Faiytale Forest Durham Wedding
Fairytale Forest Durham Wedding.
What was your wedding day inspiration? We drew inspiration mostly from the raw beauty of the venues we chose. Our ceremony was at the Duke Chapel, an awe-inspiring cathedral that created an ethereal feel with strong stone arches. The reception was at Angus Barn’s Bay 7, a renovated tobacco warehouse in downtown Durham. Our goal was marrying the more masculine engineering side with natural, whimsical elements. Josh is an electrical engineer, so lights were a focal point for the whole day! He is also a very talented craftsman, which we were able to showcase with a marquee-style sign he made saying “Mr. & Mrs. Illes.” I’m a civil/environmental engineer and have always been drawn to the simple elegance of nature. We chose natural, tree-like arrangements intertwined with sparkling lights and hanging candles. The reception felt like a fairytale forest in an industrial building.
Bakery: Southern Sugar Bakery//Cinema and Video: Thomas Blake Films//Dress Store: Lana Addison Bridal//DJ: Joe Bunn DJ Company//Lighting: Get Lit, Special Event Lighting//Equipment Rentals: CE Rental//Floral Designer: Embellished Blooms//Ceremony Location: Duke Chapel//Event Venue: Bay 7//Caterer: The Angus Barn//Beauty: Wedded Kiss//Event Planner: A Southern Soiree//Photographer: Krystal Kast Photographers
How did you meet?
Neither of us planned or expected to meet our best friend and future spouse the day before our first college classes began at the University of Central Florida. We introduced ourselves at an Honors College meet-and-greet in the lobby of one of the dorms. There was really loud music playing so it was hard to hear most people…except Josh. I remember being able to hear everything he said because of his deep voice! We realized we were both studying to be engineers and our story took off from there.
How did you know he/she was the "one"?
Being around Josh has always felt so natural, as if he is an extension of myself. We make each other better being together. However, our jobs took us in two different directions and for nearly two years Josh and I lived in separate states. When Josh made the decision to move to Virginia to be with me, it solidified my thought that he was truly the “one”. He gave up his job he loved, friends, and family so we could start a life together in a new state. I am grateful we made the conscious decision to be there for each other and share a life together, and I am thankful I can now call him my husband.
Tell us about the proposal?
Josh and I took a long overdue vacation on a cruise to the Caribbean! The cruise happened to occur over Valentine’s Day. Even though many people told me to expect a proposal because of the perfect timing, I was told by Josh “not to get my hopes up”. On our second day of the cruise, we went to a fancy restaurant on the ship for dinner. Near the end of our meal, the host announced to the restaurant that it was a very special evening. All the lights turned on and the waiters brought out a decadent chocolate dessert topped with a strawberry and diamond ring! Josh got down on one knee, and with a slight bobble with the ring, asked me to marry him. It was a complete surprise and I could not have been happier to say “yes”!
