The history: This beautifully styled elopement will amaze you if you are a fan of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Let yourself be carried away into a world of antique heirlooms, whimsical tea parties and old-world charm. This shoot shows off creative unconventional ideas for your wedding day, like a pink tuxedo and how to incorporate your favorite animal!

The site: The quaint Duke Mansion in North Carolina. The mansion was built in 1915 and was owned by James Buchanan Duke. It was a home and host to many 20th century leaders. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this venue has multiple venues for a wedding reception and is replete with beautifully decorated guest rooms.

The atmosphere: A charming and quirky tea party. A combination of soft pastel tones and bright colors contrasts with atmospheric textures such as antique lace and bone china.

The details: A smaller wedding with fewer guests can provide an extra budget for some wedding details. The wedding party (including the intimate group of guests) had two looks. The bride had a dress suitable for a quaint reception and elegant tea, and the second was a ball gown extension of the first dress. Both had intricate details from the etched glitter to the white 3D flowers and pearl straps. These were complemented by the bride’s velvety, dusty blue heels with 3D embellishments that reflected the blue heirloom porcelain on the table landscape. Beyond the ceremony there was a tiny garden full of whims that gave all the “Wonderland” vibes.

Tips & highlights:

• Animals can be a fun and therapeutic addition to your special day.
• The fresh color palette (magentas, soft blue and purple) that perfectly matches the villa’s hydrangeas in full bloom. Create a unique portrait of the bride by lying in a simple flower bed (put them in a clean spot on the stem or bulb in an arrangement on the floor).
• Custom tea tags that attach to tea bags are perfect and affordable personalized DIY place cards.

Suppliers:

Venue: Duke Mansion // Design concept / photographer: Radiant photography by Sydney Danielle // Florist / Design: Vintage soul flower pattern // Event planner: Honeybelle events // Rentals: Evermore Event Company // HMUA: Nice from Lindsey // Videography: Moving Mountains Studios // Wedding dresses: Hayden Olivia Bride // rings: Individual jewelry laboratory // Jewellery: Hayden Olivia Bride // Groom accessories: Grateful devices // Groomsmen attire: OMJ clothing // cakes / macaroons / sweets: Sky’s the Limit Cakes // Stationery / invitation suite: Lauren Andrews Designs // tea bag tag / welcome sign / bridal shoes / calligraphy: Honeybelle events // Gravure: Lilac and Lark // Rabbits: Waterfowl Rescue // Models: Ava, Jordan, sharpen, Carson // Dress / clothes for ‘Alice’: Mr. pretty skirt