When searching for a destination wedding location that both partners love, many feel a draw to go back to a place where many fond memories were made. This couple attended the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and the idea of incorporating their old stomping grounds enticed them to start envisioning their Carolina wedding.

The Raleigh, NC area is known as the “City of Oaks” for its density of oak trees. Lucky for couple, David and Samantha, The Umstead Hotel & Spa made for the perfect venue to show off those magnificent trees and lush gardens. The location made for a backwoods adventure for many of their out-of-town friends and family who hadn’t visited the area yet.

“My husband is from New Jersey and we live in New York City, so it was wonderful to welcome all his friends and family to my home state,” the bride says.

Also, the number one priority on Samantha’s list was having her elderly grandmother attend the wedding. So, the bride decided to bring the party to her guest of honor and the planning process became a great reason to visit more leading up to the wedding.

Samantha works as a real estate broker in NYC and could find flexibility in her schedule. “I was back and forth from New York to North Carolina often, which was really special. I got to spend a lot of time with my mom and we had an absolute blast planning everything,” the bride says.

Working with her planner, Gina Johnston from A Southern Soiree, the planning process yielded fabulous vendors to carry out couple’s aesthetics and overall vibe of the wedding. They took inspiration from Samantha’s vision book she’d been compiling since she was 16 years old, which “helped me stay organized and was very helpful when meeting vendors,” she says.

The couple landed their dream destination wedding and they’re passing on pertinent information. You may want to grab a pen and paper for this one.

Three most important things to remember on the day of your destination wedding:

1) “During your ceremony, take a minute, squeeze your significant other’s hand and look into the crowd. Everyone present is there to support your marriage. It is such a special feeling to be surrounded by all your loved ones.”

2) “Spend your wedding evening with your partner. You will get pulled in different directions but make sure to enjoy the night together. You want the memory of your wedding to be shared.”

3) “Your wedding is a big party. Relax and enjoy. Things will go wrong no matter how much you plan or prepare. No one will notice. Don’t let it ruin your day.”

In the end, this NYC couple couldn’t have imagined a more perfect wedding soirée in their ole stomping grounds.

Vendors: Photographer: Ginny Corbett; Wedding Planner: Gina Johnston of A Southern Soiree; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Umstead; Florals: New Growth Design & Watered Garden Florist; Stationery: Bella Figura from Charlotte’s Inc; Cake: Ashley Cakes; Hair & Makeup: Kristine Cruz; Gown Designer: Oscar de la Renta; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Ralph Lauren Purple Label; Bridesmaids’ Gowns Designer: Jenny Yoo; Videographer: Twenty-One Films; Rentals: CE Rental