A Refined Summer Wedding at Cobblestone Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina

Mark Olexa (27 and in orthodontic sales) was a "house boy" at Brooke Hopkins' (25 and a teacher) sorority house while they were studying at Ohio University. Their Greek life infatuation quickly turned into a strong friendship and the pair began dating the following school year. Mark proposed back on campus where they first met but Brooke almost unknowingly ruined his plan. "He originally wanted to ask me in front of Pi Phi—my old sorority house—but my constant complaining about walking with heels in the cold caused him to get down on one knee in front of college green," says Brooke. "I was caught completely off guard, surprised and unbelievably happy—he couldn't have picked a better spot!" For their July nuptials, the couple planned a classic ceremony at Sacred Heart Cathedral followed by a refined celebration at Cobblestone Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina. They strategically chose to have both their wedding and reception in downtown Raleigh in order to keep things all in walking distance for out-of-town guests. "This way they were able to see some of our favorite spots in Raleigh on foot or by pedi-cab," says Brooke. "Plus, the venues were beautiful and the reception location aesthetically added a touch of rustic flair to the occasion—which is what I really wanted!" A soft color palette of of blush, champagne and gray decorated the indoor reception and mimicked the bridal party's attire. Personal touches included Ohio Bobcats cornhole and a festive pineapple jalapeño margarita (their favorite drink!) for the signature cocktail. "I'm not quite sure what inspired our look, other than knowing that I tend to gravitate towards a romantic, airy and casual aesthetic," says Brooke. "I'm coincidentally using a similar color palette while planning for our first child's nursery!"