Real Wedding: Ella Bess & George's Downtown Wedding | Durham, NC

It has almost been a year, and we can hardly believe it.  Featured in Durham Magazine earlier this year, we're delighted to finally share Ella Bess & George's Durham wedding!

Ella Bess and George chose the groom's childhood hometown of Durham to celebrate the biggest day of their lives. The pair met through Teach for America, and two years later George proposed in the same classroom where they had first worked together. Their shared love of teaching brought them together and continues to play a large role in their lives. Ella Bess & George have a lighthearted joy that is contagious, and share a love impossible to ignore.  Follow along for a peek inside this inspiring couple's wedding day!

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A timeless black & gold letterpress invitation suite balanced formality with a playful script to set the tone for a joyful summer gathering.

Ella Bess stunned in a classic white lace gown and touches of sparkling accessaries. She carried a lush bouquet filled with white dahlias, soft pink garden roses and a mix of trailing greenery.  Her bridesmaids wore all different lace, chiffon, and beaded gowns in a neutral color palette.    

Guests were welcomed into the ceremony at First Presbyterian Church by two cheerful floral and greenery wreaths.

Each guest signed the Quaker marriage witness document.

A southern stations menu (Donovan's Dish chicken n' dumplings, please!) was followed by a wild dance party at The Cookery in downtown Durham.

Custom calligraphy signage and lush blooms welcomed family and friends. In the tented lounge area, pillows (made by the groom's mother's custom pillow company!) were embroidered with loving quotes and the couple's new family monogram.

If you know Gather Together, you know we are all about the lounge space!  A stunning floral chandelier was hung over soft linen furniture for guests to enjoy while they sipped their cocktails

A chalkboard collage displayed pictures of the couple's parents and grandparents, along with a favorite quote, "Grow Old With Me, The Best Is Yet To Be!"

At the end of the night, Ella Bess and George rode off in a decorated rickshaw, on to the after party at the Durham Hotel rooftop (the perfect ending to any summer night).

Gather Together (Event Design & Planning)

First Presbyterian Church (Ceremony Venue + Officiant)

The Cookery (Reception Venue)

Katherine Miles Jones (Photography)

Big Dog Little Bed Productions (Videography)

Reaves Engraving (Invitations)

Mason Dixon Designs (Paper & Calligraphy)

Meristem Floral (Flowers)

Greenhouse Picker Sisters (Furniture & Decor)

That Should Be on a Pillow (Pillows)

Donovan's Dish (Catering) 

Details Cake Design (Cake & Mini Key Lime Pies)

American Party Rentals (Tent & Rentals)

DJ David Fox of Bunn DJ Company (Music)

Allure Bridal (Bride's Gown)

Silverceiling (Hair & Makeup)

Carolina Livery (Transportation)

Ten Toes Tours (Getaway Transportation)