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An Ode to Joy

An Ode to Joy: A Carolina couple creates an heirloom-worthy event filled with memorable touches
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Sarah Young & Ethan King • October 15, 2023 
The Providence Cotton Mill, Maiden

After a chance meeting on dating apps and a fun, but nervous day in Boone getting to know one another, Sarah and Ethan’s first date was a memorable occasion that sparked an instant connection. Fast forward to an end-of-summer trip to North Myrtle Beach in August 2022, Ethan finally got the courage to propose. When Sarah caught sight of the romantic setup on Apache Pier, she immediately started crying and Ethan received relief and an enthusiastic “yes!” to his age-old question. 

The couple knew the aesthetic they were after, which led them to their historical venue, The Providence Mill. Sarah specifically loved the Old World European charm of the indoor space with its giant arched windows and airy feeling, while Ethan loved the beautiful grounds and outdoor space to hold the ceremony and cocktail hour. “It felt like the perfect type of elegance for us—not too ostentatious, not too rustic.” 

Ethan and Sarah both come from a history of long-lasting marriages that they wanted to showcase on their special day. They highlighted wedding pictures from their parents’, grandparents’, and great-grandparents’ weddings to honor their families and the merging of two strong family backgrounds. 

Meaningful touches were interwoven through the entire day. “Our ceremony was something we will always remember, as we wrote our own vows and performed a foot washing to symbolize serving each other in love for the rest of our lives,” the bride says. The couple DIY-ed their escort wall, complete with handmade books with guests’ names and table number. They also made the table signage, welcome sign and crossword puzzle with fun facts about the couple for guests to fill out during cocktail hour.

Sarah remembered playing dress-up in her grandmother’s wedding dress as a little girl and wanted to incorporate the dress at the wedding somehow.  She decided to alter the 60+ year old gown and wore it for the majority of the reception. Her grandmother was very honored at the unveiling of the dress and it was a special moment during the reception. The couple started their married life focused on building a lifetime of love like the generations before them.

Details
Coordinator - Lucky Day Events
Hair & Makeup - Carly Marie Artistry
Rentals - Cooke Rentals; A Bushel and A Peck Vintage Rentals
Florist - Meristem Floral 
Cake - Flour & Batter
Catering - Tin Kitchen; Blue Deer Cookies
Video - The Family Films 
Ceremony Music - Carolina Royal Strings
Band - Lucky Pocket
Transportation - Five Star Limousine
Stationery - The Flywheel Press; Cain & Co. Stationery