HOW THEY MET: This Team Wolfpack couple met at a themed fraternity/sorority mixer. Caitlyn spotted John across the living room, immediately noticing that he happened to also be wearing cut off denim/American flag apparel, and she instantly knew that she wanted to talk to this guy. She waited until he was alone on the back porch to introduce herself. A week later they went on their first date to the NC State Fair and John timed their Ferris wheel ride to stop at the top when the nightly fireworks show started. She right then knew this was the start of something unbelievably special – something she never wanted to end.

THEIR PROPOSAL:  After an awkwardly quiet breakfast at H Street Kitchen, they started on their walk back to their home passing the NC State Belltower. John guided (pulled) her up towards the base of the memorial and asked if Caitlyn would spend the rest of her life with him. Without hesitation, she knew what her answer would always (and forever) be.

THEIR PLANNING PROCESS:  Two days after they were engaged they book The State Club.  They met at NC State, she had been to events at the Park Alumni Center and knew the black/white marble floors, chandeliers and gold detailing (not to mention all the classic NC State features!!!), were exactly what Caitlyn wanted for a reception venue.  From there, she scheduled a meeting with Nancy Ray – she was the only photographer she wanted! She had stalked her work, both on Pinterest and from friends who had used her team. She was so in love with her attention to detail and the fact she shoots in film. Unbelievably classic! She then began interviewing wedding planners. Caitlyn said this about Viva, “Unlike most, Stephanie took the time to meet with me in person. This meant so much more to me than a phone consultation. She also instantly came up with several ways to incorporate Beasley (the other love of my life!) throughout our wedding and reception. I’m pretty sure I got in my car and cried of happiness. Stephanie took the designing and vendor intros from there – introducing me to the best of the best. Vendors she knew who would bring my classic, southern, romantic vision to life…and they did flawlessly.”  Hearing this all is why I do what I do!  I also can not say enough about trusting in your planner/designer to execute your vision and Caitlyn and John did 100%.

THEIR WEDDING DAY: Caitlyn and John said this about their wedding day… “Our wedding day was beyond what I ever imagined what it could be – it was absolutely perfect! The Stateview Hotel was the perfect backdrop for our day of preparations. We started off the day watching the end of The Royal Wedding and then the girls arrived in time for the second showing of The Royal Wedding (bliss!). I never felt nervous – I just wanted to see John. I remember everything finally hitting me while Janna from Wink started to do my makeup (of course!). I felt complete relief the moment I saw John and I know we are both so grateful we were able to do a first look. It completely calmed us down and allowed time to knock out the bulk of the formal wedding party pictures. It rained on and off all day – as the weekly forecast had predicted, so thankfully, I had time to order matching umbrellas from Amazon. After spending 4+ hours of hair and makeup, without hesitation, I announced that the entire wedding party would go out in the rain and take pictures. Nancy Ray + the bridal party were so amazing and cooperative.  The wedding ceremony itself was so surreal, yet so comforting. But by far, our favorite part of the day (other than saying, “I Do!”) was getting to see our sweet pup, Beasley. We made a pit stop at the NC State Belltower – the same spot where we got engaged – and thanks to our sweet friends, had the opportunity to love on a very important member of our family.  The reception was gorgeous! I’m so glad Stephanie recommended that we should eat before the ceremony. It gave us a private moment, no cameras – just us. Rave! Catering by The State Club did a phenomenal job and, weeks later, I’m still hearing rave reviews from guests. Every moment flowed so organically, and The Band of Oz did the best job at emceeing and getting the party started.  Yes, it’s true. The day flies by. I felt like everything was in slow motion until I walked down the aisle and then you blink and you’re exiting to your getaway car. That’s a good sign of a fun night though, right?! Not only was every detail though out and beautifully executed, everyone felt included and so loved.”

FAVORITE DESIGN DETAIL: Caitlyn said that every time she thinks about her bouquet or sees a picture of it, she smile. Anna, of Meristem Floral knocked the vision out of the part, gorgeous!  She said, “Stephanie initially put all of the colors I wanted together beautifully in a pallet that was unique and exactly what I dreamed of, and when met with Alison (One + Only Paper) and saw her design board – she couldn’t have imagined anything else. From my bouquet, to the bridesmaids dresses and my mom’s dress…to the linens, stationary and all of the floral arrangements – this color pallet came to life and complimented every single detail.”

UNIQUE ASPECTS OF WEDDING DAY:  They also wanted to make sure to include their dog, Beasley into their wedding day. They had a Beasley signature drink, Beasley wax stamp on the invitation suite, a ceramic Beasley (Halterman Art – Ashley Cakes cousin), and doggie treats from Beasley. All of the heirlooms involved were so touching too – they had a ribbon from John’s mom’s wedding bouquet wrapped around his boutonnière and Caitlyn’s bouquet.  John also wore his Grandpa Noble’s wedding cufflinks (they are fabulous!) and his gold tuxedo studs; She borrowed John’s mom’s and both of his grandmothers’ wedding bands; John borrowed the bride’s Papa West’s ring and Granddaddy Clark’s pin; they also used Grandma Noble’s wedding veil and her Mama West’s wedding corsage for several tribute pictures.

HOW DO YOU FEEL NOW THAT YOUR MARRIED?: They said in one word…Complete. She said she kept saying that she just felt better. They said, “There’s this feeling of wholeness that you never knew you were missing. Years of anticipation and anxiety are instantly vanished and you just feel absolutely happiness. We seriously couldn’t stop smiling, laughing and crying. I don’t think I slept until we got to St. Lucia on Tuesday. The moment you get to marry your best friend, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you in the world, and you know every single stressful moment was worth it. I would marry John Noble every day of my life.”

Check out their wedding video by Oak City Films HERE.

VENDORS:

Wedding Planning & Design- Viva L’Event

Ceremony Venue- Hayes Barton United Methodist

Reception Venue- The State Club

Photographer- Nancy Ray Photography

Flowers- Meristem Floral

Videographer- Oak City Films

Wedding Cake- Ashley Cakes

Hair/Makeup- Wink Hair & Makeup

Linens- CE Rental

Reception Band- Band of Oz

Stationery- One + Only Paper

Calligraphy/Day of Signage- Mason Dixon Designs

Guest & Bridal Party Transportation- Raleigh Trolley , Eco Style Transportation, and White Horse

Getaway Car- Carolina Classic Car

Wedding Dress Salon- Lana Addison Bridal

Bride’s Shoes- Badgley Mischka

Bridesmaids Dresses- Bella Bridesmaids