Real Couples // A Fun Private Estate Wedding in Boone, NC: German + Laura
/I (Laura) was born in Cienfuegos, Cuba. I came to the states at the age of fourteen, and I have been living in North Carolina since 2007. German was born in Quito, Ecuador, left to work in Galapagos as a biologist for many years, and then came to North Carolina.
We met back in 2011. He was definitely the last person in my mind to fall in love with! We both were dating other people, but we developed a great friendship and respect for each other. As time passed and our other relationships ended, we looked at each other in a “this can actually be a thing” kind of way.
We had been dating for two years and living together for one when we started talking about getting married. It was more of a mutual decision than a surprise, which was just the way I wanted it. We picked my engagement ring together online, patiently waited a month for it to be made, and then I found his. Since the one I picked for him was two-tone metal, I decided to get a yellow gold band and that way we both had the two-tone look.
I wanted to get married in a vineyard, but when we started looking we realized they cost as much for one day as renting a big house for the entire weekend. I started looking for a place we could get away with family and get married.
Our wedding was cozy, loving and fun! We stayed at the house Friday through Sunday with twenty family members and had another twenty-three join us for the wedding on Saturday. I love that we can go back and celebrate anniversaries in the same house where we spent such an amazing weekend.
All of our vendors were amazing! The cake was made by a friend I went to high school with, and the videographer was a former employee of my husband’s. The caterer gave us an all-inclusive package that included rehearsal dinner Friday, brunch the morning of the wedding, cocktail hour, reception, party snacks, and breakfast the next day. I picked the photographer, Dani, because she specializes in small intimate weddings. I feel like I made the BEST decision with her. I hope to keep her as my family photographer from now on.
I wore a Hayley Paige “Halo” dress (stunning), Nine West shoes, and Givenchy earrings. I almost did not wear a veil; my mom kind of forced me to (hahaha) but I'm glad I did now. I honestly have never felt as beautiful as I did that day.
The ceremony was very simple and brief. My counselor got ordained just so she could marry us, and it was perfect. She is a family therapist, and I have been seeing her since I was twenty years old. We have an amazing bond, and her presence made it even more special. The ceremony was centered around love and respect and not so much religion.
My processional song was “Portuguese Love Theme” from Love Actually because I love the song and the movie’s message. My husband and I watch that movie all the time! My father/daughter dance was to “God Only Knows” because honestly God only knows what I’d be without my dad. He is my rock.
Our first dance song was “Amazing Day” by Coldplay. I have always loved this song and the way it makes me feel, and even before we planned to get married I thought it was the perfect choice.
I did not hire a band, but I did hire someone to be in charge of the music.
My dad gave an unexpected speech that moved me tremendously.
Our food was delicious; we had prime rib, rosemary lemon chicken, vegetables, salad, rice and a potato bar. The toppings in the potato bar had a huge Spanish influence since we are both Hispanic; we added things like Spanish chorizo.
I picked all of the decor myself and designed the look, set everything up at home, took photos, and hired someone to put it all together the day of. I wanted it all to be simple but also elegant and I think I did a good job of that. Everything that day looked so beautiful!
We danced non-stop until one in the morning. We had conga lines and limbo. We did have two girls fight over the bouquet, and in one of the conga lines we all fell like dominoes! It was the most fun I’ve ever had.
Having an intimate wedding was the best decision we made. We felt so comfortable with everyone. Also, everyone was very engaged in all the different parts of the wedding. I'm so thankful to all my vendors and my family for making this day possible.
Words by Laura as told by Amber Marlow. Photos by Dani Nicole Photography.
VENDORS
Photographer | Dani Nicole Photography
Videographer | Saul Guinto
Caterer | Melissa Gargiulo
Rings | Blue Nile
Cake | Cakes by Ari
Paper goods | Hallmark | Wedding Paper Divas
Signs and mantle | Cabin Creek Antiques
Rentals | Hauser Rental Services
Hair | Laura's sister
Laura's dress and veil | Nitsa's
Dress designer | Hayley Paige
Laura's earrings | Givenchy
I’m Danielle Agnew, a Charlotte, North Carolina based photographer who specializes in intimate weddings and portraits for couples and families who love love! A former nurse turned full-time, self-taught creative, I spend my days cuddling with my two kids, jamming out to Spotify acoustic playlists, and eating all the chocolate I can get my hands on.
