Spring Wedding at the Boxwood Estate | Anna + Colin

As they stood in their favorite park, snow fell all around Colin and Anna. What came next made the moment even more magical. Shares Anna, “It was so beautiful on the bridge where he knelt down—he even managed to surprise me! Another surprise later that day was celebrating with our families and my best friend.“

Anna always had her heart set on a wedding in her hometown of Winston-Salem, NC, and the two quickly fell in love with the Boxwood Estate. Winston-Salem is also where our sweet bride found the dress that made her heart skip a beat. “When I was home in NC, I went to a bridal shop in Winston-Salem, NC. I have known about this shop for years, so I was excited to finally have a reason to go and try on gowns myself. Bellissima has such beautiful gowns! I was drawn to the Fern gown because of the half-bow on the back and V-neck style. I also added a simple belt around the waist to tie it all together. The same day I said YES to the DRESS, I also got my wedding shoes at Bellissima by Something Bleu—my something blue!

Colin chose a blue suit from Generation Tux and paired it with a tie from JoS. A. Bank that had light blue dots. It went well with our main wedding color, dusty blue.”

Anna shares more about their day—including the many ways their families were involved—below:

wedding dress: customized Astrid & Mercedes Fern via Bellissima | photographer: Alaina Ronquillo Photography | scroll down for full vendor list

How did you two get engaged?

“We got engaged at a park in Washington, DC (a favorite date spot). I had an idea that a proposal was coming but didn’t know exactly when it would happen! Post-engagement, Colin told me that he’d been very worried in the days leading up to the engagement because the weather forecast was calling for rain. Much to his surprise, it ended up snowing that day and it was so beautiful on the bridge where he knelt down—he even managed to surprise me! Another surprise later that day was celebrating with our families and my best friend. “

Were there any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?

“My Dad, of course, gave me away. My mother and I were great partners in all the wedding planning—so many details! We also had many family members who were part of the wedding party. And Colin’s stepfather was one of the musicians during the ceremony (sang and played guitar, “Love Never Fails” by Brandon Heath). We were also fortunate to have cousins as ushers. It was so special having our families represented in these ways. We had a very talented alterations person, and she was able to take the tulle from my mom’s veil, and some of the lace and pearls from it as well, to design a beautiful veil and comb for me. She also used some of the lace and pearls to make the pillow for the ring bearer.”

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

“I always wanted to get married in my hometown. We also knew we wanted a church ceremony due to our shared faith. We toured a few reception venues, but I secretly knew which one I already loved, and luckily Colin loved it, too! I worked at a fundraising event at Boxwood Estate in high school, and it had been on my mind ever since.”