1. Real Weddings

Jennifer & Jeff: A Spring Weddding in Charlotte, NC

When Jeff proposed to Jennifer it was literally a page out of a fairy tale. Jeff was on a project in London when he suggested that Jenn come for a lit

When Jeff proposed to Jennifer it was literally a page out of a fairy tale. Jeff was on a project in London when he suggested that Jenn come for a little vacation. THE BRIDE Jennifer Shaw, 27, real estate market analyst THE GROOM Jeff Traynor, 29, implementation manager in IT consulting THE DATE May 15 Jennifer and Jeff stayed at the Amberley Castle, a 13th-century structure with amazing gardens and strolling peacocks. As the pair, who met in college, explored the moonlit castle overlooking the English countryside, Jenn couldn't help mentioning how romantic the scene was. Jeff obviously agreed -- before she knew it, he was on one knee, asking her to marry him.

Jenn was grateful that her five bridesmaids agreed to wear two-piece dresses in the sage-green hue. The dresses turned out so pretty, although I doubt they will ever be worn again, she says, laughing. The five bridesmaids wore two-piece Jim Hjelm dresses with a strapless top and tea-length A-line skirt.
The Centerpieces
The Formalwear
Jenn wore a strapless white matte satin gown by Monique.
Beautiful potted trees in large terra-cotta pots with flowers filled the space. In keeping with the garden theme, four stacked clay pots served as a base for a wild arrangement of seasonal flowers with a candle in the center. Tea lights filled tiny baby-food jars (collected from a friend) that were hung with pink and green ribbons from the surrounding trees. On a table covered with sage-green linens, interlocking Js graced the three-tier almond and lemon wedding cake iced in pale pink.
For the bridesmaid bouquets, Jenn selected various pink shades using peonies, roses, and ranunculuses. She carried a bouquet of white peonies, pale pink roses, and ranunculuses accented with lamb's ear and wax flowers. Playing with texture, small stems of iridescent silver beads were added to the bouquets for subtle sparkle.
The Accessories
The Couple
Jenn and Jeff exchanged vows at their own parish, Myers Park Presbyterian Church -- a large stone structure with a beautiful altar, high ceilings, and exposed wooden beams. After the recessional down the really long aisle, the newlyweds joined their bridal party on a trolley headed for uptown Charlotte. We wanted to offer guests the bustling city atmosphere, while still feeling like we were in a garden, Jenn says.