An Intimate, Elegant Wedding at the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, North Carolina

Sandra Gillis (29 and an international exchange project manager) and Garret Brown (31 and a cyber security analyst) looked to their proposal story for inspiration when deciding where to tie the knot. The travel-loving couple got engaged on a trip to Germany and France, with Garret popping the question in the Jardin des Tuiluries, so a venue that captured the essence of a European garden was high on their must-have list. They found the perfect spot in the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC, with its beautiful European-inspired gardens, colorful paintings and classic sculptures. They were able to host both the ceremony and the reception at the venue, making it easy and convenient for their guests. They day started off with an intimate ceremony under the shade of majestic Oak trees, with a reception following only a few steps away from where the couple exchanged their “I do’s.” Not wanting to detract from the natural beauty of the gardens, Sandra and Garret looked to their florist, Renee Landry Events, to create elegant and understated arrangements to add the finishing touch to their reception tables. Playing off the wedding’s neutral color palette, she pulled together summery arrangements of hydrangeas in shimmery mercury glass vases, the addition of which added a note of timeless sophistication to the outdoor space. Another touch that brought the couple’s vision to life was the lighting choices. White paper lanterns and strands of bistro lights were hung from the majestic oak trees dotting the property, creating an illuminated canopy that added an air of romantic ambiance to the lush, intimate garden space. A tip for the taking from Sandra: “Enjoy and appreciate every single moment of your wedding day. Time flies by so fast, especially on this day!”