The Park Alumni Center || Venue Visit

This year, I’m starting a new series on the blog for venues. I know during the wedding planning process, one of your first decisions will be where your wedding will take place. Some people have been dreaming for years of getting married at a specific venue. Some brides to be just have no idea where to start. Either one is fine, but I wanted to create a space to showcase some venues. Most of these will be local to North Carolina, but there are some out of state venues I’m dying to photograph and would love to feature here, too.

So, to kick things off, I stopped by the Park Alumni Open House on NC State campus yesterday. Talk about a grand entrance! Let’s back up a bit, though, to check out the outside of the venue. As I walked around, I kept seeing great places for portraits. I kept thinking, “Wedding party portraits would be great here… Check out those lines! We could do family portraits here…Ooh couple portraits would be good here.”

Now, small disclaimer. This was an open house. So there were a bunch of other vendors in the main area where a ceremony or reception might be. So, you kind of have to picture the space without the big screens and some of the tables in the middle. But I’m hoping you can still get a sense of how grand and elegant the space was. Also, Bloom Works did such a beautiful job on these florals that lined the staircase!

As soon as I saw the fireplace and mantle, I started envisioning a bride and groom saying their vows right in front. Also, you can see the marble floors and look at these beautiful chandeliers! The whole space is just grand and elegant — perfect for a classic wedding.

When I picture a wedding here, I envision the ceremony in the main ballroom space (chairs facing the fireplace) and then cocktail hour would give the guests a chance to roam around the property or have a seat on one of the many seating areas while the ceremony space is flipped into a reception space.

One of the other great features about this location is that it has lake views! I can just see guests around back, sipping signature drinks and taking in the lake views. Can you see it, too?

I know you’re noticing all the wolves. If you’re part of the wolfpack yourself, this needs no explanation. :) The great news is that if you love this space, you don’t need to be alumni to get married here. If you are alumni, the mascot statues may make the space even more nostalgic.

Shooting here was such a privilege. Mind you, this was an overcast, rainy winter day. I’m sure the outdoors are even more beautiful in the spring when all of the trees are blooming! Rainy day aside, the staff was really nice and welcoming. You will not be disappointed.

If you’re planning a wedding here, I would love to help you document your day! Fill out the contact to get In touch. I want to hear all about your day.