Imagine a romance made official underneath beautiful southern trees. The Fain wedding was just that with soft tones of melon and mint! Check out how this North Carolina vineyard was transformed to fit the needs of this BSB and her very lucky groom on their special day.
Bride Name
Ashley Fain
Groom Name
Evan Fain
Wedding Location
A Place in The Vineyard, Albemarle North Carolina
Wedding Date
June 24, 2016
Alma Mater of Bride
University of North Carolina – Asheville
Current City Where You Live
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Hometown
Bride: Advance, North Carolina
Groom: Maui, Hawaii
How did you meet?
We met while living on Maui when I started working for the same company Evan previously worked for. All our mutual friends tried for several months to introduce us. After, many many failed attempts and a few avoidances, Facebook message failures and one or two “no thank you’s” we finally talked and agreed to go on a date. Evan picked me up and we spent our first date above Maui on Haleakala.
How long did you date?
1 year and 9 months before our wedding day
How did he propose?
Evan proposed while our toes were in the sand on his birthday at Myrtle Beach. I had no idea and was completely surprised. We arrived at the beach and played a game of bocce ball with my Matron of Honor. Having her there should have been a huge red flag, but I was oblivious. Evan asked her to take a picture of us next to the water. Unbeknownst to me he had the ring next to me in the photo. He nervously started asking me random questions about his birthday and his gifts. We may have had a few drinks while down there and I thought he was just feeling a little tipsy with all his questions. It wasn’t until he got down on one knee that I realized what was happening. I was so shocked I kind of screamed “Of Course!” at him with a little more force than necessary.
When did you know he was the one?
December 31st 2014. I went back home to NC to visit family and was going to have to stay longer than expected. I never in a million years thought he would come with me. He showed up that night and I knew then. It’s the day everything changed.
What is the cutest thing he has done for you without you asking?
He always lets me have the last bite of everything. I know it sounds silly, but we watched a movie once that said “If he lets you have the last bite it’s true love” Ever since then he always gives me the last of everything.
What is something you love about him that has completely changed your life?
He has so much patience. I get irritated easily when things aren’t going my way. He always sees the light at the end of the tunnel and he’s made me see the beauty in life through all the troubles.
What part of wedding planning made you crazy?
Picking out our colors. We could not agree on this at all. It took forever, months. We argued over colors forever.
What part of wedding planning could you not live without?
Cake tasting. I love cake, the best part of planning was eating all that cake!
What was your first thought the day after your engagement?
“Holy crap, what just happened!?”
What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
When I got to him I had a slew of bugs that attached to my dress, including a line of ants. Evan and I were both laughing so hard it added such a light heartiness to the ceremony and gave us both the giggles.
What was your favorite part about the wedding?
We did a couple’s dance, where all the married couples came onto the dance floor. Periodically the DJ would ask for couples married under a certain number of years to leave the floor. The last two couples (My parents and my parent’s best friends) are almost a year to the date apart. Both couples gave us advice for a long happy marriage.
Did you do any DIY? If so, what?
I tried, I failed. Evan, however, made us a beautiful wine ceremony box.
Who were your wedding vendors?
Invites – DIY
Flowers: Summer Fresh Flower Farm (local farmers market)
Catering: Union Street Bistro, Concord NC
DJ/Entertainment: Mr. Bill’s Productions, Winston-Salem, NC
Dress : Haley Paige-Londyn Gown from Hayden Olivia Boutique, Charlotte, NC
Rentals
Wedding Planner: Mena’s Memorable Moments- Fermena Mitchell
Photographer: Urbanbloom Photography, Joey and Brooke Cutts Winston-Salem, NC
Hair: Casey Allred, Shear Relaxation Salon and Day spa
What were your wedding colors?
Mint and Melon
What was your wedding theme?
We were married under the trees so we tried to stick with a tree theme.
What is your favorite part about being married to each other?
Knowing no matter what happens in life we will always have each other.
What did you learn about each other through the wedding planning process?
I am incredibly disorganized and he needs extreme organization.
What southern traditions did you do at your wedding?
Who knew bridal portraits were a southern thing? My husband’s family is from the west coast so almost every day someone said, “Aww, you’re so southern.” I did bridal portraits, ordered a grooms cake, had my sister-in-law stand in for me at the wedding rehearsal so that I only walked the down the aisle once. I had no idea these were only done in the south.
Did you have any southern food on your menu? If so what and why?
We did have almond fried chicken, pot roast and mashed potatoes, sweet tea and lemonade.
What did you love about being a southern bride?
I love being from the South. I couldn’t imagine ever getting married anywhere else. I love the heat, the smell of the trees, the fireflies at night everything.
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
