merrimonwynne

2026 Spring Showcase

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:50:20 GMT

Merrimon-Wynne’s Spring 2026 Wedding Showcase

On Thursday, April 30th, we hosted our Spring Wedding Showcase at The Merrimon-Wynne House, a luxury wedding venue in downtown Raleigh.

The evening was created in collaboration with our planning partner, Harmony Weddings, and a group of Raleigh’s premier wedding vendors. Guests were invited to tour the venue, meet vendor partners, and explore wedding design ideas throughout the space. For couples searching for a Raleigh wedding venue, a downtown Raleigh wedding venue, or a historic wedding venue in Raleigh NC, the showcase offered a clear look at how the property can be used for a wedding day

Meet Our Vendors:

Main House Vendors:
Planning | Harmony Weddings
Florals | English Garden
Catering | Under the Oak

Officiant | Perry Hardison
Beauty | Wink Hair & Makeup
Bridal | Bride of the Pines
Bridal Prep | Oak City Sunless

Carriage House Vendors:
Planning | Harmony Weddings
Florals | English Garden
Catering | Under the Oak

Rentals | Curated Events
Dean’s Duets | Musicians

DJ | Bunn DJ

Photo & Video | Live View Studios
Accommodations | The Casso
Niche | Diamond Realty
Officiant | Personal Weddings of NC

Ready. Set. Rally!

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:53:50 GMT

Ready. Set. Rally! An inside look at how Merrimon-Wynne was transformed into a pickleball and yardgame experience.

What happens when a historic estate trades formal seating charts for friendly competition? You get an event that feels more like fun than formality.

While this celebration was planned as a birthday party, it turned into the perfect example of how The Merrimon-Wynne House can transform any gathering into an experience that feels engaging, elevated, and refreshingly unexpected, making it great inspiration for future corporate events.

With an “adult field day” theme, the afternoon swapped a traditional private room in a restaurant for games, laughter, and connection out on our Lawn. Guests jumped into friendly competition with wiffle ball, relay races, and plenty of cheering from the sidelines. The atmosphere made it easy for people to connect naturally, proof that sometimes the best conversations happen mid-game, not around a conference table.

Think: summer camp energy, but make it corporate.

The fun continued inside our Carriage House with a pickleball tournament on a full-size court, complete with room for spectators to sip drinks and cheer each other on. As the final match played out, our Merrimon-Wynne team transformed the Lawn into an al fresco dinner setup, creating a seamless transition from competition to celebration.

If you’re planning a corporate offsite or team building event designed to spark camaraderie, let this party be your inspiration. Corporate gatherings don’t have to be boring—and we love helping teams trade spreadsheets for a little friendly competition.

With our Lawn, Main House, and Carriage House, we can bring any vision to life. From lounges, bars, heaters, umbrellas, dinner tables, and an inventory of lawn games, everything is in place to support an event that feels uniquely yours.

Whether you’re dreaming up an adult field day, a pickleball tournament, a relaxed outdoor dinner, or something completely custom, we handle every detail so your guests can focus on enjoying the moment.

Ready to plan a corporate event that feels anything but ordinary? Reach out through this link and tell us what your dream offsite looks like. We can’t wait to make it happen.

Fall 2025 Wedding Showcase

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:09:36 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Fall Wedding Showcase on Thursday, November 13th from 5 - 8 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue.

We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2026 charity partner - to be announced soon.

The Main House is where our couples traditionally host their cocktail hour after exchanging vows under our southern pecan trees on The Lawn! Our home provides the perfect setting for guests to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while exploring its historic charm. There are countless ways to easily elevate this venue, and we cannot wait for you to experience all that our vendors are doing to bring it to life!

From dinners to dance parties, The Carriage House has seen it all! It offers a beautiful backdrop for you and your guests, no matter the weather, and can easily be transformed from indoor ceremony to reception while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour inside the Main House. The possibilities are endless, and we are excited to share all that our vendors are creating!

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

Wedded At Wynne

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:45:32 GMT

Wedded At Wynne: The All-Inclusive Weekday Wedding Experience at The Merrimon-Wynne House

Timeless Backdrop. Curated Partners. One Seamless Experience.

That is the essence of Wedded at Wynne , the all-inclusive weekday wedding experience at The Merrimon-Wynne House was designed for couples who value ease without compromise.

Available exclusively Monday through Thursday, Wedded at Wynne combines The Merrimon-Wynne House’s signature hospitality with Raleigh’s most trusted creative partners. It offers all the beauty, care and attention to detail of a traditional Merrimon-Wynne wedding within a curated, all-inclusive format that allows couples to focus on what matters most.

The experience begins with Wynne & Co., our in-house planning team. Their team leads each couple from the first consultation through the final toast, ensuring a seamless journey at every step. Upon booking, couples receive the Wynne & Co. Planning Guidebook, a detailed resource outlining milestones, vendor coordination, and timelines that keep the process organized and calm.

Rocky Top Catering creates the culinary experience with refined menus and attentive service that enhance the atmosphere without distraction. Curated Events provides the tabletop and décor elements that complement the home’s historic architecture. Couples may also select from Merrimon-Wynne’s trusted partners such as Heritage Floral for bespoke floral design or Bunn DJ Co . for a tailored entertainment experience.

Weekday weddings at The Merrimon-Wynne House offer the same elevated service, amenities, and attention to detail as weekend celebrations, while providing an exclusive advantage: a deeply valued weekday rate and built-in savings of 10–25% with our curated vendor partners, making this refined experience all the more accessible to those who choose to celebrate outside the weekend.

Wedded at Wynne offers the comfort of knowing that every element has been handled with care, creating a celebration defined by simplicity, elegance, and true ease. It’s an invitation to experience a wedding that is effortless yet complete, curated yet individual, and every bit as timeless as the setting itself.

For more information about Wedded by Wynne, explore our brochure . We’d love to help you plan your dream celebration, contact us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our all-inclusive experience.

15 Wedding Essentials to Snag on Prime Day

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:36:58 GMT

Amazon Prime Day is the perfect time to cross a few more wedding to-dos off your list. We've pulled together the best options for each part of your special day so you can shop for everything in one place!

1.Frames

2. Table Numbers

3. Table Number Holders

4. Dance Floor Props

5 . Guest Book Pens

6. Matchbook Vessel

7. Parent & Grandparent Gifts

8. Getting Ready With The Bride

9. Getting Ready With The Groom

10. Bar Accessories

11. Seating Chart Display

12. Cake Table & Dessert Accessories

13. Send-Off Items

14. Honeymoon Prep

15. Guest Bathroom Basket Supplies

15 Gifts We Love For Fall

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 21:02:40 GMT

In light of the first day of fall, we can’t help but think of the little luxuries, cozy items, and seasonal treats that make this time of year so special. Here are 15 fall inspired things we’re loving right now!

1. Autumn Watercolor Workbook

A personal favorite of ours, the Emily Lex Autumn Watercolor Workbook is the perfect way to slow down during the day and let your creative mind reign free.

2. Harvest Stoneware Plate

These beautiful handcrafted Harvest Stoneware Dessert Plates bring the charm of Autumn to your table, making every slice of pie and fall treat feel extra special.

3. Mills Knee High Boots

T he Mills Knee High Boots are a pair you'll style with dresses, denim, and everything in between.

4. Patterned Throw Blanket

T his woven Patterned Throw Blanket is the perfect seasonal transition to your home for this fall.

5 .A utumn in the Neighborhood Puzzle

A nother board game for your collection, this Autumn in the Neighborhood 1000-piece puzzle is the perfect addition for your slow Sunday afternoon.

6. Olive Wax Poncho

The Olive Wax Poncho is a chic outer layer to throw on for a cool morning walk or to run errands in!

7. Stoneware Honey Pot & Dipper

This sweet little Stoneware Honey Pot & Dipper makes drizzling honey into tea or over warm morning biscuits oh so fun!

8. Hot Apple Cider Tea Bags

One of the season's most popular drink turned to tea, these Hot Apple Cider Tea Bags are warm and comforting at the end of a long day.

9. Dog Icon Juice Glass

Sip in style this season with playful Icon Juice Glasses, featuring adorable Wiener, Boxer, or Beagle dog illustrations to spice up your fall mornings!

10. Rose Roche Eau de Parfum

The  Rose Roche Eau de Parfum is a warm floral scent that smells just like a September stroll through Central Park.

11. Marble Condiment Set

Gone with the plastic salt, pepper, & jam containers, this Marble Condiment Set will instantly elevate your kitchen space!

12. Mignon Resin Spreaders

Mignon Resin Spreaders bring color and fun to any cheese board or appetizer spread this hosting season!

13. Tony Bianco Taupe Loafers

These tan suede Tony Bianco Loafers are the pair you'll reach for every day. They're soft, comfortable, and go with everything from jeans to dresses.

14. The Gather Candle

S et the mood for crisp Autumn evenings with The Gather Candle , filling your space with warmth and cozy scents!

15. Tizo Design Frame

Capture the season's sweetest memories with this Tizo Design frame!

Summer 2025 Wedding Showcase

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:40:04 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Summer Wedding Showcase on Sunday, August 24th from 1 - 4 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2026 charity partner - to be announced soon.

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

15 Gift Ideas For Father's Day!

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:37:48 GMT

Father's Day is right around the corner! If you're still searching for the perfect gift, we're here to help!

 Here's our top 15 gifts for your Dad of the year.

1. Onni Pizza Oven

Gift your Dad a gas-powered portable Ooni Pizza Oven that cranks out a hot, crispy pizza in just 60 seconds. Backyard pizza nights might just become his new favorite hobby!

2. Essential Grill Apron

The Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron is built for the Dad who takes their kitchen and grilling game to another level.

3. Spikeball Original Kit

Nothing says Father’s Day like a little friendly, family competition. The Spikeball Original Kit will get the whole family moving, laughing, and literally diving into the action.

4. Portable Putting Mat

No tee times available? This indoor Putting Mat brings the green to you!

5 .Foldable Cooler Chair

This Foldable Cooler Chair is the ultimate Amazon find for the Dads who love to fish, tailgate, or simply relax outdoors with a cold one.

6. Yeti 10oz. Lowball Cup

Perfect for a warm morning coffee or a chilled post-dinner bourbon, the Yeti Lowball Cup keeps the drink just at the right temperature.

7. Lululemon 7"Shorts

These LuluLemon 7” Shorts are comfy, stylish, and perfect for workouts, errands, or lounging around the house.

8. "American Grill" By Tyler Florence

10. "Father Daughter Dance" Vinyl

There’s more to grilling than hibachi and burgers! This “American Grill” book by Tyler Florence is full of 125 grill recipes that will “WOW” him!

Reminisce on your "Father Daughter dance" with a framed vinyl record to go in his at home office!

10. Life360 Tile Tracker

Designed for the dad who tends to lose things, the Life360 Tile Tracker is perfect for wallets, briefcases, luggage, and more!

11. "Best Dad" Cuff Links

The “Best Dad” Cufflinks are a subtle reminder that he will always be your number one guy!

12. Carhartt Tool Kit

This Carhartt Tool Kit is sturdy and spacious and can store everything from the one-to-many Home Depot trips!

13. Ugg Tasman Slipper

Another cozy gift, these Ugg Tasman Slippers are warm, comfy, and perfect for a lazy day at home!

14. Leather"Golf Courses" Table Book

This Leather "Golf Courses" Table Book by Graphic Image is the perfect addition to his at home office or man cave!

15. "Girl Dad" Trucker Hat

He's outnumbered and proud of it, the "Girl Dad" Trucker Hat is the best addition to his hat collection.

Evening To Ignite 2025: Top Moments From A Night In The Tropicana

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:50:30 GMT

In partnership with Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design our annual fundraising event, An Evening To Ignite , was a night to remember! Hundreds of individuals came together in support of our 2025 charity partner, Ripe For Revival , a local non-profit dedicated to combat food insecurity by providing accessible, nutritious food using Mobile Markets. They believe in building communities by utilizing large buses and trailers that are transformed into a pay-what-you-can system to provide access to fresh and local foods to areas that are considered "food deserts." What started as an idea and a dream in 2017 to bring together community members and events industry vendors to make a large-scale impact for one local, grassroots nonprofit has become a reality and grown into an annual event that raises over $150,000 each year! With the amazing support of our sponsors, vendors and local community, we are so proud to announce that $258,610.02 was raised for Ripe For Revival ! Every single dollar that was raised will help bring fresh and affordable food to the Triangle!

The Reason

At the heart of it all is Ripe For Revival, a nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting the food system and bringing fresh, local food to communities facing food insecurity. Their pay-what-you-can mobile markets travel across central and eastern North Carolina, offering affordable produce, proteins, and essentials to those who need it most. The success of An Evening To Ignite is made possible by the generosity of our vendor community, who give their time, talent, staffing, materials, and inventory to support this cause. We are so incredibly grateful to be part of such an impactful mission. This year, An Evening To Ignite raised over $250,000, directly supporting Ripe For Revival’s efforts to nourish both bodies and communities. Thanks to every supporter, we are one step closer to making fresh food accessible for all.

Photography by Jillian Knight

The Food

This year's VIP Chef’s Dinner was held at Junction West , where guests were transported to a tropical paradise with a handcrafted multi-course dinner prepared by the inventive Chef Jacob Boehm of Snap Pea Creative Dining . The VIP Chef's Dinner also included an exotic bar experience by Junction West with wines donated by Copper Cane Wine and beer from Trophy Brewing Company . The island inspired flavors, delicious wines, colorful palm tree centerpieces, and a show stopping tablescape, sponsored by American Party Rentals and Party Reflections , set the tone for the extraordinary evening ahead.

Photography by Jillian Knight

The Decor

If you can imagine walking into a sophisticated, high-energy evening inspired by the golden age of Latin nightclubs, then you can start to picture the extraordinary energy that took place. Guests were welcomed with a bold "Viva Ignite" sign by Heron Events and guided through a fabric draped tunnel by Party Tables , where a refreshing Cuban 75 was awaiting. From there, the experience at Merrimon-Wynne truly transformed into A Night At The Tropicana with vibrant florals by Heritage Floral Design , floating rattan pendants by Curated Events , velvet lounges, a decorated center stage, with dancers from Elevate , and tropical furnishings by Party Reflection's .

Photography by Jillian Knight

The Outfits

Let's just say, when the guests heard the dress code and theme, they understood the assignment! Each guest arrived decked out in bold prints, vibrant colors, and retro silhouettes. The iconic head pieces, fuchsia feathers, and linen suits brought all the more fun and bliss of the event to life. Every outfit became part of the story that created the unforgettable experience.

Photography by Jillian Knight

The People

What truly made the night one for the books were the people who filled the space. From generous donors to passionate non-profit leaders to the visionary vendors and the guests who showed up ready to give and to celebrate, thank you for everything! The energy was incredible and we can't stop thinking about everyone dancing the night away during Silent Disco by Coastal Credit Union , the memories captured at the 360 degree photo booth by ZimZoom , and live music & entertainment provided by East Coast Entertainment .

Photography by Jillian Knight

We Hope To See You Next Year!

To all our event sponsors, thank you so much for partnering with us to serve our community in a tangible way and for helping us raise $118,110.02 through sponsorships alone! Your immense generosity made this event possible and we could not have made such a large impact without you!

To all our vendors, we are truly in awe of your continued support and dedication, year after year. Your fully donated services and extraordinary talents are the heartbeat of An Evening To Ignite . You help us transform a vision into an unforgettable experience, and your generosity creates an atmosphere where purpose meets celebration. We are deeply grateful for the time, creativity, and heart you pour into every detail.

To our attendees, thank you for helping us make this the party of the year! We’re so appreciative of your willingness to spend your evening with us in support of Ripe For Revival ! We are beyond excited to see all that the future holds for Ripe For Revival!

Highlight Video created by Rouse Cinema

Thank You To Our Premier Partner!

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

VIP DINNER SPONSOR

LEVEL TWO SPONSORS

LEVEL THREE SPONSORS

LEVEL FOUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our amazing community of extraordinary event vendors to help us create a fully donated fundraising event!

15 Gift Ideas For Mother's Day!

Wed, 07 May 2025 15:27:01 GMT

Shopping for Mother’s Day looks a little different for everyone. Maybe you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for your best friend's first Mother’s Day, the mother of your children, or for your own. Whoever she is, this gift guide will make her feel extra loved and special this Mother’s Day!

1. Mother and Child Assouline Book

The perfect addition to her coffee table book collection is this signature "Mother and Child" Assouline Book .

2. Ceramic Ruffle Vase

This Ceramic Ruffle Vase will easily become her new favorite way to display flowers. The hand painted stripes, ruffling along the edge, and option to add her initials really makes it one-of-a-kind.

3. Mother's Day Fresh Sends

Celebrating Mother's Day from a far? Surprise her with this limited-edition Mother's Day Send that can be sent right to her front door!

4. Mocha Tea Kettle

Straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie is this classy Tea Kettle f rom the latest MacKenzie Childs Mocha Collection. The perfect, timeless addition to her kitchen!

5 . Monogrammed Beach Visor

With summer right around the corner, gift her a monogrammed Beach Visor for early morning pickle ball, a sunny lake day, or a good read on the beach.

6. Customized Canvas Tote

Another customizable Canvas Tote that is perfect for running errands, travel, and even keeping track of all the grandkid's essentials.

7. Makeup Bag

To help organize all her essentials, this Toiletry Bag is the perfect on the go diaper bag, snack bag, or makeup bag.

8. Customized Luggage Tag

Traveling made easy with these leather, customizable, and trendy Luggage Tags.

9 . Frame

A beautiful pink statement Frame to hold her favorite memories.

10. Broken Country Book

New York Times best seller and Reese Witherspoon book club approved, the fiction novel, Broken Country , by Clare Leslie Hall is a must read.

11. Barbour Rainboots

These army green Rainboots by Barbour are lightweight, comfortable, and perfect for spring showers .

12. Merrimon-Wynne Girl's Night Out Event

Treat her with tickets to our Girls Night Out Event hosted exclusively by Merrimon-Wynne. Tickets include a welcome glass of champagne, a Wine & Design session, hordevours, and more.

13. Palm Beach Inspired Mahjong Mat

Palm Beach inspired Mahjong Mat by Oh My Mahjong. The perfect transition into summer addition for her Mahjong collection.

14. Kimono Rose Lotion

Another Merrimon-Wynne favorite! The Kimono Rose Lotion by Thymes is delicate, classy, floral, and refreshing all in one.

15. Photo Book

Go back down memory lane and print out your favorite pictures and gift them in this floral Photo Book . A sentimental gift that will make this Mother's Day her best yet!

Spring 2025 Wedding Showcase

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 15:18:01 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Spring Wedding Showcase on Sunday, March 23rd from 1 - 4 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2026 charity partner - to be announced soon.

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

15+ Gift Ideas For Your Valentine!

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 17:31:54 GMT

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you’re on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special someone. If that special someone happens to be a bride-to-be, we’re here to help! From romantic keepsakes to stylish accessories, the possibilities are endless. To make your search a little easier, we’ve put together a list with a little bit of everything!

1. Small Eternity Rose by Venus et Fleur

The Eternity Roses from Venus et Fleur is a gentle reminder of a love that lasts forever. These preserved roses are long lasting and will make everyday feel like Valentine’s Day.

2. Tony’s Chocolate Bar

Signature Tony’s Chocolate Valentine’s Day chocolate bar collection is oh so delicious. A personalized wrapper or choose from one of the exclusive heart themed bars.

3. Slippers

These charming “I love Paris” Slippers are soft and warm. They’ll make her feel like she’s strolling along the streets of Paris even if she’s walking into the kitchen.

4. Baked by Melissa Cupcakes

Bite size cupcakes by Baked by Melissa are the sweet treat from heaven. Each cupcake is homemade with love so it’s okay to eat the whole box :)

5 . " Wish Me Luck" Tote Bag

The “Wish Me Luck” Tote Bag is roomy and trendy all in one. Best for running errands around town or even for a weekend getaway.

6. Amour Earrings

For a pop of color, these Amour Earrings by Gorjana are simple and a small accessory for a date night out.

7. C offee Mugs

What better way to start your morning on Valentines Day, then with coffee in bed served in these

His & Her Mugs .

8. H eart Bracelet

Every girl dreams of opening something sparkly on Valentine’s Day. Spice it up this year, and gift her this stunning Heart Bracelet . Something to remind her everyday of the love you share.

9. Isabel Marant Sunnies

If you have a weekend getaway or vacation coming up, a pair of Isabel Marant Sunnies is the perfect pop of color for the fashionista.

10. L'amour Sweater

The L’amour Sweater is a cozy knit and the perfect transition into the spring season. It’s light, soft, and a perfect wardrobe staple.

11. Dioramour Scarf

The D i oramour Scarf is a classy and sophisticated piece that can be worn around the neck or as an accessory on a purse.

12.T rinket Tray

This Trinket Tray is the cutest jewelry holder for a nightstand or vanity. The simple “l’amour” design will elevate any space of your choice.

13.B onbon Swedish Candy

If sweetness is the way to your valentines heart, this Bonbon Swedish Candy box is perfect. Each box comes with an assortment of Swedish candy. . . a dream gift if you ask me.

14. Embossed Drinking Glass

Add to her drinkware collection with the Embossed Drinking Glass set. It’s perfect for cocktails, mocktails, or even as an elevated water glass.

15.W aterford Ring Holder

The Waterford Ring Holder is another elevated trinket tray to hold any small treasures.

16.N ike Sneakers

There’s nothing like a fresh pair of Nike Sneakers . Comfortable, versatile, and perfect for the athletic Valentine.

17. Mixtape Keychain

Make a playlist with all your Valentine’s favorite artists and songs. Add it to the Mixtape Keychain for some nostalgia this Valentine’s Day.

Winter 2025 Wedding Showcase

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:04:33 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Winter Wedding Showcase on Sunday, January 26th from 1 - 4 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2025 charity partner, Ripe For Revival .

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

Fall 2024 Wedding Showcase

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 17:40:47 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Fall Wedding Showcase on Sunday, October 27th from 1 - 4 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2025 charity partner, Ripe For Revival .

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

Summer 2024 Wedding Showcase

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:59:12 GMT

Whether you're newly engaged or already planning your big day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is thrilled to invite you to our Summer Wedding Showcase on Sunday, August 11th from 1 - 4 PM! We've collaborated with some of Raleigh's top vendors to bring you an event brimming with inspiration for your wedding. Join us to explore the versatile spaces of The Merrimon-Wynne House, offering endless possibilities to craft a unique experience for you and your guests. Enjoy sparkling cocktails and culinary delights as you envision your perfect day in our beautiful venue. We can't wait to see you there!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2025 charity partner.

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We hope to see you there!

A Sunday Kind Of Love: Why Sunday Weddings Are A Great Idea!

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:52:25 GMT

When it comes to choosing the ideal day for your wedding, Fridays and Saturdays have traditionally reigned supreme as the day of choice for tying the knot. However, in recent years, another contender has quietly emerged, captivating couples with its unique charm—the Sunday wedding. We’ve gathered our favorite perks of a Sunday kind of love, and why we think you will want to experience the sweetness of a Sunday wedding at Merrimon-Wynne.

A Full Weekend To Explore Raleigh

Scheduling your wedding on a Sunday allows for a whole host of wedding activities the weekend leading up to the big day! Saturday weddings can easily create a rushed visit when traveling for a wedding and will have them headed back home before they can see all the city has to offer. Start the weekend off with a Friday night get together for out of towners, and familiarize them with some of Raleigh's best bites and libations. Spend your Saturday getting much needed rest, maybe getting a massage or taking a group yoga class with your bridesmaids, before an epic rehearsal dinner followed by your big day!

Plus, who doesn’t love an excuse for an extended weekend?! With many guests likely having the following day off work, there's no rush to end the festivities early. Couples can prolong the joyous occasion, enjoying more time with their loved ones without the pressure of having to wrap up the party prematurely. No Sunday Scaries over here!

Budget friendly

It's not uncommon for wedding venues to offer a discounted rate for Sundays in comparison to Fridays and Saturdays! Securing a better deal on the venue, can help couples stick to their budget more effectively and have the ability to allocate funds to other aspects of the wedding or even splurge on something special.

Better vendor availability

One of the most practical reasons for opting for a Sunday wedding is the increased availability of venues and vendors. Fridays and Saturdays tend to get booked far in advance, sometimes years ahead, making it challenging to secure your dream venue or preferred vendors. On Sundays, however, there's often more flexibility in scheduling, allowing you to have a wider variety of dates to choose from in your desired season. This flexibility also extends to your selection of preferred vendors, allowing you to curate your special day exactly as you've always envisioned.

An opportunity to make your wedding more unique!

Who doesn’t love a wedding that stands out from all the other ones they have been to? A Sunday wedding allows you more room to take a less traditional approach to your wedding timeline. This could mean a Sunday brunch reception (Hello, mimosa bar!) and being tucked in bed by 9pm, or if you’re still wanting that same late-night party vibe, never fear - you can do that on a Sunday, too!

Sunday weddings provide the opportunity to cater to your individuality when it comes to your big day and create a truly memorable experience for you and your guests!

Sweetness of Sundays

Sundays in the South are an undeniable ode to romance. The sun seems to linger a little bit longer, the birds chirp slightly softer, and there is a palpable sweetness in the air- think big Sunday suppers with your loved ones, fall football with your dad, and all the Sundays in your life that have been all about togetherness and unwinding. Beyond all the logistical and practical benefits, there is an unmatched sense of nostalgia and warmth on Sundays, and we’re certain your Sunday wedding at Merrimon-Wynne will be the sweetest one yet.

At Merrimon-Wynne, we're committed to helping you create the wedding of your dreams, and a Sunday celebration could be the perfect choice for you.

Ultimately, what matters most is not the day of the week but the love and commitment shared between two individuals embarking on a lifelong journey together. So, whether it's a Saturday soirée or a Sunday celebration, the most important thing is creating a wedding that authentically reflects your love!

So... are you wanting a Sunday kind of love just as much as we are now?!

To learn more about our venue's availability and pricing, please visit the link below!

Vendors:

Venue: The Merrimon-Wynne House | Planning: Anthem House | Catering: Rocky Top Catering | Florals: Heritage

Photography: Alexandra Scott Photography Rentals: Curated Events Entertainment: Mobile DJ Direct | Hair and Makeup: WINK Hair & Makeup

Say "I Do" To A Friday Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 20:21:06 GMT

The weekend begins on Friday, so why not kick off your wedding festivities then as well?!

From perfecting your ideal wedding celebration to freeing up the rest of the weekend, here’s why Friday weddings are such a big hit:

THE AVAILABILITY

One of the biggest advantages of opting for a Friday wedding is increased availability and flexibility when it comes to booking your vendors. With a Friday wedding, you're more likely to have your pick of dates giving you greater freedom to choose the perfect setting for your special day. Do you already have your eyes set on the perfect photographer, DJ, etc? Having your ideal vendors to be a part of your special day is crucial in making your dream wedding come true! Plus, we promise Friday weddings are a blast!

THE COST

Another significant perk of a Friday wedding is the potential for cost savings. Many wedding venues offer lower rates and/or minimums for events held on Fridays compared to peak Saturdays. By choosing a Friday, you may be able to stretch your budget further and allocate funds to other aspects of your wedding or even splurge on something special. Maybe it allocates more money towards décor items or gifts for your wedding party. The extra possibilities are endless!

YOUR GUESTS

While you may initially be concerned about your guests having to take time off work for a Friday wedding, most guests will appreciate the convenience of having the rest of the weekend free. Your loved ones can often make a long weekend out of the event, allowing them to travel, attend the wedding, and still have time to relax or explore the area before traveling back home and returning to their regular routines. Plus, who doesn’t love a three day weekend? (We sure do!) It’s a win-win for everyone!

WEDDING WEEKEND

Wedding days can be hectic for the bride and groom and trying to see all of your guests in a short amount of time can feel impossible. Hosting your wedding on a Friday allows you to extend the celebration throughout the weekend. Instead of cramming all the festivities into one day, you and your guests can enjoy a leisurely weekend together. Whether it's a post-wedding brunch, a fun get together at a local sporting event, or simply relaxing by the pool, a Friday wedding provides the perfect opportunity for additional quality time with your favorite people.

In conclusion, Friday weddings offer a variety of benefits - cost savings, vendor availability, extended celebrations and more. For couples looking to create a memorable and personalized wedding experience, go ahead and book that Friday wedding - you won’t regret it!

Vendors:

An Evening To Ignite 2024!

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 17:04:35 GMT

WHAT. A. NIGHT!

In partnership with Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design our annual fundraising event, An Evening to Ignite, was a night to remember! Hundreds of individuals came together in support of our 2024 charity partner, Neighbor To Neighbor , a local non-profit dedicated to reversing the debilitating effects poverty has on the most vulnerable families in Raleigh. They believe in providing long-term, one-on-one mentoring relationships for teens resulting in positive generational leaps in education, employment and personal development.

What started as an idea and a dream in 2017 to bring together community members and events industry vendors to make a large-scale impact for one local, grassroots nonprofit has become a reality and grown into an annual event that raises over $150,000 each year! With the amazing support of our sponsors, vendors and local community, we are so proud to announce that we raised $201,933.32 for Neighbor To Neighbor ! Every single dollar that was raised will help bring to life Neighbor to Neighbor’s dream of a state-of-the-art teen tech center that will create more training pathways, mentorships, and employment opportunities for youth in our community. We cannot wait to see this space realized!

The success of this event is due in large part to the generosity of our vendor community and their contributions of time, effort, staffing, materials, inventory, and talents. Over 40 local event industry vendors came together to donate over $250,000+ of goods and services to ensure 100% of the proceeds raised during the event went directly to Neighbor to Neighbor. Year after year, our vendor friends continuously raise the bar by outdoing themselves and helping make Evening to Ignite bigger and better than the year before. We are eternally grateful to be in such a collaborative and talented industry!

VIP CHEF'S DINNER

We kicked off An Evening To Ignite 2024 with a VIP Chef’s Dinner at the historic Heck-Andrews House , located just a few steps away from Merrimon-Wynne!

Guests were treated to an inspired multi-course dinner prepared by HL Catering , wine pairings sponsored by Westgate Wine and an elevated bar experience sponsored by Trophy Brewing Company. Amidst delicious cuisine and friendly camaraderie, Neighbor To Neighbor's Program Manager, Spencer Hathcock, made a special announcement about the future of Neighbor To Neighbor! A dream four years in the making is finally coming to fruition - the building of The Neighbor Teen Center, a 4,000 sq. ft. space that will not only enhance their comprehensive approach to youth development, but will also be the beginning of a brand new initiative, Neighbor Media!

The VIP Dinner concluded with moving thank you letters from Neighbor to Neighbor to the attendees, expressing the sincere appreciation for the community support of a place that holds special significance to Neighbor to Neighbor participants.

MAIN EVENT

Following the intimate dinner at Heck-Andrews House , we welcomed our guests into a Whimsical Wonderland designed by La Fête Planning and Design at Merrimon-Wynne! As guests arrived, they strolled through a tunnel of over 10,000 colored balloons by Xceptional Balloons and were greeted with a unique champagne wall created by Greenhouse Picker Sisters , before stepping into a clear top tent from Curated Events designed to transport attendees into a world where imagination knew no bounds and every corner held a surprise waiting to be discovered.

At every turn, fun details unfolded - a kaleidoscope of colorful draping by Party Tables , lighting by Get Lit , delicious cocktails by Merrimon-Wynne, small plates by Rocky Top Catering , and beautiful blooms by Once Gathered . The evening was filled with an abundance of unique activities - carnival-inspired games, an adult-sized ball pit, hand-spun cotton candy, swings hanging from the rafters, stilt walkers, Poetry Fox, live music by Sleeping Booty Band , confetti cannons and so much more were all seamlessly woven together to craft an unforgettable evening!

We are amazed by the extraordinary design and experience curated by our exceptional vendor team that was captured so beautifully by Jillian Knight Photography and Matt & Meredith Films . It was truly gratifying watching everyone joyfully eat, drink, dance and most importantly raise money for such a deserving cause! The air was electric and the energy was unmatched.

THE AFTER PARTY!

Before bidding farewell to the evening, we kicked the festivities up a notch with a lively after-party courtesy of Rocky Top Catering !

Complete with an epic silent disco with music mixed from Bunn DJ and All Events DJ and light-up dance floor props galore, it was the perfect finale to one of our most-cherished nights of the year!

WRAPPING UP

To all our event sponsors, thank you so much for partnering with us to serve our community in a tangible way and for helping us raise $60,200 through sponsorships alone! Your immense generosity made this event possible and we could not have made such a large impact without you!

To our attendees, thank you for helping us make this the party of the year! We’re so appreciative of your willingness to spend your evening with us in support of Neighbor To Neighbor ! We are beyond excited to see all that the future holds and the change that Neighbor To Neighbor will continue to make in our community.

Highlight Video created by Matt & Meredith Films

Thank you to our amazing community of extraordinary event vendors to help us create a fully donated fundraising event!

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

LEVEL THREE SPONSORS

LEVEL FOUR SPONSORS

Spring 2024 Wedding Showcase

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:27:56 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Spring Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and yo ur guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2025 charity partner.

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

The Main House is where our couples traditionally host their cocktail hour after exchanging vows under our southern pecan trees on The Lawn! Our home creates the perfect space for our couples to enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres all while exploring the charm of our historic home! There are so many ways to easily elevate this space and we cannot wait for you to experience all that our vendors are doing to bring this space to life!

THE MAIN HOUSE/LAWN TEAM

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE TEAM

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Spring Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

Winter 2024 Wedding Showcase

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 19:32:04 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Winter Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and yo ur guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2024 charity partner, Neighbor To Neighbor .

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

THE MAIN HOUSE/LAWN TEAM

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE TEAM

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Winter Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

Holiday Bazaar

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 20:37:28 GMT

Make shopping for your loved ones this holiday season something you look forward to! From November 27 to November 28 from 5 PM to 8 PM, shop local vendors all in one place while sipping on holiday cocktails in a festive atmosphere! We'll have holiday music playing and firepits & lounges kick your feet up in between shopping!

There is no entry fee to come and shop, but we do ask that you RSVP below.

Santa will be joining us on Tuesday so feel free to bring your little ones by to meet him ($10/family).

HOLIDAY BAZAAR VENDORS

Holiday Magic 2023 at Merrimon-Wynne!

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 18:00:06 GMT

Our most magical event of the year is BACK! We cannot wait to kick off the holiday season with our 5th annual Holiday Magic event on November 26th! From picking out the perfect Christmas tree while sipping on a warm cup of hot cocoa, to enjoying story time with Santa or a horse and carriage ride around downtown Raleigh, The Merrimon-Wynne House has it all for you! So help us celebrate the holiday season the only way we know how. . .

with lots of holiday magic and cheer!

EVENT DETAILS

EVENT SCHEDULE:

The event will take place from 11AM - 4PM.

Storytime with Santa will take place at 1PM and 3PM - during this time, milk and cookies will be handed out for any children participating.
Photos with Santa will be taken throughout the entire event with the exception of during storytime. Photos will be emailed out to attendees in a large gallery following the event.

EVENT ACTIVITIES:

Throughout the entire event, Wicked Links will be serving food under the pergola for purchase.
Hot Cocoa and Warm Apple Cider will be available complimentary at its own designated station.
Beer, wine, spiked warm beverages and water will be available at the main bar for purchase, however, each adult ticket includes one complimentary drink.
Two bounce houses will be set up on the lawn - one will be designated for children under 5 years old and one will be designated for children 5 years & up.
The Carriage House will have the following children's activities:
Letters to Santa
Cookie Decorating
Snowglobe Making

CHRISTMAS TREE SALES:

We will have a limited quantity of Christmas Trees (on the lawn) for sale during the event. If you are interested in purchasing, please let a member of our team know. Christmas Trees will be tagged the day of the event & will need to be taken home by 4PM on Sunday.

HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDES:

If you have purchased a Horse & Carriage ride, please confirm your ride time prior to your arrival on Sunday. There will be a waiting area for the carriage rides on the front lawn of the main house. Please make your way to the front lawn with your entire party no later than 10 minute prior to your scheduled carriage ride so that we are able to load all carriages and begin all rides at the scheduled time. Because the horses need to stay together during the rides, if you are not in the waiting area at your scheduled ride time, the carriages will need to leave without you.

If you haven't signed up for a horse & carriage ride yet and are wanting to do so, we still have spots available and you can purchase tickets here !

MINI SESSIONS:

If you signed up for a mini-session, please confirm your session time prior to your arrival on Sunday. Sessions will take place on the side porch of the main house. Please make your way to the front room of the Main House no later than 10 minutes prior to your scheduled mini-session. Sessions will begin promptly - if you are late, time will not be able to be added to the back end of your session.

If you haven't signed up for a mini session yet and are wanting to do so, we still have spots available and you can purchase tickets here !

DONATIONS:

A portion of proceeds from Holiday Magic will be donated to our 2024 charity partner, Neighbor to Neighbor . We’re thrilled to be able to raise awareness and donations for Neighbor to Neighbor through our upcoming events and while monetary donations are extremely important and crucial for this organization mission, the nonprofit's most immediate tangible needs are linked here in an Amazon Wishlist . If you prefer to contribute a monetary donation, you can do so at this link. Neighbor to Neighbor will also be onsite during the daytime event to share more about their mission and to collect any physical donations that attendees bring.

All event proceeds will be donated to Neighbor to Neighbor !

Holiday Bazaar

Make shopping for your loved ones this holiday season something you look forward to! From November 27 to November 28 from 5 PM to 8 PM, shop local vendors all in one place which sipping on holiday cocktails in a festive atmosphere! We'll have holiday music playing and firepits & lounges kick your feet up in between shopping! Santa will be joining us on Tuesday so feel free to bring your little ones by to meet him ($10/family).

Holiday Magic 2022

Videography: Thomas Blake

A Big thank you to all of our vendors participating in this years event!

Fall 2023 Wedding Showcase

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:39:40 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Fall Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and yo ur guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2024 charity partner, Neighbor To Neighbor .

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

THE MAIN HOUSE/LAWN TEAM

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE TEAM

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Fall Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

Why A Summer Wedding Is A Must!

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 18:00:52 GMT

If longer nights, sun kissed skin, bright dresses and fun summer cocktails aren’t already enough to convince you that Summer is the perfect time for a wedding, then keep reading to find out what makes the Summer season is one of our favorite seasons!

Endless Opportunities With Summer Color Schemes!

Everyone knows colors are just better in the summer! Summer is the season for all things bright and fun, and there is an endless amount of opportunities for your wedding color schemes! From elegant tones of blush and champagne to bright palettes with orange and fuchsia, every couple gets to dream big with their wedding in the summertime! Pair your wedding florals with our summery market umbrellas and rattan fans to create the perfect ceremony look or enhance your summer wedding reception with our flower chandeliers and rattan lighting !

Extended Day Time Hours!

Whether you’re wanting to have your wedding ceremony in the afternoon or wait until the evening, the summer wedding season allows for an endless amount of options for your wedding day timeline! Some couples may prefer an earlier start so they can have ample time to capture sunset photos while others may want to exchange their vows during golden hour - good news is that you get to choose! With the summertime there is no rush and we cannot wait to cater your day specifically to you and your vision!

More Likely To Attend

With the majority of big holidays in the fall and winter and work calming down in the summer, traveling for weddings becomes much easier for your guests! The summertime is a much less stressful time for people to plan trips so you’ll want to book that summer date to ensure all your loved ones are able to be there for your special day! Who knows…maybe you’ll want to account for a few extra days in your wedding weekend timeline after checking out our Raleigh Weekend Guides: Wine & Cocktail Bars , Coffee Shops , Restaurants , Nightlife & Accommodations .

Exciting Attire Options

If you’re anything like us, our closets just about double in the summertime with bright and fun outfit options! The warm weather makes for so many cute options and you’ll have every guest excited to go shopping for your big day! Whether you’re keeping it elegant with a black-tie dress-code or wanting to go the more casual route, there is something for everyone in the summer and we cannot wait to see what your guests arrive in!

Indoor Ceremony Options

If you’ve dreamed of a summer wedding but are nervous about the heat, we have a variety of indoor options for you to choose from for your ceremony! With its original flooring and gorgeous chandeliers, our Main House is rich with southern charm and perfect for more intimate ceremonies! If you’re looking to share your day with a larger guest count then the Carriage House is a great indoor option for you! With bright white walls, high ceilings, beautiful crystal chandeliers and a variety of backdrops to choose from, this space can be catered to any couple’s style! The Pergola is another option if you want to escape the heat, while exchanging your vows! This fully air conditioned space creates a more indoor-outdoor feel with its large windows and white lattice walls!

Allllllll The Honeymoon Options

For those of you wanting to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding, there is no better time than the summertime! Whether you want to experience a European summer or head south to a beautiful Caribbean island, there are an endless amount of beautiful places for you to choose from and we cannot wait to see where you go!

Summer weddings mean summer anniversaries and what better time to take a trip than the beautiful warm months! Whether you plan a weekend trip to the closest beach or an island getaway to celebrate, the options are endless in the Summer. So get that summer tan on, order all the bright dresses and start searching for the perfect place to spend your anniversary!

We would be honored to be a part of your dream summer wedding! Please let us know if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our summer availability!

Summer 2023 Wedding Showcase

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:31:50 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Summer Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and yo ur guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to our 2024 charity partner who we will be announcing soon!

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

THE MAIN HOUSE/LAWN TEAM

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE TEAM

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Spring Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

A Sunday Kind Of Love: Why Sunday Weddings Are A Great Idea!

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:53:03 GMT

With every season becoming wedding season, Saturday weddings are no longer the only dates dominating calendars. Times are changing - schedules are becoming more flexible and Sunday weddings are no longer looked at as an inconvenience for guests! With Sunday’s rising popularity, we’ve gathered our favorite perks of a Sunday kind of love so you can grab a date before they’re all gone!

1. A Full Weekend To Explore Raleigh

Bring on the Friday night dinner reservation and a full day Saturday exploring all the fun things to do in Raleigh! One of our favorite things about a Sunday wedding is that it allows your guests to enjoy a full weekend in such a cool city! Saturday weddings can easily create a rushed visit when traveling for a wedding and will have them headed back home before they can really see all that the city has to offer. Sunday weddings allow your guests to take their time coming in before kicking things off and having the night of your life with your guests!

2. Flexible Work Schedules

With the majority of work turning virtual (thanks, Covid-19!), it’s now as easy as bumping that zoom meeting up a few hours or finishing that last project while waiting at your gate in the airport on Monday afternoon! Pre-pandemic, Sunday weddings weren’t as popular due to couples’ fear of inconveniencing their guests but that’s no longer the case! Sunday has now become a desired day without hesitation due to the majority of guests ability to work remotely!

3. Budget-Friendly

Sunday weddings have quickly become a win-win… and here’s why! Guests are no longer seeing Sundays as an undesired day to party AND wedding vendors often offer discounted rates compared to Fridays and Saturdays! In the past, couples have always focused on Fridays and Saturdays… causing vendors to raise their prices for these desired dates. But like we said… times are changing even though the prices haven’t yet! So hurry up and beat the vendors to it before they raise their prices for Sundays!

4. Better Vendor Availability

As not all couples have taken advantage of the flexibility of Sundays quite yet, you will most likely have your first pick of top-tier wedding vendors! If the perks above haven’t convinced you yet, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that Sunday weddings will most likely allow you to have your preferred season, date and vendors. So… you can literally get all that you want!!

5. An opportunity to make your wedding more unique!

Who doesn’t love a wedding that stands out from all the other ones they have been to?! Sunday weddings can have a different feel than a Saturday night reception and we are loving how unique our Sunday couples have made their big day! I mean let’s be honest… who wouldn’t love a Sunday brunch wedding with a full mimosa bar?! Still wanting that same late-night party vibe? You can do that on a Sunday, too!

6. Instant Gratification

With the pandemic pushing weddings out, there are more people than ever looking to get married within the next year or two. Couples who have been set on a Friday or Saturday have been forced to book their wedding years out but taking Sunday dates into consideration will allow you to have your wedding when you actually want to! So take a deep breath… we have found your way around a three year engagement!

7. Traveling On Mondays > Traveling On Sundays

If you’re going straight to your Honeymoon the morning after your wedding, then no need to stress about walking into chaos at the airport! With the majority of people traveling on Sundays, that Monday flight of yours will be a breeze to get to! No long lines at TSA, packed airport shuttles, and overbooked flights… sounds like the best way to kick-off your honeymoon right?!

So... are you wanting a Sunday kind of love just as much as we are now?!

To learn more about our venue's availab ility and pricing, please visit the link below!

Thursday Weddings: A Trend That Is Here To Stay!

Tue, 23 May 2023 15:38:09 GMT

Weddings - now most commonly found on any day that ends in “y!” The weekday wedding trend started a few years ago and has picked up like crazy ever since the coronavirus pandemic. As we all know, Covid-19 has created entirely new norms and we aren’t mad about Thursday weddings being one of them!

The Perfect Long Weekend... And A Chance To Play Hooky!

First things first. You’re giving your guests the perfect opportunity for a four-day weekend! Who wouldn’t say yes?! This may be your first hesitation before snagging that Thursday within your dream wedding month but times are changing with our flexible work schedules and the ability to work on the go!

“All we heard from our guests was how excited they were to get out of town and have an excuse for a long weekend,” says one of our past brides - Heather Neagle.

A Thursday wedding also ended up being music to guests ears for Catherine Andrews - another past bride of ours! She shared,

“With so many people from out of town it gave them an opportunity to have an absolute party starting at the Wednesday rehearsal dinner all the way through the weekend.”

With the majority of work turning virtual (thanks, Covid-19!), it’s now as easy as bumping that zoom meeting up a few hours or finishing that last project while waiting at your gate in the airport!

Your Dream Vendor Team - At A Fraction Of The Cost!

You’re more likely to secure your dream vendor team!

Similar to wedding venues, many of the most popular photographers, florists, bands and caterers are booked out for months, or even years in advance. Want to know a secret? Cheat the system by asking for their Thursday availability!

Also, can someone queue up ‘Best of Both Worlds’ by Hannah Montana? After booking that florist or photographer you have been fangirling over on instagram for the past two years you’ll realize Thursday weddings are kindaaaa a win-win. That’s right - you will be able to bring that Pinterest board to life with a fraction of the cost!

Extended Time With Loved Ones!

A full weekend ahead of you with your loved ones… without a single thing on your wedding to-do list! That’s right - no more last minute wedding emails or stress about your guests and the weather! It can be challenging to stay present on your wedding day but with all the big things behind you, we’ve found that our couples have cherished these extra few days with their loved ones! While Saturday and Sunday weddings have your loved ones rushing to the airport hours after your celebration, a Thursday wedding allows for an entire weekend with those you don’t get to see often!

These extra few days will also give your guests more time to enjoy a Friday brunch, a relaxing Saturday afternoon and then leisurely get home when it is convenient for them, rather than drive home Sunday with a hangover to work the next day!

Flights & Accommodations

If you are hosting a wedding with a big group coming in from out of town, then they’ll be happy to hear about this one! Air travel, uber chargers, hotel fees - all at a fraction of the cost! Travel and hotel accommodations can be drastically cheaper during the week and are much easier for you and your guests to find! This can become a main point of stress for brides and planners when hosting large groups for Saturday and Sunday weddings and a big reason why our past brides have loved their weekday wedding! So, we don’t know about you but the ease and savings that this provides throughout the planning process seems like a win-win to us!

So… A four-day weekend, your dream wedding team, extended time with loved ones and cheaper accommodations for your guests?

Ya, we see why this trend is here to stay!

Why It’s So Important to Select Your Venue Before Your Date!

Mon, 15 May 2023 18:56:46 GMT

“Should I pick my wedding date or venue first?!” - The Question That Everyone Is Asking!

It’s the first thought that comes to mind for the majority of couples and it can be a tricky one to figure out. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life and the wedding planning process can feel daunting if you have no idea where to start. For many couples, the first dilemma when beginning the planning process is when and where?! While every couple is unique and has different priorities for their day, our biggest piece of advice is to start with your location! Prioritizing your wedding venue first will save you time, stress and sometimes even money - here’s why!

The options are endless when you start with the venue!

Some couples are quick to lock themselves into a date for their wedding day before searching for the perfect venue but this will limit the options around you. By limiting yourself to a specific date, season or day of the week, you might risk settling for a venue that you wouldn’t have naturally been drawn to, rather than finding the space that feels right for you and your partner! So trust us when we say it isn’t worth settling when there are so many benefits to non-saturday options! Check out all the reasons we have been loving weekday and Sunday weddings on our blog below!

Your venue sets the stage for your entire day

Patience is key and when you come across the right venue we promise you will feel it! Prioritizing that feeling above all else will help ease the nerves and we cannot stress that enough! Once you tour the venue that feels right for you you will catch yourself thinking less about all the decor and DIY projects you have added to your to-do list! Your venue will set the stage for the entire day and when you feel confident about the experience that your venue will provide to you and your guests, the rest will fall into place more easily.

Don’t sacrifice the style you’re really looking for

Not only will the venue set the stage for your entire event, it will also be the backdrop of photos that you will look back on for years to come. This is another reason why it’s so important that your venue reflects your style and personality as a couple! Choosing a date before selecting a venue could cause you to change the entire look or feel that you were originally hoping for!

Your memories are more important than a specific date

If you’re the couple who is set on having your wedding at a specific venue or have dreamed of a certain experience for your wedding day, then don’t lock yourself in by choosing a date before looking at venues! When you look back 10, 20, 30 years from now, you will not think about the day of the week or even the time of year that you got married. You’ll remember the memories made, surrounded by your loved ones, in a place that felt like home to you - even if for just one night. Take the pressure off, book those venue tours and let the spaces speak for themselves! We promise you will thank us when you make your final decision!

10 Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:34:20 GMT

If you’ve started thinking about Mother’s Day but aren’t sure where to start when it comes to finding the perfect gift, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve searched the web and are bringing you our favorite finds below!

1. RALEIGH WINE SHOP WINE TASTING CLASS

No mother we know will say no to a wine tasting class that’s for sure! Raleigh Wine Shop is just around the corner from your neighborhood and offers classes all about wine, food pairing and more!

2. ANTHROPOLOGIE'S THROW BLANKET

The perfect throw blanket for that little reading nook your mother spends so much time in! Anthropologie’s Callum Gauze Throw Blanket has a variety of prints to fit any and every mother’s home aesthetic and we can guarantee you she’ll be wanting another one next year!

3. HEIGHTS HOUSE SUPPER CLUB

The Height’s House recently announced its new monthly dining experience and it screams the perfect Mother’s Day gift! If that special someone loves a unique dining experience, then we recommend heading on over to their website to purchase tickets for their next supper club!

4. GEORGETOWN CUPCAKES

Did someone say Georgetown cupcakes ?! This one speaks for itself butttt we found this one when searching the internet for gifts and ordered immediately so we had to include it! This set of 12 cupcakes arrives in a heart box and is just the cutest gift for Mother’s Day!

5. THE UMSTEAD SPA

Andddd this next one might be our favorite! If you are looking for a relaxing gift experience then the Umstead Spa is calling your name! Head on over to The Umstead’s luxury spa to find the perfect spa package and relaxation treatment for your mom!

6. ANTHROPOLOGIE CAKE STAND

If your mom or that special someone that you’re shopping for loves to bake, then she will love this one! Whether wanting to display a birthday cake or that fresh dozen she just baked, Anthropologie's Francesca Kaye Cake Stand will look perfect on her kitchen island or in the middle of a dinner tablescape!

7. BROOKLINEN ROBE

A robe that is almost impossible to get out of in the mornings! If your mom loves a good robe, then we found the ideal gift for you! Brooklinen’s Super-Plush Robe will make them feel like they are lounging in luxury every morning and will be asking for a new color when that next holiday comes around!

8. STANLEY QUENCHER TUMBLER

Another fan favorite… a Stanley cup ! If your mom is a lover of practical gifts, then this one if for her! The Quencher Tumbler is the perfect size for that refreshing summer drink and fits perfectly in her car cup holder

9. THE DYSON AIRWRAP

We all know it and absolutely love it… the Dyson Airwrap ! This multi-styler hair dryer comes with all the tools for every hair style and is the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

10. LE CREUSET CAST IRON OVEN

Last but certainly not least... every mother could use another cast iron oven! Le Creuset’s Signature Cast Iron Round Oven is a fan favorite and will be the perfect go-to whenever she finds herself cooking in the kitchen!

An Evening To Ignite 2023!

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:28:54 GMT

We just wrapped up An Evening To Ignite and we are so excited to share this one with you! This year, we partnered with Band Together and La Fête Planning & Design for our annual fundraising event all in support of our 2023 charity partner, No Woman No Girl , and we are in awe of the tremendous love and support that we received from so many of you!

Starting in 2016, we reached out to our amazing community of extraordinary event vendors to help us create a fundraising event unlike anything we have ever seen before and it is safe to say that they went bigger and better than ever for The No Woman No Girl Initiative ! With the amazing support of our sponsors, vendors and local community, we are so proud to announce that we raised $169,595 for No Woman, No Girl and cannot wait to see the positive impact that this has on so many women and girls experiencing crisis in our community.

VIP CHEF'S DINNER

We were honored to have HL Catering officially kick off An Evening To Ignite with a VIP Chef’s Dinner in our Main House designed by the talented La Fête Planning & Design team! From a multi-course space inspired dinner to an elevated bar experience sponsored by the Raleigh Wine Shop , it was such a joy watching so many people gather for an out-of-this-world dining experience while No Woman No Girl ’s co-founder and executive director, Shirnetta Harrell, shared her dreams and goals for so many women and girls experiencing crisis in our community.

MAIN EVENT

After starting our night with an intimate dinner setting in our Main House, we welcomed our guests into our tent and Carriage House for a ~galactic glam~ grand reveal! As we watched jaws drop and phones light up to capture the moment, we too were in awe of the design that our amazing vendor teams put together to celebrate The No Woman, No Girl Initiative ! Every square inch of our spaces came together perfectly to create the most interstellar experience and it was such a joy watching everyone as they ate, drank, danced and raised money for such an amazing cause!

THE AFTER PARTY!

Andddddd we couldn’t forget about the after party of all after parties thanks to Rocky Top Catering ! From an endless amount of neon props and silent disco headsets to the coolest light up dance floor from Ultra Mix Events , we could not have thought of a better way to end one of our favorite nights of the year!

Thank you so much to our amazing sponsors and vendors for helping us put on such an impactful event for our 2023 charity partner, No Woman No Girl ! We are beyond excited to see all that the future has for co-founder and executive director, Shirnetta Harrell, and the impact that she will make on so many women and girls experiencing crisis in our community.

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

TITLE TWO SPONSORS

TITLE THREE SPONSORS

TITLE FOUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our amazing community of extraordinary event vendors to help us create a fully donated fundraising event!

10+ Gift Ideas For The Groom Who Doesn't Know What He Wants!

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:37:24 GMT

Whether the groom is your best friend, a family member, or your future husband, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift! From clothing to home appliances and tools, there is a wide variety of gifts to choose from, but we are here to help! We've searched high and low for all the grooms out there and have brought you our favorites below!

1. YETI COOLER

Kicking our groom's guide off with a gift that every guy will need at some point in their life! Whether he's grilling out one evening or bringing cold drinks out on the boat, this YETI cooler is the perfect size for any occasion and will last him forever!

2. HUCKBERRY DECANTER

This whiskey glassware collection is by far one of the coolest we've seen and we couldn't keep it to ourselves! This handblown 44 oz decanter just might be the gift he never knew he needed anddddd it will look cute on that bar cart of yours!

3. CAMPO COCKTAIL KIT

The perfect gift for a cozy night in and dinner for two! This kit has everything you need to make the perfect Campo cocktail in the comfort of your own home and its spices and syrups will have you wanting to go back to try new recipes!

4. WILLIAMS SONOMA GRILL SET

Every guy needs a grill set ... right? Select between a 4 or 8-piece tool set that will last your guy f or years to come !

5. NEW YORK TIMES CUSTOM FOOTBALL BOOK

The perfect gift for all the football lovers out there! Gift that special man in your life a book that will have them retracing the history of their favorite football team with all the old New York Times articles written about them.

6. LULULEMON PACE BREAKER SHORTS

Whether they admit it or not, every guy loves Lululemon. The Pace Breaker shorts are loved by every guy that owns them and will have them wanting to go back to the store for more!

7. FOSSIL WATCH

A gift for him AND you! This black stainless steel watch by Fossil will make for the perfect addition to any outfit and will also help him be on time for that dinner you told him about weeks ago!

8. WHISKEY MAKING KIT

A gift he is guaranteed to love! This whiskey making kit will allow him to create flavorful whiskey at home with wood chips and botanicals.

9. THE EVERYWHERE BAG

It's not called the " Everywhere Bag " for no reason. This tote is perfect as a carry on for his upcoming weekend trip or even as a everyday gym bag!

10. LEATHER TOILETRY BAG

The perfect bag for him to have on the go or keep everything tidy at home! It's spacious enough to hold all of his everyday items and includes multiple interior pockets for organization!

11. NEW BALANCE SNEAKERS

Every guy could use a new pair of white sneakers, right?! The New Balance NBW913 is a great addition to his wardrobe and will complete every look. We can assure you that he'll be asking fo r another pair once he wears them out!

12.CARHART SHERPA-LINED JACKET

Whether for work or style, this men's jacket will keep him warm all Winter and will last for multiple seasons!

13.CIGAR BOX

This handmade, glass top cigar box is a unique gift and can hold up to 20-25 cigars!

15+ Gift Ideas For The Bride Who Already Has Everything!

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:48:11 GMT

Tis’ the season for gift giving! It’s that time of year again when you are desperately searching for the perfect gift for that special someone, if that special someone happens to be a bride-to-be we are here to help! From home decor to accessories, there is an endless amount of possibilities! To help narrow down your options we’ve gathered a list with a little bit of everything!

1. MEJURI PEARL DROP EARRINGS

Starting things off with the perfect gift for that elegant and chic bride! These 18K gold plated pearl drop earrings are a simple accessory guaranteed to elevate their bridal look!

2. ANTHROPOLOGIE NOSTALGIA EAU DE PERFUME

The perfume for every bride during wedding season! Whether months or days away, Anthropologie's Eau De Parfum is the perfect gift to give your friend as she counts down the days until saying “I do!”

3. BÉIS WEEKENDER BAG

The gift that keeps on giving! This jute canvas weekender bag is a great size for a quick girl's trip or romantic getaway!

4. THE ULTIMATE MUSE PEARL DRESS BY ODDMUSE

One of our favorites... the dress that broke TikTok! We've had our eyes on this viral fashion trend for quite some time and think it would make the perfect gift for that chic bride-to-be!

5. BRIDE STATEMENT SWEATSHIRT BY SIX STORIES

This minimalist sweatshirt makes everyone aware who the bride-to-be is... in a cute and fashionable way :)

6. PARTY OSTRICH FEATHER-TRIM 2-PIECE

PAJAMA SET BY SLEEPER

Whether this pajama set is for the morning of their wedding or everyday use, this outfit is sure to make a statement at all times!

7. MEJURI TRAVEL CASE

For all the new jewelry that the bride-to-be wants to bring with her everywhere she goes! This travel case is the perfect size to throw in a purse or cosmetic bag and will definitely be the perfect gift that your friend never knew she needed!

8. ANTHROPOLOGIE LINDY WOVEN CLUTCH

If this isn't the most perfect clutch or side body bag for wedding season then we don't know what is!

9. GOLD RING TRAY

The perfect addition to that bedside table of theirs! This dainty gold plated jewelry tray will be home to all the bride's new diamonds and will fit perfectly with any room decor!

10. ANTHROPOLOGIE WHITE SUNGLASSES

Statement sunglasses that every bride needs for that cute Instagram photo!

11. PEARL-EMBELLISHED HEADBAND

Whether adding to a bachelorette outfit or rehearsal dinner look, this pearl-embellished headband is a great accessory to have throughout wedding season!

12.ANTHROPOLOGIE FUR WRAP

Anthropologie's fur wrap is the accessory that every bride needs in her closet!

13.CRATE & BARREL DRINKWARE

The glassware set that is needed in every newlyweds home! Whether making old fashions with the guys or margaritas for happy hour, these glasses will be what everyone wants to pull out when having people over :)

14.ANTHROPOLOGIE NOSTALGIA "I DO" CANDLE

The to-do list can add up at times during wedding planning season so who doesn't love burning a candle when times get stressful?! Anthropologie's "I Do" candle is the perfect addition to every bride's home and will have her wanting to make a trip back to the store once it's gone!

15.SKIMS LOUNGEWEAR SET

This gift will have your bride wanting to stay home all day in her new pajama set by Skims with a warm cup of coffee in hand!

16.STANLEY 40 OZ TUMBLER

Those that have them can't live without them and those that don't wish they did! The perfect drink tumbler for every bride!

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: WINE & COCKTAIL BARS

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:09:38 GMT

We are so excited to feature our favorite Downtown Raleigh wine and cocktail bars with you! Whether you've been here for years or are just visiting for the weekend, we've pulled together a variety of places that you won't want to miss out on. With favorites like Person Street Bar, The Merchant, William & Co and more, get ready to experience some of the best drinks & atmospheres around downtown.

VITA VITE

Visit Vita Vite Downtown in the Warehouse District to enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer! This cozy wine bar is the perfect place for a date night or a meetup with friends to unwind after a long workday. Enjoy a relaxing art gallery atmosphere while tasting new wines, small plates and desserts! Pro tip: grab a seat on their swinging daybed if it's available!

FOUNDATION

One of Downtown Raleigh’s most loved underground bars, Foundation is another great spot to hang for a couple of hours with a group of friends. From NC focused liquors to the freshest herbs and fruits, these bartenders sure know what they are doing and we promise their cocktails will not disappoint!

GALLO PELÓN MEZCALERIA

Sit back, relax and learn all that there is to know about mezcal at this popular spot! Gallo Pelón Mezcaleria is a community-driven bar that honors the artistry of traditional mezcal and craft cocktails and is a loved one among us locals! When the weather is nice, grab your cocktail and head to their back patio!

WATTS & WARD

Founded upon the underground spirit of 1920s America, this speakeasy cocktail bar is one you will not want to miss out on. Watts and Ward serves a vintage library vibe with artisanal cocktails and a unique experience for each and every one of their customers! Their sprawling outdoor lawn is the perfect spot to lounge around with friends in the middle of Downtown Raleigh.

Photo by: @exploringwithalexandria

THE HAYMAKER

With its cozy ambiance, The Haymaker is one of our favorite places to go during these colder months! This spot welcomes you right in with its vintage-style decor and will have you staying hours on end once you take a glance at their menu! Grab a table with a group of friends, get comfy on a sofa or enjoy all the decor while sitting at the bar ~ you really can't go wrong at this relaxing yet chic spot in downtown Raleigh!

FOX LIQUOR BAR

Fox Liquor Bar is owned by one of Raleigh's most famous chefs, Ashley Christensen, and is a must visit if you're looking for a cozy little bar tucked away in Downtown Raleigh! From their cocktails to small bites, this place has the very best of everything and is in a great location with other restaurants and bars nearby! Great for intimate conversations and a relaxing experience, this is one of our absolute favorites and we hope you like it too!

KILLJOY

A colorful, comfortable cocktail bar that will create a fun experience for you and all your friends! Killjoy is home to a unique drink selection that will have you wanting to step outside your comfort zone and try something you never have before! Perfect for a Girls Night Out or a quick drink with a friend after work, this place has great energy and will make you want to add it to you list of go-to spots in Raleigh!

RALEIGH WINE SHOP

This neighborhood wine shop’s vision was to bring a new kind of wine shop to Downtown Raleigh with exciting wines from all over the world and they have done just that! The Raleigh Wine Shop’s shelves are filled with a variety of hand-crafted wines that create a unique shopping experience and will leave you wanting to come back for more! They just recently relocated to the Old East district of Downtown Raleigh and we cannot wait for you to check out their new space! Don't forget to order one of their robust charcuterie boards for the full experience!

THE MERCHANT

The Merchant pays homage to a forgotten piece of Raleigh history. A vintage, secret door provides an escape to a cocktail experience nestled in a classic atmosphere with modern flair! From their welcoming staff to their cocktail taste and presentation, they have crafted this place together perfectly and become one of the most popular spots among us locals!

WINE AUTHORITIES

Shop for your favorite beer & wine at Wine Authorities ! This specialty wine shop has all the options and walking distance to several local restaurants and bars! Whether you’re wanting to just grab a bottle and head out or stay and enjoy the outdoor patio, this wine shop has the most welcoming atmosphere and will leave you wanting to come back!

WILLIAM & COMPANY

A cozy tequila bar tucked away in one of downtown Raleigh’s most loved neighborhoods, William & Company is the perfect place if you’re looking for a spot to grab a drink before dinner or a fun spot with a DJ into the late evenings! Their backbar features specialty mezcal cocktails on the weekends that you won't want to miss!

PERSON STREET BAR

A stylish neighborhood joint with bar games & a covered patio, Person Street Bar is right at the corner of downtown and a popular spot among us locals! From playing pool with a group of friend while enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail to sitting out back and relaxing with a bottle of wine, we cannot recommend this spot enough and hope to see you there!

WHISKEY KITCHEN

If you're a Whiskey lover, Whiskey Kitchen is a place you must visit due to its massive whiskey collection and killer craft cocktails!

BITTERSWEET

Bittersweet is the perfect stop for coffee drinks, desserts & specialty cocktails with seasonal ingredients!

JUNCTION WEST

Junction West is one of Raleigh’s trendiest bars and is a must if you are looking for a hip atmosphere to enjoy a cocktail! Whether you are planning on spending the evening here or just making a quick stop before heading across the street to some of Raleigh’s most popular restaurants, this is one you will for sure not regret going to!

Holiday Magic at Merrimon-Wynne!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 15:50:57 GMT

Our most magical event of the year is BACK! We cannot wait to kick off the holiday season with our 4th annual Holiday Magic event on November 27th! From picking out the perfect Christmas tree while sipping on a warm cup of hot cocoa to enjoying story time with Santa or a horse and carriage ride around downtown Raleigh, The Merrimon-Wynne House has it all for you! So... grab your tickets below and help us kick off the holiday season the only way we know how... with lots of holiday magic and cheer!

All event proceeds will be donated to No Woman, No Girl !

Videography: Heritage Weddings

A Big thank you to all of our vendors participating in this years event!

Fall 2022 Wedding Showcase

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 14:04:00 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Fall Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and your guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to No Woman, No Girl !

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Fall Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: COFFEE SHOPS

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 20:57:00 GMT

If you’re a coffee lover, then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve created the ultimate guide for our favorite coffee shops in Raleigh and we are so excited to share them with you! Whether you need a little pick-me-up mid-afternoon or you’re more interested in some delicious sweet treats, our list covers just about every craving you could have! Who knows… maybe we will run into you there!

JUBALA COFFEE

Known for its cool atmosphere and amazing drink and food menu, Jubala Coffee is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a place to hangout while enjoying a warm cup of coffee or sweet treat! Oh... and don't even get us started about their biscuits! From a classic bacon, egg and cheese all the way to a wildflower honey biscuit... you'll wish your breakfast looked this good every morning!

IDLE HOUR COFFEE ROASTERS

One of Raleigh’s newer coffee shops, Idle Hour Coffee is a boutique coffee shop with delicious coffee and treats. Enjoy a slow morning with your friends on their lounge furniture or get some work done while enjoying a hot drink at one of their tables! And yes... this is the place that you will find the delicious Tepuy donuts! With a variety of flavors, their handcrafted sourdough donuts are unlike anything out there so you might want to make this one a first on your list of stops so you can grab one before they're sold out!

THE OPTIMIST RALEIGH

The Optimist Raleigh is one of the city's most unique coffee shops and they are living for it! Opening a coffee shop has been a dream since this husband and wife duo met and a pandemic wasn't about to stop them. The neighborhood coffee shop opened in 2020 and their dreams quickly became a reality when the coffee house became everyone's new favorite spot. Serving local Black & White Coffee, Darlin Designs Cookies, and Layered Croissanterie Croissants, we really do see why everyone loves this place and we are sure that you will too!

YELLOW DOG BREAD CO.

Loved by every local, Yellow Dog Bread Co. is a must on the list of places to eat and grab coffee while you’re here! If you're looking for the perfect little corner shop to fill up a box of pastries or enjoy a slow morning with a loved one before the weekend festivities get crazy, then this is your place! From cinnamon buns to c hocolate scones, we can confidently say that they have perfected every item on their menu and created the perfect bite to enjoy no matter what time of day! Who knows... you may even run into us while you’re there :)

IRIS COFFEE LAB

We would like to introduce to you the best coffee shop on Glenwood South! A trendy coffee shop and cafe, Iris Coffee Lab is a great spot to stop and grab a bite to eat while touring Raleigh! While a staple for your basic cup of coffee, this place has also mastered a menu of unique drinks such as a blue matcha latte, London fog and Rosemary latte that is are all must-try drinks when stopping by! So... step outside your comfort zone with a flavorful drink and enjoy their relaxing atmosphere before heading to the next spot on your list!

SIR WALTER COFFEE

The buzziest coffee shop around! Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, this spot is walking distance from so many things and is a popular one among the locals! Sir Walter Coffee offers barista bar crafts, coffeehouse classics, teas and food with a cool indoor/outdoor atmosphere for you to enjoy all afternoon!

HEIRLOOM COFFEE ROASTERS

Right across the street from Raleigh’s train station and around the corner from several restaurants and hotels, Heirloom Coffee Roasters is a coffee and tea shop that has become a popular spot for a nice drink or a bite to eat! While exploring their menu you will find what makes them the most unique ~ Sake. This alcoholic beverage of Japanese origin is rich with flavor and spices and will have you wanting to come back for more before the weekend ends!

BREW COFFEE BAR

Another common spot among the locals, BREW Coffee Bar is a great place to grab a cup of coffee or a delicious treat! Known for their f ascinating seasonal menus, join the excitement as we enjoy the last few weeks of their summer menu and begin anticipating all the fall options to come!

THE MORNING TIMES

Next to one of Raleigh’s most loved restaurants, Raleigh Times, The Morning Times is a must if you’re walking around the city! Our favorite thing about this place... they keep things simple! Good coffee. Good food. Good people. It'll just take one quick look at their instagram to see that they've really created a community around this place and we absolutely love having them right down the street from us! So... head on over and join the fun while enjoying one of their breakfast classics or refreshing iced beverages!

LUCETTEGRACE

Lucettegrace is a chic coffee shop, french-inspired cafe and bakery in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Led by one of Raleigh's most talented pastry chefs, Daniel Benjamin, Lucettegrace's menu is a collection of traditional French vienoisserie, signature creations and treats that are all inspired by Daniel's childhood. If that personal touch isn't already convincing enough, then you'll just need one quick look at their pastry menu before you find yourself grabbing your keys and hurrying out the door!

42ND & LAWRENCE

Known as “Raleigh’s best kept secret”, 42nd & Lawrence is a must if you’re needing the perfect cup of coffee! Overlooking a beautiful park in Downtown Raleigh, this spot will allow you to get a big taste of Raleigh and all its fun if you don't have much time! So... add a cool view to a delicious cup of coffee and we should have you sold just! like! that! But if you need a little bit more convincing, then just check out their seasonal and signature drinks here!

Summer 2022 Wedding Showcase

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 20:11:35 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current couple looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House is so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - our Summer Wedding Showcase! We have teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that will inspire so many couples for their wedding day and we hope that you can join us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has an endless amount of possibilities to create a truly unique experience for you and your guests so we invite you to come see our spaces for yourselves while enjoying sparkling cocktails and culinary delights!

THE MAIN HOUSE/LAWN VENDOR TEAM:

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE VENDOR TEAM:

We cannot wait to see all that our vendors have in store for our Summer Wedding Showcase and we hope to see you there!

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: RESTAURANTS

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:09:41 GMT

Downtown Raleigh is so fortunate to be home to so many award wining eateries that it made building a guide to Raleigh's finest eats not an easy task! The city is known for its endless amount of outstanding restaurants so to help you narrow down your options we've gathered a variety of our favorite spots that you will not want to miss when venturing into the city with your wedding guests!

42ND ST. OYSTER BAR & SEAFOOD LOUNGE

Famous for its seafood, 42nd St. Oyster Bar & Seafood Lounge is one of our favorites spots to dine when we are off the clock! And if their seafood isn’t enticing enough, they bring out baskets of hushpuppies the second you sit down…

MADRE

 Madre is keen on motherly hospitality and small plates for sharing. Plus, they have lots of wine options and delicious cocktails.

BIDA MANDA

Bida Manda is a hip, modern hideaway for Laotian fare and exotic cocktails! This spot provides a unique experience with its diverse food traditions and culture of Laos and is a must try when coming to Raleigh!

TAZZA

Tazza Kitchen is a neighborhood high energy eatery centered on made from scratch wood fired cooking and amazing craft beverages!

LONGLEAF SWINE BBQ

Longleaf Swine BBQ is a whole hog BBQ and smoked meats restaurant in Raleigh and is a must on your list of places to grab a bite to eat!

RALEIGH TIMES

Known for its rooftop dining, Belgian beers, microbrews and American pub grub, Raleigh Times is a great spot to add to the list of cool places to eat and enjoy the afternoon in Raleigh!

ORO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

ORO Restaurant & Lounge ~ located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, is a fun, chic, and casual restaurant that everyone needs to try while they’re in town!

TRANSFER CO. FOOD HALL

Located in a historic garage, Transfer Co. Food Hall features over 50,000 square feet of food-related businesses and is such a cool place to enjoy with a large group!

SITTI

Located in a lively spot in downtown Raleigh, Sitti is the perfect spot to dine in the city! This delicious spot is loved by so many and known for its modern versions of Lebanese dishes.

GRAVY

A chef-driven Italian-American restaurant in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Gravy is a popular spot with its courtyard and relaxing atmosphere!

CRAWFORD & SONS

Crawford and Son is a casual neighborhood restaurant located in historic Oakwood! This is a popular dinner spot amongst Raleigh and is known for its curated menu of modern comfort plates, craft cocktails and drinking vinegars.

STANDARD BEER + FOOD

Standard Beer + Food is a hip, contemporary locale featuring updated American cooking and a market selling artisanal foods! And if that isn’t convincing enough, it’s next to Raleigh's most loved ice cream shop - Two Roosters Creamery

ST. ROCH FINE OYSTERS + BAR

Located in the heart of downtown Raleigh, St Roch is known for its raw and roasted oysters, along with its New Orleans-inspired menu!

CORTEZ

The Cortez is a fresh seafood and small plates experience with a freshly kept selection of tropical cocktails that draw on their food travels through the years and Mexican-American heritage.

"The Cortez isn’t an ordinary seafood restaurant. It surprises and delights at every turn." ~ The N&O

CENTRO

Centro Mexican Restaurant is an energetic atmosphere and a staple in downtown Raleigh! Known for its organic Mexican cuisine and craft tequila cocktails, this is a must for those Mexican food fans!

DEATH & TAXES

Death and Taxes provides an intimate, swanky setting with an open kitchen serving new American dishes and cocktails!

POOLE'S DINER

Poole's Diner ~ A circa-1945 diner with seasonal comfort food, cocktails and house desserts in a retro-chic setting.

TROPHY BREWING & PIZZA

With creative pizza and house-brewed beer, Trophy Brewing & Pizza is a popular one around here and loved by many for its rustic parlor with a low-key vibe.

BARCELONA WINE BAR

Perfect for a glass of wine or tapas, Barcelona Wine Bar has it all and is a popular one among us locals! Venture over to Raleigh's new, modern train station for a breathtaking view or keep the night going with one of Raleigh's nearby bars!

STANBURY

Stanbury is a hip, rustic venue for creative, seasonal New American small plates and entrees, plus craft cocktails. This place is sure to provide a unique and quality experience as it is dedicated to both integrating and highlighting our region's local agriculture producers!

VIDRIO

If photos of the place don't convince you enough to make this a stop on your list, then Vidrio's delicious upmarket Mediterranean cuisine menu and craft cocktails just might!

JOLIE

Jolie is one of Scott Crawford's restaurants, right next door to its sister restaurant, Crawford & Son's! It is a modern french bistro that serves delicious, classic French dishes with a modern twist.

FIGULINA

Figulina is located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, serving a new pasta-centric concept by Chef David Ellis.

CAFFE L UN A

Caffe Luna serves delicious Italian cuisine with a tuscan flair!

BRODETO

Brodeto is owned by Chef Scott Crawford, serving Italian-Croatian cuisine with a seafood-centric menu, coastal-inspired cocktails, and select wines from the Adriatic region.

MULINO ITALIAN KITCHEN + BAR

Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar ~ Elevated Italian plates and wines served in a stylish reclaimed mill right on the corner of downtown!

FIVE STAR

Five Star Restaurant serves classic Asian Cuisine in a speakeasy space!

CELEBRATING LOVE WITH LANCE & JAMES

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 17:23:33 GMT

One of our favorite things is when we get to take a closer look at our couples’ love stories and we are so excited that we had the opportunity to do this with one of our couples: Lance Dunn and James Howard! These two are tying the knot on June 3rd, 2023 and we cannot wait to celebrate them at The Merrimon-Wynne House!

As a company committed to creating a space for love each and every day, The Merrimon-Wynne House is committed to inclusivity and acceptance of all people. We are so excited to have gotten the opportunity to sit down with Lance and James and it brings us great joy that we get to share a love with you that our team has all looked up to since the moment they stepped through our doors!

Both from the Triangle area, Lance and James grew up attending nearby schools, N.C. State and UNC, but were able to set their rivalries aside when they first realized there was truly something special about the other. While both decided to go their separate ways after their first date, their paths continued to cross and they couldn’t help but think that this might mean something. After growing on their own and running into each other every once in a while, James started a kickball team during the summer of 2019 and knew just who he wanted on his team. After reaching out and meeting over a beer in the heart of downtown Raleigh, Lance was convinced to join the team and it only took a single season before the two were an item :)

While we have the biggest smile on our faces from writing the beginning of their love story, you should probably know that it only gets better from here!

Lance and James lived in downtown Raleigh, just a block away from each other, and often enjoyed the convenience of the city and all that it had to offer! While fostering an amazing community in the area, the two were also faced with the challenges of COVID early on in their relationship. While this time led to some drastic changes in their lives, it also marked the moment that the two knew there was something quite special here and not something they were ever (emphasis on “ever” !!!) wanting to let go! So… if the start of their love story hasn’t already captivated your full attention, check out all the things that we got the inside scoop on during our time with them!

W HEN DID YOU KNOW YOUR PARTNER WAS THE ONE?

Lance: “Getting through some of those first growing pains in the first few months were also solidifying that this was exactly what and who I want - that was when I knew.”

James: “There were some real benefits and real trials of living together but coming out o f this summer when we got to experience things opening back up and being public with our relationship - that was when I really knew.”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT EACH OTHER?

Lance: “My favorite thing about James is that we are very different - I am very outspoken and quick to anger and James is really good at calling me out on my BS and talking to me about things we disagree on. He is very direct and, in the moment, I get upset but I quickly remind myself that James has my very best interest in mind at all times and is one of the very few people that make me feel that way.”

“It’s knowing that my partner always has the best Lance in mind… in all areas”

James: “My favorite thing about Lance is that he has a huge personality - he commands every room he walks into and is just so fun to b e around!”

THE IR ENGAGEMENT:

After both having the “moment” around the same time, they had still not talked about what the future held for them but this didn’t refrain Lance (and come to find out - James as well) from buying a ring and starting to plan out the proposal. Lance decided that the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 27th, 2021, was going to be the day and made a reservation at their favorite restaurant, Jolie . After exchanging laughs and stories over an amazing meal, the two began their walk home from dinner and Lance kneeled down with the biggest smile on his face right outside the Capitol building. James' face quickly matched Lances and the two both died laughing when James told Lance he also had a ring and was planning on proposing soon. Quickly after returning home, James got down on one knee and the two were grinning from ear to ear the rest of the evening.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOSE MERRIMON-WYNNE?

Lance: “It was so important for us to get married in Raleigh but not just Raleigh but downtown Raleigh. Also, we wanted a place that was naturally pretty that didn’t need a ton of decorating and that was the main thing that really sold Merrimon Wynne to us!

James: “Merrimon-Wynne was so important to us after we saw the venue. It just worked out so nicely - it was so easy to see how we could make Merrimon Wynne our own and it just felt different compared to other places”

WH AT MADE YOU DECIDE TO BOOK OUR IN-HOUSE PLANNER, HEATHER LAWSON?

Lance: “We loved Heather when we met her - she asked us enough questions but not too many and kind of just got us. We knew that she was going to be really great to work with. She made us feel comfortable and very supported at the same time!"

James: “When we went to our first design board walk through with Heather she just made us feel a breath of fresh air!”

James & Lance: “We wanted it to be approachable but also elegant and masculine - we didn’t want anything too showy”

As The Merrimon-Wynne House celebrates their love and is constantly striving to create a space for all people and their love, we want to celebrate Pride month and share with you what Pride means to both Lance and James!

WHAT DOES PRIDE MEAN TO YOU?

James: “For me Pride really comes down to finding a space where people feel welcome and it’s also a glorified way to have a fun - it is the start of summer and P ride month and it is just a fun time to be gay”

Lance: “Pride month allows for a lot of partying and it’s just a fun time to get together and celebrate your friends and community! We do that a lot but it’s just fun to celebrate being gay.”

While Lance and James shared past stories and trips that they have taken and all of the laughs that have come from celebrating Pride month, this question also led to a much deeper conversation with the two that we will forever be grateful for. As a company that is dedicated to a lifetime of love and inclusivity, we are always striving to knock down walls where love feels bound. The end of our time with Lance and James was spent discussing how Pride, and the act of fostering a community and safe space that people feel welcome, was always supposed to be a natural part of life and should never be kept within the walls of a single month.

LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.

Photographer: Sarah Hinckley Photography

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: NIGHTLIFE

Fri, 03 Jun 2022 17:10:17 GMT

Looking for a fun spot to spend a night on the town in Raleigh, N.C? With the city's wide variety of nightlife, it can feel overwhelming to pick a spot that's best for you and your crowd! But don't worry, we've narrowed it down to our favorites for you. From popular spots with vibrant atmospheres and savory cocktails to local bars with fascinating history, here are a few of our most loved spots that you'll definitely want to check out while you're in town!

WATTS & WARD

If you’re looking for a relaxing and moody setting, we have just the spot for you! Watts & Ward is a basement cocktail bar right in the heart of downtown Raleigh with a vintage speakeasy vibe, complete with tufted couches & artisanal drinks!

BOTANICAL LOUNGE

Botanical Lounge is an indoor/outdoor bar with a rooftop garden party aesthetic that serves delicious craft cocktails and wines!

KILLJOY COCKTAIL

A colorful, comfortable cocktail bar that's super Instagrammable! This eclectic hideaway is the perfect spot for a late Friday night out or a relaxing Saturday afternoon with your girlfriends!

THE GREEN LIGHT

Hidden behind a bookcase door, this intimate speakeasy with a vintage vibe offers bespoke cocktails and is a must on the list of unique places to go for drinks in Raleigh!

CLOCKWORK

If you’re looking for a stylish hangout spot, then clockwork is for you! Offering original and classic cocktails, plus creative bar food, this is for sure one you’ll want to make time for while you’re here for the weekend!

THE HAYMAKER

The Haymaker ~ A hip haunt in a cozy ambiance with offbeat, vintage-style decor. Visit for their creative cocktails and stay for their 90's hip hop playlist that's always sure to boost your mood.

WILLIAM & COMPANY

William & Co is a cozy tequila bar with seasonally inspired cocktails tucked in the heart of Historic Oakwood!

THE ARK ROYAL

The Ark Royal is a modern tiki lounge in downtown Raleigh known for its exotic cocktails and tropical atmosphere!

TIN ROOF

If you're looking for live music, then this is your spot! Tin Roof is a live music joint with a laid back atmosphere where you can kick back and have a good time while enjoying your favorite beer or cocktail. Enjoy the rooftop overlooking the city or their nice indoor setting before walking down the street to a handful of other popular bars in Raleigh!

DRAM & DRAUGHT

Dram & Draught's is the perfect neighborhood bar, where you can enjoy a cold beer or a delicious cocktail and feel completely at ease!

THE AVENUE

The Avenue is the large outdoor bar with a fun atmosphere! Grab your favorite drink while playing cornhole with your friends and family! Plus, they serve everyone favorite late night food - Hotdogs!

THE DAVIE

If you're looking for a causal and classic neighborhood bar in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, The Davie is the perfect spot to grab a few drinks!

So... where are you headed? Maybe see you there?

WINTER - THE MOST UNDERRATED WEDDING SEASON.

Mon, 23 May 2022 18:52:15 GMT

These rising temperatures have us reminiscing on our winter months and all of the stunning weddings that have happened here! Of course, summer weddings are beautiful but for those of you who aren't fans of the warmer temperatures, The Merrimon-Wynne House provides the perfect setting all year round!

Have your photographer capture the sweetest moments of you and your loved ones while huddled around our firepit or photos of you and your bridesmaids with that winter fur shawl you gifted them for your wedding day! Your guests can enjoy our outdoor patio heaters into the evening with a warm drink in hand - think spiked apple cider or mulled wine!

While the summer months can bring on the heat, it can also be a busy time for many! Summertime can bring hectic schedules, busier than normal travel plans, and packed weeks with the kids out of school. Summer weddings may cause some guests to be forced to RSVP ‘no’ with their booked schedules while their winter months are a bit more open! We’ve all been there during the winter months. Sitting around, all bundled up inside our homes with not too much going on - wishing we had a little something to look forward to! Now, what if that little something was your wedding day?!

So, if we haven’t convinced you already and you are still on the fence about snagging that winter wedding date, then you’ll warm right up after seeing some of the stunning winter weddings that we’ve done at The Merrimon-Wynne House!

If you're interested in learning more about our winter availability and venue pricing, please visit the link below!

WINTER CEREMONIES

WINTER PORTRAITS

WINTER RECEPTIONS

WINTER COCKTAIL HOUR

If you're interested in learning more about our winter availability and venue pricing, please visit the link below!

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: SUNDAY FUNDAY!

Sun, 22 May 2022 21:06:26 GMT

Oh to have a relaxing Sunday in Raleigh with friends and family! Chances are your Sunday is following two days jam packed with travel and all the wedding festivities so we wanted to help you out a little and share some of our favorite spots for your (relaxing) Sunday funday!

BENCHWARMERS BAGELS

If you’re looking for the best bagels in town to enjoy for Sunday brunch, then look no further! Benchwarmers is known and loved by every local so hurry over before they're all gone!

BOXCAR

DRINK. PLAY. HANG. Raleigh’s ultimate bar and arcade! This trendy spot stays busy at all times and is in the perfect location if you're trying to fit a lot in on your last day in town!

BARCELONA WINE BAR

With its delicious brunch menu and mimosas, our Sunday Funday list wouldn’t be complete without this spot! Enjoy a nice Sunday brunch on their outdoor patio before walking around the corner to boxcar or some of Raleigh’s most loved boutiques!

TROPHY BREWING

Head on over to Trophy Brewing to enjoy a pizza and beer while cheering on your favorite football team! This trendy spot offers a variety of delicious pizzas and any beer you could imagine!

TROLLEY PUB RALEIGH

Experience the city while enjoying the open air on Raleigh’s most popular sightseeing excursion! The Trolley Pub allows you to tour the city at your leisure and crack open a few cold ones with all of your friends!

BEASLEY'S CHICKEN & WAFFLES

If you’re craving some amazing fried chicken on your relaxing Sunday afternoon, then this place is for you! Another one of Ashley Christensen’s amazing restaurants, Beasley’s Chicken & Waffles makes for the perfect addition to your Sunday funday!

ANDIA'S ICE CREAM

N othing can make the day better than a sweet treat! Andia's is the perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth!

PLATES

Plates creates the perfect spot for your Sunday funday with its globally-inspired, farm-fresh menu and signature cocktails!

PONYSAURU S BREWING

Ponysaurus Brewing is located in Raleigh Iron Works. This craft brewery has 18 different taps, plus a full bar and delicious bites!

LYNNWOOD BREWING CONCERN

With its award winning craft beer and cool outdoor setting, this is for sure a spot you can hangout and relax for hours! Venture indoors to watch a sporting event on their widescreen TVs or enjoy the weather while lounging in their outdoor furniture!

BITTERSWEET

This chic spot is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a coffee drink, dessert or specialty cocktail on your Sunday afternoon! Bittersweet’s patio is a popular one among us locals and you will often find people enjoying the entire afternoon there while catching up with their friends!

EPIC AXE RALEIGH

Located inside Morgan Street Food Hall, Epix Axe is a popular activity for people to enjoy while waiting for their food or sipping on their favorite draft beer.

WHISKEY KITCHEN

This hip venue, featuring inventive Southern flare, is a popular one for those looking to go out and enjoy their Sunday! Its patio area is perfect for you and all your friends to enjoy their amazing Whiskey and craft cocktails!

RALEIGH BEER GARDEN

If you’re looking to bar hop on your Sunday Funday, then we would recommend starting here! The Beer Garden shares a street with some of Raleigh’s favorite bars and is walking distance to popular restaurants like Mellow Mushroom and Mojos Burger Joint!

EAST CUT SANDWICHES

If you're looking for the perfect sandwich shop, Eastcut Sandwich Bar is a must-try lunch spot and perfect to incorporate into your Sunday Funday!

JAGUAR BOLERA

*COMING SOON*

J aguar Bolera will be located in Raleigh Iron Works and will feature a combination of crave-worthy dishes and eatertainment excitement!

A WEEKEND IN RALEIGH: ACCOMMODATIONS

Tue, 17 May 2022 20:20:44 GMT

Coming in from out of town and not sure where to stay in Raleigh? We’ve gathered some of our favorite accommodations right around the block from us to help you decide! From mid-century gems to modern skyrises, Raleigh has such a wide variety of places for you and your wedding party to choose from. We cannot wait for you to experience the area for yourselves!

HYATT HOUSE RALEIGH DOWNTOWN

COMING SOON

2 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

18 Seaboard Ave. Raleigh, NC 27604

(984) 326 - 7710

The Longleaf Hotel is a modernized mid-century gem sit-in at the northern gateway to downtown Raleigh not far from, well, everything!

LONGLEAF HOTEL

5 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

300 N Dawson St., Raleigh, NC 27603

(919) 867 - 5770

The Longleaf Hotel is a modernized mid-century gem sit-in at the northern gateway to downtown Raleigh not far from, well, everything!

GUEST HOUSE

5 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

420 S Bloodworth St. Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 533-3052

Cozy up in this eight-room boutique style inn located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh and experience original details of this century year old home

HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON RALEIGH DOWNTOWN

6 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

200 W Davie St. Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 645-5080

Designed to cultivate connection, this all-suite hotel offers an ideal setting for special moments in Downtown Raleigh. Enjoy the rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking the city!

HOTEL 83

5 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

603 W Morgan St., Raleigh, NC, 27603

(984) 275-2220

This modern hotel is the perfect location for your weekend stay in Raleigh!

HEIGHTS HOUSE

6 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

308 S Boylan Ave, Raleigh, NC, 27603

(919) 594-1881

Whether for just a night or for a prolonged stay here in Raleigh, Heights House has several tailored rooming options, from their historic luxury suites, to their new standard rooms! This elevated experience is also walking distance to some of Raleigh's most loved bars and just minutes from a stunning view of Raleigh on Boylan bridge!

SHERATON RALEIGH HOTEL

6 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

421 S Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 834 - 9900

Located in the heart of Downtown Raleigh, just steps from the convention center and multiple dining options both fine and casual dining.

MARRIOTT CITY CENTER

6 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

500 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 833-1120

Located in Downtown Raleigh, connected to the convention center. Dine nearby or chose to stay and enjoy the cuisine offered at their award-winning restaurant, Rye Bar & Southern Kitchen.

RESIDENCE INN RALEIGH DOWNTOWN

7 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

616 S Salisbury St. Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 856-0017

Relax and enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar overlooking Downtown Raleigh followed by shopping or dining at many locations offered close by.

BROWNSTONE DOUBLETREE

8 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

1707 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27605

(919) 828-0811

Start your day with a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie from the front desk and explore the surrounding areas such as shopping at Village District or enjoy lunch at the hotel's grill & bistro lounge!

ALOFT RALEIGH

10 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

2100 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, NC 27607

(919) 828 - 9900

Look across the street and you can see the NC State University's bell tower! Just minutes from the downtown attractions and located near the RDU airport.

AC HOTEL AT NORTH HILLS

12 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

101 Park at North Hills St. Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 571-2500

Experience this European inspired hotel tucked in the busy North Hills neighborhood. Located right in the triangle region of shopping, dining, and entertainment. After exploring, enjoy a Spanish wine on the hotel's rooftop bar!

HYATT HOUSE RALEIGH NORTH HILLS

12 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

160 Park at North Hills St. Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 363-0771

With this modern hotel located in the areas most walkable destinations, you are so close to various activities including an upscale bowling alley!

RENAISSANCE RALEIGH NORTH HILLS

13 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

4100 Main at North Hills St. Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 571 - 8773

Become inspired at this newly renovated modern hotel located in the North Hills neighborhood just steps from shopping and dining!

THE UMSTEAD HOTEL & SPA

17 minutes from The Merrimon-Wynne House

100 Woodland Pond Dr. Cary, NC 27513

(919) 447-4000

Wrap up in a cozy robe and enjoy a spa day or experience the dining and shopping located near this five-star hotel!

10 Reasons Why Our Couples Said “Yes!” To The Merrimon-Wynne House!

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 12:24:03 GMT

Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grande wedding, there is so much to consider when booking a venue! To help with your decision making process, we’ve gathered the top 10 reasons our past Merrimon Wynne brides chose to spend their special day with us!

PROXIMITY

People coming in from all over can be a bit challenging to accommodate for but our prime location makes it easy for you and your guests! The Merrimon-Wynne House is located in the heart of historic downtown Raleigh with hundreds of bars, restaurants and hotels just around the corner!

MULTIPLE CEREMONY OPTIONS

There are several locations across the property- both indoor and outdoor - that allow for a unique ceremony experience and help take the pressure off with any weather forecast!

UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES

Our historic home’s simple yet elegant detailing provides a blank canvas for you and any color palette you have chosen for your special day!

THE HEART OF SOUTHERN CHARM

Rich with southern charm, original flooring and fireplace mantels - The Merrimon Wynne House allows you to keep your decor simple and have its character speak for itself!

LIGHTING

With natural light around every corner there’s no such thing as a bad picture when you’re here! Our bright and open spaces make for the most beautiful photos for you and your loved ones to forever look back on!

PREPARATION SUITES

Our preparation suites help simplify your day by providing the perfect space for you and your bridal party to spend the entire day leading up to your ceremony! Enjoy our mimosa bar while getting your hair and makeup done all in the comfort of our historic home!

IT’S ALL YOURS!

Worried about not having enough time at some venues? The Merrimon-Wynne House is all yours for the entirety of your day! Our 14-hour rental gives you ample time to set up and get ready right up until your ceremony!

MULTIPLE EVENT SPACES

There is so much flexibility on where you can have your ceremony, cocktail hour and reception! Whether you want to use several spaces for your wedding day or tie the knot and dine al fresco all in the same spot ~ we can easily transform the space and bring a whole new look to life in seconds!

COMPLIMENTARY ITEMS

When renting our space for your special day, allow us to help you lessen the load on all that you need to bring in! Our complimentary cocktail tables, bar fronts, lawn games and full lounge sets provide for an easier set up while also leaving a lasting impression on your guest!

7 Eye-Catching Backdrops For Your MW Studio!

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 11:34:07 GMT

When it comes to designing our MW Studio for your big day, the options are nearly limitless! The Merrimon-Wynne House has seen so many unique styles in our spaces and we love seeing all that our couples do to make our photo booth a unique and memorable experience for them and their guests! To help you sort through all the photo booth ideas out there, we’ve gathered our favorite backdrops below to inspire you as you plan!

What better way to get people’s attention than colorful balloons?! Balloon walls are such a fun addition to the space that will have your guest remembering your special day forever! This eye-catching backdrop will make everyone want to put their drink down, grab some photo booth props, and take a quick break from the dance floor to capture a picture!

Wondering where the perfect spot is for our rattan chandeliers on your wedding day? Well, a new favorite of ours is right in front of our MW Studio! Whether they’re hanging over one of our lounge sets or standing alone in our pergola space, we guarantee that your guest will want to capture memories with our photo booth under these unique lights!

There are so many spaces throughout our venue that make a perfect backdrop for your MW Studio - these blue doors being one of our favorite! It’s the perfect spot for friends and family to gather after grabbing a drink from the bar during cocktail hour! Whether you want to keep it simple or add some florals to the space, you cannot go wrong with setting up our MW studio here!

Trying to find another way to incorporate your ceremony arbor into the rest of your evening? Our MW Studio makes for the perfect spot! By using an arch as your photo booth backdrop, it’ll fit perfectly around the boarder of your photo strips and allow guest to capture the most beautiful photos to take home at the end of the night!

Why keep our MW Studio in one space if you don’t have to?! If you’re looking to move our MW Studio throughout your wedding day, a standing backdrop, this one for example, is for you! This minimalist terracotta backdrop can easily be moved so that you can capture as many memories as possible with your guest!6

Whether you’re going for an organic wedding style or just looking for something a little more timeless, greenery makes for an elegant looking backdrop and is another one of our favorites! Our pergola walls make it easy for you or your florist to create a beautiful design on the morning of your wedding day and we love seeing all the ways our couples incorporate this space into their backdrops!

And our last but certainly not least backdrop - MW Studio’s hot pink LED heart! This one will stop your guest right in their tracks when they round the corner for your reception! Our couples have the opportunity to capture memories in front of this neon sign with our MW Studio Luxe Package and this is just one of the many additional features it comes with! Incorporating this statement decor piece into your reception will have everyone gathering at the photo booth in between songs to capture fun photos!

5 Reasons Why Guests Will Actually Want To Sign THIS Guest Book!

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:09:26 GMT

Trying to find a way to make your guest book more appealing so that everyone will want to stop by? Our MW Studio allows you to never worry about ending the night with an empty guest book! And here’s why...

1. A KEEPSAKE FOR BOTH OF YOU!

While the MW Studio provides our couples with memories that last a lifetime, it also serves as an exciting wedding favor for your guest to bring home at the end of the night! Once a few of your guests start showing off their fun photo strips it’ll be hard for the rest of your party to not stop by!

2. A STRIKING BACKDROP!

You’ll never have to worry about leaving at the end of the night with an empty guest book when you have an enticing backdrop nearby! Whether it’s an LED sign, floral backdrop or balloon wall, this eye-catching design will have all your guests gathered around snapping photos and signing your book in minutes!

3. A FRIENDLY REMINDER FROM OUR MW TEAM!

Your guest book is supposed to be a keepsake to look back on for years to come and The Merrimon-Wynne House knows how important this is to our couples! To make sure you don’t come home from your honeymoon to an empty guest book, we will have someone working your MW Studio all night long! While waiting for both your copy and theirs, our team will kindly encourages your guests to leave a note next to where their photo will go!

4. EYE-CATCHING PROPS!

Our MW Studio creates a fun experience for your guests with our complimentary props! Although the glow of MW Studio’s ring light might be enough to get anyone excited about a photo, adding some props to your photo booth will be the cherry on top!

5. THE PERFECT PHOTO FOR YOUR FEED!

Ok let’s be honest… Everyone is looking for the perfect photo to post at the end of the night and sometimes our phones just don’t cut it! With the MW Studio, it’ll allow your guests to capture the perfect photo with it’s adjustable lighting, angle and filters and it can instantly be shared on their social media with the click of a button!

What To Expect at A Merrimon-Wynne Sip & See!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:05:25 GMT

If you’re newly engaged or a current bride looking for inspiration, The Merrimon-Wynne House has created the perfect evening for you! Whether you’re searching for a wedding venue or in the early stages of planning your special day, this is the perfect opportunity to see the venue setup for a mock wedding day! Join us on Tuesday, May 24th from 5:30-7:30PM to learn more about The Merrimon-Wynne House and what all that our spaces have to offer!

To purchase tickets to our Summer Wedding Showcase, please visit the link below!

WONDERING WHAT TO EXPECT?

It’s so important to us that our couples can bring their own style into The Merrimon-Wynne House and our Sip & See is the perfect opportunity to envision all of your ideas for your special day! Come enjoy a glass of sparkling while touring our spaces at your leisure and envisioning what your special day could look like with us! The Merrimon-Wynne House has so many possibilities so what better way to inspire our couples than to showcase some of the unique designs that we have seen!

The Main House

The Main House is the heart of the venue and we cannot wait to show you around! At our Sip & See you will have the opportunity to tour our preparation suites and envision what it may look like to get ready there on your wedding day! Following your ceremony, your guest will be welcomed into The Main House for cocktail hour where they can enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres and explore the charm of this historic home! In addition to the home’s century-old mantels and mirrors, our rental space includes cocktail tables, bar fronts, and two full lounge sets that allow for an easy set up for you and leaves a lasting impression on your guest! There are so many ways to easily elevate this space and we love to see how our couples incorporate these pieces into their cocktail hour!

Photos By Kelsey Nelson Photography , Ally & Bobby Photography , Amanda K Photo Art , Jordan Maunder Photography , & Amanda & Grady Photography

The Carriage House

From dinners to dance parties, The Carriage House has seen it all! The Carriage House provides a beautiful space for you and your guest, no matter the weather, and can easily be transformed from ceremony to reception while your guests are enjoying cocktail hour inside the Main House. The Carriage House gives our couples peace of mind, knowing that any and all parts of your wedding day can be indoors in our climate controlled space! Its grande chandeliers and high ceilings create the perfect setting for a wedding reception, while also providing an elegant space for an indoor ceremony! Our rolling glass doors open up onto the pergola and lawn - allowing your guest to easily mingle throughout your event! The pergola can also be enclosed and climate controlled at any time to ensure comfort for all parts of your event! During our Sip & See, you’ll also have the opportunity to test out the MW Studio, Merrimon-Wynne’s in-house photo booth. During your reception, the MW Studio is the perfect addition to provide additional entertainment for guests and ensures everyone leaves with images and memories that will last a lifetime! The possibilities are endless and we are excited to share all the unique designs our couples have created in our space!

Photos By Amanda K Photo Art , Alaina Ronquillo Photography , Jillian Knight Photography , & Jordan Maunder Photography

The Lawn

The Lawn offers many different functions for your wedding day that can be incorporated into any and all parts of your day! This setting provides the perfect extension to your cocktail hour - allowing guest to flow from the Main House to the outdoors whenever they want! Our complimentary outdoor lounge set, umbrellas and lawn games bring your guests together and help create memorable experiences while we prepare for the rest of the evening! Beautiful borders of century old-trees, along with the Main House, create for the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photos! Whether it’s exchanging vows or conversations over dinner, there are so many options with this outdoor setting and we cannot wait for you to envision it for yourself!

Photos By Amanda K Photo Art , Theo Milo Photography , Jordan Maunder Photography , Ally & Bobby Photography , & Adelyn Boling Photography

Bridal Showcase, Summer 2021

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 15:54:28 GMT

We just wrapped up the month of August and we’re so excited to share one of our favorite events with you - Our Summer Bridal Showcase! We teamed up with some of Raleigh’s top vendors to create a space that would inspire so many couples for their wedding day and it was everything we dreamed of and more! We hope sharing the designs created by our talented team inspires you with all the possibilities that The Merrimon-Wynne House has to offer!

We are so excited to share that we raised over $3000 for Designed for Joy - a non-profit that provides transitional work experience for women emerging from trafficking, homelessness, time in prison, overcoming addiction or other vulnerable situations.

THE MAIN HOUSE

Our main house had every guest feeling like they were in Italy! Heather Lawson at Amanda Blair By Design was inspired by an Italian Countryside wedding - focusing her design on bright pastels and summer florals! She brought her inspirational photos to life and created the most magical space for our couples!

We love looking back at our designer’s boards and watching everything come to life!

“I drew inspiration for the Main House design from my time spent traveling overseas. I love eclectic design that looks effortless but at the same time incredibly intentional. You will see soft earth tones mixed with vibrant summer citruses for this fun and travel forward italian countryside themed showcase!” - Heather Lawson with Amanda Blair By Design

THE TENT

While Pinterest boards were coming to life inside, brides were also finding inspiration left and right under our tented lawn! Our outdoor team filled the space with bright linens and gorgeous floral inspiration! Anthem Design and Meristem Florals did such an amazing job creating a unique yet simple and versatile design - they had every bride feeling like the space was catered to them and their own style!

“Our inspiration for the showcase this year captured our love for long summer nights, dinner al fresco, and beautiful, lighter summer color palettes. We wanted to give a nod to coastal, Grecian vibes and faraway places that remind us of favorite travels and memory making with our loved ones!” - Caroline Placey with Anthem Design

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

There was wedding inspiration galore throughout The Carriage House! Anthem House and Meristem Floral brought their visions to life one mood board at a time and worked together to create the most magical space for our brides! We cannot get over how beautiful these lush floral arches are and how perfect the lounge area is in our space!

“We were inspired by the tones and textures of the late summer in North Carolina. Grasses and pods were paired with muted shades of peach, yellow and taupe that reminded us of the current state of our gardens. We hoped the attendees of the bridal show could experience the pleasure of strolling through a summer garden!” - Anna Passarelli with Meristem Floral

The Perfect Space For Love: Suz & MC Relive Their Wedding Day At The Merrimon-Wynne House

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 10:22:06 GMT

Suz & MC tied the knot in November 2017, and what better way to celebrate their love than getting to know them a little better!

As a company that is always celebrating love, The Merrimon-Wynne House , as part of Heyens Holdings, is acknowledging and further committing to being welcoming and accepting to all forms of love. At each of our picturesque event spaces, we make room for all couples to bring their love to life.

Creating the perfect space for love is at the core of who we are. Let us share that with you!

When did you know your partner was THE ONE?

MC: “The moment I met Suz. We met through mutual friends one night in college, and even though she was dating someone at the time I knew that I was going to marry her.”

Suz: “I never had a defining moment, but it didn't take long for me to fall in love with MC. We share a mutual love for Harry Potter, and I told MC I loved her for the first time after seeing the last Harry Potter movie at a theater in Chapel Hill. Even now 10 years later, as a nod to that moment, I wear a tiny golden snitch ring :)”

What part of your wedding day were you most excited about?

MC: “The dancing! On our wedding RSVP cards, we included a fill-in-the-blank for "I promise to dance if you play _______." The responses were so fun and we were able to compile a playlist that got everyone out on the dance floor!”

Suz: “Spending a full day surrounded by everyone we love! Getting ready with our wedding party was a highlight for me - the Merrimon Wynne provides a beautiful space to sprawl out, hang out, and enjoy the day with your friends and family before the ceremony.”

How did you feel on the morning of your wedding?

MC: “Loved. Especially coming off of our rehearsal dinner at Brewery Bhavana and welcome party at Whiskey Kitchen the night before. It felt so special to have our love be celebrated by so many people around us, and we just wanted to continue the party.”

Suz: “So many emotions - stressed but relaxed, excited but nervous. The nerves lifted immediately after our first look, where we were able to spend some time alone together before the ceremony.”

How did you decide on your wedding day outfit?

Suz: “Truth be told, I picked out both of our outfits! We both ended up in wedding dresses (and reception jumpsuits!) from BHLDN. I tried mine on at a trunk show at our local Anthropologie and had the classic feeling of never wanting to take it off - I knew it was the one! And it was not at all what I was expecting to love - an off-the-shoulder, form-fitting lace dress by Tadashi Shoji. Finding a dress for MC was easy; I knew she wanted something classic and simple and her dress by Jill Stuart was perfect. We both ended up in Jill Stuart jumpsuits for the reception; perfect for dancing!”

What were each of your favorite moments from your wedding day?

MC: “Walking down the "aisle" with both of our parents to an instrumental version of "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry. We chose to enter the ceremony from each side of the seated guests with no true center aisle. It was the perfect way to include both of our parents in the walking down the aisle tradition.”

Suz: “The way MC smiled the entire time during our ceremony. I'll never forget the way she looked at me, especially as we recited our vows. The last line of our vows says, "this is my sacred vow to you, my equal in all things." I loved that moment so much I have it tattooed on my right arm in MC's handwriting.”

What traditions did you bring to your wedding day?

MC: “While we did not do many things traditionally, we did a traditional champagne toast to kick off the reception. But to add our own spin on it, we did a huge champagne tower on the side porch of the Merrimon Wynne - and luckily our guests did not let that champagne go to waste!”

What's one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your wedding day?

MC: “Make sure you sit down and enjoy your food! Really - it's easy to get caught up in the day and not take a few minutes to actually eat. We were lucky that our wedding planner, Amanda, with Amanda Blair by Design, set aside plates for us!

Suz: “Everything won't go as planned and that's okay! We knew that as long as we were married, our wedding was a success!”

What's the best part about being married?

MC: “Spending all of my time with my best friend.”

Suz: “I WAS GOING TO SAY THE SAME THING ^^^. Truly, we are so lucky to be best friends, partners, and equals in all things. We constantly lean on each other for support and advice. I couldn't imagine it any other way.”

What's one piece of advice you would give to couples getting married?

MC: “Align your priorities for your wedding. When we first started wedding planning we each came up with our own top 3 priorities and then narrowed those down to a collective top 3 priorities for our wedding so we knew exactly where we wanted to invest vs. where we could scale back. Having agreed on that from the beginning really helped us avoid any tough conversations throughout the wedding planning process since we were on the same page.”

Suz: “Get. A. Wedding. Planner. Seriously, we could not have pulled off our wedding without Amanda. A huge piece of wedding preparation is coordinating with vendors, and with Amanda's guidance we were able to form great relationships with all of our vendors which made the process enjoyable rather than stressful.”

CHEERS TO A LIFETIME OF LOVE, HAPPINESS, AND LOTS OF CHAMPAGNE, SUZ & MC!

Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your love story!

Photography: Radian Photography

Wedding Vendors:

One Year Anniversary of An Evening To Ignite 2020 Benefiting Families Together

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 09:59:48 GMT

It’s hard to believe that An Evening to Ignite was a year ago! Right before our world changed, we threw the party of the year to raise money for Families Together, an organization that helps fight homelessness in Wake County. Guests were transported back to the Roaring Twenties to enjoy a night full of eating, drinking, and dancing all while raising money for a charity that we quickly came to love.

A giant tent served as the entrance into the magic where people were greeted with secret hands offering champagne. Chandeliers made from pampas hung above while cozy lounges created the perfect speakeasy vibe. Jazz music flowed throughout, while cigars were rolled, tarot cards were read, and poker chips were stacked.

In the Carriage House, the sounds of saxophones and trumpets echoed from the band while the numbers on the screen continued to rise. Auction items were on display and bid on again and again throughout the night. UNC basketball tickets, a weekend trip to Aspen, and diamond earrings were among these items just to name a few! Light-up neon rings known as “Bling Rings” on event night could be seen on everyone’s fingers and bought from any host. It’s safe to say they became a fashion statement by the end of the night!

As the evening went on the party only got better. The space was transformed into a neon wonderland for everyone’s favorite- a silent disco! Guests jammed out to different songs on their headphones while dancers floated through the crowd. As the night progressed eyes were focused on the numbers on the board and determined to meet our goal.

With the help of some amazing vendor partners, we are so proud that we were able to raise over $100,000 creating homes for 41 homeless families in our community! We can not thank our guests enough for joining us in supporting such a wonderful cause. Each year we look forward to hosting this annual event that has helped so many amazing organizations in need and will continue to do so once it’s safe to be together again. We can not wait to do it even bigger and better next year! Cheers to a Roaring 2022!

2021 Winter Bridal Showcase

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 09:51:40 GMT

We recently hosted our Winter Bridal Showcase and wanted to share the beautiful work the vendors created. We are hopeful the photos below help inspire you for your wedding day. Be sure to check out the vendors, as they are some of the local’s best and we are honored to work alongside them.

We are thrilled to share that 100% of the ticket proceeds went to NC Restaurant Relief . We cannot thank each of the attendees enough for coming and enjoying the COVID-safe event to make this donation possible.

THE MAIN HOUSE

The Main House boasted a garden aesthetic and we loved every moment of it. From the florals in every room to the stationery paired with the tabletop decor, we were in awe of the attention to detail by the very talented vendor team!

THE TENT

The Tent was full of blooms, as there were beautiful flowers in every corner. The design was unique yet traditional, with tones of pinks and ivory. We absolutely loved seeing a tent on the lawn that gives you an al fresco feel all year long!

The team’s design board was brought to life, and we love reminiscing on it through the amazing photos below.

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

The Carriage House was dressed for spring! Is anyone else swooning about the Pantone Color of The Year that’s incorporated into this design?! It was one of the few sunny days we had in February, and the weather truly matched The Carriage House perfectly.

To the right is the inspiration the team of unique creators came up with, and it really came to life. Check out the photos from the event below!

8 Non-Diamond Engagement Rings That Still Have Plenty of Sparkle

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 23 Mar 2020 09:24:26 GMT

There are so many amazing engagement ring options out there, from diamond to non-diamond. Regardless, your partner deserves something you see as a symbol to spend forever together. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly ring or something unique for your special someone, we have designed a list of some of the most beautiful non-diamond engagement rings that we know they will love and cherish forever! Breaking away from the traditional engagement ring can be a risk but a beautiful one that fits your wants and needs perfectly. We encourage you not to be intimidated by this option. There are so many reasons to go this route. Whether your relationship is uniquely perfect, you want a ring to match that, or maybe your partner knows they will not be able to wear this every day due to their active lifestyle. We would not steer you in the wrong direction; continue to read about eight non-diamond engagement rings that will have plenty of sparkle.

NON-TRADITIONAL ENGAGEMENT RING IDEAS

1. Sapphire Engagement Rings

Your something blue could be your engagement ring, as this stunning option is a 'wow' moment ring. Add a beautiful halo around with diamonds and a simple gold band, and there you have it, the most unique and gorgeous engagement ring for your partner. Maybe September is one of your birthdays, so with sapphire as your birthstone, its the perfect combination. Do not stress; a sapphire is not always a dark blue. There are pale blue stone options that will sparkle just as well.

2. Morganite Engagement Ring

This is a trendy option for couples looking for a ring that looks very much like a diamond but has more of a soft pink or blush color gemstone. These naturally pink stones are about $300/carat, which allows you to save money and still have a sparkly engagement ring. Pair it with a rose gold band, and the pink lover in you will cherish it forever.

3. Ruby Rings

Talk about the most romantic engagement ring one could ask for. Whether this gemstone is important to you because you're a July baby or you just love how unique and bright it is, the ring is going to make a statement.

4. Opal Engagement Ring

This pearlescent stone is a classic alternative option for a non-diamond engagement ring. It can change colors depending on how you look at it, which gives it such a unique quality. Couples who have more of a bohemian or celestial style tend to fall in love with this stone option for their engagement ring. It has 'bride' written all of it due to its pearly white and rainbow shine.

5. Tourmaline

This beautiful green tone gemstone is a stunning option that can be the perfect engagement ring for you. These stones can vary in rareness and price point, but by pairing it with a beautiful gold band, it is bound to stick out and be unique just for you. Emeralds are the most well known green stone out there, but there are plenty of others, such as garnets, jadeite, peridots, tourmaline, and even sapphires.

6. Pearl

A pearl is a classic non-traditional engagement ring. This white elegant non-diamond engagement ring evokes elegance and timelessness! With a gold setting, this ring is surely going to be stunning. The pearl is the symbol of love.

7. Amethyst

If you're looking for a ring that shines, has color, and is the ultimate unique diamond that people do not see regularly, then the amethyst is for you. This is an option that is not often the top choice for a non-diamond engagement ring; however, pair this beautiful purple stone with a rose gold band, and it is just stunning!

8. Moissanite

This is the most popular, non-diamond option that you will see. There are minor changes to the look of the stone that make it look almost identical to a diamond. The best part is that there is a huge cost difference that allows saving money on the ring.

There are so many special meanings behind an engagement ring, and each ring tells a very fantastic love story. We hope these non-traditional rings give you inspiration and help you find the perfect ring for you and your partner to share forever. These non-diamond choices may not be what you see every day, but they are rings that are beautiful, affordable, and sparkle just as much as a diamond would. If you're newly engaged or soon to be engaged, check out The Merrimon-Wynne House for your wedding venue! If you are eager about getting engaged, check out our blog on 9 signs your partner is going to propose !

An Evening To Ignite 2020 Benefiting Families Together

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 07:55:33 GMT

NEW YEAR. NEW THEME. SAME GREAT PARTY.

We’re taking you back in time to the enchanting era of the 1920’s for an unforgettable party that you and yours can dress to impress, eat, drink and raise money for a very deserving local non-profit, Families Together , with the goal of raising over $100,000 to help end homelessness in the Triangle area! We are hoping you will join us to raise money for and celebrate this amazing organization!

In 2018, we hosted CATCH Me At The Casino and raised over $100,000 with the help of local friends, family and companies and this year’s event is going to be bigger, better and one you will not want to miss!

FAMILIES TOGETHERS MISSION

Moving Families in Wake and surrounding counties from homelessness to stable homes through mentoring, housing support and connection to community resources.

We are so honored to be partnering with amazing local vendors to create this magical evening for Families Together! Celebrating their 40th year this year, they have created homes, ever lasting relationships and stableness in many families lives. Their goal is to provide short-term housing, access to safety, affordable housing, temporary rental assistance, professional mentoring, connections to community resources, life skills workshops to empower their self-sufficiency and more.

ALL SPONSORSHIP LEVELS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

VIP experience includes mingling style dinner with action stations, premium full open bar with signature cocktails,
live musical performance and VIP raffles taking place from 7-8pm

Early Access to Silent Auction

Logo and company information on event website, event step & repeat and social media and can submit materials for attendee swag bags

Access to the main event including complimentary full open bar and delicious bites (VIP Ticket gives you access to a premium bar all evening)

Please email amy@merrimonwynne.com for additional sponsorship information.

$5,000 Sponsorship Level

Twelve (12) tickets to An Evening to Ignite 2020

One (1) event tent named in honor of your company

$2,500 Sponsorship Level

Eight (8) tickets to An Evening to Ignite 2020

One (1) event casino table named in honor of your company

$1,500 Sponsorship Level

Six (6) tickets to An Evening to Ignite 2020

VIP HOST TICKET

$250/guest

One (1) ticket to An Evening to Ignite 2020

VIP experience includes mingling style dinner with action stations, premium full open bar with signature cocktails,
live musical performance and VIP raffles taking place from 7-8pm

Your name listed as a Host on The Merrimon-Wynne House website

One bucket of casino chips

Swag Bag

Early access to the Silent auction

Access to the remainder of the event including complimentary full open bar and delicious bites
(VIP Ticket gives you access to a premium bar all evening)

CATCH ME AT THE CASINO 2017 & 2018

Thank you to the following event professionals who are sponsoring this event!

9 Signs Your Partner is Going to Propose

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 07:27:49 GMT

It may feel like everyone is getting engaged around you, and you are continually thinking, "am I next?" It may be a complete surprise to you when the proposal happens, but there are going to be some small hints that your partner drops throughout the months leading up until the engagement. If there are any important expectations you have for your proposal, be sure to express those to your partner.

For example, if you want a fresh manicure for the perfect ring photo, tell them to give you some heads up to get your nails done. Or maybe you want your family to be around for it, so express that so they can plan accordingly.

Our biggest suggestion is to try not to read too far into everything that may be happening in you're lives. This way, you do not get overly excited about all the significant events happening in that year. However, it is okay to sniff out a few signs and signals that the proposal is going to be happening soon.

Looking for wedding venues in Raleigh, NC ? Check out The Merrimon Wynne House !

HOW YOU KNOW YOUR PARTNER IS GOING TO PROPOSE:

1. They Are Being Secretive And Nervous

When you're in a relationship that is taking it to the next step of marriage, it is common for you two to share every detail going on in your lives, but all of a sudden, that isn't the case. When you ask them where they were, maybe they are sharing some of the details but leaving some out. Don't be overly worried because you don't want them to feel like you're accusing them of something other than ring buying or proposal planning. "This actually could be happening." It is safe to say that this is a familiar feeling while they are buying your ring and during the week of the proposal.

2. Talking About The Future

As your relationship becomes stronger, there may be conversations regarding your future together. This is a very good sign that a ring is in your near future. If your partner begins to say his goals or places he'd love to travel with you or maybe even retirement talk, these are all amazing hints for you to guess that this could be your lifelong best friend. As your partner begins to talk about these things, it's great to reciprocate those thoughts and feelings to ensure that you're committed and ready for this new adventure together.

Related: Unique Bridesmaid Dresses

3. They Plan The Next Vacation

A vacation is a time for both of you to decompress, enjoy some relaxation, and explore new places together. It's safe to say that it is common for people to go on vacation and come home engaged, which could be you! If they begin to take charge of planning your next vacation together, this may be a sign he/she wants to surprise you.

This gives them the space to make those reservations and hire a tour guide and photographer without you knowing. There is something romantic about being secluded, perhaps even away from your phones, for you to celebrate a new journey. Maybe your friends and family are also there to kick off this exciting moment of your lives. Sit back, and if nothing else, enjoy going somewhere great with the one you love.

4. They Comment About Married Couples

You're at that age where you've been together quite some time, so the thought has crossed their mind. Now they notice the old couple in the park or your friends who just got married, and they seem happy, so it makes both of you even more excited for your time to come.

There is something special when you think about all of the memories you're about to experience through the next 50+ years. When you see your family members happily in love or ask them for their advice on marriage, that is an excellent sign that marriage is on your significant other's mind, and they are getting excited about what is yet to come.

Looking to browse wedding venues? Check out The Merrimon-Wynne House wedding venue for great outdoor and indoor spaces that showcase beautiful North Carolina!

5. They Become Very Guarded About Their Phone

How can they hide their proposal plans with you looking over their shoulder? A sudden sense of privacy from you and their phone may be a sign your partner is going to propose. Again, try not to pry too much or over ask questions that make them seem more guilty than they are. They are doing something special for you, and it may be important for them to keep it a secret and a surprise for you. We're sure that hiding something this big is hard enough for them. Keep calm and enjoy the anticipation of your surprise romantic proposal .

6. Saving Not Spending

Maybe they're working overtime or picking up side jobs, all to make sure they can afford that ring, and plan for your future together. These are important things to keep in mind when you're approaching engagement talk.

Saving money means the potential of receiving your dream engagement ring and wedding bands. It also may allow you to take the next steps into being a married couple, such as buying a home or a new car together. Weddings can be expensive, but a house and children can be more expensive, so it is key to have an idea of financials for all of the things coming your way.

7. They Become Suddenly Interested In Jewelry

Just like you, they may begin to notice other rings that people are wearing while you're strolling through the park or eating dinner. Seeing your partner's curiosity peak regarding jewelry can also be a sign he/she wants to make sure they get the right ring. It can be hard to be discreet when they're snooping around in your jewelry box, but sometimes it is not that obvious. If they are asking you for your ring size , it may be an additional sign of they're purchasing the perfect ring for you!

8. They Reserve Dinner Or Make Your Favorite Meal

A date night is planned, whether it is at home or at the restaurant where your first date took place. There may be something sparkly in his pocket while you enjoy good drinks and company. With going to work, hitting the gym, or getting that master's degree, time spent together can end up pretty casual. This may be out of the blue or something that you are not used to, but take this time to enjoy each other's company. Who knows, you may be engaged by the end of dinner!

9. Included In More Plans With Friends And Family

They're going to be spending a whole lot of time with your family if all goes well. Getting to know someone's family is a natural step when thinking about a proposal. After all, if they marry you, they're also marrying your family too. It may be important to your family to be involved in the proposal, or maybe your partner is looking for advice while purchasing the perfect ring for you.

IN CONCLUSION

We know it can be very tough when you're awaiting such a big and exciting moment in your life, but we promise it is worth the surprise and wait! Having your suspicions will allow you to be on your toes at all times but also giving both of you the right amount of time for you both to be ready. As the saying goes, the timing is always right for moments like these.

As you patiently wait for these signs of the beginning, continue to cherish every moment of your relationship, and allow for you two to grow and learn more about one another as each day goes on. Together forever is approaching quickly!

After your engagement, the search for wedding venues begins! Check out The Carriage House at The Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh !

Join Us For Downtown Raleigh’s Premier Winter Bridal Showcase!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 23 Dec 2019 06:50:14 GMT

If you’re newly engaged, congratulations!!! We are so excited for you to take on this amazing new adventure together! We would love for you to join us for some lite bites, sparkling and good conversation at our Winter Bridal Showcase on January 12, 2020!

Tickets are $25 and 100% of the ticket sales will be donated to this year’s local charities, which will be announced soon!

We are so excited to be kicking off 2020 with another amazing bridal showcase for you and yours to get all of the inspiration you need to plan your special day! This is the perfect place to add more amazing vendors to your dream team, we have partnered with so many of North Carolina’s best wedding industry vendors you will not want to miss it! Check out who to expect to see there here ! Each vendor will be providing an exclusive promotion for you to use if you book them from the bridal show, it truly doesn’t get much better than that!

So much magic happens at this event so what better way to celebrate another year than with a little trip down memory lane?!

JANUARY 2018

The Main House Team:

The Carriage House Team:

Photos By Blue Barn Photography & Riley MacLean Photography

AUGUST 2018

The Main House Team:

The Carriage House Team:

Photos By Katherine Miles Jones Photography

JANUARY 2019

The Main House Team:

The Carriage House Team:

The Tent Team:

Photos By Katherine Miles Jones Photography

AUGUST 2019

The Main House Team:

The Carriage House Team:

Photos By Adelyn Boling Photography

Santa Claus at The Merrimon-Wynne House!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 16 Dec 2019 06:17:03 GMT

Christmas came early to The Merrimon-Wynne House this weekend and we would not have wanted to kick off the holiday season any other way!

We certainly got into the Christmas spirit with our community, friends and family! We had a blast decorating ginger bread houses by Yellow Dog Bread Company, listening to T’was The Night Before Christmas read by Santa himself and enjoying the beautiful weather on the lawn! This event is very near and dear to our hearts as all proceeds will benefit Family Promise of Wake County , an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families experiencing temporary homelessness by helping them find support services and safe, affordable, permanent housing in our community. We cannot wait to create forever memories for these children in need this holiday season and we could not have done it without you!

A very special thank you to the amazing vendor team who helped create this magical evening inside the historic house!

Photography: Pamela Jahnke Photography
Caterer: Rocky Top Catering
Rentals: Party Reflections
Cookies: Yellow Dog Bread Company
Florist: Plume Events
Photobooth: Bunn DJ Co.
Carolers: The Victorian Carolers
Piano Rental: Ruggero
Pianist: Zachary Gossett
Snow Globe: Interactive Playgrounds

We were honored and overwhelmed by the excitement for this sold out event and we hope you will join us next year for another Evening with Santa!

Congratulations to Heart of NC Weddings Magazine on Their Re-Launch!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 03 Dec 2019 03:45:39 GMT

We are so very excited for our friends at Heart of NC Weddings on their relaunch of their brand new name and winter/spring of 2020 cover! We are so honored to work alongside this amazing team of women who have dedicated their time and energy to create this unbelievable community for North Carolina’s wedding industry. From the time Merrimon-Wynne began construction, our relationship has blossomed into an amazing bond like no other. From being on the cover of the magazine in 2017 to the back cover in 2019 and 2020, these are moments we will always be grateful for and honored to be a part of this ever growing industry!

What better way to celebrate the exciting news than taking a trip down memory lane to see the beautiful weddings that happened at The Merrimon-Wynne House that were recapped by Jenna and her team on their blog over the years!

2014

THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE GRAND OPENING IN RALEIGH

2015

SOUTHERN SPRING WEDDING AT THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE IN RALEIGH

2016

PINTEREST-WORTHY PASTEL WEDDING AT THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE

GARDEN PARTY WEDDING AT THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE

2017

ROMANTIC RAINY DAYWEDDING ATTHE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE

MILITARY MINIMALIST WEDDING AT THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE

2018

A CLASSIC MERRIMON-WYNNE WEDDING WITH A DASH OF WHIMSY

2019

GARDEN INSPIRED WEDDING AT MERRIMON-WYNNE

Here’s to amazing years ahead of beautiful, unique and special weddings happening all around North Carolina! We cannot wait to continue celebrating each of our wonderful couples and hey maybe your wedding will be featured on Heart of NC Weddings Blog!! ;)

Check out their website here !

The Ultimate Wedding Registry Checklist

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:14:24 GMT

WHAT TO REMEMBER

WHEN CREATING YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY:

You are finally in full planning mode after enjoying some time after your engagement. This means you're probably choosing a venue, planner, photographer, caterer, and more! This process can certainly feel overwhelming at times, but don't stress too much.

We are here to help guide you to the ultimate wedding registry and how to properly ask for specific gifts that are you're dreaming of having. Once you have the majority of your vendors selected, this should be one of your next tasks since save the dates will be heading into the mail shortly.

There are no rules when it comes to your registry, anything from kitchenware to donations for your honeymoon in Paris can be included.

What Is The Right Wedding Registry Etiquette?

Ultimately there are no rules. You can put anything on your wedding registry, whether it be funding your honeymoon or putting together your new home kitchen. Either way, this is the chance to ask for whatever you need to kick off your new life together. Here are some guidelines.

You will want to begin registering shortly after your romantic engagement to allow for your guests to bring a gift to your engagement party . There may be a sale happening that will enable them to check something off your list while also saving money.

It is also best to make sure you have a few options of stores on your registry for your guests to look at and choose from. You might consider choosing Target, Amazon, or Bed Bath and Beyond, which allows for all different kinds of gifts to be bought.

As you begin to add things to your lists, try to be cautious of price points for each item, as it can be helpful to your guests to see different values to select from. You have to make sure that you allow everyone to be able to get you something.

Don't feel like you're overdoing it either. The more, the better! Keep in mind that when your wedding guests receive your 'save the date,' the first thing they will do is visit your wedding website to check out your accommodations . Another thing they will look for is your registry, so it is proper etiquette to add a tab that allows your guest to go straight to your wish lists.

Of course, finally, you will want to send out thank you notes to each person who took the time to select something for you. Send a card as soon as the gift arrives, even if that's before the wedding day. It will also make it easier than coming home from your honeymoon with a pile of thank you's to write all at once.

Related: Alternative Bridesmaid Dresses

What to Put On Your Wedding Registry:

It may be hard to pinpoint what exactly you want to add to your registry, as it is common to feel overwhelmed when creating yours. That's why we are here to give you some useful ideas as to what you can include in your wedding gift registry. As you read through these, keep in mind what you and your partner's needs will be and any dream items you've always wanted.

Kitchenware For Your Wedding Registry

The kitchen is where you and your partner will make your favorite meals, start and end your days, in addition to entertaining your guests. This a space that will be used more often than you think as you move in together. You may not know exactly what you may need or when you will use something, but it's better to have it than not, so when you expand your cooking or baking knowledge, you will be prepared. Here are some tools and items to kick off your cooking skills and start those family recipes you and your partner have been dreaming about.

Related: Old New Borrowed Blue Ideas

Cookware (Pots, Pans, Skillets)
Bakeware (Cakes and Cupcake Pans, Silicone Mats, Measuring Cups)
Stand Mixer
Coffee Pot
Tea Kettle (OR a Brewer that makes both Coffee & Tea)
Toaster
Kitchen Tools (Spatula, Whisk, Tongs, Ladle, Cheese Grater, Peeler, Can Opener)
Knives
Dishtowels
Dish Rack
Cutting Board
Apron

Dining Essentials

There is everyday flatware and more formal flatware and you will want to add both to your registry. When you host your first Thanksgiving, holiday dinner, or even just a small dinner party, you will want to make sure you have enough place settings for each guest that is a bit nicer than your everyday dinnerware. Dress to impress is the saying for these kind of occasions/

However, if you're just cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner for yourselves, you want to use your more casual flatware . You will want to make sure you add sets of each item, so you have enough matching plates and bowls for different style foods and menus.

Casual Dinnerware Ideas:

6 to 12 Place Settings
Dinner Plates
Cereal Bowls
Soup Bowls
12 Casual Drinking Glasses
Serving Utensils
6 to 8 Coffee, Tea and Beer Mugs
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salad Bowl and Tongs
6 to 12 5-Piece Flatware Sets

Formal Dining Accessories:

4 to 8 China Place Settings
Dinner Plates
Salad Plates
Soup bowls
China Cups and Saucers
China Teapot
China Coffee Pot
Creamer and Sugar Bowl
5-Piece Stemware Sets
Gravy Boat
Platters
Table Linens

Bathroom Essentials

Think all things bathroom, not just towels, when you're creating your registry. Your essentials will need to be for your bathroom as well as your guest bathrooms. It is key to make your friends and family feel as though they are staying at a luxury hotel with the amazing things in your restrooms. There are so many options out there, and what better way to allow for all of your color coordination dreams come true than with your ultimate bathroom registry.

6 Bath Towels
6 Hand Towels
6 Washcloths
Bath Mat
Shower Curtain
Shower Liner
Shower Curtain Rings
Toothbrush Holder
Soap Holder or Dispenser
Toilet Brush Holder
Garbage Can
Scale
Hamper

Bedroom Essentials

Remember this cozy space as the room you'll cuddle up after a hard day of work or watching your favorite movie. You want to add all of the things to your registry that will make this room as unique and comfortable as possible. If you wish to add a rug, furniture, new light fixtures, you have an endless amount of options, but below, we're listing the key bedding components to create your favorite space in your house.

Comforter or Duvet Cover
Flat and Fitted Sheets
Bed Skirt (if necessary for your bed)
Mattress Cover
Pillows
Pillowcases
Pillow Shams

IN CONCLUSION

There are endless items that you can add to your registry and trust us when we say this; add all of them to your list. The more options you give your guests, the greater the chance for them to purchase one of them for you.

It allows them to provide you with something at your engagement party, bridal shower, and even on your wedding day. Be sure to select things that you genuinely want to use and have in your home, as it can be a sticky situation returning an item that your best friend's mom got you.

This will truly make the ‘ getting married ’ part feel so real, and taking the time to create these wish lists together allows you to truly map out an amazing and exciting future together.

We hope this list was a great starting list for you, and remember, do not be limited by this list. There is a wide variety of items you and your partner can register. Consider any hobbies you both share or specific tools you need to make grandma's unique recipes.

Looking for wedding venues in Raleigh, NC ? Check out our spaces!

Unique or Alternative Bridesmaid Dresses

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 18:27:23 GMT

If you're looking for a way to spice things up for you and your bridesmaids, then look no further. Bridesmaids dresses are a unique way to show off your sense of style and creativity but also a way to showcase your beautiful best friends. By today's standards, picking a dress is no longer boring and unoriginal, and we're here to welcome all the new and upcoming trends.

One way to spice a color up is to have bridesmaids pick different shades and styles in their dress. Tell them it has to be blue and let their creativity run wild! This allows your girls to choose a shade that fits their style, as well as a neckline or silhouette of a dress that makes them feel super confident. If you want to get even more creative - have your bridal party pick different dresses together. Mismatched patterns, prints, and colors can create a beautifully intricate look for your wedding day.

Another one of our favorite trends is florals, florals, florals! Whether your floral print is small and dainty or large and detailed, we can't get over the look of a floral design next to your white dress. If you want to further spice up their look, different colored floral dresses allow your girls to rock each of their dresses in their own way and add an element of surprise as they each walk down the aisle.

Related: This Year’s Bridal Showcase

If you're intrigued on how to make white bridesmaid dresses work, how to spice up the color blue, how to make it feel feminine and fun, and/or how to add a little shimmer to your besties looks, then search no further. We're here to give you the inside scoop on all things up and coming when it comes to unique, creative, and alternative looks to bridesmaids dresses. Some of these trends are sure to surprise you and make you consider options you may never have thought of before. So, if you're looking for a fun twist to your bridal party's look, then keep on reading.

Looking for that perfect Raleigh venue for your wedding? Check out what the Merrimon-Wynne House has to offer!

UNIQUE BRIDESMAID DRESS IDEAS

White dresses

Gone are the days where brides are the only ones rocking white down the aisle. This look keeps things clean and fresh and allows you to get fun and creative with florals for a fun pop of color.

Let your besties get creative with style and cut of each of their dresses for a fun and trendy look. This style is perfect for the spring or summer bride who isn't afraid to play with some color in her bouquets or who wants a more reserved and/or clean look. We could see this style being rocked at an outdoor wedding where the white dresses get a chance to really stand out.

Embroidered dresses with pops of color

There is no better way to add a pop of color into your wedding than by having your bridesmaids wearing embroidered dresses with a pop of color. This look is super stylish at the moment and lets your besties feel flirty and sweet. Add a beautiful bouquet in the mix, and you have a beautiful floral palette for your girls to wear on your special day.

Having embroidered details on the dresses would look gorgeous in the spring or fall, depending on your pop of color choice. This look would be perfect for anyone who wants to add a fun twist on a colored dress. It even adds a beautiful texture to your day, if you choose to keep some details simple, which is a total plus.

Mismatched florals

We love the idea of having floral dresses for your girls, but when they are mismatched, it adds a completely different element. Having a line of your girls dressed in varying floral patterns, colors, and styles are sure to look dreamy and gorgeous for any Spring wedding or bride who isn't afraid to play with some pattern.

This look is super elegant, and when every bridesmaid gets to choose her own style and color within your scheme, each girl is sure to look unique and feel comfortable. We can already picture how beautiful your pictures will turn out with your girls dressed in mismatched florals.

Ocean blue hues

If you're looking for a way to turn the color blue into something unique and interesting for your special day, then look no further! Break up the "typical" blue look by adding in prints and patterns, or a mixture of shades. Let your imagination run wild when it comes to the look and style of these dresses.

For more of the relaxed style, choose more flowy styles, and if you're looking for more of a structured or tailored look, then choose form-fitting dresses that show off your bridesmaids perfectly. These ocean blue hues are ideal for a beach babe who wants to add some texture to her special day. This look works for the beach bride who wants the sun, sand, and ocean to be a big part of her special day.

Ivory Elegance

For more of an effortless look, choose styles with ivory and elegant decals. Neutral tone gowns allow for a gorgeous and simple look for your special day. Whether you choose long or short styles, each of these designs showcases a laid back and elegant look. This style is best suited for a bride who either want to have a very sophisticated and elegant look to their wedding, but it would also suit a bride who wants a more simple and feminine look. We could see this style in the spring and summer months for brides who are looking to keep things light and fresh, as well.

Related: A Signature Wedding Gift Guide

Shades of grey

The color grey doesn't always have to feel boring. Create a unique and trendy look by letting your bridesmaids pick any shade and style of dress they want, with only one condition - it has to be grey. If you're looking to amplify this trend even further, then let them know they can add beading or a pattern.

We could see this look for our fall and winter brides who want to keep things simple, with a touch of adventure. With a simple grey palette such as this one, you can get a bit more creative with your florals and arrangements.

Bold and beautiful

There is no better way to spice up your bridesmaids' looks then by picking a bold and beautiful design. Paired with a simple green bouquet and/or arrangement, a bold dress design is sure to make a statement for your special day. To create an even more unique look, choose the same bold design, and let your bridesmaids choose from an array of styles.

The combination of maxi, midi, and shorter dresses created a unique and fun look for your girls to rock on the day of. This alternative style of dress is best suited for brides who are looking for a wow-factor for their girls to rock on her special day. This idea would be best suited for any season of the year. Bohemian glamour

For a spring or summer time bride who wants a laidback and bohemian look to her wedding, there's no better place to get creative than bridesmaid dresses. Flowy dresses with lace accents are a sure way to get the bohemian look you've been dreaming about. Choose from an array of earthy tones such as light greens or pinks and add some simple arrangements with matching floral crowns for each of your ladies. This creates a look that brings the whole bohemian style together.Rustic color combinations

Rustic chic weddings seem to be in full swing! Tailor your bridesmaids to this theme by creating a rustic color palette for them to choose from. Colors can range anywhere from burnt orange, marigold, maroon, and creme. A combination of these dresses would create the perfect rustic look. This color palette would look gorgeous in the autumn months and is perfect for a bride who is looking for an original style that is tailored to her rustic theme. Pair these dresses with a bouquet filled with greenery, and you will have your completed look.

Classic Navy

There is nothing more crisp and clean looking than bridesmaids clad in navy. This look is the embodiment of elegance and sophistication, and there is a multitude of styles to choose from. Mix and match different styles or stick to one style for all of your girls for a more cohesive look. This idea is perfect for a winter bride who wants to keep things classic for her big day. If you like the classic look, but want another unique element added to the dresses, then create an arrangement full of greenery and a pop of color.

Menswear-inspired

Are you looking for something edgy, comfortable, and chic? Choose a menswear-inspired look for your besties. There's nothing more comfortable than wearing pants, especially if your girls are looking to dance all night long. Why not choose an alternative to dresses and let your bridesmaids wear a women's power suit or a jumpsuit? Go for a more traditional color and have them clad in black, or go for something a little softer with a grey or color. This style would be best suited for a bride planning her wedding in the colder months and who wants her girls to look sexy and chic.

Garden inspired pastels

For the bride who is planning on having over-the-top florals for her garden wedding, there is no better way to dress your bridesmaids than putting them in garden-inspired pastels. We love the look of light pastel blues, greens, yellows, oranges, and pinks against the white of a bride's dress for a dreamy outdoor wedding look. These dresses would be perfect for the springtime and would be on point for brides looking to have their ceremony in the outdoors. These dresses, paired with large floral bouquets, would make for the perfect extravagant garden wedding.

Related: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Paisley

Paisley prints are the perfect way to invoke an element of charm into your wedding. For the bride who wants a more down-to-earth look for her wedding, especially if she grew up in the outdoors, we would suggest incorporating paisley prints into her bridal party's dresses. We love the idea of choosing different colors with the pattern and how original the idea is.

We could see this look in the summertime, in the outdoors, or at an old rustic barn. This is a perfect summer bridal dress for your inner southern belle to come out! You could certainly make this pattern tie into the rest of your gorgeous details throughout your ceremony and reception.

Vintage

Add a sense of tradition to your bridesmaid's dresses. This could even play as your 'something old.' Have your girls select dresses that feel vintage or may even be vintage. A vintage-style could be anywhere from lace to embroider to a pattern. Whichever you choose for your day, we are sure it will be a beautiful touch. There is something special that makes a flower crown feel stunning and vintage in itself, so if you choose to go for a more simple look, add a crown to your girls. This is a perfect style for brides who are looking to tie the knot in a historical venue or barn-style space.

Sparkling

Your bridesmaids should certainly shine, and with a sparkly dress, it brings the saying to life. We have seen this trend where all of the ladies will be in something shimmery, or maybe just the maid of honor is in something that shines to allow your guests to know who may be who.

Your bridesmaids will love this style no matter what. Tying the knot around the holidays or maybe even on New Years Eve ? This is the perfect trend for you.

Industrial

We don’t think a white and grey pattern like marble will ever go out of style! This look can add a perfect amount of edginess to your day. Another color that will tie in all of your details would be a copper shade bridesmaids dress. This is a trend we can get behind! Talk about industrial vibes dreams come true. This is a perfect style for anyone who may be getting married in a warehouse-style venue with lots of exposed beams and brick accents.

Earth Tones

There is something so beautiful about a soft, muted, earthy tone bridesmaids dress. If you're feeling the brighter colors for your wedding day, look no further, as these tones are perfect for you. Whether you're tying the knot in the fall or winter, the muted tones can be a great addition to your design. Pair them with a perfect grey or navy suit with brown leather accents. It combines a color palette you will fall in love with.

Woodland

A textured, organic venue calls for a natural vibe for the bridesmaid's dresses. With nature as your backdrop , you could certainly go simple with your color palette, or you could go bold. With a pattern style, the bridesmaid's dresses will stand out against the greenery or barn style ceremony, resulting in picture-perfect moments.

Soft pinks and blues

This color combination will be a fan favorite for as long as time can be, and we understand why! It is a palette that is beautifully simple in so many ways. You could keep your girls in pastel pink toned dresses while the guys wear a blue suit, or if you're feeling bold, switch it up and have the girls in blue and the guys in pink. A salmon color jacket sure does look sharp. This combo is perfect for your wedding at any time of the year, so you certainly cannot go wrong.

Related: Old New Borrowed Blue

IN CONCLUSION

No matter what dress you choose to have your girls rock on your wedding day, they will be there supporting you and your partner as you tie the knot. Whether it's popping a bottle of champagne as you begin hair and makeup, gifting your girls their bridesmaid's robes and jewelry, or taking all of the candid photos in the bridal suite, it sure will be a day you remember. Treat your bridal party well with some gifts to thank your bridesmaids and groomsmen for all their support.

You get to start and end your day with your best gals, and there is something so sweet about that. We hope this helps guide you towards your dream color palette and inspires you towards the perfect bridesmaids dresses for your girls!

Looking for wedding venues in Raleigh North Carolina ?

How To Plan A Wedding In 6 Months

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 14 Nov 2019 18:36:13 GMT

Congratulations! You are engaged and ready to begin planning your dream wedding day! First things first, think to yourself and chat with your partner to determine when you would like to get married.

A trend we’re seeing more these days are quicker engagements, so if you think this might be a good fit for your wedding we are here to help you plan your wedding in 6 months or less.

This is one of the most exciting times in your life, so enjoy the ride and try not to get stressed. Your venue manager at The Merrimon-Wynne House will be sure to guide you along the way.

WHAT TO DO 6 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Determine Your Budget

To begin your planning process, you are going to want to determine your ideal wedding budget. It is helpful to gather all of the information on who may be willing to pay for certain things and how much they are willing to give. After your budget is created, think about your 'must-haves.' Are you leaning towards a band versus a DJ, or a plated meal versus buffet-style? Depending on your dream list, you will want to allocate a specific amount of money towards each item and determine where you may save and where you want to splurge.

Choose Your Venue

After you have your numbers in order and dream list created, you will want to begin reaching out to venues for their availability, pricing, rental information and scheduling a tour. Securing your venue will allow you to kick start a lot of details. First things first, you will want to review the list of which vendors they may require, so begin reaching out to them!

Looking at Raleigh wedding venues ? Check out The Merrimon-Wynne House Today!

Book Your Main Vendors

As you are beginning to receive quotes and availability from your main vendors, such as a coordinator, caterer, photographer and entertainment, you will want to decide who you will move forward with. Then sign the contract as soon as possible to make sure you get them secured.

Choose Your Dress

Let the fun begin! Schedule your dress appointments and do some research on what style gown you would like to wear. While dress shopping, it may be best to purchase a ready-to-wear dress.

However, you could certainly move forward with a custom, made to order dress, but keep in mind that most custom gowns will need at least 6-months to create and make any final alterations. If you do choose that route, you may be able to pay a rush fee.

Book a Hotel Room Block for Guests

As your first month of engagement comes closer to the end, you will want to begin chatting with your local hotels to create room blocks for any of your out of town guests. A hotel block typically applies a discounted rate for a larger number of guests. If you think you may have only a few out of town guests, maybe consider sending them a list of local hotels or Air BnB’s that provide great rates.

Schedule Your Engagement Shoot

You are engaged! You will cherish this moment forever, and what better way to remember this amazing time in your life than with pictures. This is always a great time to work with your photographer before your wedding day to help you get used to being in front of the camera. These are great photos to also add to your wedding website and possibly use for your save-the-dates.

WHAT TO DO 5 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Determine Your Guest List

While you are waiting to get back your engagement photos , begin creating your guest list. Start with creating a list with your partner. This list should consist of the people you cannot imagine your day without. Following that list, you will want to begin chatting with your parents to see who they would like to add to the list. While you continue to add each guest, keep in mind your venue capacity and budget for food and beverage. When creating this guest list, be sure to gather addresses as well.

Establish Your Wedding Party

Who do you envision standing by your side on your wedding day? Ask each person on your list and get them on board early. They will need to begin purchasing their attire. Which leads me to your color palette! You will want to decide on which color suit the guys will wear and which color dresses the girls will wear.

Send Your Save The Dates

Let your guests know when the party of the year is going to be by sending out your save the dates. There are a few different ways you can send out save the dates. If you choose to send a traditional mail save the date, you will want to work on the design earlier that month. You could use sites like Minted or Shutterfly to print these. Another option is a digital save the date. You could you a website like Paperless Post to send out a beautiful save the date to your guest's emails.

Create Your Wedding Website

Your wedding website is a place for your guests to use as a resource as your day gets closer. You will want this completed by the time you send out your save the dates, as most of the time you will have "for more information, please visit our wedding website at XYZ." This will allow your guests to view your hotel blocks, directions to the venue and maybe things to do in the area while they are in town. Have you started your registry? You will want to have the links to those on your wedding website as well!

Looking at wedding venues in Raleigh ? The Merrimon-Wynne House is a great indoor and outdoor wedding venue !

WHAT TO DO 4 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Hire The Rest of Your Vendors

You will want to complete your vendor list around this time. Vendors like your baker and hair and makeup artist will need to be hired by this time. Have you considered all of the possibilities, such as specialty rentals for lounges or maybe transportation for your guests?

Get Your Wedding Bands

Whether you are tying the knot in 6 months or 12 months, by the 4-month mark before your wedding date, you will want to purchase your wedding bands . Sizing or creating a wedding band can take anywhere between 45 to 90 days, so to ensure you have it by the big day, select it early enough! A great place to start shopping for your wedding bands would be at the place where your partner bought your engagement ring.

WHAT TO DO 3 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Create Your Menu And Have A Cake Tastings

You are halfway through your planning process and hopefully are not feeling too stressed. It is time to treat yourself by tasting and selecting which foods and desserts you will be having for your guests to enjoy. Are you thinking of a plated meal, maybe family-style or even stations so your guests can pick and choose?

Plan Your Honeymoon

Another fun wedding planning task! If you are in need of some much needed R&R, begin looking at your honeymoon options. Even if you can only go for a few days or maybe have to stay in the country, you should certainly take some time away after your wedding. You deserve it after all of this hard work planning!

Send Out The Invitations

Most vendors will need your final guest count anywhere between 1-month and 2-weeks prior to your wedding date, so it is important to mail out your invitations and receive your RSVPs in time for your final payments to be made. Make sure you design and address your envelopes beforehand, but you should certainly mail them out by at least 12 weeks prior.

WHAT TO DO 2 MONTHS BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Party

From your bridal shower to your bachelor or bachelorette parties, you should not have too much planning to do for these events. More so, just show up and enjoy being celebrated! You took the time to register for some amazing items. It is time to open them! Make sure these events happen around the month mark so you can enjoy them and not stress about any last-minute things.

Order Your Marriage License

Take a day and head to the county clerk’s office to get your marriage license. This is important and the thing that makes your marriage official! You will not want to forget to do this or forget to bring it on the day of the wedding.

Schedule A Hair and Makeup Trial Run

We highly suggest doing a hair and makeup trial to ensure you are happy with how you look on your wedding day. Keep in mind your trial may or may not be exactly what you envision, but it will be helpful to tell them what you like and do not like so that they can make changes for the big day.

WHAT TO DO 1 MONTH BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

Pack Your Bags for the Honeymoon

Whether you are heading on a three day or ten-day trip, make sure you pack your bags early enough that you can check that off of your list of things to do the month of the wedding. You don't want to be packing the night of your wedding!

Confirm All the Details

You will most likely do one last site visit with your wedding planner, caterer and venue to ensure all of the final details are in order and that all of your questions are answered. At this point, your planner should take over all communication with your vendors so you can just enjoy your last month of engagement.

Finalize Your Seating Chart

You should have all of your RSVPs in and begin to create your wedding seating chart if you are having a seated meal. Whether you are having a plated meal or buffet-style dinner, you will want to assign seats for your guests to have a home base throughout the evening. If you are doing more of a mingling style event, make sure you have seating for your family and any elderly guests. Be sure to place a reserved sign on the tables for them. You will want to tell your planner or a family member who can sit there.

The Day Is Finally Here

It is the day of your wedding and your engagement has flown by. All of your hard work has paid off and you now get to marry your best friend with your nearest and dearest around you! You managed to plan a wedding in 6-months or less, so it is time to enjoy these last moments and savor your special day!

Looking for more information about outdoor wedding venues in Raleigh North Carolina ? Check out The Merrimon-Wynne House today!

20 Creative and Romantic Marriage Proposal Ideas

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 13:37:27 GMT

There is something extraordinary about finding your forever love and talking about your future together. You may be thinking, "are they going to propose today? This weekend? Are they going to get creative with the proposal or ask my friends and family to be there? It has to be perfect."

Don't worry; you're not alone if you are thinking about these types of questions. Once the ring is purchased and the moment has arrived, they will get down on one knee and ask you to spend the rest of their lives with you! It will be magical.

Maybe you have a vision in your head regarding how the engagement will go, however, let's jump into some of the unique and romantic ideas we have gathered for some additional inspiration.

Want to get a head start choosing the perfect Raleigh wedding venue ? Check out what The Merrimon-Wynne House has to offer!

WHAT ARE THE MOST ROMANTIC AND CREATIVE PROPOSAL IDEAS?

Dinner Proposal

When you think back on your relationship, where have you had some of your best conversation over a delicious meal and tasty cocktail? That specific restaurant may be the perfect spot to make a reservation, celebrate each other, and pop the question! Call before and get advice on the best way to propose in their restaurant.

How about a dinner proposal at home on the couch? Talk about a surprise moment! A dinner proposal can be sentimental, romantic, and unexpected all in one.

Stage A Concert In The Park Proposal

Take your daily stroll to the next level with a proposal in the park. Hire a few string players or a mini band to begin playing your favorite song. As you are walking, pause, start your proposal, and get down on one knee! This will be a memory you share forever and a sentimental location for the rest of your lives.

Involve Your Pet in Your Proposal

Your pet should most definitely be involved in your proposal. Add a tag to your pet's collar that says 'will you marry me' or even attach the ring to their leash as you're taking them for their walk around the neighborhood. The sweetest moments can be simple and special to each other and your fur baby!

Propose with a Photo Album

Reminisce on the amazing memories you have spent over the previous months or years with a photo album proposal. There is nothing like reminding each other why you fell in love in the first place. Talking about the good times you've spent together reminds them of all your future endeavors together. Then down on one knee you go! How romantic?!

After A Hike Proposal

With the cooler temperatures arriving, it is the perfect time of year to head out for a nice nature-filled hike. What better feeling is there than accomplishing a hike and getting engaged too? This proposal creates beautiful photographic moments as well!

The Beach

A beach is a place that holds so many memories, year after year for some families. This year could make it an even more special place! Head for a stroll on the beach at golden hour and get down on one knee, in the sand, and pop the question.

Stage a Scavenger Hunt

This one takes a bit more planning and will occupy your day a little bit, but it sure is the sweetest idea. Drop off hints to their favorite spots, like a nail salon, coffee shop, or boutique, and send them on their way around town to end up at your favorite spot with candles lit all around. A romantic proposal awaits!

Related: Groomsmen Gift Ideas 2015

Vacation Proposal

With the holidays around the corner, traveling seems to be more popular. Are you heading on vacation this engagement season ? If so, bring that bling along and pop the question while you're on vacation. This can make your time spent away from work an even bigger celebration!

First Date Location

Where did you spend your first date? It can be a creative yet beautiful proposal if you head out for your usual date night and surprise her by going to your first date night location. Having your closest friends and family hidden somewhere there can be even more special!

Looking for your perfect wedding location? Check out our Raleigh venue today!

During A Picnic

Maybe a picnic is your usual, and perhaps it is not. In our opinion, it is one of the cutest proposal ideas out there. Bring all of your favorites snacks, wine, and blanket, and spend your afternoon under the trees. Enjoy each moment together and pop the question.

New Years Eve

Kick off the New Year with a new ring! The holiday will have you surrounded by your family and friends. Add to the celebration by saying yes to the love of your life! Get the confetti and bubbly ready because you are getting married.

Surprise Party

There is always a reason to gather all of your nearest and dearest together in one place. Host a surprise party for your partner and pop the question as they are walking into the room. Talk about a double surprise moment! Pro tip: Make sure you fly in the important people.

Related: Who to invite to your wedding?

Skywriting

This is a total Instagrammable moment! Hire a plane to write out, "will you marry me?" in the sky! The whole town will see it and wonder who could that be for? Next thing you know, you are down on one knee and gaining a fiance.

Hidden Photographer

Hiring a photographer for any of these amazing moments can be key. You want to capture this new adventure you're taking and remember it forever. You could even be enjoying your day as usual and propose out of the blue, but having a photographer hidden somewhere will make it feel planned and purposeful.

Staycation At A Local Hotel

With the help of the hotel, fill your beautiful hotel room with rose petals and candles. Kick-off your staycation with your proposal! There's a reason to celebrate! You can then have a plan for a special evening ahead with your new fiance.

Give Her The Perfect Day

We all need some time away from work and deserve to relax a bit. Plan for a spa day with a mani and pedi and give them a chance to relax and decompress. Send them to their favorite store to buy something beautiful, and when they get home, pop the question!

Film A Movie For Her

Each day, week, or month, gather some footage of whatever you're doing with each other or a favorite moment. Compile these moments into a movie for the two of you to watch. Show them why you love them for them and their quirks and imperfections! Looking for a wedding venue near Raleigh North Carolina ? Check out Raleigh Weddings at the Marrimon-Wynne House !

Propose At Home

Your home is comfortable and cozy and perfect for you to get down on one knee and give a beautiful un-practiced speech. Keep it natural and authentic. You are home, so there are no distractions or worries in the world. Maybe you do it out of the blue or while you're working on an at-home project. This can be the perfect romantic proposal!

Disney

Disney is the most magical place in the world, so why not start your newlywed adventures there?! You'll have photographers everywhere to capture the proposal from all angles. There are magical moments daily to pop the question. Get down on one knee during the fireworks, in front of the castle, or after riding all of the rollercoasters. It's a perfect opportunity!

Involve Your Kids

If you are starting a family together, there is nothing sweeter than becoming one together. Have your kids write all of the reasons they love your relationship and then have them each write, "will you marry us?" It will be sure to bring tears to everyone's eyes.

Now that you have 20 new ideas, how will you propose to your soulmate? No matter where you propose or who is there when it happens, it will be a moment you will remember forever. You are gaining a fiancé, and you now get to begin to plan your wedding! Most importantly, it is a day that signifies your future and celebrates your love. Have you checked out our Raleigh wedding venue , The Merrimon-Wynne House ?

We are so excited to greet you with open arms as you begin to plan your dream day. Here's to an amazing new adventure ahead!

Who To Invite To Your North Carolina Wedding?

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 12:58:24 GMT

Creating your perfect guest list can be tough , especially with all the parties involved from both sides of the family. When it's the party of the year, everyone is going to want an invite to your Raleigh wedding! There are people you will have to invite, others you really want to skip, and those who may or may not make the cut, depending on your venue's capacity. This may be one of the hardest decisions throughout the planning process. But do not stress; we are here to help guide you through the process while keeping you and your family members happy at the same time.

First things first, think about your venue's space and determine what number is most comfortable for your dream day in downtown Raleigh. Chat with your venue manager and ask them what they would recommend and base your perfect guest count number around that. Of course, keep in mind their maximum number to ensure you can invite those extra 20 guests. So how do you decide who does and doesn't get an invitation to your wedding? Here are six guidelines to help you and your families figure it out.

Make A Preliminary List With Just Your Partner

Take some time to create your list, his list, and a together list to begin this process. Think about your immediate family and close family members you have to have at your wedding. Following that, move onto your nearest friends list and keep in mind plus ones, or their spouses. Next, think of those friends you cannot imagine your day without. This is going to allow you to think about the rest of your guest list clearly. Can you invite another 100 guests or 50 guests between your parents, co-workers, and acquaintances?

Decide Where You’ll Cut Off Family Invitations—And Stick To It

Your extended family is going to be a tricky one, so this is a great time to pull in your parents and get their input. There may even be family members you may not necessarily know that they would like for you to extend an invite. To help decide, typically, if one uncle receives an invite, all aunts and uncles should as well. The same rule applies to cousins. Whether you have a larger extended family or a smaller one, don't feel overwhelmed, as this is still a preliminary guest list that you can tweak.

Give Both Families The Same Number Of Extra Guests

After reviewing your family and friends list, determine how many additional people you are comfortable inviting and divide it up between both of your families. Allow your parents to invite a certain amount of friends or business partners. At this point, you can decide on other friends you may think would be a great addition to your list. Stick to this number. It can get tricky when you begin to think, "well, he invited us to their son's wedding" - at the end of the day, it is a celebration for you!

Make The Call About Children

Do you imagine your day with children running around or an adult only celebration ? It is entirely up to you, but you will need to stick to it. One possible compromise is allowing the children to attend the ceremony but not the reception. This allows you to have flower girls and ring bearers during the wedding while keeping the adults relaxed later on. A kid can be considered anywhere between ages 2 to 20. However, you will want to choose an age in case someone calls to ask if 'so and so' can come.

If you're unsure of this decision, think about your important guests. Will they be able to get a sitter for the evening? Maybe they have to travel to the wedding and cannot get the weekend away without the kids. If that is the case, allow them to bring their kids to the reception. A great addition is to hire a sitter for the reception. They can use the preparation suites to keep the kids in one area close by for the parents to check on them. You could also place lawn games out on the lawn to keep the kids occupied outside while dancing is happening inside.

Return The Favor

If a friend invited you to their wedding a few years back, there is no need to invite them to yours. However, if you attended their wedding within the last 18 months, that couple should be on your guest list . It can get tricky, so really think about who's weddings you may have been a bridesmaid or groomsmen in and add them to the list. You definitely do not have them in your wedding party. However, it is a great way to return the favor with an invitation.

Follow Modern Plus-One Protocol

Don’t be too generous with your plus ones . You are definitely not obligated to offer every guest a plus one. But if they are in a serious relationship of any sort (dating, living together, engaged, etc.), their partner should be included. Another consideration will be if they are guests who may not know anyone else who is attending the event. Allowing them to bring a guest can allow may encourage them to come more than they originally considered. This can be a friend or family member, so just ask them for their name for when you're assigning seats!

There is no right or wrong way to create your guest list. We hope this helps you feel a bit less stressed and a little more excited to receive your rsvp's in the mail! Remember, a great rule of thumb is that, on average, 20% of your guest list will not be able to attend the wedding. This varies for each couple, as it depends on how many guests are traveling to Raleigh, the time of year, and which are local North Carolina guests. Think about your ideal guest count and add a few more. You can also create a 'b list' guest list to allow you to invite someone when you receive a no in the mail. Remember to order a few extra invitations if you plan to send out more!

Check out our historic mansion wedding venue for your upcoming celebration here .

Related: Say ‘I do’ to a Friday Wedding

FEATURED: Style Me Pretty: When the Rain Stops Just in Time and You Get the Ceremony of Your Dreams

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 08:19:09 GMT

RAIN OR SHINE: THEY HAD A PLAN B

Rain-Proofing the Wedding

They say rain on your wedding day brings good luck - of course in the moment it may not feel that way but don’t fret, We at The Merrimon-Wynne House have you covered (literally!).

From the carriage house to tenting the lawn, your rain back up plan can look just as beautiful your plan A!

Showers then Shine

Becky & Nick’s day started off with a few showers but ended with sunshine! With the day calling for a chance of rain, they had a plan in place that looked beautiful and allowed for their outdoor ceremony to still happen!

For their ceremony, Rebecca Rose Events designed a beautiful tent on the lawn which had a garden style feel.

The Aisle

Their aisle was marked by stunning organic floral arrangements with natural wood chairs for their guests to sit comfortably as they tie the knot!

The Ceremony

Their ceremony arbor was surrounded by white wooden boxes filled with more florals, which was a stunning touch!

Following their ceremony, their nearest & dearest enjoyed Hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the main house and moved into the carriage house for dinner and dancing! It was a beautiful celebration to be a part of!

Thank you to The Following amazing vendors!

Design & Coordination: Rebecca Rose Events | Photography: Ally and Bobby | Videography: Muddy Trails Film Co. | Wedding Cake: Ashley Cakes

Catering: Rocky Top Catering | Hair and Makeup: Tease & BlushWEBSITE | Calligraphy: Calligraphy by Carole

Lighting : Sound Illusions | Band: Soul Jam | Ceremony Music: Allegro Music Events | Linens & Rentals: Nuage Designs & Party Reflections | Ceremony & Reception Venue: The Merrimon-Wynne House

Looking at wedding venues in Raleigh, NC ? Check out what the Merrimon-Wynne Has to offer!

Want advice on wedding planning or choosing the right Raleigh wedding venue ? Check out The Merrimon-Wynne !

The Merrimon-Wynne House Raleigh Event Giveaway!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 07:59:56 GMT

We are more than excited to be giving away an event at The Merrimon-Wynne! An amazing group of some of our favorite vendors have teamed up with us to create an unforgettable event for you and 50 of your closest friends and family. Thank you to each of these vendors for their generous donations and thank you to each of you who are entering!

Check out our instagram post to enter!

Please read through carefully to find each vendors contributions, terms, conditions and contribution values.

THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE

Venue rental all day (10am - 11pm) any day Sunday through Friday.

4-Hour Beer and Wine Bar with Sparkling for 50 guests, any additional guest count over will be charged at typical cost. The cost of bar staff is based on final guest count and is required but not included.

Approximate Value: $6,300.

PLUME EVENTS

Planning: A full-service event planning package that will include assistance with planning every aspect of your special day from start to finish. The winner will be given her/his choice of three unique designs, which will be executed by the vendor team.

Plume must be available for the selected Friday through Sunday date in 2020.

Approximate Value: $4,000

Floral Design: Includes up to 8 centerpieces for guest tables, 5 bud vases for cocktail tables, 1 focal design (a ceremony backdrop, staircase or mantle installation, or large arrangement), a bridal bouquet, up to 5 bridesmaid bouquets, up to 6 boutonnieres, and two small accent arrangements. Additional items can be added by the winner at retail cost. Also included are delivery and setup and breakdown.

The types of flowers used in the designs will be up to the discretion of Plume Events, though the winner's requests will be honored when possible. Should the event not be a wedding, bouquets and boutonnieres can be substituted for items of equal value. Large-scale installations, including hanging installations, are not included but can be added by the winner at retail cost.

Approximate Valued: $2,660

PERRY VAILE PHOTOGRAPHY

Any day of the week available with stipulation that if Perry receives a later booking client for the same day an associate will cover hours, and Perry will still complete the final image processing to mimic her style. Non-holiday Monday-Wednesday dates can guarantee Perry.

4.5hrs of coverage, additional hours available with Perry or an associate at typical cost.

Perry must be available for selected date and within 2020.

Approximate Value: starting at $10,000

PARTY REFLECTIONS

Rental credit value dependent on winner’s selected date

Credit will be for rental items only. Rental items can include tables, chairs, linens, dishes, cooking equipment. Tents, fabric and other labor items are not included. Normal delivery hours are included.

Approximate Credit Value: up to $2,000

ROCKY TOP CATERING

$1,500 valid for any food or beverage purchase

Valid Sunday through Friday based on current availability at the time of booking

Value includes food and beverage only. Tax, gratuity, labor and rental items are not included

ASHLEY CAKES

3 tier wedding cake with buttercream design that serves up to 85 guests. Delivery and cake stand rental also included.

Date Restrictions: The following dates are not available for events in 2020: May 4-11, July 1-8, November 23-29, and December 21-28. All other dates in 2020 are included in the giveaway

Approximate Value: $650

TWO ROOSTERS ICE CREAM

50 person prepackaged scoop drop-off (with option to purchase more) for event delivered in red retro coolers.

Approximate Value: $200

MAKEUP BY ASHLEY MOONEY

$600 credit towards hair and makeup

GLENWOOD SOUTH TAILOR

2 Piece Custom Suit

Not to be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Suit cloth / fabric is based on seasonal availability and at the discretion of Glenwood South Tailors and Alterations.

Suit delivery and timeline is also at the discretion of GST and is based on seasonal availability, international transportation and logistical constraints.

$1995 Value

GILDED BRIDAL

$1,000 credit towards anything in-store

BUNN DJ CO.

4 hour wedding DJ package Sunday through Friday

Approximate Value: $1395

HALEIGH JANE PAINTS

50 four-piece invitation set with hand lettered addressing (envelope, invite, rsvp, rsvp envelope). Or a custom e-vite design. Postage not included.

2 Custom Day of Signs up to size 24x36. Additional signage available at typical pricing

Approximate Value: $800

Real Wedding: Alexia & Corey's Copper, Garden Inspired Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 07:28:08 GMT

In need of some major wedding inspiration!?! we are so excited to share all of alexia & corey’s gorgeous details from their june wedding! They radiated love all throughout the day and it was so special to have them surrounded by their nearest and dearest celebrating their love. Alexia has worked in the wedding industry and it was so fun to see her vision come to life. their details were so clean and crisp, yet beautiful and special to them.

Alexia and her bridesmaid’s day started off sipping mimosas while they got ready. Alexia and corey then had their first look and were all smiles even with stromy weather. thankfully the skies cleared and they were surprised with a rainbow halfway through their dinner!

We are excited to share their beautiful photos captured by Ally and Bobby Photography !

Congratulations Alexia & Corey!

Intimate Rehearsal Dinner at The Merrimon-Wynne House

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 28 Feb 2019 07:17:35 GMT

your rehearsal dinner is the kick off to your amazing wedding weekend! It can be A welcome party for your guests who traveled near and far with an evening full of celebration and catching up.

Darden & Elliot chose to have an intimate dinner on the lawn with a cocktail hour in the main house. Creating cozy lounge areas throughout the first floor and adding a few bistro style cocktail tables, their guests felt right at home. Mingling between the two spaces, guests enjoyed a beautiful summer evening with friends and family. Their bright floral design added the perfect touch to this amazing celebration!

Photography: Nancy Ray Photography | Caterer: Rocky Top Catering | Rentals: Party Reflections

Guest Blog - 7 Tips To Stay Well Rested The Week of Your Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:13:22 GMT

Guest Blog post By Elizabeth Hennigan of Mattress Advisor .

There is no season like wedding season.

It’s charming, hectic, exhilarating, stressful—all of the above.

Something they don’t tell you, however, is just how exhausting wedding season can be—physically, mentally, and definitely, emotionally. Can I get an, “Amen!?”

At times, being a bride is as dreamy as it seems. But most of the time, it’s demanding. Everyone needs your attention, your decisions, and your time now. Engagement season is inevitably going to be busy. But I’d encourage you, bride-to-bride, do your best to cut back on the chaos at least a week before your big day.

A good night’s rest is probably the furthest thing from your mind right now. In fact, you probably have “I can sleep after ‘I do’” embroidered on a tote bag at this point. But here’s why that might not be a great idea:

Losing sleep will only increase your stress (and God only knows, it is not the time for your future in-laws to see you in that place).

Lack of sleep can cause loss of alertness, impaired memory, relationship stress, and possibly an effect on your appearance. That’s right, your determination to pull wedding all-nighters might be the reason you’re snapping at your soon-to-be-spouse, forgetting to call the florist, and your makeup artist is pulling out the big guns to cover those dark under-eye circles. Yikes.

If logging less than seven hours a night is part of your wedding planning checklist, go ahead and cross it out and work these seven things into your routine instead:

1. Give yourself a bedtime

Bedtimes aren’t just for children. In fact, our bodies are hardwired to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, all thanks to our body’s internal clock—the circadian rhythm. At least three weeks before your wedding day, get on a sleep schedule and stick to it. Yes, even on the weekends.

2. Delegate!

Let me let you in on a secret I’ve had to learn the hard way: people want to help you!

I understand there are certain tasks only you, the bride, can tackle but I guarantee there are 10 family members or friends ready to jump in and help at your call. Even if it’s something small, don’t be afraid to delegate the task to someone else. They love you! And this is a great way to include them in your big day.

3. Opt to unplug

Answering late night emails and stalking your cousin’s, best friend’s wedding on social media is only going to put you in a downward spiral. Put your phone (and laptop) down at least 30 minutes before bed each night. Not only is it bad for your mental state, but the blue-light from your technology’s screen is keeping your brain awake. Try reading a book instead.

4. Put it to paper

Did you know that on a regular day seven out of ten adults suffer from anxiety that disrupts their sleep? Now toss planning a wedding into the mix. Is it really that surprising your sleep may suffer during this season? I know for a fact there have been periods throughout my engagement season that my stress and anxiety levels skyrocketed. Mine came in the form of breakouts...maybe you can relate. If racing thoughts keep you tossing and turning for more than 20 minutes after hitting the hay, grab a pen and paper and write those thoughts down.

Here’s a piece of advice from someone who has learned it the hard way: they won’t go away until you acknowledge them. Notice I didn’t say “do something about them.” Just get them out of your head and out into the world—even an exercise as simple as that can put your mind at ease.

5. Say “yes” to saying no

In the week leading up to your big day, it is okay to say no if you become too stressed or busy to deal with whatever comes out of left field. Like I said, delegate. This goes for your honeymoon too. Don’t be afraid to say no to excursions or sightseeing every single day. Your honeymoon is about being present with your new spouse anyway! It’s okay to take naps, lay on the beach, and catch up on some rest.

6. Breathe

For this tip, we’re going back to the basics. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, take a deep breath, or five. Everything is fine. You are fine (even if you don’t feel fine)!

Deep breathing has been proven to lower heart rate , blood pressure, and anxiety. That’s because lack of oxygen can make you feel tense and nervous. Taking deep breaths helps pump that oxygen back into your body.

7. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule

Maintaining a healthy sleep hygiene lasts a lifetime. Even after your wedding week passes, it’s important you get quality sleep consistently and that means talking to your new spouse about expectations.

I don’t know about you, but I am nervous about sharing a sleep space for the first time! My fiance and I started by choosing the best mattress for us. We are different sleepers with different sleep preferences, but marriage is all about compromise. Through life’s ups and downs, a good night’s sleep just might keep you sane.

Now you are equipped to take on your wedding week stress free. Take a deep breath, be present, and try to catch those ZZZs!

Elizabeth is on the editorial team at Mattress Advisor , an online start-up in the heart of Raleigh, NC. When she isn’t writing about sleep, she’s working on planning her wedding day (which is coming up this month)!

Happy Engagement Season!! You’re Invited To Downtown Raleigh’s Premier Bridal Showcase on January 5, 2019!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 16:44:38 GMT

Kicking off the New Year newly engaged?!

continue the celebration at our 2019 winter bridal showcase on January 5th! We invite you to mingle through the property to see some of the newest wedding trends and inspiration from raleigh’s top wedding vendors! Each year, We team up with over 30 amazing vendors who create and design cocktail hour and reception spaces in the house, on the lawn and in the carriage house. Allowing for couples to see the space dressed up, while also Getting ideas while chatting with vendors they might want to book for their big day!

We encourage all couples to stop by! whether you are just getting started in the planning process or looking for one last vendor, perhaps your cake or PHOTO BOOTH or maybe a live painter - we have you covered. our bridal showcase can introduce you to all types of vendors to make your wedding day magical. already have your wedding venue selected? but you’re still looking for a rehearsal dinner spot or are interested in getting your bridal portraits taken? We would love to show you around! This is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time planning with your FIANCE, best Friend(s), Mom, sister, etc!

don’t forget, Christmas is right around the corner and tickets to our bridal show would make the perfect stocking stuffer for your newly engaged daughter, friend, sister, brother or family member! join us and Enjoy light bites, sparkling and all the wedding planning you can take :)

Enjoy a recap below from our Summer 2018 Bridal Showcase

THE MAIN HOUSE

THE CARRIAGE HOUSE

2018 Summer Bridal Showcase

FEATURE: A Foodie Loving Couple's North Carolina Wedding on Brides!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 16:35:16 GMT

It’s only fitting that LAuren and Dylan’s one year anniversary is just a few weeks away and we loved reminiscing on their wedding day when they were featured on brides ! their garden style ceremony took place on the lawn, surrounded by their family and friends. The aisle was marked by live oak trees with large candle lit lanterns. The guests then moved into the main house for cocktail hour where a full bar and and asian styled hor d'oeuvres welcomed the guest to the beginning of their celebration. Mingling through the first floor, there were cocktail tables dressed in blue silk floral linens and a beautiful lounge created with Merrimon Wynne’s furniture.

Lauren and dylan did a “first look” to their reception space finished. The feature described their design perfectly - “Inside the carriage house, long tables in the center of the room were decorated with blue printed runners, tall arrangements of lush greenery and white and blush flowers, and place settings that paired gold-rimmed chargers, white fluted dinner plates, and blue and white floral printed salad plates. Brushed gold utensils and modern glassware added a sophisticated feel to the elegant setting. Around the edges of the room, guests were seated at banquette-style tables sectioned off with soft draping to evoke the spirit of private dining.”

We loved the advice Lauren and Dylan had for those planning their own special day - "have a Friday wedding! It gave us the ability to spend more time with our family and friends before we left for our honeymoon on Sunday,” Lauren went on to say “We got to celebrate for an extra day, as well as catch up with everyone who’d come to be a part of it!”

FEATURE: Meri Scott & David's Raleigh Wedding on Hey Wedding Lady

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 03 Oct 2018 16:27:07 GMT

We are so thrilled to see Meri Scott & David’s beautiful May wedding on Hey Wedding lady ! From their blooming ceremony arch, which later was repurposed to be a backdrop for their cake, to having an al fresco dinner on the lawn their day was magical. Meri Scott started her day off with her gals popping bubbly and getting ready with a little help from LULA HAIR + MAKEUP . And David and his groomsmen enjoyed playing fusbol in the groom’s room before getting ready. The day flowed seamlessly and their details were perfectly executed. We hope you enjoy some beautiful photos by ALAINA RONQUILLO PHOTOGRAPHY .

"Every element of this chic garden party WEDDING DAY is filled with whimsical organic style – from the flower wedding arch for a dreamy ceremony backdrop, gold and white color palette with pops of gray and green, and the bride’s dreamy blush wedding dress with a sparkling topper! David and Meri had a fun filled wedding day at THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE in Raleigh, NC, that managed to be both whimsical and seriously stylish! ALAINA RONQUILLO PHOTOGRAPHY and NOUVEAU EVENTS made sure everything was picture perfect while MERISTEM FLORAL absolutely killed it with the lush greenery arrangements including a flower chandelier!

- Hey Wedding Lady

A Signature Welcome: Wedding Gifting Guide For All

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 29 Aug 2018 16:18:52 GMT

From weddings, to corporate to everyday gifting, Emily Slater and Lindsay Bissell, the ladies of A Signature Welcome, have designed the perfect concept of gift-giving. A Signature Welcome works with high-quality vendors to create luxury gifts, that are personalized especially for your recipients. We wanted to share a few of their current favorite curated gifts!

For more wedding tips check out The Merrimon-Wynne Raleigh Wedding Blog !

WEDDING GIFT IDEAS FROM A SIGNATURE WELCOME

A Signature Welcome to North Carolina

BBQ SAUCE: Eastern and Western style
CAROLINA POPCORN
VIDERI CHOCOLATE BAR
SALEM BAKING: Classic Moravian cookies- thin and crunchy in every bite.
BOILED PEANUTS: the southern tradition from Bertie County ready to be enjoyed!
CHAPEL HILL TOFFEE: begins with a layer of traditional English toffee spread thin and coated on both sides with a top-secret blend of dark chocolates and finished off with the sprinkling of pecans.
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY

The Bridesmaids Essential Signature Gift

A SIGNATURE WELCOME LILY BAG
CALLIGRAPHED HANGTAG
Gift them everything they’ll need including Advil, chapstick, face wipe, shout wipe, bling wipe and more
A SIGNATURE WELCOME PIAZZA CANDLE
HERBIVORE ROSE FACE MIST: Fit in your carry-on when you need a spritz at 10,000 feet. Made with rose water.
BLUSH MATCHBOX
HUDSON MADE APOTHECARY ROSE SOAP: Rose has long been shown to improve skin texture and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.
BAHEN & CO CHOCOLATE BAR: Blend of chocolate and almonds, slow roasted with farm-grown olive oil. Finished with hand-harvested sea salt.
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY
This gift is TSA Approved for carry-on luggage.

Related: Events By La Féte Designs

The Bridesmaids Essential Signature Gift

A SIGNATURE WELCOME LILY BAG
CALLIGRAPHED HANGTAG
Gift them everything they’ll need including Advil, chapstick, face wipe, shout wipe, bling wipe and more
A SIGNATURE WELCOME PIAZZA CANDLE
HERBIVORE ROSE FACE MIST: Fit in your carry-on when you need a spritz at 10,000 feet. Made with rose water.
BLUSH MATCHBOX
HUDSON MADE APOTHECARY ROSE SOAP: Rose has long been shown to improve skin texture and maintain a healthy, youthful complexion.
BAHEN & CO CHOCOLATE BAR: Blend of chocolate and almonds, slow roasted with farm-grown olive oil. Finished with hand-harvested sea salt.
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY
This gift is TSA Approved for carry-on luggage.

Related: Events By La Féte Designs

A Signature Gift For Her Desk

SUCCULENT: a bright green plant that she can’t kill! Spritz with water once a week, or when the leaves look a bit brown. Do not overwater!
PAR AVION TEA + STRAINER: Early gray loose leaf tea with mesh strainer so she can enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee at her desk anytime.
WOODEN BUSINESS CARD HOLDER
RIFLE PAPER CO: Set of blank notecards for those quick thank yous or just because handwritten notes.
CANDLEFISH TIN AND MATCHES: 2.5oz of clean, white cashmere scent with linen box matches.
DUSTY ROSE JOURNAL
LEPEN
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY: please include your handwritten note below.
This gift is TSA Approved for carry-on luggage

A Gift for a Mother-To-Be

SOCKS: slip-free socks for walking around the hospital.
HAIR TIES: damage and tangle free hair ties
WASH WITH WATER ORGANICS CARE & REPAIR BALM: Care for your body with Tamanu and Moroccan Argan oil healing balm; ideal for nipple balm, cesarean section and other surgical wounds, old c-section scars, and stretch marks, and inflamed rashes and minor burns. Gentle enough to use on newborns.
WASH WITH WATER ORGANICS LIP BALM: Small batch crafted to maximize healing, conditioning, and anti-aging properties.
KAI TRAVEL SET: Kai signature scent is a light, intoxicating blend of white gardenia, wrapped in exotic florals. Set includes shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion. All Kai products are paraben, sulfate, phthalate, phosphate & gluten free, microbead free, cruelty-free & vegan.
PEHR NURSING COVER OR SWADDLE: Made of 100% Cotton Muslin, grey and white stripe. *optional monogramming available*
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY

Crafted Cocktail

COCKTAILS ON TAP, THE ART OF MIXING SPIRITS AND BEER: Cocktails on Tap brings together two major trends—craft cocktails and craft beer—with more than 50 recipes for mixed drinks that feature beer.
HOST KEY: The Host Key is a combination wine key and bottle opener that can be stored mid-use on any bottleneck or at rest on its included magnetic dock.
BRASS + BEECHWOOD BOWL: We think this unique bowl is perfect for serving Molly and Me Pecans with friends.
SUGARFINA MAPLE BOURBON CARAMELS: Infused with Makers Mark bourbon and premium maple sugar, these smooth caramels have just the right amount of kick. Non-alcoholic.
TOCCA CANDLE: Transport yourself to a seaside cafe in Southern Italy. Bianca scent opens with a light citrus blend of lemon orpur and mandarin.
A SIGNATURE WELCOME MATCHES: gold foil linen matchbox.
LINEN COCKTAIL NAPKINS: Set of 4 hemstitched white cocktail napkins
A SIGNATURE WELCOME SIGNATURE LINEN BOX: White linen paper box with silk ribbon tie closure, handmade and reusable for keepsakes, or folds flat for storage.
HANDWRITTEN NOTE ON GOLD FOILED COTTON STATIONERY
This gift is TSA Approved
for carry-on luggage.

Reverly + Remedy Kit

Our trademarked necessities kit including everything you and your guests need after a late night. Each kit includes:

2 Advil foil packets
4 bandaids
1 Emergen-C
1 spf chapstick

Design your own box!

A signature welcome will work with their custom clients to create a one-of-a-kind gifting experience and take great care in designing bespoke gifts inspired by your vision.

They offer custom designs for wedding welcome gifts, bridal party gifts, and client experience. Gifts are personal and make an impression. Through their custom process, work one-on-one with their design team to create a one-of-a-kind gifting experience for your guests, party members, and brides. Their custom clients are special; they exclusively dedicate their talented team members to you. All proposals are custom and range in price. To be considered a custom client, please complete our wedding questionnaire .

Looking at Raleigh, North Carolina wedding venues ? Check out what the Merrimon-Wynne has to offer!

CATCH Me at The Casino - Supporting Project CATCH

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 15:23:50 GMT

We are so excited to be CO-HOSTING, for the second year in a row, Catch me at the casino ! this amazing event benefits project catch , as all ticket proceeds and donations will be going towards helping end Child homelessness in wake county.

Heyens Holdings , our parent company, is a strong believer in giving back to the communities we're lucky enough to be a part of, especially to those who give back to us each and every day.

A note from the owners:

From the very beginning it has been extremely important to me and our company to give back to the community that has done so much to support us and our businesses. We have a unique opportunity to partner with our colleagues and friends to sponsor events that can raise a lot of money for very deserving organizations because All of the proceeds from event go directly to the charity, as opposed to paying for the party.

Our team also looks for opportunities throughout the year to give back in a number of different ways, from the larger scale events to smaller events and donations from the ticket sales of our bridal showcase. we try to support organizations in our community whenever we can - it is a very important part of our mission as an organization.

EVERY YEAR, THE MERRIMON-WYNNE HOUSE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Wedding EVENT PROFESSIONALS IN THE TRIANGLE, SPONSORS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION TO HOST A FUNDRAISING EVENT IN WHICH 100% OF THE PROCEEDS GO DIRECTLY TO THE CHOSEN CHArity. We are currently accepting applications for our 2019 nonprofit partner.

You're Invited To North Carolina's Luxury Bridal Showcase!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 06:46:17 GMT

Eat. Drink & let the planning begin!

This come and stay as long as you'd like event is the perfect way kick start your wedding planning process or to find those last few great vendors you've been looking for! Meet the best of the best Raleigh wedding vendors on August 16th from 6PM - 9PM!

WE are so excited to be hosting our second Bridal showcase of the year and have put together two amazing groups of vendors for couples to mingle through the property to see ceremony, cocktail hour and reception displays and inspiration! two planners, two caterers, two florist, two photographers and more are going to be COLLABORATING and designing the main house and the carriage house along with a ceremony on the lawn.

All ticket sales will be DONATED TO A LOCAL nonprofit, PROJECT CATCH (Community Action Targeting Children who are Homeless).

The Carriage House

Makeup by Ashley Mooney

Synery Spa & Aesthetics

Sparks Photobooth

Party Reflections

The Main House

The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery

All Events DJ

English Garden

Katherine Miles Jones Photography

We hope to see you there and look forward to learning more about your special day!!

Guest Post: Events By La Féte Designs Tent Dreams in Raleigh

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 06:35:07 GMT

Planning: La Fête | Photography: Cynthia Rose | Florals: Artfully Arranged | Catering: Mitchell’s Catering | Rentals: Party Reflections & Themeworks Creative

We are so excited to share with you all this blog that is all about tenting the lawn for your next event. Tents can be a little intimidating but with a little help they can define beautiful! We have asked the tenting experts, the ladies of Events By La Fete , to help answer a few frequently asked questions about tents for a wedding day!

What are the advantages of tenting?

We love tenting for a few reasons - First and foremost, is space. The tent and the Carriage House can serve as an extension of each other, so with larger guest counts you can spread out and enjoy while not compromising on seating/dinner style, decor, or the band and dance floor you really want!

Second, it allows the use of the gorgeous lawn at the Merrimon-Wynne with no worries of rain, heat, or any other less than ideal weather. if the weather turns out to be perfect, you can open all the sides and enjoy a nice breeze while still under the cover of shade but also with appropriate lighting for the entire night. If it's a hot day, even without A/C the tent will make the ground cooler. You can also forgo the tent all together if weather turns out perfectly and you have appropriate lighting without the tent structure (more on this later)!

Lastly, tenting gives you a blank slate to create a space that is totally unique and special to your big day. Because you have a structure involved to hang lighting and draping, decorate with florals, and protect your tables, flowers, and guests from the elements, the decor possibilities with a tent are endless!

At what guest count do you recommend using a tent for best use of space?

The answer to this is based on guest count, entertainment (band vs DJ), and dinner style (plated or stations, seating for everyone vs just a portion of your guests, etc.). We suggest using a tent for any guest count of 170 or over, especially those with a band. There is slightly more room if you plan to use a DJ. If you have a band and 170+ people dancing you want to make sure your dance floor is large enough and the bar is close to the dance floor so you won’t lose your guests! So positioning the bar, band, some seating or lounge areas and dance floor will inside the Carriage House will take up the majority of the space. You can then utilize the lawn for dining, which makes for a very intimate environment and even al fresco dining should you decide to cancel the tent last minute.

What kind of tent do I need?

Tenting ranges based off of type of tent (white, clear, sailcloth) and the size + accessories you add on. basic lighting + some draping are always nice too! That being said, you can have a tent as small as 10x10 and go as large as 50x70. The options are endless!

Planning: La Fête | Photography: Cynthia Rose | Florals: Artfully Arranged | Catering: Mitchell’s Catering | Rentals: Party Reflections & Themeworks Creative

What other things do I need to get in addition to the tent itself?

In addition, to the tent itself, you will need to consider sidewalls in the case of cold or rain as well as lighting. You can also add HVAC (heating or cooling) and fabric draping for the tent top and/or the side legs (to cover the poles), All of these items are basic add-ons, but truly a tent can be transformed into anything you dream of!

What is the policy on weather, cancellations, etc, with regard to payments, notice given, adding/removing items last minute?

When you reserve a tent, you are required to pay a 50% non-refundable deposit. You can add or remove items as needed until around the week of the wedding when you have a better idea of the weather. At that point you can choose to either cancel the installation of the tent (while losing any money you put down or continue with the tent as planned, adapting any additional items to fit the requirements for the specific weather you are expecting!)

What is the flow of the event with a tent added to the mix?

Overall, the goal is not to move people too many times from space to space, especially when you have a larger guest count! If your ceremony is on site, we would suggest you have your ceremony in the Carriage House and use the tent on the lawn and the house for both cocktail hour/the rest of the evening! Dinner tables would typically be on the lawn and guests can mingle until dinner begins, regardless of if you have a plated dinner or station-style service. If the ceremony is inside the Carriage House, then during cocktail hour, our staff in conjunction with the catering staff would re-set and transform the space for the reception. After dinner the Carriage House is typically opened up for dancing. Once the party begins, I would expect your guests to stay in the Carriage House for the most part. If your ceremony is offsite, you could use the inside of the main house for cocktail hour and then move everyone to the tent/carriage house for dinner and dancing.

What type of tent is appropriate at what time of year - clear vs white top?

A white top tent can be utilized year-round while a clear top tent is best suited for the Fall, Winter and early Spring months. As soon as the weather turns hot and humid, the clear top (while a gorgeous aesthetic) creates a "greenhouse effect" that amplifies the effects of the sun, which can cause flowers to wilt and guests to really feel the heat!

thanks so much for sharing your expertise La fete ! we cannot wait to see the beautiful tenting created by y'all in the year to come!!

Real Wedding: Spring Raleigh Wedding With Dinner On The Lawn

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 06:10:46 GMT

Yesterday marked the first official day of Summer and what better way to celebrate than with a beautiful wedding complete with dinner on the lawn!

Dinner on the lawn will always have a special place in our hearts! From dinner and toasts on the lawn to dancing in the Carriage House, angharad & matt's wedding day was absolutely stunning.

They tied the knot at a beautiful local church, which was followed by cocktail hour in the main house while the bridal party and family took photos on the lawn. The Lawn was decorated with simple white linens, which kept the style bright and airy. And The addition of market lights created a romantic atmosphere all evening long.

A BIG thank you to the amazing vendor team who made their day so magical:

Congratulations!! Your ENGAGED!! What's Next When Planning Your North Carolina Wedding?!?

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 06:04:05 GMT

Congratulations! You're engaged!! First things first - relish in the moment of being newly engaged and get ready to tell your loved ones all about the what, why, where, how and when, while rocking your bejeweled ring finger.

The next thought you might have is "Now what?!?" there are so many things to think about, so many people to contact and so much to get done but we are here to help so you don't get overwhelmed and dive into planning your dream wedding head first!

To get you started, we have created a month by month guide to help you navigate the planning process!

12+ MONTHS

Determine where your wedding will take place - do your research and tour the venues you love. Find out their availability and if it works with your ideal wedding timeline and important guests schedule, book it. Once you book your venue and date, you have some breathing time. This will provide you some time to think about your next decisions. Next, we encourage you to think about if you want to hire a full-service wedding planner, a day-of coordinator or something in the middle.

8 - 10 MONTHS

You have your planner and venue booked, now time to decide on your photographer and videographer. These are two key vendors for your day. They will spend the majority of the time with you capturing candids, portraits and more for you to reminisce on in the years to come.

Next comes your entertainment - do you want a band or a DJ? During this timeframe, we also encourage you to create your guest list. Having these numbers will help you when you begin conversations with the caterers you're considering.

This is also a great time to reserve room blocks for your out of town guests.

6 - 8 MONTHS

The countdown continues! You have some of your major vendors booked, now let's start talking design. Florals, rentals, layout, and colors! The fun begins! Also, sit down and talk with your fiance to think further about suit/tux colors and bridesmaids' dresses. Once you have an idea, you and your best gals can go hit the town and shop away!

It's also a great time to design your save the dates and invitations! Sending these out right around the six-month mark gives your guests the perfect amount of time to plan ahead.

4 - 6 MONTHS

Honeymoon talk! Pause the planning process and think paradise! Do you want to explore the world or relax knee-deep in the water somewhere?!? Booking this makes it feel so real, you're big day is just a few months away!!

This timeframe should also be used to finalize any of your smaller details. For example, do you want special favors? Begin to think about cake or desserts, wedding bands...And the most important detail yet, hair and makeup.

3 MONTHS

So close, yet still so far from your big day! At this point, you should have all of your vendors booked who are aware of all of your hopes and dreams for your wedding day. Your planner may be stepping in to begin to organize your day from start to finish, along with making sure your rehearsal dinner is set in stone. Your bridal shower is right around the corner and your closest friends and family are ready to shower you two! Fellas, you should have your attire ordered around this time as well.

2 MONTHS

It is about to get real! You're sending out your invitations and awaiting for your rsvp's to come back. This is a great time to begin organizing your seating chart too (if you're having one).

We also always encourage brides to do a trial run for their hair and makeup before the big day. This way you are ensured it will look exactly how you're envisioning on your day!

1 MONTH

At the one month mark, you want to finalize all the details with your coordinator. At Merrimon-Wynne we love to host a final walkthrough on site to help envision the space and make sure all vendors are on the same page for your wedding day. You're probably waiting for a few more rsvp's and giving your final numbers to your vendors who need it. This is also when most final payments are due so make sure you've checked in with your vendor team and are up to date on your payment schedule.

Give your self a few weeks to begin thinking about specific photography shots you would like on the day of. Your photographer may have a few questions for you around this time to ensure they capture everything!

Your DJ or band may be asking for any songs and playlists you'd like, so this is a good time to begin that thought process too.

1 WEEK

This is your time to relax and take it all in! The planning process should be complete for the most part and you should be enjoying the week surrounded by friends, family, and especially your fiance (the last few moments of calling them that)!

HERE COME THE WEDDING BELLS!

FEATURED: Modern Elegant Wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 05:32:41 GMT

Suz & MC's November wedding was featured on Inspired By This and we had to share all of their pretty details on the blog! Their day was so special and we were honored to be a part of their wedding!

Suz, who is a designer at ANTHROPOLOGIE, worked with her amazing vendor team to bring their vision of simple but striking Japanese Ikebana floral arrangements to life. And Boy did they pull it off!!

We were in awe of The carriage house. It had a light and airy feel all night long, thanks to COTTAGE LUXE 's farm tables, lounge and radiant copper chairs and WYLDE 's touch of greenery dangling from the rafters. DELICIOUS treats from DONOVAN'S DISH and Sweets from RISE BISCUITS & DONUTS , paired perfectly with a fancy glass of bubbly from their CHAMPAGNE tower!

Their ceremony took place on the lawn and they were accompanied by their furry FRIEND, TUCKER! The MINGLING STYLE RECEPTION on the lawn ALLOWED FOR TOASTS ON THE SIDE PORCH, AS GUESTS ENJOYED THE WARM NOVEMBER EVENING. THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER ENDED WITH SPARKS FLYING DOWN THE WALKWAY SURROUNDED BY THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

How to Personalize Your Raleigh Wedding: Inspired by the Royal Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 05:26:31 GMT

It has been two weeks since the royal wedding monopolized our Saturday and social media feeds, yet, its presence in our culture and weddings is still apparent. The ceremony was unlike past royal weddings by maintaining tradition while also being unique to Harry and Meghan. The royal couple made it their own with personal touches and individual moments.

Every couple, royal or not, can take inspiration from this and incorporate one-of-a-kind details into your wedding at Merrimon-Wynne.

ROYAL WEDDING STYLE TIPS FOR YOUR RALEIGH WEDDING

Use the Historic Mantles to Display Family Photos

Add a little nostalgia to your nuptials by displaying photos of your parents and grandparents wedding.

Photographer: bronwyn duffield photography | coordinator: amanda blair by design | venue: Merrimon-wynne | florist: tre bella

Create a Lounge on the Pergola

Provide a respite for both you and your guests to rest your dancing feet in a chic and cozy lounge area.

photographer: ally & bobby | coordinator and venue: merrimon-wynne | rentals: party reflections and cottage luxe | florist: meristem floral

Customize Your Drink Station

Raise the bar during cocktail hour by creating signature drinks with seasonal flavors and a witty name.

photographer: ally & bobby | coordinator and venue: merrimon-wynne | rentals: party reflections and cottage luxe | florist: meristem floral

Make the Menu Meaningful

Raleigh is a hub for delicious eats and thanks to our amazing caterers Merrimon-Wynne is no exception. Personalize your day by tying a family dish or your favorite comfort food into your menu or favors.

Photographer: bronwyn duffield photography | coordinator: amanda blair by design | venue: Merrimon-wynne

Depart In Style

This day is all about you, from start to Finish - that includes your exit. Inject a bit of your personality into your transportation, whether that means renting a vintage convertible or being pulled in a horse-drawn carriage.

Photographer: bronwyn duffield photography | coordinator: amanda blair by design | venue: Merrimon-wynne | transportation: crank arm rickshaw

At its core, a wedding is a celebration of two people and their marriage. Weave your personalities into it. After all, your story is worth telling and will make your day special for the two of you.

For more tips to make your Raleigh wedding special, check out the Merrimon-Wynne today!

Southern Tradition: Burying the Bourbon

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 25 May 2018 03:08:32 GMT

When most brides dream of their wedding day they envision the sun shining with zero chance of rain. In hopes of making sure this happens some take matters in their own hands with a special Southern tradition known to ward off rain—Burying the Bourbon.

Burying the Bourbon is a time-honored Southern folklore in which a bride and groom bury a bottle of bourbon at the wedding site a month before the wedding to guarantee good weather. Tradition goes that there are three requirements to keep the weather at bay on your special day.

1. The bourbon must be buried exactly one month before the wedding day. No more, no less.

2. The bottle must be completely full. Sneaky sips are not allowed.

3. It must be buried upside down to ensure maximum weather.

We have seen this tradition take place at Merrimon-Wynne House a few times. Rain or shine, the bride and groom dig up the bourbon enjoy it with their wedding party in celebration of their marriage.

2018 Color of the Year – How to Tie in this Daring/Exciting/Adventurous Color into Your Special Day!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 23 Feb 2018 03:02:11 GMT

Colors are such an impactful part of your wedding day – they help create the mood and ambiance of your day. Now, some of you may have been dreaming of the ‘biggest day of your life’ since you were little and know the exact colors you’re planning to use. Others of you may be a little curious about new trends and want to explore what’s considered to be ‘THE color’ of the year. There's no right or wrong way to planning your wedding but today we're talking all about the color trend of the year!

Pantone announced late last year that the color of the year is Ultra Violet Purple ! It’s vibrant and dramatic, and we are loving it. Whether you’ve envisioned this bold color or not, we’re here to guide you through a few ways you can rock this exciting trend on your special day.

We like to think that A Southern Soiree is psychic and knew this announcement was coming when they designed this stunning styled shoot with Blueberry Creative a few years ago!

INVITATION SUITES

As the first item your wedding guests receive regarding your wedding day, why not let your personality shine? Bring together each aspect of your invitation, from save-the-dates to RSVP cards, with hints of color. Whether it’s the color of the text, the adventurous choice of paper or the velvet ribbon wrapping them all together, this can be a true reflection of what guests can expect on your big day.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve on how you can bring in a little, or a lot, of pop of this new color trend into your wedding day florals. Classic routes include adding hints into your bridal bouquets, bridesmaid’s bouquets, centerpieces, arbors, boutonnieres, cakes, table settings, flower crowns - the list really goes on and on. The amazing thing about floral design is that you can scale your arrangements to have as much of a color as you’d like. So, take it up a notch by incorporating handfuls of Dahlia Lilac Time’s into your arrangements or hang on the subtle side by blending in just a few here and there.

ESCORT CARDS/FAVORS

We love the idea of adding a pop of color to your favors or escort cards. A pure white paper with Ultra Violet text adds just the right amount of pop to a classic look. We encourage you to take that risk of going with a more pronounced version of an Ultra Violet.

BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE

You’re starting to get comfortable with the idea of Ultra Violet, aren’t you? If so, let’s think a little bit bigger – for example, bridesmaid dresses? Groomsmen ties? We’re loving the contrast of a white bridal gown against a bold, fearless color. Why not show your quirky personality off through your and your soon-to-be hubby’s best gals and guys?

We hope to have sparked a love in you for this new daring color trend of 2018! We’re looking forward to maybe seeing some Ultra Violet in our 2018 Merrimon-Wynne weddings!

Featured: Southern Weddings - A Monogrammed Wedding by Rebecca Rose and Graham Terhune

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 02:10:25 GMT

Bride and Groom Portrait at The Merrimon-Wynne House

These warmer temps in the forecast has us daydreaming about Sarah Ann & Blake's southern summer wedding. talk about two beautiful people inside and out! We can thank the southern tradition, burying the bourbon, for keeping the sun shining on their big day. Their wedding day details were thought out perfectly, from the beautiful blue and white porcelain centerpieces to her little additions of their monograms hidden throughout their day. We especially loved the the touch of combining S + B to their stationary. This day truly reflected their love for one another and their friends and family!

Kristin from Southern weddings asked Sarah ann a few questions about her special day and we just adored her answers so much we had to share!

What made you choose your ceremony and reception venues?

Getting married in the city we’ve come to call home, Raleigh, was important to us. Our church and so much of our community is in the Oak City. We felt strongly that the Merrimon-Wynne mirrored our identity as a couple: understated, sweet, and deeply sentimental.

What was your most memorable moment from your wedding day?

After the ceremony, Blake and I snuck away to the bridal suite at the Merrimon-Wynne House. There were plates of food waiting for us and we relished in that sweet, stolen opportunity to share a meal on our wedding day. We talked about getting ready with our dearest friends and our favorite parts of the ceremony. We peeked out of a second story window, catching a glimpse of our guests, all settling into the reception. Blake played our song and we danced. We couldn’t stop smiling!

Featured: Style Me Pretty - See Why We Always Fall in Love With Southern Weddings

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 01:57:49 GMT

Bride and Groom Portrait at The Merrimon-Wynne House

With the holidays right around the corner, we love the idea of reminiscing on spring time love stories to make sure everyone is ready for another amazing wedding season in 2018 - What better way to do that than with a beautiful wedding that included dinner al fresco?!?! Plus it is North Carolina after all, who knows, it could feel like spring in January!

Blair and Danny exchanged vows at Market Hall then guests were invited to celebrate their love here at The Merrimon-Wynne House.

Blair and Danny's wedding vision came to life with blooms cascading down the stairwell, on the homes original mantels and beautifully dangling from the beams of the Carriage House. Even the market lights were wrapped with greenery - the lawn was sparkling all night long! Adding beauty and intimacy to their reception space were sensational furniture pieces and warm linens that matched their palette perfectly. A feature we loved ever so much was their bar. One of our favorite details was the hanging lanterns around the Carriage House bar that continued their modern, luxurious vibe.

The details were thought out and executed flawlessly and we would like to thank the amazing team of vendors who made that happen.

Don't Let Monday Stop You From Thinking About Sunday!

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sun, 26 Nov 2017 01:34:29 GMT

Sunday-funday wedding style! Sunday is still a part of the weekend and people do still enjoy their time off work, even though Monday is right next door. It’s your wedding weekend, why not be a little extra and use the weekend to your advantage?!?

WEDDING WEEKEND

Start and finish your weekend out with your closest friends and family. We love the idea of hosting a Friday welcome party for your guests who are traveling near or far. This gives you extra time to chat with guests and for them to feel a part of your entire wedding weekend. Which brings us to Saturday, gather your bridesmaids, your groomsmen, friends and family for a brunch before you start to get ready for your rehearsal activities. This is a great time to shower your best gals, mates and family members with their wedding gifts and show them how much you appreciate each of them. I mean who doesn’t love to give back to the people who support you?!

AVAILABILITY

The key component when starting your wedding planning is your venue and their availability. Most venues do book the more popular dates close to a year out (if not farther). However, their follow up would be discussing the option of a Sunday venue, which come with a lot more perks then you would think. Choosing that Sunday date opens up the possibility that all of your ideal vendors, such as photographer, planner, boutique rentals and more, are available! just one of the Perks of picking a less in demand day!

BRUNCH WEDDING

If you love to brunch and you love Sunday Funday, this is the perfect combination for you! We always enjoy a good traditional wedding day, however, we also love a wedding day that's a little outside the box as well.

With Sunday being a day of ‘relaxation’ for some, a brunch wedding is perfect. A late morning ceremony followed by a yummy meal, drinks, treats and lots of mingling Allow guests to still enjoy their Sunday evening and get ready for the week ahead.

TRADITIONAL

Our other Sunday wedding day recommendation would be to start your ceremony a little earlier in the afternoon than normal, for example, 4pm instead of 5:30pm. This gives you the classic wedding timeline feel of ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing except it could ending by 9pm to allow guests to still have time to prep for their Monday morning.

Casual or traditional, your wedding day will be stunning either way!

See our all inclusive brunch menu from Rocky Top Catering ! also Ask us about our mimosa and bloody mary bar packages!

We asked Laura, one of our fabulous brides, to share why she chose a Sunday and we love what she had to say!

"Having our wedding on Sunday was great! We had an easier time getting our preferred vendors since it was a less busy day, plus a few of them gave discounts on their services since it wasn't a Saturday wedding (Merrimon Wynne included!). Plus, having the wedding on Sunday allowed us to turn the entire weekend into a celebration; my husband's Ohio family and friends did a Durham Bull's baseball game on Friday, we had a rehearsal lunch on Saturday, and then my dad's band played for a casual party at the Burning Coal theater on Saturday night for those who were in town. So we had plenty of time to socialize and hang out with our out-of-town guests prior to the wedding on Sunday. This was awesome because we got to spend a lot of quality time with our friends who had traveled down to NC for the weekend, since we didn't get to interact with them as much during the wedding itself (due to the fast paced nature of the day.) I don't think having the wedding on Sunday affected how much fun everyone had or how late everyone stayed either. We had a great time the whole weekend and I wouldn't have changed anything about the way everything went. Having the wedding on Sunday definitely allowed us to extend the celebration for a longer period of time, so I'd highly recommend it for anyone who's got a lot of out-of-town guests and wants more opportunity for pre-wedding social events. Weddings fly by so quickly so any excuse to make the party last longer is a good idea in my mind!"

Photographer: Millie Holloman photography

Planner: McLean events

Music: Jeff Decker Band

Caterer: Rocky Top catering

Rentals: Party Reflections

Florist: Fresh Affairs

Bridal Portrait Session From Nancy Ray Photography

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 07 Jul 2016 19:50:06 GMT

Bridal sessions are the BEST! They just are. I mean, what’s better than frolicking about in your finest wedding apparel and capturing the emotions that can only be found in your soon-to-be Mrs. status? Absolutely nothing!

And this gorgeous shoot captured by Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography ? It's pure magic. And the bride, Whitney, could not look happier OR more beautiful.

Congratulations Mrs. Corey Gomes!

Photographer: Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography
Bouquet: Wylde Flowers
Dress: Vera Wang via Alexia’s Bridal

Engage16! : The Ultimate Luxury Wedding Summit

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 19:43:33 GMT

Jeremie Barlow Photography

What is Engage! you ask? It is the premiere luxury wedding summit that brings together some of the best in the industry for three days of inspiration and education. In addition to a non-stop flow of wedding creativeness, attendees have a chance to learn from the world’s top wedding and event professionals and are encouraged to push the envelope with their goals.

Engage!16 was held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, FL last month and Jodi, along with a few of our vendor friends, had the opportunity to attend!

The NC crew, from left to right: Amanda of A Swanky Affair , Jodi of Merrimon Wynne, Chelsey and Katherine of Gather Together , Jenna of Southern Bride & Groom . Not Pictured: Jill of Donovan's Dish

If you haven’t already, head over to Southern Bride & Groom’s blog to read Jenna’s full recap of all the events!

Of course, we had to share a few of our favorite moments too! The images below are captured by some of the top wedding photographers in the US and are complete eye candy! (Hover over individual photos for credits).

Filmed and Produced by Ray Roman Films .

Here Comes the (Mother Of The) Bride

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sat, 07 May 2016 19:28:00 GMT

Libby Mcgowan Photography

To all of the moms out there – We want to wish you a happy mother’s day! We hope you are being celebrated, pampered and loved today the same way you’ve celebrated, loved and cared for your children!

We feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to witness special mother daughter bonds almost every day, so in honor of Mother’s Day we thought it’d be fun to share a few of our moments of brides and their moms from weddings past at Merrimon Wynne.

Brett & Jessica Photography

Morningwild Photography

Brett & Jessica Photography

Megan Kime Photography

Rachel Red Photography

Comment below and let us know what your favorite memory of your mom is!

Signed, Sealed & When to Deliver: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 19:15:15 GMT

Photo courtesy of Blue Barn Photography

Let’s be real: your wedding is essentially one of the biggest, most exciting parties you will throw in your adult life. And how are your friends and family going to find out about this fabulous celebration? The invitations, of course! After all it’s not a party until their invited, right?

Wedding invitation designs have come a long way since the formal announcements of decades past. You can now find the perfect invitation to fit your personality and wedding style! While options are now vast, the one thing that hasn't changed is proper etiquette. So, whether your wedding will be more traditional or laid back, these are some essentials to help you when sending out your invites!

WHAT TO INCLUDE ON YOUR INVITATION?

A wedding invitation’s sole purpose is to formally invite your guests to your wedding and give them the pertinent information they need to know about your big day! Important details to include are who is hosting the wedding, the statement of invitation, the location and time, but most importantly, you and your fiancé’s names! Let your personality shine through your stationary while making sure all the essential information is obvious.

Photo courtesy of Brett & Jessica Photography

ENVELOPE ETIQUETTE

Although snail mail is somewhat of a lost art, we all know how to address an envelope. Nevertheless, addressing your wedding invitations is innately different than a common correspondence. It is important that you provide the correct titles and full names for your married friends, couples living together, families with children and everything in between. We also recommend avoiding abbreviations and spell out “street”, “apartment”, the city and state, etc.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Ray Photography

Photo courtesy of J & J Photography

SIGNED, SEALED, WHEN TO DELIVER

Timeliness is only polite when sending out your carefully written, beautifully addressed invitations. The standard is 6 to 8 weeks prior to your wedding date. This allows plenty of time for guests to respond and ample time for you to accommodate their needs. And don’t forget to include an RSVP deadline.

Photo courtesy of Rachel Red Photography

Design and sending your wedding invitations should be fun, not mysterious and confusing. This should be one part of the process that is fairly stress free, and we hope our guide has helped put this decision in the “easy win” category of planning. Have more questions? Feel free to leave them in the comments!

Alison + David's Chic Outdoor Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 11 Mar 2016 19:00:32 GMT

It seems spring has decided to stay and we definitely are not hating it!! In honor of the warmer temps, we’re looking back to Alison and David’s chic, outdoor April wedding day.

Alison is one of the lovely ladies behind One + Only Paper and her vision of a chic, formal wedding melded together seamlessly with hand-made details that even blew us away. A few of our favorite details? That would have to be the bride’s stunning custom wedding dress created by the MOB and a formal dinner on a market lit lawn.

Enjoy some of our favorites from Brett & Jessica and be sure to check out the feature on Wedding Chicks !

Robin + Jon's Elegant Wedding Day Featured On Southern Weddings

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 01 Mar 2016 18:57:38 GMT

We were so excited to have Robin and Jon’s spectacular September wedding featured on Southern Weddings last week! This elegant affair was the perfect combination of lovely details, sweet blooms and flawless planning and design by the oh-so amazing Rebecca Rose Events .

A special thank you to Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography for capturing these beautiful images for all to enjoy!

Enjoy a sneak peak below, and click over to Southern Weddings for the complete feature.

Real Wedding: Jorie + Brian

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 18:51:33 GMT

Planning from New York was not a challenge for Jorie + Brian as they dreamed up a laid back, fun and enchanted celebration for fall wedding last year!

Jorie’s unique, “boho chic” style translated beautifully into every detail of their special day, without taking the spotlight off from the bride and groom. Erin McLean Events brought this celebration to life, and the photos? All thanks to MORNINGWILD Photography .

A few of our favorite moments were the mix matched bridesmaid dresses, the bocce ball court lit by luminaries and the vows Jorie and Brian wrote for one another.

Merrimon-Wynne and The Addison Grove Featured On The Venue Report's "Hottest New Hotel and Venue Openings” List

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 18:36:39 GMT

The Venue Report released its 2015-2016 “ Hottest New Hotel and Venue Openings” lis t and we’re over the moon that both The Merrimon-Wynne House and our sister venue, The Addison Grove , were featured!!

Last spring, we shared on social media that Merrimon-Wynne was opening a sister property in Austin, Texas and now we'd like to officially introduce you to The Addison Grove !

Located less than 20 minutes from downtown Austin,The Addison Grove is the city’s newest weddings and special events venue and will be officially open this summer. The venue’s location allows guests to experience the charm of Austin’s Hill Country, without having to leave the convenience of the city.

Situated on 26 acres, the property provides multiple ceremony options for a range of wedding sizes and events.

A 5,000 square foot event venue can be transformed into an indoor-outdoor space with sliding barn walls that bring the beauty of the grove inside. The 1,500 square foot porch is the perfect setting for cocktail hour with a breathtaking pasture view of native Texas wildflowers and our resident Longhorns.

The luxury of a 1,800 square foot bridal house will serve as an elegant escape for the bride and bridal party. A private and manicured garden expands behind the house with towering oaks and a pond view to create a peaceful setting to prep for the big day.

For more details on The Addison Grove visit their website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more news and updates. If you're planning a wedding or special event in Austin contact events@theaddisongrove.com to receive more information and schedule a tour.

Join Us On February 21st For The WED Tour Raleigh

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 18:27:05 GMT

Engagement season is definitely in full swing and we couldn’t be more excited about! We love meeting with newly engaged couples, hearing about how he popped the question and seeing all of the beautiful new bling! Which is why we’re thrilled to be a part of The WED Tour Raleigh on February 21st.

The WED Tour Raleigh is designed to be “an intimate and luxe wedding tour for discerning couples who want to mingle with in-demand vendors up close and personal, experience six unique wedding venues that are sprawling with ready-to-pick ideas, and walk away with a lush bouquet of resources to design their perfectly personalized day.”

This is a chance for couples to see The Merrimon-Wynne House “all dolled up” in wedding-day-ready designs from some of the area’s best wedding creatives. On the tour, you will have the opportunity to see different designs, taste a variety of menus, check out photography and videos, and truly experience first-hand the look and “feel” of each venue. It’s a bridal event meant to be fun, interactive and helpful in bringing to life the vision for your day.

Browse here for more details and ticket information. We can’t wait to meet you!

Below is the complete Merrimon-Wynne vendor team for the tour:

Erin McLean Events
La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
Donovan’s Dish
Perry Vaile Photography
Tre Bella Floral
Makeup for Your Day
Bunn DJ Company
Amanda Day Rose
AFR Furniture Rental
Cakes by Chloe
Classic Event & Tent Rentals
Peelman Productions
Southern Bride & Groom

Featured: Trendy Bride Magazine - Color That Blooms Styled Shoot

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:20:32 GMT

Y’all! I can’t tell you how excited we are to see TWO styled shoots, shot at The Merrimon-Wynne House, featured in the latest issue of Trendy Bride Magazine ! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such talented groups of vendors who create pure magic in our space!

One of the features was Color That Blooms. Inspired by the Pantone color “Radiant Orchid”, the inspirational shoot, designed by A Southern Soiree , shows brides you can use multiple colors throughout your wedding and still have a classically, beautiful Southern celebration. We especially love how the mix of character and elegance made this shoot feel sophisticated AND fun!

I hope you enjoy these images from Blueberry Creative as much as we do! And be sure to buy the magazine - It’s so beautiful in print!

How To Plan A Flawless Engagement Photo Shoot

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 18:08:06 GMT

He popped the question and now you’re engaged! So what’s next?

Having an engagement photo session can be a great way to kick off this special time in your lives and have some fun together! It can also be a perfect opportunity for you and your photographer to get to know each other a little more before the big day. So whether you’re planning to use them for your save-the-dates or just want some pretty pictures to hang in your house, here are a few tips to help you rock your engagement photos!

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

There are many factors to consider when choosing your photo shoot location. Some believe it is best to choose one location in order to eliminate traveling, while others want to visit all of their favorite spots. Sometimes it is helpful to first think about the feel you want and then think through locations, keeping in mind what you’ll want to do while you’re there. Pictures on the beach? Maybe throw on your favorite summer frock and leave the heels at home. It’s also a good idea to have a rain backup plan in mind just in case!

WHAT TO WEAR?!?

One of the most important aspects of your photoshoot is that you and your fiancé feel comfortable in front of the camera. We recommend wearing something you love yourself in! Don't wear something that isn't you, and don't make your fiancé wear something that isn't him/her.

These images are about showing the love you and your fiancé have for each other, so make sure that shows through in your pictures. You don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but make sure your outfits look good together. Whether you're dressing up or dressing down, try to both stick with the designated dress code.

When all else fails, a timeless dress paired with a gorgeous statement necklace will never let you down!

HAIR AND MAKEUP

We love any excuse to have our hair and makeup done! So why not schedule a little time before your engagement session to make sure you’re totally camera ready! We want you feeling confident and looking flawless in your photos. This can also be a great opportunity for a trial run of your wedding day hair and makeup.

PROPS

Props are a wonderful way for you and your fiancé to personalize the shoot and can be a fun way to provide some personal insight into a relationship. Whether it’s a handmade banner with your wedding date, a family heirloom or just a large colorful balloon, adding a prop or two can be just what your engagement shoot needed to bring everything together. Be creative and have fun with it!

Featured: Southern Weddings - Lauren + Jeremiah's May Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 07 Jan 2016 17:59:00 GMT

We loved seeing Lauren and Jeremiah’s wedding featured on Southern Weddings last month so much that we had to share it again! A special thank you to Perry Vail for capturing and sharing these images with us (and for the feature itself!).

Lauren has such a kind heart and effortless beauty about her that makes it easy to see why Jeremiah is so in love with his bride! It was important to both of them that their marriage remain the center focus of their celebration and not be overshadowed by the glitz and grandeur that sometimes can take center stage on a wedding day. They intentionally chose a few simple, beautiful details that were meaningful to them and reflected their personal style. One of our favorite details was the lily of the valley bouquet Jeremiah sent to Lauren’s bridal suite! It was her favorite childhood flower and seamlessly matched their color scheme of greens and white.

Throughout the day, the weather was sunny and breezy and shaping up to be a perfect summer day for a wedding on the lawn. But as it sometimes goes with a North Carolina summer day, the weather changed in an instant and just as Lauren walked down the aisle it began to pour. The wedding party and guests dashed inside and the couple completed their ceremony in front of our favorite blue doors!

Thank you to an excellent team of vendors who assisted in creating the perfect wedding day for Lauren + Jeremiah!

Happy Holidays from The Merrimon-Wynne House

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 17:50:01 GMT

2015 has been a big year for Merrimon-Wynne and we've loved every second of it! It’s been full of celebrating with our wonderful couples, growing our team, learning together and starting a much anticipated construction project (more on this last one in another post soon). We cannot wait to see what 2016 has in store!

We are signing off for the next two days to spend time with our family and friends, but before we do, we wanted to wish you a very joyful and restful holiday.

We’ll see you back here next year for a look at some of our favorite wedding moments from 2015 and a recap of our New Year's Eve Bash.

Cheers!
Jodi, Kaila and Amy

Photos by Callie Davis of Nancy Ray Photography

Celebrate The New Year In Style At The Merrimon-Wynne House

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 17:43:21 GMT

WE'RE THROWING A PARTY AND YOU'RE INVITED!!!

Join us for a fabulous black tie affair on Thursday, December 31, 2015, as we toast to 2016 at our first annual "New Year's Eve Downtown Countdown"! Enjoy an open, topshelf bar, indulge in decadent hors d' oeuvres and festive desserts, all while dancing to the best beats in town. It will be a night full of surprises that you don't want to miss! Doors open at 8pm.

Tickets are $165 per person and on sale now! There are only a limited number available so buy yours today before it's too late.

For more information, visit www.merrimonwynne.com/nye or email events@merrimonwynne.com

Featured: Erin and Sean’s Seaside-Inspired Wedding on Southern Weddings

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 17:34:05 GMT

Erin and Sean were married back in August and their gorgeous seaside-inspired wedding was featured on Southern Wedding’s this week! From oyster shell placecards to lush greenery, the newlyweds celebrated their affair in a style that can only be described as to die for.

One of our favorite details from their classic Southern celebration was how Gather Together and Simply Elegant Floral Designs incorporated driftwood beautifully into all elements of the decor AND that Erin’s mother spent many hours on the North Carolina and Virginia coasts collecting each piece!

Be sure to check out all of the stunning images by Julie Livingston Photography !

18 Artisanal Ways To Thank Your Bridesmaids & Groomsmen

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 18:17:27 GMT

The following is Part 2 of a guest post by Melinda McKee, founder of Memento & Muse , a custom gifting studio specializing in artisan wedding welcome gifts. (You can learn more at www.mementoandmuse.com/weddings , and follow along on Instagram via @MementoAndMuse) And if you missed it, be sure to catch Part 1:"Six Ingredients For a Fabulous NC Wedding Welcome Gift" hosted by our friends at Southern Bride & Groom !

Special thanks to Videri Chocolate Factory for hosting the photoshoot, and to Lauren Jolly Photography for documenting these special North Carolina gifts.

As the friends and family members most closely connected to your love story, it's only fitting that your bridesmaids and groomsmen be honored with a heartfelt token of your gratitude for their support throughout your wedding journey.

And if you're looking for truly special wedding party gifts, look no further than North Carolina's own talented artisans. From tasty treats to meaningful keepsakes, the Old North State is home to a bounty of beautifully crafted mementos that are sure to bring about smiles of genuine delight. Read on to discover 18 wedding-worthy local treasures!

(Note: Other than samples for taste-testing, no compensation was received from the businesses featured in this post. All the items and companies mentioned here were intentionally curated by Memento & Muse for their exceptional quality, wedding party gift suitability, and North Carolina origin.)

BRIDESMAID GIFT IDEAS

GROOMSMEN GIFT IDEAS

Location: Videri Chocolate Factory | Photography: Lauren Jolly Photography | Gift Curation & Styling: Memento & Muse

FUN in DTR: A Wedding Weekend Guide for Your Guests

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 17:04:02 GMT

Here at The Merrimon-Wynne House, we love us some Raleigh, and we know our brides do too! We also know that many weddings include guests not familiar with our great city but want to explore it in between wedding festivities. SO, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite Oak City hot spots to help give your out-of-towners a taste of our fabulous city:

A BITE TO EAT

Bida Manda is a Laotian Bar and Restaurant located in Moore Square and is the perfect place lunch or dinner spot for your guests! Voted Best Restaurant in Raleigh, Bida Manda offers a unique approach to Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine that has taken Downtown Raleigh by storm! The service is amazing, and their food is absolutely incredible (order the Pork Belly…trust us).
(222 South Blount Street)

WATERING HOLE

The Raleigh Times Bar is about as local as it gets, so we’re sure your guests will love it! They offer great cocktails, a huge selection of beer and delicious bar eats, all in a 100 year old building chalked full of Raleigh history. Their rooftop patio will give your guests a spectacular view of Downtown Raleigh too. It’s in walking distance to many downtown hotels so it's a recommendation for those guests looking to explore on foot.
(14 East Hargett Street)

MUSEUM

Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a fun, FREE activity for your guests, whether they have kids or not! The museum is only a few blocks away from Merrimon-Wynne and is open 9AM-5PM Monday-Saturday and noon-5PM on Sundays. It has many exciting, permanent exhibits, as well as special exhibits changing seasonally! Make sure to check their website for upcoming events as well!
(11 West Jones Street)

SHOPPING

It’s no secret that the Merrimon-Wynne ladies LOVE Furbish Studio ! Located in Cameron Village, Furbish is a fun store chalked full of one-of-a-kind treasures for you and the home that inspires you to “dare to mix”. It’s a must for their visit, and who knows? You might even get an awesome last-minute wedding gift out of it :)
(2012 Cameron Street)

FOR THE KIDS

A visit to Pullen Park , North Carolina’s first state park, is a must for any of your guests with children! Whether you spend just a few hours there or all day, the activities are endless. There is a beautiful 1911 carousel, a massive playground for all ages, tennis courts, paddle boats and we can't forget a ride on the bright red train. Admission to the park is free and The Cafe is a great spot to grab a healthy snack. Pullen Park is situated between Western Boulevard, Hillsborough Street, Ashe Avenue and North Carolina State University. Hours vary seasonally.
(408 Ashe Avenue)

Real Wedding: Elaine + Matt

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 16:42:33 GMT

Elaine & Matt's wedding day was one for the books and we were so excited to see their love featured on Hartman Outdoor Photography's blog! Enjoy a few of our favorite shoots and be sure to click here to check out all the beautiful details.

Featured: Weddings Unveiled unveils Merrimon-Wynne

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 16:32:54 GMT

It’s always such an honor when vendors choose The Merrimon-Wynne House as the backdrop for their featured style shoots and it’s the icing on the cake when those shoots make the cover! We are so excited to have been featured in Weddings Unveiled‘s Spring issue as they used our venue to showcase some AH-MAZING gowns created by even more amazing designers. We can’t get enough of their beautiful photos!

They gracefully combined the simple, elegance of the house with beautiful gowns and gorgeous lighting to create the perfect shoot that we are so proud to be a part of. The styling and photography was done by the talented Brooke Thomas, who made sure to make both the dresses and our venue look perfect!

The dresses showcased feature small, elegant details that seem to be setting the tone for what’s popular with gowns this year. Subtle sparkle, elegant lace and the combination of different complementing fabrics all stand out for the bride who wants to make a statement while staying traditional with her choice of dress. These gowns highlight the bride, not the dress themselves, making her the focus of the day, as she should be.

Girls imagine their wedding dress from a very young age, so when the wedding comes and she’s found the perfect dress, she wants to show it off! We might be a little biased but details like our large, gold mirror or favorite blue doors are the perfect backdrop for bridal portraits! To see the full feature and magazine be sure to grab a copy of Weddings Unveiled today!

Lacey's Wedding: Benefits of Bridal Portraits

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:25:08 GMT

Lacey and Roberts wedding was the perfect combination of rustic and chic. The aisle was adorned with bundles of logs topped off with lanterns bursting at the seams of fresh floras thanks to Brides & Bouquets.

Their family style tables setting were to die for with pops of purple, blue and pink hues. The open patio was topped with twinkling market lights that set the mood of the romantic evening created by the fabulous Orangerie Events .

We were all swooning over the gorgeous setting that market lights create, although I think that it’s safe to say that everyone involved in their big day was quietly saying a prayer that there would be no chance of precipitation that day! The newlyweds were so in love, we couldn’t help but smirk every time Robert dip kissed Lacey (which happened frequently)!

Lacey was our first bride to use the space for her bridal portrait. We quickly realized the beauty of having a bridal portrait taken and now we suggest every bride does it! It’s kind of like a dress rehearsal before the wedding!

All of these lovely photos where taken at our downtown wedding venue in Raleigh, North carolina!

BENEFITS OF TAKING BRIDAL PORTRAITS

Taking Bridal Photos is The Best Beauty Trial Run

It’s the best hair, makeup, jewelry and bouquet trial run. You’ve had this idea of exactly what you want everything to look like on your wedding day. Now you can really see how everything comes together.

It’s helpful in seeing the way your makeup comes out in photographs. Most of the time you aren’t trying on your dress after you’ve had your hair consultation so this is the best way to see if you like the way your hair looks once you have your dress and veil on.

Many times brides have an idea of what they’d like their jewelry to consist of but after seeing it in a photograph they might prefer to remove or add to their original idea.

Related: who to invite to ytour north carolina wedding?

Wedding Dress rehearsal before the big day

It’s your last dress fitting. This is usually the last time a bride will put on her dress before the big day. Since you’re photographer will be taking so many posed photos of you, it’s a great way to see how the dress truly fits and moves with your body.

Most brides take their bridal portraits 1-2 months before the wedding so it still gives you plenty of time to tweak little things that may just not be falling right.

Getting Comfortable With Your Photographer Before The Wedding

It gives you another opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day. You may have already had an opportunity to work with your photographer for engagement photos but if not this is the perfect time to become familiar with their style.

It also allows you to chat with them after your bridal portrait session to go over angles you didn’t like and additional images you’re hoping to get on the big day. It also allows you more time on your wedding day to take some less posed, not so serious shots.

Related: Wedding Tent Designs Raleigh, North Carolina

An Opportunity to Take Unique Photos

You can get shots that you wouldn’t otherwise get on your wedding day. Chances are you won’t have time to take any solo pictures on your wedding day.

Although we are sure you’re going to want as many pictures with your new husband on that day as possible, it’s always nice for your parents, grandparents, etc. to have a keepsake to show off to all of their friends!

Lacey’s bridal portraits came out absolutely stunning. She is SO photogenic so we weren’t surprised! She even took a few shots in our claw foot bathtub!

The first time her mom saw the images was during their rehearsal and with the revel of the portraits came lots of happy tears.

It was so sweet to see the pure joy that came over her when she thought of her little girl walking down the aisle the next day.

Related: Something Old, New, Borrowed, blue

We love when our brides have their portraits taken at The Merrimon-Wynne House but we also love when brides who aren’t getting married here take their portraits with us! Photographers rave about the space being ideal for portraits.

Between the overwhelming amount of natural light that the floor to ceiling windows spill in, the 3 floor twisting staircase, the original mantles, woodwork and floorboards and the neutral color palette you can really get any kind of shot you’re looking for.

Be sure to stop by Ashley McCray’s website and Facebook page to see more gorgeous photos from Lacey and Robert’s wedding!

For more information about how to personalize your wedding venue check out The Marrimon-Wynne House Today!

Kristen and John's Romantic Wedding

amy@merrimonwynne.com (Amy Yarbrough) — Thu, 28 May 2015 16:02:18 GMT

When we think back to Kristen and John’s wedding day we can’t help but smile from ear to ear. There was so much love and joy in the air. Their ceremony was the first one held on the bright green lawn of The Merrimon-Wynne House and we couldn’t have been happier with the beauty that transpired. Not one person that day could deny that these two were meant to spend the rest of forever together. The way they look at each other, the way they speak of each other, even the way they grin when they hear each others names. These are the things a marriage is all about.

The guests in attendance made the day even more memorable. John and Kristen’s friends were dancing the night away thanks to Just Music DJ Service. Some guests actually ended up changing into “dance attire”, making sure their fancy tuxedos weren’t to get in the way of their fabulous moves. The energy in the room was contagious. We wouldn’t doubt it if at some points in the night every single guests was out of their seats joining in on the fun, which included a limbo stick created by the tying of two ties (still attached to their individual owners), a game of leapfrog and some killer breakdancing moves by the groom himself. We are sure that this type of energy was due to the yummy food that filled their bellies by Sage & Swift, the catering branch of Watts Grocery in Durham. We love them because they are a farm-to-table type of caterer that focuses on using fresh, natural ingredients.

The tossed “snow” during Kristen and John’s exit made for a perfect end to a perfect evening as the newlyweds departed their reception as Mr. & Mrs. John Snow. The images captured by Callie of Nancy Ray Photography during this brief exit really captured the mood of the entire day.

We are looking forward to many more love-struck ceremonies and energetic receptions at The Merrimon-Wynne House this spring!

merrimonwynne

2026 Spring Showcase

Merrimon-Wynne’s Spring 2026 Wedding Showcase

Meet Our Vendors:

Ready. Set. Rally!

Ready. Set. Rally! An inside look at how Merrimon-Wynne was transformed into a pickleball and yardgame experience.

Fall 2025 Wedding Showcase

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

Wedded At Wynne

Wedded At Wynne: The All-Inclusive Weekday Wedding Experience at The Merrimon-Wynne House

15 Wedding Essentials to Snag on Prime Day

1.Frames

2. Table Numbers

3. Table Number Holders

4. Dance Floor Props

5 . Guest Book Pens

6. Matchbook Vessel

7. Parent & Grandparent Gifts

8. Getting Ready With The Bride

9. Getting Ready With The Groom

10. Bar Accessories

11. Seating Chart Display

12. Cake Table & Dessert Accessories

13. Send-Off Items

14. Honeymoon Prep

15. Guest Bathroom Basket Supplies

15 Gifts We Love For Fall

1. Autumn Watercolor Workbook

2. Harvest Stoneware Plate

3. Mills Knee High Boots

4. Patterned Throw Blanket

5 .A utumn in the Neighborhood Puzzle

6. Olive Wax Poncho

7. Stoneware Honey Pot & Dipper

8. Hot Apple Cider Tea Bags

9. Dog Icon Juice Glass

10. Rose Roche Eau de Parfum

11. Marble Condiment Set

12. Mignon Resin Spreaders

13. Tony Bianco Taupe Loafers

14. The Gather Candle ﻿

15. Tizo Design Frame

Summer 2025 Wedding Showcase

MEET THE VENDOR TEAM:

15 Gift Ideas For Father's Day!

1. Onni Pizza Oven

2. Essential Grill Apron

3. Spikeball Original Kit

4. Portable Putting Mat

5 .Foldable Cooler Chair

6. Yeti 10oz. Lowball Cup

7. Lululemon 7"Shorts

8. "American Grill" By Tyler Florence

10. "Father Daughter Dance" Vinyl

10. Life360 Tile Tracker

11. "Best Dad" Cuff Links

12. Carhartt Tool Kit

13. Ugg Tasman Slipper

14. Leather"Golf Courses" Table Book

15. "Girl Dad" Trucker Hat

Evening To Ignite 2025: Top Moments From A Night In The Tropicana

The Reason

The Food

The Decor

The Outfits

The People

We Hope To See You Next Year!

Thank You To Our Premier Partner!

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

TITLE SPONSOR

VIP DINNER SPONSOR

LEVEL TWO SPONSORS

LEVEL THREE SPONSORS

LEVEL FOUR SPONSORS

Thank you to our amazing community of extraordinary event vendors to help us create a fully donated fundraising event!

15 Gift Ideas For Mother's Day!

1. Mother and Child Assouline Book

2. Ceramic Ruffle Vase

3. Mother's Day Fresh Sends

4. Mocha Tea Kettle

14. The Gather Candle