Katie and Sam met about four years ago, through a mutual friend at church. They connected over some deep coffee shop conversations, which ultimately led to their official first date. During their courtship they visited several North Carolina wineries, but had never visited Chateau Morrisette, along the Blue Ridge Parkway. One afternoon they ventured there for a tour, tasting, and a romantic lunch on the patio. After their meal, when the server asked them what they’d like for dessert, Sam said “surprise us!” It was then that Katie knew something was amiss, and sure enough, when she returned from the restroom to their table on the patio, a server surprised her with a dessert plate and a beautiful ring. Sam enamored Katie with some sweet sentiments, she said “yes!” and the lovebirds spent the next year planning their nuptials.
Katie and Sam were initially set on having a rustic barn wedding, but when they visited the Proximity Hotel for the first time they were so blown away by the contemporary vibe and clean lines of the space that they decided to forgo their original vision. They were particularly drawn to the hotel’s big windows and patio. Each was just as involved as the other, in the planning process, and Katie’s mom also played a crucial role. The couple wanted a wedding that would capture the essence of their personalities, as well as their love of wine, so wine was a prominent element of their decor. Old wine bottles they collected from various local vineyards they’d visited over the course of their relationship served as table centerpieces. They also named each dinner table after one of the wineries, used corks for place card holders, and featured some of their favorite wines with dinner. It was important to the couple that they showcase the talents of their friends and family members by asking them to contribute. Katie’s aunt made her a necklace, as well as earrings for her bridesmaids. A longtime family friend crafted the bouquets and boutonnieres, and some of Katie’s old friends from college played music during the ceremony.
They wed on June 1 in the hotel’s Social Lobby, and had an intimate, full-dinner reception in the Weaver Room, followed by a full night of dancing.
Clockwise: Katie and Sam share a smooch, posing outside the hotel entrance, playing serious in the Social Lobby.
Two crepe myrtle trees made by resident florist Brenda McLamb frame the happy couple in the sun-drenched Social Lobby. Katie and Sam said “I do” under the whimsical arching trees, bringing a touch of the outdoors inside the scenic space.
Katie and Sam pose at the foot of the Social Lobby’s spiral staircase.
The groom steals a kiss on the stairs in this cinematic shot.
The bride goofs around with the groomsmen.
The wedding party gets playful in the Social Lobby.
Tablescapes for the reception in the Weaver Room included varying short and tall house-made floral arrangements of white larkspur and curly willow atop round chilewich placemats. Tables were also adorned with purple napkins, white linens, candle votives, and monogrammed cookies.
Each table was named after one of the vineyards the couple visited during their courtship, and also featured a wine bottle they’d saved from each trip.
Clockwise: Guests are all smiles at dinner; a special Wishing Tree made by in-house florist Brenda McLamb served as an alternative guestbook. It displayed DIY tags with well wishes and words of wisdom from loved ones; the candlelit cake table boasts the gorgeous four-tiered wedding cake from Christina’s Dessertery.
Guests enjoyed an intimate dinner in the Weaver Room, with Proximity’s own Kew Double Ewe wine.
Chef Designed Menu by Print Works Bistro
Cocktail Hour Menu:
- Assortment of Flatbreads
- Shrimp Remoulade Shooters
Reception Menu:
- Seasonal Greens with House Vinaigrette and Creamy Herb Dressing
- Chicken Paillard
- Seared Strip Steak with Diane Sauce
- Seared Trout with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc
- Red Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
- Baguettes and Butter
The bride and groom share their first dance as a married couple.
Guests converse on the string-lit terrace outside the Weaver Room.
Clockwise: the bride and groom get down on the dance floor; the bride and groom pause for some sugar as they cut into their 4-tiered wedding cake, and toast with champagne; the bride tosses the bouquet.
The dance floor was alive, with not a wallflower in sight.
A magical night calls for a passionate kiss, and the reflection of lighted vine balls create a romantic atmosphere.
Guests give the couple a loving sendoff, complete with lots of bubbles.
The giddy couple in their getaway car.
THE WEDDING MAGIC MAKERS
- Ceremony Venue: Proximity Hotel, Social Lobby
- Reception Venue: Proximity Hotel, Weaver Room
- Chef Designed Menus: Print Works Bistro
- Officiate: Pastor Truman Dunn
- Wedding Director: Leigh Pearce
- Florist: Ceremony: Debbi Huskins with Hummingbird Design, Reception:Brenda McLamb (with Proximity Hotel)
- Bakery: Christina’s Dessertery (White Almond)
- DJ: A&A Disc Jockey Service
- Hair and Makeup: Erin Blakley
- Photographer: Elly’s Photography
For more information about planning your wedding or event Greensboro, North Carolina, please email our wedding and event specialists or give us a call at Proximity Hotel: 336-478-9111 or O.Henry Hotel: 336-478-9112.