A Whimsical Gothic Garden Wedding in Raleigh

Nestled in the heart of Raleigh, the arboretum provided the perfect backdrop for a day that blended ornate gothic details with vintage whimsy, all wrapped in a deeply personal, micro-wedding experience. From the very beginning, this day felt intentional, meaningful, and completely them.

From Online Friends to Forever

Bones and Michael’s love story began long before wedding planning ever entered the picture. The two met online in a chat room back in 2017 when they were just teenagers, bonding quickly over shared interests, especially music. What started as a fast friendship grew into a relationship about a year later.

Though Bones was living in Florida at the time, North Carolina was always part of the story. With family roots nearby, it felt natural that their wedding would take place in Raleigh, surrounded by beauty, history, and a setting that reflected their personalities.

Why They Chose JC Raulston Arboretum

When it came to choosing their venue, a JC Raulston Arboretum wedding checked every box. Bones and Michael were drawn to the idea of getting married in a garden, somewhere lush, romantic, and timeless. The arboretum’s winding paths, historic structures, and curated gardens perfectly complemented their love of vintage aesthetics and gothic romance.

Hosting both the ceremony and reception in the same location also allowed the day to flow naturally, keeping the celebration relaxed and intimate, exactly what they envisioned for their micro wedding.

A Crisp Fall Day Full of Feeling

Their wedding took place during the fall season, and the weather could not have been more perfect. Crisp air, soft light, and the calm atmosphere of the gardens set the tone for a day that felt cozy, emotional, and deeply personal.

With a smaller guest count, every moment felt intentional. There was no rush, just space to be present, to connect, and to truly soak in the significance of the day.

Fashion That Told a Story

Bones and Michael’s attire beautifully reflected the overall vibe of the day.

Michael wore an all-black ensemble featuring a puffy-sleeved shirt, black vest, and metal-tipped dress shoes; dramatic, elegant, and unmistakably gothic. Bones paired that bold look with a strapless, off-white, full-length gown and a full cathedral veil that added softness and romance.

Together, their looks balanced dark and light in a way that felt intentional and striking, perfectly aligned with their vision.

Vintage Details & Thoughtful Touches

The design of the day leaned into ivory tones and delicate lace, tying together the vintage whimsy they loved so much. One detail that truly stood out was their cake: an oval-shaped beauty with vintage piping and a subtle dusting of glitter. It was understated, unique, and completely on theme.

These thoughtful details elevated the entire celebration without overwhelming it—proof that even the smallest weddings can feel incredibly rich and layered.

A Seamless Day with a Small but Mighty Team

Bones and Michael found me through a local Facebook group, and from our first conversation, it was clear how important inclusivity, care, and trust were to them. On the wedding day, the photographer and I were the only hired vendors managing the flow of events.

By working closely together, we created a seamless experience with a very small team, allowing the couple to stay fully present while everything unfolded smoothly behind the scenes. It was a true collaboration, and one I was honored to be part of.

Vendor Love

• Venue: JC Raulston Arboretum – https://jcra.ncsu.edu/

• Photography: Jess April Photos – https://www.jessicaaprilphoto.com/

• Officiant: Jemm Merritt

• Cake: Sunflower Bakery – https://www.sunflowerbakery.org/

Planning Your Own JC Raulston Arboretum Wedding?

Bones and Michael’s day is a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t have to be big to be meaningful. Whether you’re dreaming of a JC Raulston Arboretum wedding or another intentional celebration in North Carolina, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life with care, inclusivity, and calm guidance.

Reach out today to inquire about our wedding planning and coordination services, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Photographer: Sarah Billings