Real Weddings: Pressly + Matthew
When we were first introduced to Pressly, a recent N.C. State graduate and Matthews resident, her sweet personality and charm won us over immediately.
Pressly and Matthew married on a crisp fall day on Sept. 27 under sunny skies surrounded by family and friends after a three-year courtship that began in college, where the pair studied engineering together. The couple tied the knot at Renfrow Farms, the most recent branch of Matthews historic Renfrow Hardware.
David Blackley, owner of Renfrow Hardware and Pressly’s father, purchased the hardware store from the last generation of the Renfrow family back in the 80s. In 2010, David and his family decided to use the additional Renfrow land to expand their gardening business. Pressly joined the family affair after graduating from N.C. State in December 2013. She’s now the resident farmer and has taken an interest in floral arranging and gardening.
It's no wonder Pressly and Matthew's big day was full of personality and flavor; on top of planning a wedding and growing her family business, this do-it-all bride also grew and arranged the flowers for her wedding. Guests enjoyed dinner catered by Sante restaurant, featuring Pressly's very own produce.
“I planted flowers last season and fell in love with them,” Pressly said. “I didn’t originally grow the flowers for the purpose of planning a wedding but it just happened that the seasons lined up and we were able to make it happen.”
The Thursday before the big day, Pressly joined forces with 10 family friends and bridesmaids and spent the entire day cutting and arranging flowers in preparation of the wedding.
“It was a lot of work and a little nerve-wracking,” Pressly said. “But it was so rewarding.”
Pressly encouraged do-it-yourself brides to embrace the ride and have fun without getting caught up in all the endless details.
“Don’t be afraid to delegate,” she said. “I knew I couldn’t micromanage and be involved with every little thing. I had to trust those around me to execute and that allowed me to relax and enjoy the day.
“To the brides – don't bite off more than you can chew. Enjoy the wedding and don't stress about all the little details, it'll be a beautiful and joyful day no matter what happens.”
Photography: Linda Christian, Angela Shea
Specialty rentals: Simply Styled Event Rentals
Tents and tables: Classic Party Rentals
Music: Coconut Groove Band
Floral designer: Renfrow Farms
Catering: Sante Restaurant
