Real Weddings
Bailey & Tyler
Bailey & Tyler ended the year in style with a cozy ceremony on the Garden Terrace and a sparkling reception in The Barn.
How did you and your partner meet?
Two North Carolinians in Dallas for a summer internship, we met on our first day at the company. We quickly realized we were in the same department and both couldn’t wait to get to know each other better. Just friends during our time in Dallas, I knew I wanted to be more, so upon return to the land of the pine, I invited Tyler to a cocktail in Chapel Hill. He accepted and the rest was history.
Tell us about the engagement?
I was supposed to go to the Dallas botanical gardens with a few girlfriends because, you know, everyone wants to go there in early February. Truthfully, they convinced me to go because one of my favorite restaurants was right around the corner and we made a reservation to go afterward. We walked around for a little while and then turned a corner – that’s when I saw him (I knew it was a little strange because he lived 3 hours away from me at the time and wasn’t expecting a visit). It was one of those instincts that you can’t explain – I just started to run! I literally ran in to his arms and he said “let go – let me do it”. After a few more seconds, I let go and he got down on one knee. He said, “Bailey will you spend the rest of your life with me?”. I am nearly positive I said yes or nodded in affirmation because he stood up and placed the ring on my finger. Out of the bushes came our friends and family – some who even flew in from North Carolina. After taking pictures and celebrating at the gardens, we headed to that favorite restaurant of mine, only the reservation was for more than just four.
What made Fearrington the place for you to say “I do?’
Not only was the Fearrington the perfect venue for both of our families, but the team made everything seamless. Gilda, our wedding planner, thought of everything – small details and all. It was nice to work with a venue where you can book everything through one person and it’s onsite – food, flowers, cake – you name it. You avoid having to spend the time doing extra research on additional vendors because the Fearrington does it all.
Describe the highlight moment of your wedding day.
Well, you know – the usual – first look, saying our vows and of course, our first dance. But I would say ours was a little unique in that it was New Years – counting down to midnight with all of our family and friends was certainly a highlight. We loved getting to celebrate our marriage by ringing in a new year together with our favorite people.
What was the biggest surprise of the day?
Probably the exit. Tyler and I thought we would be driving away in my Ford Escape but instead, we walked out to a car that meant a lot to Tyler’s family. It was a very special moment.
What was your biggest surprise about wedding planning?
With an incredible planning team making you feel comfortable every step of the way, wedding planning really isn’t as stressful as you think it might be. By spacing things out and doing “one big thing a week”, the entire process never really got very stressful. It truly was a joy to do – and that’s how it should be!
Anything you want to add about your wedding story?
After being long-distance our entire relationship and making a big move from Texas to North Carolina – our wedding day was the perfect day to start our story together as one. We’re so thankful to the team at Fearrington for putting our minds at ease throughout the process and on the big day. And, to our family and friends for supporting us along the way.
This wedding was designed and coordinated by Fearrington’s own Gilda McDaniel. Photography by Rodney Slate Photography.