A Wonderful Open House and a Great Start to a New Year of Weddings
We could not have asked for better weather on Sunday, February 24, for our Open House. It was a gorgeous sunny day full of fun, food, drinks, and wedding talk! Our 2019 Open House was a huge success in so many ways.
We had a group of amazing vendors who participated and connected with our current and potential clients. The space was filled with so many beautiful, and delicious, items and we had a great turn out from all of you! In case you missed the event, we’re going to give you a rundown of the event and all of the participants.
We would also like to thank all 250+ of you who attended the open house! We had a blast getting to wedding plan with you and we are looking forward to hosting some of your weddings in the upcoming year.
When clients walked in, they were greeted by a lush head table by Jeffrey’s Florist. Magnolia leaves and hydrangea create a beautiful, neutral look.
Next up, all of your invitation, Save the Date (and so much more) dreams are a reality with Cask Design. She designs and prints everything from invitations to menu cards, table numbers and koozies!
Two Roosters is always a favorite – especially if you need a little sugar rush. They were serving Blackberry Hibiscus and Cookies and Cream with some delicious toppings. Their custom cooler is always a great accessory!
Scotty Williams, with Making Memories DJ Service, provided music for the event. You can’t have an open house without some background music, right? He met and talked with clients about his great packages for weddings and ceremonies!
Kelsey Nelson Photography, one of our favorites at Melrose Knitting Mill and The Historic Wakefield Barn, displayed some of her beautiful work and snapped some photos of the event. She’s worked and both locations more than once and is able to deliver unique photos to her clients every time!
Filled and Flooded specializes in hand-lettering and signage for weddings and events. She brought in a scroll – obviously beautifully written – with her pricing and information. She does everything from gift bags for the wedding party to seating charts and more! If you love a detail, Courtney should be your next call!
Greenhouse Picker Sisters has beautiful rentals – everything from chairs and lounge to easels, lanterns and rugs. Walking through their warehouse is one of my favorite things to do because there are decor goodies GALORE! They brought in their Hanging Table (a Melrose favorite) and a lounge for open house guests to take a load off!
The Crepe Cakerie set up on the Hanging Table and delivered some serious sweets. They had examples of their crepe cakes and minis for everyone to try!
Bowerbird Flowers did a sweetheart table that made our hearts flutter. They had garland, a bright and springy centerpiece and taper candles. Such a great representation that a sweetheart table can go a long way in terms of creativity and design.
Richard Barlow Photography, who was also representing Barlow Boudoir, displayed some of his amazing work. A team favorite was an engagement session at The State Fair (can you say ferris wheel kiss shot?). I can’t lie either – his takeaway for couples was so cute. He had mini gold champagne bottles with his logos. Does it get better than a mini bottle of champagne when doing your wedding planning?
With all the rain and humid weather we had, the ladies at Wink Hair and Make Up were serious heros. They did a braid and bun bar and talked with prospective brides about hair and make up for their wedding days.
Randy, from Bunn DJ Company came out and talked with couples about their events. Bunn DJ is a great company with so many talented DJs. You can’t go wrong with them and we are always excited when we get to party with Randy or any of the Bunn crew!
Spark Photo Booth brought a pink, sequin backdrop that HAD to catch your eye. Who doesn’t love a photo booth picture to hang on your fridge or desk at work? Spark Photo Booth has worked with us at both of our venues and continues to be a fantastic option for photo booths in the Triangle!
Southern Bride and Groom were hanging out magazines and “Totes Engaged” tote bags. How else did you expect to carry around all the goodies that you grabbed at the Open House?
You didn’t think we had just ONE magazine for you, did you? We, of course, had Weddings Lookbook and The Knot Carolinas available for couples as well!
Duck Donuts had the cutest mini donuts available in so many flavors. My favorite is the classic Cinnamon Sugar. Donuts are perfect for dessert tables, late night snacks and even favors to send home with guests at the end of the night!
Morgan Scott Films had an amazing set up. They had examples of their work playing with a headset, if you wanted the full effect of the audio. We’ve had the opportunity to work with Morgan Scott Films on multiple occasions at both of our properties and they never disappoint!
Love Cake went above and beyond with their set up. Seriously above – their cakes were huge and so beautiful! They served samples of Wedding Cake and Cookies and Cream to prospective clients. I can vouch – the cakes are delicious!
Shelley, with Expressions of Love Florist did a wonderful job rounding out the look of the event. She worked her magic on the ceremony set up, the guest tables and added greenery to the chandeliers. Hoping that the beautiful smilax on the chandeliers is a look we’ll see at Melrose Knitting Mill again soon!
Of course, no open house would be complete without linens. CE Rental provided the linens for all of our vendors, along with a specialty linen and set up for the head table.
Mulino Italian Kitchen, the exclusive caterer at Melrose Knitting Mill and The Historic Wakefield Barn provided nibbles for all of our guests. Servers passed Goat Cheese Crostinis, served with strawberry and honey, and Risotto Croquettes with marinara sauce. Some other bites included Chicken Bastilla Rolls, serves with spicy harissa sauce, and crab cakes! At the bar, we were serving one of our signature cocktails, the Blushing Bride. The drink is as delicious as it is beautiful, with sparkling rose and pomegranate liquor.
We had such a great time at the event and hope that if you didn’t get to make it out, you’ll schedule some time for a tour. We look forward to seeing you at our next Open House!
Didn’t Get to Make It to the Open House?
We hate you were not able to attend but we would love to show you around Melrose Knitting Mill at a time that works for you.
Thank You, to Our Open House Vendors
Southern Oak Events
Melrose Knitting Mill
The Historic Wakefield Barn
Mulino Italian Kitchen & Bar
Kelsey Nelson Photography
Richard Barlow Photography
Barlow Boudoir
WINK Hair + Makeup
Cask Design
Filled and Flooded Handlettering
Brides and Bouquets
Expressions of Love Florist
Bowerbird Flowers
Jeffrey’s Florist
Duck Donuts
Simply Cakes
The Crepe Cakerie
Love Cake
Greenhouse Picker Sisters
Morgan Scott Films
Bunn DJ Company
Making Memories DJ Service
Spark Photo Booth
More About the Event
Our Open House was held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, from noon until 3 p.m. and was the perfect chance for brides and grooms to mix and mingle with local vendors and get some wedding planning done in a fun and personal way. Vendors ranged from invitation design and hand-lettering to furniture rentals. WINK Hair + Makeup hosted a braid and bun bar. It was so fun to see the brides get mini makeovers! Mulino Italian Kitchen and Bar – Melrose Knitting Mill, and The Historic Wakefield Barn’s exclusive caterer served hors-d’oeuvres and cocktails to the guests while many of the vendors served delicious treats, there was even a crepe cake!
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