We always love helping brides coordinate their dresses, and Caitlin and Farris made it so easy! They came in separately, wanting to keep their dresses a secret from one another, but both came in with the same vibe in mind: clean and classic with unique details. Naturally, they both chose Anais Anette dresses from us for their wedding day! A gorgeous pair of dresses for a gorgeous couple.
Caitlin & Farris | March 25, 2023 | The Cookery – Durham, NC
Photographer: Mady Noel Photo
How did you and your spouse meet?
We grew up just a few miles from each other! We attended the same schools and shared the same circle of friends, but we didn’t usually find ourselves spending time together one-on-one. We ended up moving to different parts of the state for college. It wasn’t until after we graduated that our paths crossed again at a New Year’s Eve party in Asheville and we started seeing each other shortly after that night.
What did you love most about your wedding celebration? What are some of your favorite details or special moments?
There are so many things that we love about our wedding day. We decided to do a first look and privately exchange our vows before sharing them again during the ceremony. Being able to share that moment, just the two of us, was really special. The ceremony itself was also special because we wrote it ourselves with the help of our officiant, who is a dear friend of ours. Also, the food was amazing! Wedding food can be pretty bland, but we were so happy how our cocktail hour and dinner turned out. And the cherry on top was a private dance at the end of the night and finishing up with photos back at the Durham Hotel.
What advice do you have for brides looking for their wedding dress?
Have fun! Shopping for a wedding dress can feel stressful, but try to remember to have fun and bring along people who will help keep your spirits happy and light.
Before trying on dresses, what did you think your dress would look like? How does that compare to what you ended up wearing?
Farris: I really hoped that I would wear a dress with sleeves, and I did!
What made you fall in love with your dress?
Caitlyn: I saw my dress on Instagram before seeing it in the store and trying it on. I pretty much fell in love with it then, but my feelings were confirmed when I tried it on at Gilded. I loved how understated it was from the front and the detail and “wow factor” of the back.
What was most important to you when choosing wedding vendors?
We were really interested in finding vendors that were affirming of the love that we share and were supportive of the LGBTQ community. And luckily, we found a lot of wonderful vendors! We were also excited to find a wedding coordinator who approached their business with a sustainability mindset.
Were there any traditions you bucked for your wedding? What did you do instead and how did it go?
We decided to walk down the aisle together instead of with our parents, and we loved it! It felt like the right option for us and it was a fun way to surprise our guests.
Vendors
Caitlin’s Hair Pins: Elizabeth Bower via Gilded Bridal
Farris’s Veil: Veil Trends via Gilded Bridal
Farris’s Back Necklace: Hushed Commotion via Gilded Bridal
Florist: We used flowers from Pine State, Bowerbird, and locally sourced through Farris’s family farm, Smith’s Nursery!
Wedding Coordinator: Emily Katherine Events
Catering: The Catering Company of Chapel Hill
Desserts: Slice Pie Company
Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Videographers: Twenty One Films
