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Suzanne & Brandon | October Wedding

12/30/2017

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Suzanne & Brandon asked for help with Day-Of Coordination and Rehearsal because they already had most of their vendors selected when we first met. They had their ceremony and reception at the Leasburg Retreat Center. This is such a great space for an event! The log cabin building was very spacious and included all the tables and chairs, as well as a huge functioning kitchen! However, the wrap-around porch overlooking a huge pond won me over! They were able to rent the retreat center for the whole weekend so they could decorate a day before the wedding and clean up the day after.

Hay bales, pumpkins, and mums decorated the ceremony site for this October 14th, fall wedding. The weather was perfect! Suzanne and Brandon got married in front of their family and friends in front of the pond.  After the ceremony, DJ Gene Deese of Hollywood Entertainment got the reception started, while The Homestead Steakhouse served the food. "DJ Hollywood" and his wife were so accommodating and were well-experienced. I appreciated his words of wisdom at the end of the night and his praise for me sticking around as a planner (even after the ceremony, which he said is rare!) The Homestead’s staff was very friendly and they were willing to help with more than just catering if help was needed! And, the food was delicious! It was so good, I had to go try the restaurant within the next couple of weeks.The cake was provided by Edible Artistry. Elaine Robbins delivered the cake and set the flowers on it. She was very creative and it turned out beautiful!

Suzanne and Brandon are one of the sweetest couples we have ever worked with! They both put a lot of work into making the décor for their wedding and Brandon assembled all the flowers himself! Being a past florist, he made stunning floating flower centerpieces.  Spotlight Photography captured pictures of the day. It was a pleasure getting to work with Jennifer again! I have attached some photos to this post and more in our gallery! Eye Stream Media filmed the wedding day and you can watch their video here. 

Brandi was my assistant for this wedding. She is always so much fun to have along! She is very autonomous and willing to do what needs to be done to get tasks done, all while keeping a smile on her face! Thanks Brandi! You can read more about our team on our About Page.

Vendors:
Coordinators: Exceptional Events NC
Venue: Leasburg Retreat Center
Photographer: Spotlight Photography
Videographer: Eye Stream Media
Catering: The Homestead Steakhouse
Cake: Edible Artistry
DJ: Hollywood Entertainment

3 Comments

Leigh & Ryan | September Wedding

12/30/2017

1 Comment

 
I got a call from a soon-to-be groom named Ryan just a few weeks before their scheduled wedding. He explained both he and his fiancé, Leigh, were in the military and they were on a time crunch since they would only be home for a short period of time. Ryan was nervous about everything coming together and said they had nothing planned but once we talked about their ideas, they actually had more together than they thought! The original plan was to have the ceremony at a family chapel and reception on a family farm. Two days before the wedding I got a call from Ryan saying the plans had to be changed to a new ceremony and reception site. This was very unexpected but the new location was gorgeous! I quickly contacted Leigh and Ryan’s vendors and let them know of the change and everyone was so patient and accommodating.

On September 9th, 2017, my team and I headed to the ceremony and reception location, which was a stunning family home in Hillsborough.  Jeremy and Brandon, some Exceptional Events team members, helped deliver the rentals Leigh and Ryan chose form our inventory. While Brandi and I set up the decorations and rentals, the guys set up the vintage furniture rented by Eventful. Their pieces were in such great shape. Also, Risé & Amy were such sweet ladies to work with! They delivered the pieces on the night of the rehearsal and picked them up a day after the wedding. It was nice to have the flexibility of having the pieces the night before so the clients could play around with them and see where they fit best.

The ceremony took place behind the log cabin house, in front of a huge pond. The pond and green trees were the perfect backdrop for a wedding.  University Florist added florals to the arbor and chairs. Henry was very nice and so easy going. Wes McMurray was the officiant. He was such a gentle and caring man. He had a calming personality that made the ceremony seem so smooth. My assistant, Brandi, helped me direct the family and wedding party down the aisle. Arioso Strings, a string cortet, played beautiful background music during the ceremony and reception.

Whole Foods Catering in Durham provided the heavy hors d’oeuvres .  Brandi and I loved the fried green tomatoes! Sugarland bakery provided the yummy cake. I heard countless great reviews about the cake from the guests at the wedding. As another dessert, The Parlour ice cream truck came and set up for the night. They are one of my personal favorites because they always carry a couple vegan flavors and I actually get to eat some ice cream!

Caroline Lima was the photographer for the day. She is such a sweetheart! Her pictures are amazing and show so much emotion.  I have attached a few to this post and there are more on our photo gallery page. 


Vendors:
Co0rdinators: Exceptional Events NC
Photographer: Caroline Lima Photography
Catering: Whole Foods Catering, Durham
Cake: Sugarland
Ice Cream: The Parlour
Florist: University Florist
Music: Arioso Strings
Ofiiciant: Wes McMurray

Vintage Seating: EventfulNC
Decor Rentals: Exceptional Events

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Jenny + Billy | August Wedding

10/26/2017

5 Comments

 
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On August 12, 2017, I was able to coordinate Jenny and Billy’s special day. My assistant, Rachel, and I met at Starlight Meadow in Burlington, NC to set up all the decorations and centerpieces. I love to work with Starlight, the staff is always so prepared and helpful! We, later, met the bridal party at Blessed Sacrament Church, where the ceremony would take place.

I have to say Lindsey and her team at Face Forward are the best of the best for Makeup and Hair Styling! Lindsey corresponded quickly beforehand and her timeline was so precise! She and her team got everyone ready in perfect time. Not to mention the Bride, seven Bridesmaids, and the Mothers all looked gorgeous even after a humid August wedding! I cannot wait to work with Face Forward again!

This was my first time coordinating a Catholic Wedding! I enjoyed getting to experience a new type of ceremony. Jenny and Billy decided not to have a complete mass but the ceremony still lasted about an hour. It was interesting to see the bridesmaids and groomsmen sitting during most of the ceremony. Everything went great except for the stomach bug that quickly traveled through the wedding party! We made it work though. I just hate part of the family and close friends were not feeling 100% for their loved ones special day.

After family pictures, everyone headed to Starlight Meadow for the reception. The forecast stated rain and clouds all day but it held off all morning and became sunny just as the bride and groom arrived at the venue! It was a pleasant surprise. Michael Marshall of Best Night Ever DJ & Events started the reception off right by introducing the wedding party into the barn.  He is one of our favorite DJs to work with! His music always flows well and he is ready to set the mood for a fun reception. The girls held stunning bouquets and the guys wore charming boutonnieres provided by Blossom Artistry. After dinner, provided by Above & Beyond Catering, a Starlight regular, the Maid of Honor and Best Man gave their toasts. The yummy cupcakes were delivered by Sugarland Bakery in Chapel Hill. Joshua Skeeter brought 3 different flavors to sit around the bride and groom’s small cake.

The entire day was captured by Courtney Saul and Nikki Moore of C-Saul Photography. These ladies are always a joy to work with and Courtney knows the best lighting and tricks to get the perfect romantic shot! Check out the images attached to this post and others posted in The Gallery.

I am so happy Jenny and Billy allowed me to be their Wedding Day Coordinator! I wish you two and your families the absolute best!
-Kaitlyn



All images belong to C-Saul Photography

5 Comments

Styled Wedding Shoot at Boxwood Estate

8/3/2017

3 Comments

 
 On Friday, 21st, 2017, I assisted Jodi of Jodi Gray Photography execute her very first styled photography shoot. Jodi contacted me about a month or two before and asked if I would coordinate a dream wedding shoot for her. I gladly accepted! First off, just look at these pictures. (I will post more in the Photo Gallery.) Are they not flawless? Jodi always does an amazing job with her creative-eye, but to see her ideas come to life in her pictures is remarkable!

Jodi had a vision to style a Fall, Romantic, Southern Wedding shoot. She had a few specific vendors already picked out but she asked me for some recommendations to fulfill her dream. After contacting several vendors and communicating with them about their talents, we assembled a seamless team! We allowed each vendor to incorporate something they have always wanted to do but might not usually have the opportunity as long as they followed Jodi’s inspiration photos.

We chose to use Boxwood Estate in Mocksville, NC. The estate was built on a family farm in 1933 to be used as a winter hunting retreat. Originally known as Yadkin Lodge, the property later became Boxwood Farm when it became a full time agricultural operation. The current owners purchased Boxwood Lodge to preserve the property and rehabilitate the manor and grounds as a certified historic structure. (More history on the venue can be found at the link below.)  Connie, the present owner, welcomed us with open arms when I mentioned the shoot to her. She had the utmost hospitable and sweet hearted personalities. The property and gardens are well kept, the estate is impeccably designed and the services offered sound very reasonable for a wedding ceremony, reception, and weekend stay! I definitely recommend this venue to any couple looking for an estate / garden venue and would love the opportunity to work with Connie and her loving dog again!

Ashley with Ashley Marie Cakes and Co. stated she has always wanted to write a script love quote on a cake. She sweetly gave us a dusty blue ombré, two tier cake. Tonya Anderson, the owner and operator of ABBA Design of Greensboro, designed the florals. Her work is inspirational and I would love to be able to learn more from her about design! She gathered vintage pieces from Southern Event Rental and The Prettiest Pieces to match Jodi’s ideas. She used her professional experience and creativity to suggest the perfect color scheme, tableware, flatware, napkins and candles! Jodi paired all of Tonya’s table design ideas with some cotton and chiffon runners from Party Crush Studio in California. I absolutely loved the mood the decorations set.

The invitation suite, menus, and place cards were custom-made by Rebecca Long, The Keen Bee. Her watercolor and hand written calligraphy, matched with vintage stamps complemented the Maroon, Cameo Pink, Ivory, and Dusty Aegean Blue color scheme we chose!

Jodi assembled the team of models from past clients and mutual friends. I think her idea to choose a dark haired bride and groom sets a mood for fall. Ashleigh looked gorgeous in the 2017 Anna Barge, long-sleeve wedding gown provided by Monica at Bellissima Bridal Boutique. Cameron was a southern gentleman so he really fit the part in his White Coat Tuxedo supplied by Sammy at T.N. Boone in Burlington and his feather bow tie given to us by Brackish Bowties. I had never seen the feather bow-ties and I cannot wait to see those used in the future! I think guys would feel more optimistic about being “stuck” in a tie all day if it is made with different bird feathers.

Corrie and Alix modeled as the Bridesmaids. I adored their dresses, provided by LauraLee at Shop Revelry! The off the shoulder look Jodi chose in the dusty blue was a perfect dress to sideline the Bride and Groom.  Jessica from Studio 111 styled the girls’ hair and Tara Sorrells was their makeup artist.

Jodi contacted Wind and Silk for ribbons featured in several pictures and tied around the bouquets made by Tonya. She also was able to borrow custom-made rings from her good friend Eric Farmer, a ring designer at Windsor Jewelers.

We had trouble finding a vintage car last minute. My dad graciously towed his Jaguar two hours to let us use it! I think the white car against all the greenery of the Boxwood property really popped! I am so appreciative of his love a support to help me achieve my goals in this company!

This was a great experience for me! I hope to design and execute my own styled shoot one day! I enjoyed making new connections with vendors I have never gotten a chance to work with before. Thanks Jodi for thinking of me!

Feel free to click the links below to see the websites of the other vendors in this post.

Photo Gallery
Jodi Gray Photography
Jodi's Blog Post
ABBA Design
The Keen Bee
Boxwood Estate
Bellissima
Reverly
T.N. Boone
Brackish
Wind & Silk
Windsor Jewelers
Party Crush Studio
Southern Event Rental
The Prettiest Pieces
Ashley Marie Cakes & Co.


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Jinna + Blake 4/22/2017

7/26/2017

2 Comments

 
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Magnolia South Photography
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Magnolia South Photography
On April 22, 2017, I coordinated a wedding in Smithfield, NC at the Atkinson-Smith House. This was the farthest distance wedding to date, but it was so worth it! The house is gorgeous both inside and out! Mr. and Mrs. Wales have added Southern Charm all throughout their property. The back porch was my favorite!

Jinna was the sweetest bride and Blake was such a gentleman. The love between Jinna and Blake’s families shined all weekend long! Blake and Jinna wanted the ceremony to take place outside; however the predicted weather said rain. We watched the radar all day and finally fifteen minutes before ceremony time we decided to go for it, and I am so glad they did! I quickly moved all the ceremony decorations outside to the front lawn, with the help of Jinna’s kind father and brother. The weather held off for the ceremony and made for perfect pictures by Magnolia South Photography! Perry Hardison was their officiant. I love working with him! His laid-back personality puts everyone’s nerves at ease.

The reception started off with delicious food from Happy Cardinal Catering, also known as The Boot in Durham, NC. Their crew made sure to cater to everyone’s needs including special-made vegetarian dishes for two guests and a “exceptional” dairy-free dish for me! The cake was provided by Once in a Blue Moon Bakery in Cary, NC. The chocolate cake…so, so good! A must try!

I adored getting to coordinate Jinna and Blake’s wedding and I am so glad they chose Exceptional Events!

Check out Magnolia South’s blog post here:
Magnolia South Photography
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Bridal Show This Weekend!

4/6/2017

1 Comment

 
This year has flown by! I have been Exceptionally busy the past couple of months preparing for The Times News - Burlington, Forever Bridal Show, an April wedding and my own wedding in May!!

Stop by this Sunday April 9th at Holly Hill Mall in Burlington, NC and check out some local vendors, sample some food, and watch a bridal show! We will be there from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Exceptional Events is offering a chance to win 25% off a total wedding planning package!!

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Stay tuned for posts from Jinna & Blake's Wedding, April 22nd and My Wedding in May!
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How to Ask your Bridesmaids...

2/22/2017

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Recently, we had a Bride who asked us for a creative way to ask her friends to be her bridesmaids. We finally stumbled upon this cute idea online! They are so easy to make and the girls loved them!

These could also be great "Thank You" presents for your mother or mother-in-law.

Hit the Contact Tab if you are interested!
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We've Partnered with Xedo!

5/9/2016

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We have officially partnered with Xedo, an online Tuxedo Rental Company! I am so happy to add this to my list of services!

Xedo provides tuxedo rentals all over the country. It offers guaranteed fit of the finest fabrics with perfect color coordination.

It is really easy. Come set up a FREE meeting with Exceptional Events and we will help you get your Xedo account started, show you all your options and how to use the website, measure you or your man, your groomsmen, and order! The rentals will be shipped to YOUR door 2 weeks before your event! It's FREE shipping on all orders. Plus, if you rent 5 or more tuxedos you get the groom's tux for FREE! All you have to do is "Wear it, Love it, Return it" with Fedex (which is automatically coming back to your house to pick up the rentals the Monday after your event).

You and your bridal party never have to step foot in a Tuxedo Shop again! You can even do all of it from home. Contact Exceptional Events at kaitlynnaylor@gmail.com and I will gladly send you the link and mail you some swatch samples, a pamphlet, and measuring tape! Or, I can meet you and take care of everything - for FREE!

The best part - Xedo is not only for weddings. It is for other formal events too, such as, prom, anniversary, etc!
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Left Lane Productions' Networking Luncheon in Thomasville, NC

3/31/2016

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Today, I attended a networking luncheon in Thomasville put on by Jessica Smith Nance, owner of Left Lane Productions, an event planning company in Thomasville, NC. It was held at The Gallery by Left Lane Productions, which is a cute bistro-style event venue. It is perfect for small groups and gatherings! 

Everyone at the event met with each other, talked, had lunch, and listened to a speech by Mark Scott from Thomasville Tourism. I met several people who are proud of their city and small businesses. I hope I can one day do an event or wedding in Thomasville, "The Chair City "
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Bridal Society Certification Course

2/29/2016

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This weekend I went to a wedding planner certification course by The Bridal Society in Greensboro. The class was taught by Laurie Hartwell a well known wedding planner all over the United States. She was awesome! Her personality was so positive and fun. She was very honest and giving. I highly recommend taking her certification course to everyone wanting to have a career in wedding planning. It really opened my eyes on things I need to start doing and change within my business. I cannot wait to try all of her ideas and suggestions!

After two information-packed days, I am officially a Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) of The Bridal Society!
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New Year, New Clients!

1/12/2016

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I am  so excited about 2016! We ended 2015 with a section in The Knot Magazine called "New & Noteworthy." I hope this brings us lots of business plus our new storefront on theknot.com as a Featured vendor.

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Exceptional Events is starting the new year with a promotion of 10% of all packages if a client books with us by January 31st.

My goal this year is to continue my education as a wedding planner and hopefully have more clients than last year!

Kaitlyn
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July 11th Wedding 

7/12/2015

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Yesterday, I helped coordinate a wedding for Jon & Pearce at Starlight Meadow. It was hot but the weather was beautiful! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and everything ran so smoothly! I was very pleased.

I had assistance since I am a little over 8 months pregnant. Katie did an awesome job and was willing to help with anything I asked of her.

The venue, Starlight Meadow, was perfect for the couple's simple, rustic wedding.

The beautiful flowers and ferns were provided by Russell Meadows.

The tasty butter-cream cake was provided  Main Street Cake Shoppe.

The awesome photography was taken by Liz Grogan Photography and her team. I will post her pictures later once I receive them.

The yummy food was provided by Above & Beyond Catering.

Lastly, the high quality DJ services were provided by Mitch Wheeler at Triad DJs and Events.

I hope I can work with this team again soon! Everyone was very professional and it made everything run smoothly.



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New Stickers!

3/18/2015

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Today, I received my stickers from  Atlantic Coast Screen Printing by Brian Harris. I recently bought turquoise buckets to transport  decorations and such to and from events and I wanted something to put on them so people knew they belonged to me. These stickers worked perfect, look great, and were so easy to put on! Plus, he made them in less than a weeks time.
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If you would like to contact Brian for stickers or screen printing, his website is www.atlanticcoastscreenprinting.com and phone number is 910-200-0818
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Logo!

1/21/2015

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Our logo was created by the Graphic Design Artist, Channing Dixon! I wanted something curly and handwritten. She did amazing! She sent me versions in white, black, and teal. I definitely recommend her for any graphic needs!
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    Author

    Owner of Exceptional Events and Lead Event Coordinator: 
                        Kaitlyn Satterfield

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KaitlynSatterfield@ExceptionalEventsNC.com


336.269.1500

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  • Home
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  • Photo Gallery
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    • Rentals
  • Contact
  • Balloon Services
    • Halloween Special
  • Extras
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    • Store
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