Vidrio

Rehearsal "Brunch"

Melrose Knitting Mill

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

The Invisible String

I met Chris while we were students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Chris quickly won my affection by saying "I like your name, especially the first part." Since then, we have gone on various adventures, including watching UNC win the NCAA Championship, skiing down the Rockies, and getting windblown at the Cliffs of Moher. After seven years and a global pandemic, we are excited to share our special day with y'all.* *you all, yous guys, or whatever is said in your area :)

Our Story

Nearby Hotels

Our wedding is labor day weekend, which means hotels are filling up fast! If you are interested in staying within a short drive to the venue and other activities, I suggest staying in downtown Raleigh. Guests looking to save money can book a hotel in Crossroads Plaza, about fifteen minutes away from the Melrose Knitting Mill. In addition to the following hotels listed below, guests can also stay in the <a href="https://www.thelongleafhotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Longleaf Hotel</a>, located in the center of downtown Raleigh and right across the street from our venue.

Downtown Raleigh Hotels

Located just five minutes (20-minute walk) to the wedding venue, this is a great option for people looking to be in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Best Restaurants in the area include Carroll's Kitchen (grab and go), Transfer Food Hall, or Sitti. For those looking to try Southern Food, I recommend The Pit Barbeque or Big Ed's City Market.

Raleigh Marriott City Center

Similar to the Raleigh Marriott, this hotel is within walking distance of the venue.

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel

Crossroads Plaza Hotels

Crossroads Cary is a great little area if you are interested in food and shopping. Our favorite places include Noodle Boulevard, Craft Public House, and Gonzo Tacos y Tequila.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh-Cary

Located in SW Raleigh, 15 minutes from the venue.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Raleigh Cary I-40

Parking Info

Melrose Knitting Mill has parking for 50 cars.

Travel & Parking 

Things To Do

Whether you love beer, art, or shopping, the Raleigh area boasts a variety of unique activities to fill your weekend. Here are some of my favorites!

NC Art Museum

Featuring a large collection of contemporary, classic, and medieval art, the NC Art Museum is an enjoyable way to pass time during a quiet afternoon. If you are not into art, there's an outdoor section great for walking around.

Raleigh Beer Garden

Did you know the Raleigh Beer Garden holds the world record for the largest selection of on-tap beers? With a selection of more than 400 beers (144 from NC), RBG is a great place to get a sense of the local beer scene.

For more places to grab drinks, view <a href="http://bit.ly/2OmecpP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/2OmecpP</a>

Marbles Kids Museum

According to their website, Marbles Kids Museum features "innovative hands-on exhibits, award-winning programs, and larger-than-life movies." With the museum located in Southeast downtown, it's just a short Uber ride from our venue.

Things to Do

Bridal Party

Chris met Lauren after she was born at the hospital.  He doesn't remember much about that day, except the fact he received lots of new toys.

Lauren Holtshouser

When Pari was in middle school, she wrote a sweet essay about how she always wanted to have a sister. Luckily, Kristin arrived to fulfill that wish! 

Pari Bachrad

Kristin and Eva met at freshman orientation. Four years later, Kristin caught a Charizard on Wrightsville Beach and named it "Eva Bizarzar" 

Eva Zarzar

First meeting at the poetry group, Zinnia and Kristin kept crossing paths during college until they eventually became close friends. They bond over the fact that writing is really, really hard. 

Zinnia Bynum

Kristin and Stephanie have been friends for almost two decades since roleplaying as Powerpuff Girls on the elementary school playground. Kristin, a brunette, would play Bubbles while Stephanie, a blonde, would play Blossom. 

Stephanie Swing

Lizzie is Kristin's two-year-old niece. She enjoys eating cake and getting into mischief with her older brother, Owen.  

Lizzie Tajlili

Groomsmen

Chris and Brian are brothers. Kristin likes to joke that the two of them should move to Kitty Hawk and invent something.  Because that's what brothers do. 

Brian Holtshouser

Yes, Kristin also has a brother named Brian, which means her future children will have two "Uncle Brians." How confusing! Brian T. loves running, spending time with his lovely wife, Megan, and making sure his two children, Lizzie and Owen, don't party too hard. 

Brian Tajlili

After searching the Internet, Jared decided to room with Chris and friends after seeing their tabletop gaming set. Who knew a random roommate would become such a great friend? 

Jared Layne

When Chris got placed in a dorm with a view of a brick wall his first year at UNC, he wasn't too happy. Luckily, Steven was just a few floors up, allowing a beautiful friendship to flourish. 

Steven Walter

Chris met Zach at board game club -- just a few weeks after meeting Kristin. If Chris and Kristin's lives were anything like a sitcom, Zach would be the goofy side character always telling wacky stories. Not surprisingly, he makes a great stand-up comedian. 

Zach Werder

Owen Tajlili was the ring bearer at Pari's wedding a few years ago. When it was time to walk down the aisle, Owen ran away and started playing with a flag on the nearby golf course. This time, he claims to be older, wiser, and more responsibile. 

Chris & Kristin

Chris & Kristin

C&K

Wedding Day