A Twist on Tradition...

Not all parties have to be huge bashes...check out our latest feature in Cary Magazine, where an intimate holiday table setting at The Oaks was featured in their "DIY Decor" article. The modern-themed clear and white table setting gives the perfect contrast against The Oaks' traditional details, while pops of bright, deep reds make the scene anything but boring. This unique and surprising theme was the vision of Katie Dunn of La Fête Event Planning. Special thanks to ThemeWorks and CE Rentals for the fabulous pieces featured in the table setting.

The Secret Behind The Oaks' Beauty...

We're usually bragging about our fabulous wedding couples on this page, but so many of our guests have been talking about the beauty of The Oaks and asking about the details, we have to give props to the amazing carpenters who made the magic happen. Superior Home Services, Inc. specializes in custom trim detail and specialty transom windows, and if you've been inside The Oaks, you're sure to have an impression of their work! From breathtaking timber beams to elegant windows and doorways, everything they do is top-notch and sure to catch your eye. Stop by their showroom location in Fuquay-Varina to see examples of their first-class work, or check out their affiliated specialty site at transomsdirect.com!

A Perfect Day...

With the hot days of summer behind us, we love the crispness of fall. And what better way to celebrate than with the deep, rich hues of red and purple...elegant simplicty, both classic and modern...and glimmering lights twinkling in the clear evening sky? Mary and Jeff's wedding here at The Oaks brought it all together, with custom touches including a wine cork theme and scroll accents in the bride's bouquet. Every polished detail punctuated their perfect day...congrats to a fabulous couple! Check out our facebook page for more of the beautiful images from Macon Photography.

Summertime 'I Do's"

Check out our latest wedding here at The Oaks - Chris and Kristen tied the knot under gorgeous sunny skies, highlighting their vibrant color scheme that featured rich royal blue popping against bouquets of orange, fuchsia and greens. Special thanks to Live View Studios for sharing these photos with us, and to all the other fabulous vendors who helped make their special day come together!

Wedding Coordinator: Nicole McMillen, Premier Party Planners; Florist: Fleurtations; Cake Designer: Sweet Memories; DJ – Ken Holmes, Joe Bunn DJ Company; Makeup: Elaine Harrison; Hair: Kasey Lane; Shoes: RSVP; Bridal Boutique: Traditions by Anna; Bridesmaids Dresses: The Bridal Boutique of NC; Men’s Clothing: Men’s Wearhouse; Lighting: Total Production Services; Officiant: Jonathan Bow; Catering: Rocky Top Catering; Linens & Rentals: Party Reflections

Love It!

This modern garden purple and green styled wedding shoot was designed with the elegant and modern bride in mind and is the most REALISTIC shoot we have ever seen! I thought it was a real wedding!!! Brought to life by an amazing group of vendors including Prévoir Photography, Prévoir Special Events, LLC, Sealed With Appeal and many more!!! Don't forget to look for the dapper French Bulldog in a swanky green bow tie named Claude!! Check it out at http://www.heartloveweddings.com/2012/05/modern-garden-purple-green-styled-wedding-shoot-from-prevoir-photography/

Done Brilliantly!

The latest spring wedding here at The Oaks, that is. Okay, so we copied that from the name of the blog that it was just featured on, but really, there's no other way to describe it. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the towering oak trees, colorful arrangements of spring flowers popped against the delicate light blue of the table linens, and one lucky couple experienced the perfect day they'd always dreamed of. Want to see more? Check out the Done Brilliantly blog, where the wedding is featured with Macon Photography's amazing photos: http://donebrilliantly.com/2012/05/real-wedding-the-oaks-at-salem. 

Inspiration from The Oaks...

What does a Southern garden party, sleek romance and a whimsical cocktail party all have in common? They were all themes that were brought to life here at The Oaks, and all three have been spotlighted in the latest issue of The Bride's Book! Each of these inspiration events were custom styled by Rachel Hamm of Bliss by Sam, and stunningly documented by f8 Photo Studios. Take a peek (http://raleigh.thebridesbook.com/e-zine.php) - you don't want to miss seeing these gorgeous full-color spreads filled with beautiful photography. And you may very well find some inspiration for your own special day!

Simply Elegant...

Timeless beauty, classic elegance, combined with a few hints of whimsy...that's what our latest style shoot was all about. You'll think you're looking at the pages of a national magazine when you check out the photos from Prevoir Photography (http://prevoirphotography.com/the-oaks-at-salem-style-shoot-apex-nc/). A clean, bright color scheme of white with pops of purple and apple green created the perfect backdrop for this stunning wedding. From the gorgeous tabletop to the stunning sky-high floral centerpiece that accented it, no detail was left to chance. An apple green candy bar, the bride's purple ruffled peep-toe pumps and the family dog's apple green bowtie were touches of whimsy that guaranteed fun for everyone. And to seal the deal, the couple set off in a beautiful classic car. That, my friends, is wedding day perfection.

Perfect details for this event provided by:

Style Shoot Design: Prevoir Special Events; Make Up: Made up by Lindsay Morse; Hair: The Cottage Salon in Durham; Bridal Gown & Bridesmaid Dress: Tre Bella Bridal in Durham; Florals: Tre Bella Florist in Durham; Tuxedos: Bernards Formal Wear in Durham; Linens: Connie Duglin Linen; Rentals: Party Reflections, Durham; Car: Classy Transportation ; Stationery and Seat Assignments: Sealed With Appeal ; Uplighting: Anything Music DJ’s; Photography: Erin & Natasha of Prevoir Photography

Lovestruck for Valentine's

A romantic wedding kicked up a notch to passionate...some might even say sexy...with sensuous details...rich fuschias and vibrant tones of pink and magenta...shimmering, sparkling silvers and crystals...and flowing fabrics with vintage details. That was our Valentine's Day style shoot here at The Oaks. From the raspberry-studded champagne to the glittery favor boxes and fragrant, ruffled floral arrangements, the tone of the day was clear: lovestruck. A feeling of pure and intense passion. Don't believe us? Check out the stunning photos from Live View Studios (http://www.liveviewstudios.com/wedding-couple-photography/lovestruck-a-valentines-inspired-wedding/). And, check out the feature on Raleigh Cake Pops that was included in the March/April issue of SavorNC magazine from this style shoot!

Special thanks to all the vendors who contributed to this special shoot:

Flowers and Event Design: Julie Liles; Hair/Makeup: Michelle Clark; Bridal Hairpieces & Accessories: Petals by KC; Jewelry: KnB’s Marketplace; Heirlooms & Extras: La Gartier; Cake Design: Frosted Bliss Cakes; Cake Pops: Raleigh Cake Pops; Stationery: Jacqueline Designs; Bridal Boutique: The Dancing Dress; Linens, Chairs & Cake Stand: Andy’s Tents & Events; Makeup: Karen Michelle Clark

Wedding Gowns Galore...with Cary Magazine!

The Oaks was selected as the backdrop for Cary Magazine's wedding dress feature section, "Wedding Whites", in their February issue. And not only that – one of the photos made the cover! We had a great time with the staff and models during the photo shoot, and we feel honored to have been chosen as the venue for such an elegant feature.

Each of the gowns, provided by Traditions by anna and Lana Addison Bridal, were breathtaking on models Gretta Handley and Katie Garfield. From exquisite lace and pops of color to the rising trend of going away dresses, this issue has you covered! Visit www.carymagazine.com to see more of these fabulous gowns.

Love Is In The Air...

.

Check out this video from Big Dog Little Bed Productions...this was an absolutely magical affair at The Oaks, with love dripping from each and every moment. Laurie and Matt are such an amazing couple, and their wedding was brimming with intimate and meaningful details, like the blending ceremony with Matt's son. But wait, it gets even better...their wedding may be on national television!

Laurie flew to New York to shop at the famous Kleinfeld bridal boutique, and she was chosen in advance to be filmed for Say Yes to the Dress, a TLC show that follows brides on their journey to finding the perfect wedding dress. Hopefully their special day will make the final cut and be featured on the show. Either way, we know they (and their guests) will never forget the special day they created here at The Oaks!

Special thanks to all of their fabulous vendors:

Photographer: Carrie Richardson Fry Photography; Hair & Makeup: Jackie Bushnell, Twisted Scizzors; DJ: Joe Wells, Top Notch Entertainment; Officiant: Kayelilly Middleton; Cake: Stick Boy Bread Company; Food: Catering by Design; Florist: Exquisite Occasions (Roanoke Rapids, NC); Wedding Coordinator: David Dickens, Exquisite Occasions

Oooo La La!

Wedding Extraordinaire Alexandra Beauregard has chosen one of our style shoots to be featured on her blog site! Viva L’Event designed a romantic, vintage Parisian style wedding, using the classic contrast of soft pinks and navy blue. Pearls, luscious bouquets of textured florals, ribbons and lace, exquisite china, and unique accents like cameos and parasols all came together to make this a one-of-a-kind, custom tailored event for the bride and groom. Our pond and towering oaks, along with the rich architecture of the house, created the perfect setting for this elegant shoot. And of course, the stunning photography by Hilton Pittman Photography perfectly showcased each detail. Visit www.heartloveweddings.com/2012/01/vintage-parisian-styled-shoot-from-viva-levent to view all of the fabulous photos.

Special thanks to the vendors who contributed to this chic event:
Vintage Rentals: Suzanna’s Antiques & Viva L’Event
Hair: Blo Salon Team
Makeup: Kristi Martinson
Flowers: Tre Bella Flowers
Bride’s & Bridesmaid Dresses: Tre Bella, Inc Bridal
Stationery: Paperwhites Press
Wedding Dress: Tre Bella, Inc Bridal