Summerfield Wedding at the Gardens at Gray Gables: A Stunning Brunch Celebration of Love and Tradition
Nestled in the heart of Summerfield, North Carolina, the Gardens at Gray Gables set the stage for Megan and Khari’s enchanting August wedding. As the sun rose, bathing the lush greenery in a golden glow, the couple prepared to say their vows. This celebration seamlessly blended tradition, personal touches, and the natural beauty of this historic venue. This event was not just a wedding; it was a brunch celebration that honored heritage, love, and the journey that led Megan and Khari to this special day.
A Unique Twist: The Brunch Wedding
One of the standout features of Megan and Khari’s wedding was their decision to host a brunch reception. Wanting to avoid the intense summer heat of North Carolina, the couple cleverly opted for a morning ceremony followed by a delightful brunch. The result was a relaxed, joyous atmosphere that perfectly suited their personalities. It allowed guests to enjoy the festivities in the comfortable morning hours.
The brunch was an ode to the bride’s love for breakfast foods, with a mouthwatering spread curated by Virginia and Co.. This local caterer that made an indelible mark on the day. Megan shared why they chose Virginia and Co., saying, “We had a hard time finding a caterer that was both within our budget and would respond to emails. Virginia and Co is a black-owned business, and their charcuterie board arrangements are gorgeous. Natalege was also very flexible and willing to customize recipes to our particular tastes, all for a very affordable price.” The brunch menu was a hit. The guests raved about the delicious fare that included everything from classic breakfast favorites to beautifully arranged charcuterie boards.
A First Look to Remember
Before the ceremony, Megan and Khari shared a private first look in the garden. This was a moment that was both intimate and breathtaking. As the sun cast its warm rays over the garden, Megan and Khari saw each other for the first time. They were surrounded by vibrant flowers and the serenity of nature. This tender moment set the tone for the day, filled with love, joy, and anticipation.
A Ceremony Steeped in Tradition
The ceremony took place under the venue’s beautiful white pergola. It is surrounded by lush green trees that add a touch of nature’s grandeur to any occasion. Megan and Khari chose a vibrant jewel-toned color palette for their wedding. Megan explained: “I’ve always liked the look of jewel tones on melanated skin. Additionally, my favorite color is mustard yellow. The color scheme was built around this anchor color.” The rich, vibrant colors popped against the natural backdrop. It created a visually stunning scene that was both elegant and deeply personal.
In a poignant nod to their heritage, the couple chose to include the tradition of jumping the broom in their ceremony. This time-honored practice, symbolized the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new. It added a layer of cultural significance and emotional depth to their vows. As they walked back down the aisle, surrounded by a flurry of bubbles blown by their guests, it was clear that this was a day filled with love, respect for tradition, and joy.
A Reception Filled with Personal Touches
Following the ceremony, the celebration continued under a grand white tent on the patio at Gray Gables. The reception space was adorned with stunning florals by Ever Be Floral. Each table was marked by a different airport code—each one significant to Megan and Khari’s travels together. This thoughtful detail reflected their shared love of adventure and exploration, making the reception feel both unique and personal.
The cake table was another highlight, featuring several cakes made by the bride’s mother. Megan knew she could never find a cake as good as her mother’s. She decided to go straight to the source, ensuring that this sweet tradition remained in the family.
Guests were also treated to a special wedding favor—test tubes filled with a custom tea blend by Just Add Honey. The couple shared the story behind this choice: “When choosing a favor, it was important to us that we choose something that was both useful and specific to us. Khari is a lover of loose-leaf tea. On one of his trips back home to Atlanta, he stopped by a little black-owned tea shop and created a special blend as a gift for Megan. When creating our blends for the wedding, we used the blend as the base. Test tubes are used as the vessel for the tea as a nod to Megan’s work as a research scientist.”
An Afternoon to Remember
As the afternoon transitioned into the reception, the couple’s friends and family filled the dance floor with laughter and tears of joy. A particularly special moment occurred when Khari’s fraternity brothers, the Omegas, took to the floor. In a circle, they swayed and sang their fraternity song, a touching tribute to brotherhood and the bonds that have shaped Khari’s life. They even made Megan an honorary member, further solidifying the sense of family and community that permeated the entire day. When “Atomic Dog” played, the brothers performed a lively hop, adding to the joyful and celebratory atmosphere of the reception.
Megan looked stunning in her dress by Blu by Morilee, from Lily Mae Bridal Boutique. She described her dress choice as “love at first sight. It was simple, chic, and had pockets.” Paired with a custom veil, Megan’s bridal look was the perfect blend of elegance and practicality.
A Beautiful Summer Wedding at the Gardens at Gray Gables in Summerfield
Megan and Khari’s wedding at the Gardens at Gray Gables in Summerfield, NC, was a beautiful celebration of love, tradition, and personal touches. From the jewel-toned color palette to the brunch reception, every detail was carefully chosen to reflect who they are as a couple. Surrounded by family and friends, Megan and Khari created memories that will last a lifetime. It was an honor to capture these special moments.
If you’re planning a wedding at the Gardens at Gray Gables or are inspired by Megan and Khari’s unique approach, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life through timeless photography.
See there beautiful engagement session at the Greensboro Arboretum
Greensboro Wedding Photographer, Brunch Wedding Ideas, North Carolina Wedding Venues, Jewel Tone Wedding Colors, Jumping the Broom Wedding Tradition, Black-Owned Wedding Businesses NC, Fraternity Wedding Traditions
