1. Real Weddings

A Sophisticated Rustic Wedding at Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, North Carolina

Rachel Rum (32 and a director of planning & guidance tools) briefly met Peter Grape (29 and a senior associate at Lexington Partners) during her her s

Rachel Rum (32 and a director of planning & guidance tools) briefly met Peter Grape (29 and a senior associate at Lexington Partners) during her her senior year at Duke University, but he was just a freshman rushing her friends' fraternity. Years later, the pair were reintroduced at a mutual friend's wedding and quickly began dating. "I knew early on that Rachel was incredibly special and most likely the one, but it took me a little over three and a half years to finally man up and make it official," says Peter. "I suggested a surprise trip to a mystery location and ended up proposing in front of a meaningful lighthouse on a relatively empty beach in Nantucket." Rachel and Peter began working with Salt Harbor Designs to execute their vision for a rustic peach and champagne affair at Brooklyn Arts Center in Wilmington, North Carolina. "Since I was a former consultant, I was very organized from the beginning and had a clear point of view about the big-picture elements," says Rachel. "Salt Harbor figured out all of the details and provided the expertise I needed to implement my ideas! "Pouring rain derailed the couple's outdoor ceremony but Salt Harbor Designs quickly reworked the decor to complement Brooklyn Arts Center's unconventional space. Since both of the newlywed's last names have to do with drinks, they created signature cocktails that included their namesakes. Rachel’s was the Spicy Margarita (with grapefruit juice) and Peter’s was a classic Mojito (with Rum). Glowing pillar candles surrounded large vintage wooden flower box centerpieces, filled with peach peony and ranunculus arrangements. "I wanted a simple, rustic, family style Italian meal—my Dad is Italian so that’s obviously my favorite cuisine," says Rachel. Handmade sea salt bottles were tied with each guest's name, matching the custom linen napkins tied with vintage peach ribbon. Gold flatware and small water carafes with fresh bread completed the farm-to-table look. "Brooklyn Arts Center is a beautiful old church that’s been converted into a concert and venue location," says Rachel. "The stage's wood architectural detailing provided a great backdrop for our ceremony and reception along with the monogram marquee lights that my mom spent months making!"

Classic Cushion Cut Engagement Ring From Ascot Diamonds
Mixed Long Peach Bridesmaid Dresses
Classic Tuxedos Rented From The Black Tux
Classic Black Tuxedo with Soft Peach Bow Tie
Rachel wanted to find a wedding gown that would reflect her traditional-meets-edgy style. "For years I thought I would go with a Monique Lhlullier gown, which I’ve always coveted, but they seemed to be so popular that in the end I wanted to do something different," says Rachel. "I loved the Elizabeth Fillmore laser-cut lace gown and begged Kleinfeld to get the dress for me since they didn’t carry it—Elizabeth herself actually came and did my fitting!"
Color-Cooridanted Rain Day Backup Parasols
Pouring rain derailed the couple's outdoor ceremony but Salt Harbor Designs quickly reworked the decor to complement Brooklyn Arts Center's unconventional space. "They did such a great job of getting all of the details there in time that our guests didn’t even know this wasn't the Plan A!" says Rachel. "Urns filled with peonies, garden roses, ranunculus and pops of greenery completed the look."rnrn
Fresh Peach Escort Card with Calligraphy Leafs
Since both of the newlywed's last names have to do with alcoholic drinks (Rum and Grape) they created signature cocktails that included their namesakes and matched their personality. "We also did a tribute to my grandfather who worked at CocaCola," says Rachel. "We did a table that had vintage coke bottles and some pictures of him along with a Rum and Coke theme."
Glitter Heart Initial Drink Stirrers
Large vintage wooden flower box centerpieces, filled with peach peony and ranunculus arrangements, were surrounded by glowing pillar candles.
Handmade sea salt bottles were tied with each guest's name, matching the custom linen napkins tied with vintage peach ribbon. Gold flatware and small water carafes with fresh bread completed the farm-to-table look. " I wanted a simple, rustic, family style Italian meal—my Dad is Italian so that’s obviously my favorite cuisine," says Rachel. "We also did individual baguettes from my mom’s favorite restaurant in the area tied with string that matched our paper products."
A hanging shelf was built over the head table complete with Edison lights and lush greenery. "It made it feel like we were in a garden fantasy!" says Rachel.
Gold Glitter Babe Reception Chair Signs
Rachel worked to collect the vintage brass urns and vases to achieve an eclectic collection of table arrangements. "In the end, we had around 30 of them– I have no idea what do to with them now!" says Rachel. rn
Rustic Hanging Personal Photo Garlands
White Lounge Set Up with Pastel Arrangements
Rachel hoped to add a rustic look to her classic cake by opting for a textured buttercream finish and fresh peach peony accents.
"Brooklyn Arts Center is a beautiful old church that has been converted into a concert and venue location," says Rachel. "The stage's wood architectural detailing provided a great backdrop for our ceremony and reception along with the monogram marquee lights that my mom spent months making!"rn