Maura & Kenny Bitar
05.06.2023

Charlotte couple Maura and Kenny don’t enjoy being the center of attention. Kenny also doesn’t love to dance. But as Maura began planning for their wedding, she considered a lesson for them to learn a few steps.

“I thought it might be a good way to keep us a little occupied during the first dance instead of thinking about all the people staring at us,” says Maura, who met Kenny at Wake Forest University. They ended up having the entire dance choreographed, and Kenny — while nervous about the experience — leaned in. “He did fantastic, and it definitely showed that he loves and cares about me so much to go completely out of his comfort zone on our wedding day,” Maura says.

Another detail out of the couple’s comfort zone: a rainy and cold forecast for their spring outdoor ceremony. Ironically, Maura had worried the weather might be too hot for guests and had the wedding programs designed as fans. Fortunately, the weather turned, and it was a beautiful May day. Maura attributes the sunny skies to a bottle of bourbon the couple buried in their yard. “Neither of us are from the South, but I’m certainly glad we took up this tradition.”

Maura dreamed of a classic, elegant wedding with a bit of whimsy. Initially set on a neutral palette, planner Katrina Hutchins introduced bright spring colors, adding citrus elements to the décor for a playful touch. Hanging floral baskets above the head table made a striking statement, and intimate lounge areas beckoned guests to sit for a bit. “As our relationship developed and her trust in me deepened, Maura let go a bit and let us explore color and more pops in her aesthetic,” Hutchins says.  

Maura appreciated the special, cohesive details and the creativity. “Walking into the reception tent I was in awe,” she says. “Our vendors brought this to life, and it was better than I could have imagined.”

The Details:

Photographer | Kristin Byrum Photography

Venue | The Duke Mansion

Planner | Katrina Hutchins Events

Floral Design | The Bloom Room

Dress | Mira Zwillinger, Ladies of Lineage

Wedding Accessories | Ladies of Lineage (earrings)

Beauty | Be Pretty

Bridesmaids Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids

Groom Attire | Bonobos, The Black Tux

Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Rings | Diamonds Direct

Caterer | The Duke Mansion

Cake & Desserts | The Wow Factor Cakes (cake and desserts); Cookies on the Side (iced sugar cookies)

Music/Entertainment | Carolina Royal Strings(ceremony); The A-Town A-List (reception)

Rentals | The Prettiest Pieces, High Point; Party Reflections; Carolina’s Luxury Event Rentals; Nuage Designs

Lighting | FireFly Productions

Custom Bar & Escort Card Wall | Dan Lanning

Stationery | Paper Betty (invitations, ceremony programs, menus, drink signage, and artwork for bar and dance-floor decals)

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