Morgan and Drew’s elegant, whimsical June wedding at the O.Henry Hotel was truly like something from a storybook: Because Morgan is a dedicated Disney fan and an avid tea drinker, the couple chose Alice in Wonderland as the inspiration for their wedding. The vintage afternoon tea-style wedding featured many quirky details from the story, proving to be great fun for guests and capturing the couple’s essence perfectly. Antique china teacups and teapots, moss and roses (Morgan’s favorite flower) and vintage books thrifted from an old bookstore in Greensboro all helped set the scene for a magical day.
While fantasy elements were clear in the celebration, the couple kept things grounded by using earthy tones of peach, mossy green, and lavender throughout. And in a nod to tradition, during the wedding reception, guests sipped on a variety of teas, which were served along with their cake. Incorporating hot tea into the wedding wasn’t just a reference to Alice in Wonderland, it was also important to Morgan because she grew up having traditional afternoon teatime with her British grandparents. The teacups used in many of the table decorations were antiques Morgan has collected herself.
Morgan and Drew first met through the social networking site MySpace. After quickly discovering they shared several mutual friends, Drew invited Morgan to a party, and they began dating seriously not long after. Fast forward five years, and Drew asked Morgan to be his wife, proposing during a trip to New York City, the couple’s favorite place. They were strolling through a flea market in Brooklyn that overlooked the East River and had a breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. Once the couple made their way to the waterfront, Drew asked Morgan if she would marry him. (And of course, she said, “Yes!”)
The couple knew they wanted an intimate wedding in North Carolina, because they are both from the state. After visiting many venues that just felt too large, Morgan’s mother suggested the O.Henry. Morgan immediately loved the idea, particularly because she had often visited for afternoon tea with her mother and sister. She adored the Don Rives Cloister Garden and appreciated the way the spaces flowed throughout the hotel. In addition, the couple felt it was the perfect size for the number of people they planned to invite to their wedding. After consultation with O.Henry’s catering specialists, Morgan and Drew settled on a delicious menu with light and savory summer flavors.
The Cocktail Hour featured:
- Charred Leek and Manchego Quiche
- Ham and Brie Croissant with Fig Mayo
- Blue Crab and Spinach Tart
Guests at the Reception Dinner enjoyed:
- Mixed Baby Green Salad with an array of Julienne Garden Vegetables, with Five-Herb Buttermilk and Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast layered with Herbed Goat Cheese, Lemon Garlic Sauce and Crispy Capers
- Grilled Salmon with Chive Butter Sauce
- Pork Loin with Mango Chutney
- Farro with Roasted Carrots, Moroccan Spiced Cauliflower, Zucchini and Arugula, tossed with Garlic-Oregano Dressing
- Polenta
- Green Beans
The couple even designed three thematic cocktails, two of which were inspired by Alice in Wonderland:
- The White Rabbit, a blood orange martini;
- The Baby, an old-fashioned for the guys named after the couple’s cat; and
- The Madhatter, consisting of lemonade with red wine and mint leaves, which was inspired by a drink Morgan and Drew had at a bar in New York City.
Morgan and Drew’s Wedding Magic Makers were:
- Wedding Coordinator Jenny Ford with Muse & Delphia
- Officiant Ryan Todd
- Florist Brenda McLamb with O.Henry Hotel
- Tanias Mixing Bowl Bakery (Red Velvet and Strawberry Fields)
- DJ Alex, with K2 Productions
- Russell-Killen Photography
- Michael Vest with Dolce Vita Salon
For more information on the event you are planning in Greensboro, North Carolina, please complete our inquiry form, email our Sales Team members, or give us a call at O.Henry Hotel: 336-854-2000 or Proximity Hotel: 336-478-9111.
