Ashley + Justin, A Holt House Wedding

Meet the Couple

They met through a mutual friend, exchanged numbers after that first encounter — and the rest, as they say, is history. These two brought an easygoing, genuine energy to their relationship, and their personalities shone through every decision they made for their wedding day. Their guests were mostly longtime friends and family — people who already felt like part of their story, which added warmth and authenticity to the entire celebration.

The bride and her bridesmaids shared a quirky passion: ghost hunting — something they loved doing together. Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen bonded over legendary nights of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). Their love story wasn’t just about romance — it was about shared adventures, shared laughter, and a shared curiosity about life’s mysteries. I loved how that playful energy carried through their wedding.

Why Holt House — and a Bit of History

They chose Holt House because it wasn’t just a beautiful venue — it was meaningful. This historical house with roots stretching back to the Civil War had been owned generations ago by the bride’s distant relatives. There was a sense of coming full circle: having their wedding at Holt House connected the couple’s future to the bride’s own family history. That sense of legacy made the day feel grounded, intimate, and timeless.

The Vibe: Fall Energy, Vintage Sunglasses, and Joyful Ease

On wedding day, the air was crisp and cool — the kind of autumn day that makes you want to wrap up in a cozy sweater or sip warm drinks. From the moment guests began to gather, you could feel the relaxed, joyful energy that carried through the entire night.

The bride and groom even made a grand entrance wearing vintage sunglasses — a detail that perfectly captured the fun, laid-back vibe of the evening. Guests cheered, music played, and the mood was set: this was not a stiff, formal wedding. This was a celebration rooted in fun, comfort, and real connection.

The Look: What They Wore & The Palette

Though the couple didn’t go with a rigid formal dress-code, there was a cohesive, vintage-inspired aesthetic — a reflection of their personalities. The bridesmaids and groomsmen coordinated subtly, and the overall tone felt timeless and effortless.

While the formal color palette wasn’t rigidly defined, the earthy tones of fall — warm rusts, soft oranges, deep greens, and hints of gold — naturally emerged in decor accents. Those colors complemented Holt House’s historical charm, the natural autumn backdrop, and the relaxed yet elegant mood of the day.

Family, Friends — and the People Who Made It Happen

What made this wedding extra special was that many of the vendors were friends or family coming together to bring the couple’s vision to life. It made the evening feel personal, communal, and very heartfelt.

I felt honored to play a part in that. As their planner, I didn’t just coordinate timelines — I reached out to the venue management on their behalf, asked clarifying questions when needed, and made sure their creative ideas were honored while respecting Holt House’s policies. That balance — between honoring their wishes and managing the logistics — is a big part of what I bring to every couple I work with.

A Unique Touch: T-Shirt Toss, Bouquet, and Garter — All in One Night

One of my favorite memories from the night: after the traditional bouquet and garter toss, the couple surprised their guests with a T-shirt toss. It was such a playful, unexpected moment — everyone was laughing, cheering, reaching for T-shirts, and the atmosphere felt more like a laid-back party than a formal ceremony. It perfectly encapsulated their personality: fun, spontaneous, and deeply connected to their friends.

A Moment I’ll Never Forget

There was a magical instant during their grand entrance — sunglasses on, warm smiles, leaves gently drifting outside, laughter echoing through the halls of Holt House. In that moment, I watched as the reality of their union settled in. The look on their faces, the cheers from friends and family, the soft glow of historic windows behind them… it was blissfully real, deeply emotional, and absolutely beautiful.

That moment summed up everything this couple cherished: history, togetherness, fun, and love.

What the Couple Said (In Their Own Words)

“We found Carolina Event Masters from Google and right off the bat we had NO hesitations about working with Makenzie! … I knew that any problems that arose she would handle it quickly and keep my goals in mind. … I feel as if she gave me so much more than what I feel is the norm.”

It’s feedback like this that reinforces why I love this work — helping couples build a day that feels personal, stress-free, and authentic.

Other Incredible Vendors

Special thanks to:

• Hinson Photography (https://www.hinsonphoto.com/) — for capturing every laugh, every detail, every tear of joy;

• Lexington BBQ (https://www.lexbbq.com/) — bringing down-home comfort and flavor;

• Teleport.Productions — for music and atmosphere;

• Wildflower Sweets — for desserts that were as lovely as they were delicious;

• And of course, Holt House/Sterling Spaces (https://www.holthousenc.com/) — for providing such a meaningful and beautiful backdrop.

Together, we wove memories that — I hope — will carry through generations.

If you’re engaged and dreaming of your own timeless, meaningful celebration — perhaps even at a historical venue like Holt House — I’d love to help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about our wedding planning services and how we can turn your dream wedding into reality.

Photo: Hinson Photography