Planting Seeds of Love: Blooming Wedding in Illinois

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Location: Crystal Coast of North Carolina, USA
Setting: Merrell Estate and Gardens
The number of guests: 75
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Boho, coastal, classy wedding.

Lucas and Sydney come from the same small town in Yadkin County, North Carolina. However, they began to connect when Sydney swiped right on Lucas’s Bumble profile and messaged him. At that time, Sydney was living in New York City while Lucas remained in North Carolina. After a few months, Sydney decided to move back home, and then Lucas asked her out.

Three years passed since they started dating, and during a visit to New York City just before Christmas, Lucas romantically proposed to Sydney atop the famous Top of the Rock. Overwhelmed with happiness, Sydney happily accepted his proposal. On their wedding day, during his vows, Lucas expressed that he knew from their very first date that Sydney was the person he was meant to be with, and he confidently believed they would end up together.

Combining their love for flowers and their entrepreneurial spirits, Rachel and Stephen transformed their passion into a thriving business venture. Drawing upon Stephen’s expertise in market gardening from owning The Waypoint Farm and Rachel’s background as a skilled floral designer, they embarked on a journey to create their very own micro-flower farm.

With a shared vision and a deep connection to nature, they nurtured their blossoming business, creating beautiful bespoke pieces filled with life and elegance. Through dedication, hard work, and a deep love for their craft, Rachel and Stephen’s micro-flower farm became a tangible representation of their shared dreams and aspirations.

Rachel and Stephen initially described their day’s vision as “If Wes Anderson threw a swanky coastal garden party—tons of floral. Fancy, but fun” — and we would say they nailed it!

The venue of the wedding, the Meadoway Flower Farm, held countless cherished memories – from their early dates on the property to Rachel meeting Stephen’s family in the dining room. It was in this very driveway where they shared their first kiss and expressed their love for each other, creating a profound bond that would shape their future. The shops on the property not only served as spaces for late-night garden preparations but also witnessed gatherings of loved ones, both big and small. It was in the garage where they crafted their first Meadoway bouquets, and in the gravel space where they hosted their cherished Crowded Table dinner. Their love story truly took root on this hallowed ground, where every corner and every memory nurtured the growth of their relationship, making it all the more meaningful as they exchanged vows and celebrated their love.

In a world filled with countless weddings and endless details, this couple understood the true power of love and attention to detail. Beyond what may appear as an ordinary wedding day flat lay lies a collection of cherished heirlooms, modern labors of love, and stories that span generations. From treasured family heirlooms to meticulously crafted decorations, this flat lay serves as a visual documentation of the rich love and legacy that has been passed down through the years.

As the sun gently rose on her wedding day, the bride’s morning was filled with an atmosphere of joy and serenity. Surrounded by her dearest friends and loved ones, there was an undeniable sense of love and support in the air. With each delicate brushstroke of makeup and every intricate detail in her hair, the bride’s anticipation grew, knowing that soon she would walk down the aisle to unite her life with the person she loved most. It was a morning filled with cherished memories, filled with love and the promise of an enchanting journey ahead.

Rachel’s wedding day attire was nothing short of a dream realized. Donning a custom Violette dress, created by the talented Abigail of Gardenia, Rachel stepped into a world of unparalleled beauty. As she slipped into the dress, she couldn’t help but be in awe of its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. This bespoke gown was not only a reflection of Rachel’s unique style but also a testament to her individuality. It was a dress that perfectly captured her spirit, making her feel radiant and confident as she prepared to walk down the aisle. With every stitch and delicate touch, this one-of-a-kind creation represented the artistry of the designer and the magic that can be found in wearing a gown lovingly handmade by a truly gifted artist.

Stephen embraced the beginning of his wedding day with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Dressed impeccably in a light blue suit, he exuded a charm that perfectly complemented his joyful spirit. With his bright boutonniere adorning his lapel, Stephen’s attire reflected his vibrant personality and added a touch of whimsy to the day’s festivities.

Surrounded by loved ones, he shared laughter, heartfelt moments, and the knowledge that his life was about to be forever changed in the most beautiful way.

Before the wedding day arrived, Rachel, Stephen, and their closest confidants spent hours meticulously planting over 3,000 snapdragon seeds, envisioning a breathtaking ceremony space.

As the moment arrived for Rachel to walk down the aisle with her father, the guests’ eyes were fixed on the entrance, waiting for that first glimpse of the radiant bride. As the music swelled, and Rachel took her first steps, there was an undeniable wave of emotions that washed over everyone in attendance. Tears welled up in Rachel’s eyes, overcome with the significance of the moment and the realization that this was the beginning of a lifelong journey with the love of her life. The joyful yet tender atmosphere enveloped the entire ceremony space, touching the hearts of all present. It was a moment filled with a profound sense of love, with the raw emotions on display serving as a testament to the deep connection.

As the newlyweds stood before their loved ones, they exchanged heartfelt vows that echoed with love, commitment, and promises for a lifetime. The raw emotion in their voices resonated throughout the ceremony space, touching the hearts of everyone in attendance. Guests were moved to tears as they witnessed the deep love and genuine connection between the couple.

The talented Everly Collective beautifully captured every moment of Rachel and Stephen’s wedding day, exceeding all expectations. With a keen eye for detail and artistic vision, she flawlessly documented the emotions, the laughter, and the unforgettable memories that unfolded throughout the celebration. The photography and videography skills combined effortlessly, resulting in a stunning visual narrative. The Everly Collective’s dedication to their craft and ability to encapsulate the magic of the day is truly commendable, forever immortalizing the love and joy experienced by the couple and their loved ones.

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The deep love for flowers that Rachel and Stephen share extends beyond their business endeavors. Their wedding florist, Gerrit, is not just a hired professional but also a dear friend of the bride. Post-graduation, Gerrit embarked on his own flower farming journey, giving birth to Farmdog Flowers. With a passion for growing and creating bespoke floral arrangements, Gerrit poured his heart and soul into bringing their wedding vision to life. Just as duo meticulously placed each snapdragon seed, they ensured that every aspect of their day was executed with the same level of attention to detail. From the carefully curated decor to the thoughtfully crafted centerpieces, their dedication to perfection shines through, creating a wedding day filled with stunning floral beauty and enchantment.

The reception was a whirlwind of laughter, smiles, and pure enjoyment. The energy in the room was infectious as guests danced, mingled, and celebrated alongside the newlyweds. The vibrant dance floor was alive with rhythmic movements, while heartfelt toasts and speeches brought tears of joy and laughter. From the interactive entertainment to the delicious cuisine and lively conversations, it was a reception that embodied the true spirit of celebration and created an atmosphere of pure, unbridled fun.

The true show-stopper of the evening was undoubtedly the wedding cake. As guests gathered around to admire its beauty, anticipation grew. With each slice that was served, the oohs and aahs filled the room. The first bite of the cake was met with expressions of pure delight as the flavors danced on everyone’s taste buds.

To add a touch of magic and create a cozy ambiance, the couple lit a crackling fire at their reception. The warm glow of the flames danced in the night, casting a romantic and enchanting atmosphere over the gathering. The flickering light from the fire added an extra layer of charm and intimacy, creating a space where guests could gather, share stories, and bask in the joyous spirit of the evening. The fire served as a captivating focal point, bringing a sense of warmth and togetherness as the celebration continued into the night.

With meticulous care and unwavering dedication, Rachel and Stephen ensured that every aspect of their wedding day was executed flawlessly. Their commitment to perfection in every aspect of their wedding truly showcased their deep love and appreciation for each other and the joy they shared with their loved ones.