When I think back to Kayla and Michael’s NYE wedding, the first word that comes to mind is celebration. It was a day of celebrating Kayla and Michael’s love for one another and their life together. It was a day of celebrating two families being brought together by this love. It was a day of celebrating the past and the future and the adventure yet to come, and I’m so happy to share it with you today!

Kayla and Michael picked the The Cookery as their venue because they thought it was the perfect mix of industrial and romantic (cue those dreamy market lights and exposed brick). They put a lot of thought into the details that tied in their favorite colors and the excitement of ringing in the new year!

Their ceremony was personalized to fit who they are as a couple. Instead of a bridal party, they incorporated their family and friends by readings, rings and toasts. They had excerpts from their favorite literature and personalized their own vows. Kayla even threw in a curse word, which she says is truly a reflection of who she is.

The reception was a full on party to ring in the new year, as it should be! The escort cards were glitter horns for the guests to blow at midnight, the tables names all had a nod to the holiday and there were New Year’s Eve props all around the venue. True to Southern tradition, they had pulled pork and mac and cheese on the menu. To top it all off, Kayla surprised Michael with Chirba Chirba, an amazing dumpling food truck. If you haven’t had a chance to to try their dumplings, do yourself a favor and check them out ASAP!

Kayla’s advice to future brides: “Don’t rush the process! Enjoy every step of the journey because it will be over before you know it. It also doesn’t hurt to hire a great wedding coordinator (or day of coordinator); it will allow you to focus on you and your new husband on the big day!”

It was a great day to capture and the best way to ring in the New Year! Congratulations to Kayla & Michael!

Talented Vendor Team:

Event Planning: Magnolia Grove Weddings & Events 

Venue: The Cookery

DJ: Rodney Holmes with 1st Choice Customized DJ Services 

Catering: Durham Catering Company

Florals and Hair Piece: Purple Poppy

Rentals: American Party Rentals 

Hair & Makeup: 140 Salon & Blow Dry Bar

Food Truck: Chirba Chirba 

Chalkboard Artist: Marika Wendelken 

Cake: Nothing Bundt Cake

Suit Tailoring: Glenwood South Tailors and Alterations 

Dress: Essence of Australia from NY Bride and Groom of Raleigh