Madison McMahan & Tim Palmer

Very Merry Christmas

Married

Dec 16, 2017
Raleigh, North Carolina

Photo Credit

Sunshower Photography

Style Guide

Color Palette

Style

Formal, Themed

Season

Winter

The Proposal

We planned to spend the weekend at my parent’s house at Lake Norman for rest and relaxation. We have a pug that is adamant about doing his “dock run” and a lab that follows suit. We let Gus take his dock lap, and next thing I know Tim is on one knee asking me to be his wife. My Dad was popping Veuve Clicquot on the deck, and Tim was somewhere between passing out from the moment and the dogs running all over him. Who would have thought an Events Manager was marrying someone that could plan something so special!

In Preparation

The preparation was something I was so excited about, being a planner myself, but it takes a village. It was a balancing act working through busy season and creating our special day. The most important thing to me was not comparing our day to anyone else’s in this comparison world we live in. Tim and I focused on creating our own story and our moments that mattered while surrounding ourselves with our favorite people. The friends, family, and vendors were at the core of making this day happen for us! We made a list of what mattered most to us and made sure we remembered that throughout the process such as our guests, NC State, Old Fashioned cocktails, stationary, greenery, the band, and Christmas! One of my favorite memories is delivering welcome bags with my Maid of Honors. We had so much fun and laughed so hard all night.

The Big Day

Our wedding day was full of romance, little event fire drills, amazing weather, and the best friends and family. We made a promise to ourselves that we wanted to enjoy the reception and dance it up! My Mom surprised us with our college mascots, which set the tone and turned up the dance floor. My Dad’s speech was a favorite as well. Not only did he type his speech out in Christmas colored font, but he really brought home the meaning of marriage, memories, and our story. We were really thoughtful about choosing who stood next to us on this special day, and our bridal party is the essence of what fun and love look like. Our biggest surprise was our NC State ice sculpture that dawned in the middle of the cocktail tent and was an absolute showstopper, gifted by some of our and NC State’s biggest fans.

The Retreat

It started off by missing our first flight to Thailand on Sunday morning. Turned out to make for great laughs, a night in Chicago, and a first class upgrade. We are so thankful we got to spend time to relax, eat, and enjoy Thailand. We spent time in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phi Phi Island. Thailand is full of some of the nicest people we have ever met, the most delicious and fresh food, and breathtaking sunsets. We spent a lot of time sleeping, rehashing every moment of the wedding, swimming, getting Thai massages, and meeting new people.

Contributing Vendors

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sunshower Photography

VIDEOGRAPHY

Wrinkled Blanket Media

RECEPTION VENUE

The Pavilions at the Angus Barn

CEREMONY VENUE

St. Mary’s Chapel

WEEKEND-OF COORDINATOR

Claire Fedei Events

STATIONERY & COCKTAIL NAPKINS

Surcie

CREATIVE PRINT DESIGN

Meredith West

STATIONERY

Reaves Engraving

FLORALS & TABLESCAPES

Artfully Arranged

BRIDAL MAKEUP

Julie Robbins

BRIDAL PARTY MAKEUP

Kallie Blount

HAIR

Blown Away

KOOZIES

Planet Logo

WEDDING REGISTRY

Quintessentials

REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE

Humble Pie

BAND

Mr. Potato Head

CALLIGRAPHY

Rachael Bush

WATERCOLOR ART

BETSY RASCOE

CAKES

3D Sweets

ACCOMODATIONS

Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley

TRANSPORTATION

Ecostyle

WEDDING DRESS

Lily Rose Bridal

BRIDESMAID DRESSES