an Elegant and Relaxed wedding
Andrea and KEvin

The Mood

Tasteful rather than trendy, Kevin and Andrea were drawn to the O.Henry’s old-world charm and relaxed elegance, and they wanted their guests – many of whom had traveled from far and wide – to feel comfortable without a lot of unnecessary fuss.

The bride gets ready in a Porter Suite at O.Henry Hotel, assisted by her mother, in blue brocade, and bridesmaids, who were elegant in slate-grey gowns.

From top left: O.Henry’s grand facade; Kevin with his groomsmen; the groom relaxes pre-ceremony; Andrea’s veil catches the wind on an overcast day (her gown is the Jacinda dress by Watters).

The Color Palette

The bridesmaids were lovely in a slate-grey hue, a color that was repeated as an accent in their predominately ivory bouquets and in the brushed silver vases of the table centerpieces. Floral arrangements featured mini calla lilies, roses, tulips, and hydrangeas in shades of ivory; greenery included a magnolia leaf-lined aisle. Tables were adorned with ivory and champagne tablecloths, while place settings, chairs, centerpieces, and even the bride’s shoes were accented with gold.

Tablescapes and other decor featured white, ivory, and gold with slate-grey and silver accents

HOW THEY MET

Andrea had taken note of Kevin frequently at a dog park where she took her two dogs to play. Unfortunately, while she could see that he was cute, she really didn’t like that he went barefoot in the creek where all the dogs played. Luckily for Kevin, he eventually got a chance to make a new “first impression” when his huge chocolate lab ran over and shook herself off all over Andrea after frolicking in the creek. Sounds like a potential disaster, but it proved to be just the right kind of icebreaker for two dog lovers: Kevin and Andrea had their first date that very night.

“We do!”

Laughter as Andrea and Kevin cut their wedding cake, which was topped with a figurine representing Andrea’s two dogs and Kevin’s dog, holding a sign that read, “We do, too!”

Menu by Green Valley Grill

A simple but delicious mixed baby green salad with an array of julienned garden vegetables was served with five-herb buttermilk and balsamic vinaigrette to begin the meal. Then, plated dinner options included:

• parmesan-crusted chicken breast with herbed goat cheese, lemon garlic sauce, and crispy capers served with mashed potatoes and asparagus;
• grape-leaf wrapped salmon topped with chopped tomato and pine nut-raisin relish served with polenta and asparagus; and
• oak-fired Angus filet with black peppercorn sauce served with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

The Proposal

Kevin woke Andrea up early one morning for a surprise trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Andrea claims that she “honestly just thought we would be doing some serious wine tasting.” However, after a tour of the house and gardens, Kevin walked Andrea to a lovely, isolated spot in front of the Diana statue overlooking the Estate. After a few awkward moments, Kevin delivered a romantic proposal from down on bended knee. Andrea says, “It was perfect. I couldn’t have planned anything better myself.”

Special Guests from Far and Wide

 Kevin’s extended family are spread across the South. Andrea immigrated from Peru to the US when she was six years old and was raised in New York—so her friends and family are scattered far and wide. Most of the people who attended the wedding traveled hours to be there, and Andrea says that she and Kevin were “overwhelmed and grateful for the effort that the people who meant the most to us made in order to attend.”

Clockwise from top left:  The creative North Carolina-shaped guest register was inspired by the couple’s far-flung network of family and friends; the pair’s love of dogs was front and center; the groom’s cake and pom-poms guests shook to send the couple off reflected Kevin’s love of college football

THE WEDDING MAGIC MAKERS

• Venue: O.Henry Hotel, Pavilion Room and Hawkins Brown Room
• Catering: Green Valley Grill
• Getting Ready Suite: Porter Suite
• Wedding Planner: Jacob Bennett, O.Henry Hotel
• Day of Coordinator: Jenny Ford/ Muse & Delphia
• Florist: Brenda McLamb, O.Henry Hotel
• Linens: Party Tables
• Bakery: Maxie B’s
• DJ: Mike Steffan, High Impact Entertainment
• Hair/Makeup: Carla White
• Photographer: Vesic Photography