Nestled in the historic town of New Bern, North Carolina, this styled shoot came to life on the property of an 1843 historic home, Magnolia Manor — its timeworn character and Southern charm offering perfect inspiration for a garden-party wedding. The shoot married bygone elegance with fresh, romantic details: heirloom polished silver pieces gleamed against a palette of pastel florals, evoking a sense of gentle nostalgia and Southern refinement. The venue’s original bay window, grand staircase, and expansive gardens were the perfect backdrop for couples’ portraits. One of the most noteworthy details was a 1800s gilded mirror that once adorned the halls of the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion.
The bridal fashion featured a lace ball gown by the Spanish design house Pronovias, whose refined silhouette and timeless detailing complemented the setting’s graceful lines. Her partner’s look was anchored by a bowtie from Brackish — handcrafted in Charleston, SC — adding a touch of artisanal Southern style and personality.
The ceremony area was arranged in the manor’s side yard, with crisp white lattice-back chairs aligned in rows, echoing the adjacent white lattice fence, creating a cohesive, serene aesthetic. Two large urns overflowing with lush floral arrangements stood at the aisle’s end, framing the couple in a bloom-drenched embrace.
As the day unfolded, cocktail hour welcomed guests with passed hors d’oeuvres and a statement bar: vintage silver candelabra flickered beside abundant floral arrangements that carried the garden’s softness into the evening. The reception featured a striking king’s table, laid long and low, its center adorned with overflowing floral that draped and cascaded down the table. Layers of delicate petals — garden roses, sweet peas, clematis, hellebores, and delphinium — spilled across the table, creating a lush, immersive garden atmosphere within the manor’s gardens. After cake and champagne, the couple make their grand exit in a butter yellow 1951 Hudson.
These carefully curated details — from heirloom silver and scent-filled garden blooms to handcrafted accessories and coordinated décor — captured the essence of a quintessential Southern celebration. The result was a styled shoot that felt deeply rooted in tradition, yet fresh and inviting, offering couples inspiration for weddings filled with warmth, elegance, and meaningful beauty.
Photography: Haley Braddy Photography | Venue: Magnolia Manor | Planning: Party Perfection Weddings + Events | Floral & Event Design: Grace & Ivy Floral Design | Hair & Makeup: Halo Salon | Dress: Thornbury Brides | Dress Designer: Pronovias | Jewelry: Aster Maeve | Menswear: Mens Wearhouse | Grooms Bowtie: Brackish | Rentals: Charming & Quaint Event Rentals | Linens: Nuage Designs | Day of Paper & Signage: Fete & Quill Catering & Bar: Vine Catering Company | Cake: Famous Baking Company | Cookies: L C Design Co.
