints Chapel (Ceremony Venue)

• Merrimon-Wynne House (Reception Venue & Bar)

• Donovan’s Dish (Catering)

• The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery (Cake & Desserts)

• Party Reflections (Rentals)

• Party Tables (Linens & Draping)

• Get Lit Special Event Lighting (Lighting & Snowy Exit!)

• Jabez Floristry (Flowers)

• Themeworks (Furniture)

• Lee's Produce (Christmas Trees)

• Union Press & Paper (Invitations & Paper)

• Mason Dixon Designs (Calligraphy)

• Al Strong Music (Ceremony Music)

• Bunn DJ Company – David Fox (Reception Music)

• Traditions by Anna (Gown)

• Hair In Motion (Hair Stylist)

• Dana Branch (Makeup Artist)

• Pastor Ross Carter (Officiant)