Erica & CJ | Donovan Manor

As luxury wedding planners in Raleigh, we have had the pleasure of planning dozens at weddings at Donovan Manor. We were honored when Erica and CJ approached us to plan their special day at one of the most popular wedding venues in Raleigh. As professionals local to the triangle, we had tons of fun collaborating with them from start to finish on their vendor selections, design, and event production. We can’t wait to share how it all came together!

A Neutral Wedding Color Palette at Donovan Manor

We provided full service wedding planning for the couple. Therefore, we had a lot of fun leaning into design from the beginning! Their color palette was focused on neutrals – champagne and ivory – and we added a little bit of color with elements of soft sage. Meanwhile, the ceremony was filled with bright white colors to provide a contrast against the vibrant colors and lush greens of the rose garden. Even better, soft silk and satin textures added an elevated feel and leaned in Erica’s personal style.

Custom Wedding Monogram

One of our favorite details was their custom stationery and cohesive graphics incorporated throughout the event. Therefore, their monogram and custom damask pattern were carried throughout the event design – including their programs, bar wrap, cocktail napkins, dance floor, matchbooks, and cigar wraps. Creating these cohesive details throughout the day was a labor of love, and totally worth it.

Special Wedding Surprises

The couple had surprises for each other. So we had to keep our lips sealed for some aspects of the day! During cocktail hour, Erica was surprised by CJ with a live painter. Victoria, the Triangle Wedding Painter, captured the moment of the couple’s first kiss in the rose garden at Donovan Manor. Then, at cocktail hour, she wowed guests as she painted the scene as a keepsake for the couple.

Erica surprised CJ with a custom cigar bar. To make this happen, we personalized cigars and matchbooks as favors, and a masculine leather lounge set that was the perfect backdrop for fun pictures as guests enjoyed their cigars. As a result, this became a fun experiential touch perfectly fit the couple’s aesthetic.

Full Service Wedding Planning

Erica and CJ’s wedding at Donovan Manor was a blast to pull together. We served them it is always nice to place close to home. Event better, they were a fun, joyful couple that knew exactly how to express themselves in their wedding planning and design process. If you’re searching for a North Carolina wedding planner to create a day that feels unapologetically you, we’d love to help make it happen.

North Carolina Wedding Vendor Team:

Wedding Planning and Design by Significant Events

Venue: Donovan Manor

Photographer: Rae Marshall

Catering: Donovans Dish

Wedding Florals: Fresh Affairs

Wedding Stationery: Theresa Jatko Designs

Dance Floor Wrap: Cool Receptions

Wedding Rentals: Party Reflections

Wedding Lounge Rentals from Greenhouse Picker Sisters