Katie and Wesley are the ultimate baseball-loving best friends from Charlotte, and their autumn wedding at the Providence Cotton Mill was a perfect reflection of their love for each other and the game. Their story began in a memorable way, with Katie sharing a hilarious and sweet engagement story:
“On Wesley’s 31st birthday, I planned a surprise party at the Charlotte Knights game, but with the help of their mascot Homer, Wesley planned to propose! The funny part? He didn’t know about the party and that he would be proposing in front of 25 of our friends! His birthday celebration was short because after he proposed, it turned into quite the engagement party!”
For their wedding, Katie and Wesley chose the stunning and historic Providence Cotton Mill for both their ceremony and reception. Nestled in the North Carolina countryside, this venue boasts beautiful architecture and plenty of charm, making it the perfect backdrop for their autumn wedding.
Katie’s vision for the day was simple: a wedding that was “beautiful, fun, and over the top.” The color palette was a celebration of autumn, with warm tones of orange, burgundy, and yellow accented by pops of pink and green. This combination added an extra layer of warmth and joy to the day, blending perfectly with the historic venue’s rustic elegance.
A key goal for Katie and Wesley’s wedding was to highlight some of the talented vendors from the Charlotte Bride Guide. The day kicked off with Elle & Co setting up the stunning details of the wedding, creating a space that was both elegant and lively. Lori of Imagine This! made sure every detail flowed seamlessly with a perfectly executed timeline, while Unveiled Beauty and Ashley Jarvis Hair worked their magic on Katie and her maid of honor.
Katie also made sure to include special first looks with some of the most important people in her life. She had heartfelt moments with her father, brother, and even her “flower dudes,” who added a lighthearted twist to the day.
One of the most memorable moments of the day was Katie’s sweet interaction with her beloved goldendoodle, Riley. With the help of Furever Friends Charlotte, Riley was able to be part of the celebration, making a special appearance down the aisle during the ceremony. This personal touch made the day even more special for Katie and Wesley.
The ceremony, led by A Spirited Ceremony, was both heartfelt and full of fun. The “flower dudes” tossed petals from their fanny packs while sharing beers with guests, creating plenty of laughs. Riley’s cameo down the aisle added another memorable moment. The backdrop of the historic Providence Cotton Mill and the warm autumn tones of the décor made for a picture-perfect setting.
After the ceremony, we captured a few family photos before Katie surprised Wesley with a second look. Her first gown, a stunning dress by Eddy K Bridal from Evers Bridal Boutique, was perfect for the ceremony. For her second look, she changed into a gown from Poffie Girls Boutique, adding a fresh twist to their sunset portraits with the beautiful Providence Cotton Mill in the background.
Katie and Wesley’s reception was filled with entertainment and unique touches. Guests enjoyed a pizza truck, cocktails, lawn games, and a caricature artist, all adding to the lively atmosphere. The couple entered the reception to their first dance, “Growing Old with You” by Restless Road, which set a romantic tone for the evening.
Following a delicious dinner, the couple cut their beautiful cake by Cakelins Cakes and Cookies. Special dances followed, with Katie sharing a sweet moment on the dance floor with her father and mother, and Wesley dancing with his mom.
Just when the party couldn’t get any more exciting, surprise guests arrived: Homer, the Charlotte Knights mascot, and Sir Purr, the Carolina Panthers mascot! They joined the celebration, engaging in a fun dance-off and t-shirt toss with guests. With Split Second Sound keeping the energy up, the reception turned into a full-blown dance party, and the mascots made it a night everyone would remember.
The evening wrapped up with Katie and Wesley sharing one final dance before their grand exit. But the celebration didn’t end there—right after the wedding, we met up with them for a late-night snack at their favorite pizza place in Charlotte, a perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
Katie and Wesley’s autumn wedding at the Providence Cotton Mill was a true celebration of love, friendship, and fun. The combination of beautiful autumn tones, playful moments, and unique personal touches made this wedding truly one-of-a-kind. From the heartfelt ceremony to the lively reception, it was a joy to capture every moment of their special day.
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