A Retro, Southwest-Influenced Wedding With Old-Fashioned Outlaw Vibes

Claire + Ben love a good thrift store find. Who can blame them? Is there anything better than hunting through antiques and stumbling on the most excellent vintage treasure? 

They filled their warm and quirky retro wedding at Maiden, North Carolina’s The Providence Cotton Mill with their love of found objects and family heirlooms and all things storied and unique. Ben’s roots in the Southwest added an old-fashioned “outlaw” flair. Claire is super into design and Ben is a tattoo artist, so these two leaned into their aesthetic instincts, and, with the help of the team at Honey + Thyme Events, dreamed up this eclectic celebration that felt absolutely, distinctively them. 

And the day was all the more special knowing they had a baby boy on the way only a few months later!!

Photographers Brett & Jessica caught their outside-of-the-box day from every angle!

Always a fan of those Loeffler Randall bow heels!

Nothing says southwestern outlaw wedding like a scorpion bolo tie.

Claire’s beautiful getting ready robe is from Kim + Ono, and can we talk about how much we love those velvet bridesmaid’s robes?!! The most perfect color. :)

We have Bel Fiore Beauty to thank for Claire’s gorgeous half-up-half-down waves and glowy makeup look.

Seeded Events + Design embraced the retro color palette and filled the florals with a healthy mix of muted and bright colors.

When Claire + Ben started planning their big day, Claire found and fell in love with THE dress. But in an exciting twist Claire found out she was pregnant!! Knowing she’d be pretty far along by the wedding day, she switched gears with her bump in mind and reached out to Meagan Kelly Designs who brought this one-of-a-kind 70s-inspired custom dress to life.

We cannot get enough of that fringe detail!

Claire’s bridesmaids all rocked looks from Jenny Yoo’s bridal party collection!!

An Unforgettable First Look

Our Favorite Memory
The first look was so special, and I’m so glad we incorporated that into our day. Just the two of us in the trees behind the venue was so beautiful and I will never forget the moment Ben turned around and we both broke down. Such a raw moment. 

The Ceremony

Vintage rattan folding screen + colorful floral installation = wistful wedding magic.

Ben’s custom look is by OMJ, and his groomsmen got their sand-tone suits from The Black Tux

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"Tiny Dancer" by Elton John
Recessional
"Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
First Dance
"Shake the Frost" by Tyler Childers

Bride + Groom…soon to be Mom + Dad!

We just LOVE the pocket flower boutonniere trend!! So rad.

The radiance of these two!!

Our Advice
Number one takeaway is to enjoy the process, no matter how stressful or challenging it may get. There will be curveballs along the way, but never lose sight of the love you have for your partner and the amazing day you’re going to have! It’s all so worth it. If you’re able, I highly recommend hiring a planner to help with all the details and logistics! There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, and having a team help manage everything definitely helped keep stress levels in check. 

This vintage Chevy—perfect getaway car for two outlaws in love!!

Claire’s stunning ring was Ben’s grandmothers!

A Retro Reception

Flawless signage by Tied & Two.

The Providence Cotton Mill‘s 130-year-old event space is perfect for couples like Claire + Ben who dig details that are full of history. The structure mixes old-world charm with indoor-outdoor versatility.

The chairs. The doors. The ceiling. All ideal warm, wooden details.

Elegant and Classy Events added color and texture to the tabletops with terracotta napkins and these earthy, velvet tablecloths.

That amber glassware is the epitome of a 70’s aesthetic.

Flour & Batter is responsible for the big brushstroke buttercream perfection of this wedding cake.

Tumbleweeds and pillar candles decorated the unique, sand-filled sweetheart table.

Only thing left to do is speed off into the sunset!!

Looking for an easy clean up exit celebration option? We LOVE the pop out streamers Claire + Ben used!!

So so happy for you, Claire + Ben! Congrats from GWS!!