April 16, 2023 – Marion, North Carolina
Today we are happy to share the wedding of industry friends, James and Kirsten Coats of Coats Classic Cars, as they tied the knot last year in North Carolina.
“James and I first met volunteering at the Alabama Theater. We were originally friends long before we ever started dating. We had lost contact with each other for a period of time. We happened to run into each other at Sam’s Club in Irondale. We went to lunch at the Fish Market downtown to catch up, and things bloomed from there.
He proposed on the front lawn of the Biltmore Estate on Dec. 28. 2021. The house and the front lawn were still decorated for Christmas. The Biltmore Estate has always held a special place in our hearts. The proposal was a complete and total surprise to me – and I am not an easy person to surprise. His mom and daughter were with us for the holidays. We had all gone to eat at a lovely little Italian restaurant in Asheville. Then we went to Biltmore for Candlelight Christmas and to the immersive Van Gogh exhibit. James also arranged for our friends and fellow wedding photographers, Chris and Heather Hollingsworth, to be on-hand to capture the proposal. It was a fantastic evening!” – Kirsten
Wedding Highlights
“We were very intentional about planning the ceremony. I grew up Episcopalian and he grew Methodist. We picked readings and hymns that were very special to the both of us. We did full communion and James and I were the chalice bearers. James giving communion to his father is one of the memories that he will cherish for the rest of his life. Our ceremony was spiritual and moving. It invited our guests to participate and worship with us. We loved the reception and had a great time. Since I’m from Mobile and he is originally from North Carolina, our catering was blend of North Carolina Farm to Table and some creole/cajun classics. We wanted the reception to be fun for the guests and have it be memorable. The reception was our way of saying “Thank you” to our guests for being there and celebrating with us.” – Kirsten
The Creatives
Bridal Gown: The White Room. Bridesmaid Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids. Bridesmaids Jewelry: Susan Standeffer Designs. Cake: 50/Fifty The Art of Dessert. Caterer: Céline and Company. Event Rentals, Linen: Classic Event Rental. Floral: Urban Farm Girl Flowers. Groom’s & Groomsmen’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse, Historical Emporium. Hair & Makeup: Lacey Ruiz. Lighting & Drapery: Design Productions. Music/Entertainment: Carolina Music Planner, The Adrian Duke Project. Personalized Napkins and Cups: Coleman Lane Designs. Photography: Lynn Cummings Photography. Registry: Bromberg’s, ZOLA, Honeyfund. Rings: Levy’s Fine Jewlery. Stationery: Paperhaus.Transportation: Coats Classic Cars. Wedding Planner: Carolina Love Events. Venue: Oak Hill Farm. Videography: DiPietro Weddings.
