Raleigh wedding reception: Mad Men style

I’m so excited to share this amazingly fun Mad Men-inspired wedding photo shoot I was a part of recently. My personal vision was to take a little 1960s retro glamour and drop it into modern day Raleigh, creating a wedding style rather than a theme. I enlisted the help of Stephanie and Jamie, the creative minds behind Viva L’Event, shared with them my overall idea and told them to run with it. And they did. And not just an easy, Sunday afternoon kind of run, either. They full on sprinted. Jackie Joyner-Kersee Olympic style!

They pulled together an entire team of talented vendors who collaborated behind the scenes and then descended on downtown Raleigh and The Mint Restaurant to create the gorgeous “reception” that you see below.

From skinny ties and tea length dresses to retro pearls and birdcage veils, the styling team took us back to a time when chic elegance was the epitome of style. Baby’s Breath was a big trend in the 1960s, so that was used to create the centerpieces and added to gorgeous classic southern peonies for the bride’s bouquet. Upscale restaurant The Mint, a converted bank that was a Raleigh landmark back in the day, provided a sophisticated backdrop for our stunning couple, while an antique typewriter, a throwback green color palette and a modern black and white cake adorned with classic typewriter letters added touches of whimsy to the shoot. Every detail was intentional and purposeful and it was fun to see it all come together in a beautiful “celebration” that was a little bit retro and a little bit modern. And a whole lot of elegance!

I am absolutely in lovvvvve with The Mint … and think it’s the perfect place to stage a little throwback glam! When I was a little girl, it was actually a landmark bank in downtown Raleigh that’s been converted into an upscale restaurant. I’m smitten – and am so glad this was this site of our shoot!

An old typewriter was the perfect accessory for the rings, flowers and invitations…especially against the bold, 1960s green used in the linens and paper products. This booth was the perfect “sweetheart table” for our bride and groom….and the simplicity of the baby’s breath was the perfect contrast to the gorgeous black ceramic candelabra…
And a gorgeous table for the guests as well…
I love the mix of modern and retro in the china and the crystal ball candleholders…
I love how Stacey from Paper Cafe played off the classic typewriter font to create these fun place cards… Gorgeous…and so simply elegant!
This tea length dress from Traditions paired with chunky pearls and a fur cape makes our “bride” Ashley the perfect picture of 1960s retro glam … and our “groom” Alex is looking pretty dapper himself in a fitted suit and skinny tie… After a brief pause in front of The Mint, we took to Fayetteville Street for a bit LOVE this! And this! A quick change into a sassy striped frock with feather accent at the waist and a short flirty veil and Ashley and Alex were ready for martinis and mayhem…and a little cake, too! Sealed with a kiss!

Ooops! Adorable! Our Ambrosia cake is the perfect mix of retro and contemporary!
This one jus makes me swoon! So cute!
And then another quick change for some full on glamour! And fierceness. I. Am. Smitten.

Lovestruck! Ohmyheavens! This one is just pure hotness!
A little flirtin’ at the end of the day….
Just like with a real wedding, I always like to capture some individual portraits of the bride and groom….and Alex and Ashley definitely didn’t disappoint!

Okay girls…this one is definitely swoon-worthy!

Hawtness, for sure! He looks like a martini man, for sure! LOVE this one! And how beautiful is Ashley in this gown!?!  LoveloveLOVE this one! A modern day Marilyn? Yup, I’d say so! Stealing money from the vault? Maybe. Stealing hearts? Definitely! Another favorite! Love. It. So beautiful! These last two are definitely among my favorites — the gown, the girl, the locations. Just perfectly perfect! 

Many thanks to the super talent team who made this shoot come to life! I can’t wait to work with you all again soon! OXOX

The Creative Team:
Models: Ashley Beasley and Alex Johnson
Event Planners: Stephanie Cisko and Jamie Howell, Viva L’Event
Location: The Mint Restaurant
Floral Designer: Julie Liles, Julie Liles Floral and Event Design
Linens and Table Top Creations: CE Rental
Invitations, Menus and Placecards: Paper Cafe
Cake:  Ambrosia Cake Creations
Hair and Makeup Artist: Margo Williams, Belloviso, Inc.
Bride’s Wardrobe: Traditions by Anna Bridal Boutique
Photographer: Renee Sprink Photography