Ally + Mario wanted an intimate wedding day that would be all about honoring their relationship. They felt super strongly about eloping and were looking to keep things chic and local to their home in Wilmington, North Carolina. A Pinterest mood board Ally had started creating led them to Mady Noel Photo, and the plan to tie the knot in a day full of meaningful moments and a courthouse ceremony started taking shape.
One of the coolest (and sweetest) moments? Ally + Mario met working in a restaurant—Ally was a pastry cook and Mario was a chef. So to pay tribute to their romantic restaurant kitchen beginnings these two decorated their wedding cake together on the day before slicing into it!!
We can’t wait to show you this retro-inspired elopement day and all of its contemporary touches. Let’s get into it!
Loving Ally’s burgundy velvet ankle strap block heel sandals!! Check out this similar pair from ForeverSoles (feature on our list of our 24 fave places to buy your wedding shoes!)!
How gorgeous is Ally’s ring!? We love all the color that a non-diamond engagement ring brings. Take a peek at the list of emerald engagement rings we’re in love with and our sapphire engagement ring shopping guide if you’re into the idea of more colorful gemstones.
“I adored looking at old wedding photos to see the different styles throughout the decades,” Ally says. “I really liked the silk satin long-sleeved dresses and veils full of volume from the 70s. I also wanted a dress that made me feel special on the day but was also comfortable to wear.” She found the Maves Satin Dress from Reformation and knew that it would be worth waiting for. “At the time, the dress was not in stock, so for the next few days I kept refreshing the page until finally, I was able to snag it! It is such a special piece and I look forward to wearing it again on our anniversary.”
Can’t get enough of the earthy-yet-elegant eucalyptus-filled bouquet and boutonnière from Mother of Wild Flower House.
Ally + Mario got ready at Dreamers by DW, an adorable five-room hotel in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina.
Loving the non-traditional wedding day flair of Mario’s Floral Dot Dress Shirt from Express. And check out this brick red suit from Indochino if you’re digging his color palette for the day!
Private Vows
Before heading out to officially tie the knot, Ally + Mario found a private spot in the beautiful garden at Dreamers by DW and exchanged vows that they’d written that morning.
Ally’s retro pearl-embellished veil is giving us Priscilla Presley perfection. Check out our list of best veils for every bridal style if you feel like a veil needs to be part of your look.
A City Hall Ceremony!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Remember that at the end of the day, it is about you and your partner so please do whatever you would like to do! You can keep it simple or you can treat yourself to fresh flowers and get your makeup done by a professional. You get to choose how the day goes, it's awesome.
Another tip: if you trust your witness to do so, give them your rings and paperwork the night before. This allows you to walk into the ceremony hand-free, except for flowers and your partner's hand!
Fun fact: Ally + Mario first found their amazing photographer Mady from Mady Noel Photo via photos on Pinterest that had also been featured in our guide to making your courthouse wedding or civil ceremony special!! Check it out if City Hall “I do’s” like Ally + Mario’s are feeling like the right plan for you and your partner.
And don’t miss our roundup of 31 of our fave chic courthouse wedding dresses!
Ally’s sleek, flippy lob and rosy makeup look were created by Peach Cowgirl Beauty.
Cake Decorating!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding We both met working at the same restaurant, I was a pastry cook and he was a chef. I wanted to honor that and bring it full circle by decorating our own cake! It was by far the most memorable part of the day and we will never forget that moment! After the courthouse ceremony, we made our way back to the B&B for the cake decorating. Right on time, Julia (owner of Little Loaf Bakery and Schoolhouse) meets us at the B&B arms full, holding a cake, tubs of icing, and several piping bags. Mario and I had a blast winging the decorating and watching the cake come to life!
Little Loaf Bakery created the delicious cake that these two turned into a masterpiece.
How adorable is this felted mouse cake topper?!
Congratulations, Ally + Mario, on your modern-meets-vintage-glam elopement! And your romantic cake decorating moment was the icing on top of it all. All the best from GWS!
photography: Mady Noel Photo // venue name: New Hanover County Courthouse, Wilmington, NC, USA // florals: Mother of Wild // wedding dress: Reformation // hair stylist: Peach Cowgirl // makeup artist: Peach Cowgirl // cake: Little Loaf Bakery
