Wedding Wednesday: The Hunt for our Dream Venue

Hello dolls! Oh, I could just squeeze all of y'all in the biggest hug ever because I've missed you so much! Life has been go go go since I got off the road from traveling as Josh and I were trying to make up for a "missed" 2 months of wedding planning when I was away and could not really plan. But I am back for good and cannot wait to kick this summer off with each of you! 
Today's Wedding Wednesday post is all about the hunt for our dream venue. I'm not sure if I have said this before but, up until the moment we got engaged I thought I had my dream wedding all planned out. It's funny though how once you get a ring on your finger and wedding planning becomes real, everything you ever thought you wanted completely changed. Josh and I decided that since neither one of us were dead set on a certain location or venue, we would have tons of fun traveling across the state in search for our perfect one. So with that being said, we have taken the past week and toured from High Point, North Carolina down to Wilmington, North Carolina and in between visiting 9 wonderful venues. Each had their own unique style but we loved a little bit of them all! Without further ado here is a little preview of the 9 we visited in no particular order: 
KRESS TERRACE // GREENSBORO, NC

 The Kress Terrace sits upon the roof top of the Kress Building in downtown Greensboro. It offers a beautiful outdoor space that overlooks the city and then you have a mini ballroom inside where the food is served. Many couples rent a tent outside and decorate with lights.

SAINT THOMAS PRESERVATION HALL // WILMINGTON, NC 

 Saint Thomas Preservation Hall is located in Historic downtown Wilmington about two blocks back from the river front. Originally a Catholic church, it has been renovated in the past few years and used now as an event venue.

REVOLUTION MILL STUDIOS // GREENSBORO, NC

 Revolution Mills is an old textile mill that has been renovated into commercial and event use. Couples typically get married in the gardens outside (pictured above) and then travel inside for their reception.

BELMONT HOUSE // REIDSVILLE, NC

 The Belmont House has been on my mind for several years now as I would drive past weddings held here every spring. Couples get married on the front steps with their guest sitting under the oak trees and the reception is then held on the side under a tent.

BALCONY ON DOCK STREET // WILMINGTON, NC

 The Balcony on Dock Street is a very long and open room that provides a fun but sophisticated atmosphere. We loved the mixed look of exposed brick and the wood.

BELLAMY MANSION // WILMINGTON, NC

 Growing up as a young girl in Wilmington, I can remember going to a wedding here and dreaming one day I too would be a princess bride. Located right in the center of historic downtown, the Bellamy Mansion offers so many choices for your big day!

BURKE MANOR // GIBSONVILLE, NC

 Burke Manor is located near Elon University and is a beautiful home for several acres of land. Couples typically get married in the side gardens with their reception in the beautiful 4200 square foot tent out back.

LOFTS AT UNION SQUARE // HIGH POINT, NC

 The Lofts at Union Square offer so many spaces for a couple to hold their special day. We loved the feel of open space that the windowed walls created and it is truly a room that you can make it your own!

PRESTON WOODALL HOUSE // BENSON, NC

My mother actually found this venue through a Google search and we just knew we had to go visit. The Preston Woodall was the only venue we visited close to Joshua's hometown and everything it comes with just blew us away! Couples typically get married out back and then have their reception in the ballroom. 

If you follow me on Instagram you will see that we decided on a venue last night, paid our deposit this morning, and officially have our date set! I'll leave you hanging on which one we picked so make sure you stop back by next Wednesday to see where we will be having the wedding of our dreams...