Emma Kate and Carter Pollock tied the knot December 2023 on a 70 acre privately-owned honey bee and flower farm nestled in the Roanoke Valley. Emma Kate kindly shared some of the details from the wedding with us.

Carter and I met in college at Liberty University. We lived on the same hall and his roommate, who I was friends with, introduced us.

Carter proposed at the Eiffel Tower in Paris! We got to take a trip to London and Paris with my family last March. He proposed the last night we were there, it was raining and so romantic!

The French Country-inspired white barn was the stunning setting for Emma Kate and Carter’s ceremony and reception. “My mom found the Ivy Rose Barn in Rocky Mount Virginia on Instagram and it was exactly what we were looking for. The Barn is modern and classic and includes the greenhouse, a beautiful staircase in the pavilion for the ceremony, and the perfect indoor space for the reception.”

I knew I wanted my wedding colors to be blue, white, and green while incorporating chinoiserie. I wanted something beautiful, classic, and timeless. We wanted to use Dogwood Hill because my aunt is one of their artists. The “Broderie” Wedding Suite matched perfectly with what we wanted. It made it so special that the Suite was designed using her artwork! 

I wanted our wedding to be timeless with a hint of winter aspects because it was the holiday season. We incorporated dried fruit, nuts, and pear table numbers that were so beautiful. We had big wreaths with chinoiserie ribbon on the barn doors which had never been done at that venue. Each guest got their own “mini cake” decorated with dried fruit and greenery, which was very unique and special.  

I went to Ashley Grace Bridal in Lynchburg, Virginia, to shop for my wedding dress. I took my mom, sister, my aunt and Carter’s mom and sister. I went in knowing I wanted a similar dress to Sadie Robertson with a big bow on the back. I tried on a few dresses I loved, but in the end, I went with what I wanted all along. 

I think the most memorable moment was getting to celebrate our love with our closest family and friends. It was such a special time of fellowship and fun. 

My aunt painted a custom crest for us. We got to display it above the head table using a projector, which was very special.

My advice for brides as they are wedding planning would be that during your wedding weekend to take as much time as you need to relax. I am an introvert and knew I would need some alone time throughout the weekend. All of my bridesmaids kept asking me, “How are you so calm and chill?” I was more excited to spend a new chapter of life with my husband and knew the wedding would be beautiful.

Vendors:

Paper | Dogwood Hill

Venue | Ivy Rose Barn @theivyrosebarn

Planning and Design | Nicole Colwell @nicolecolwelldesignandco

Photography | Nicole Colwell @nicolecolwellphoto

Videography | Kirsten Beatley @kirstenbeatleyfilms

Florals | Megan Nelson @graceandgreenery

Hair | Megan Lorson @Megan.lorson

Makeup | Jessica Hall @jessilynn789

DJ | Roy Shannon Prusak @rspentertainment_va

Cakes | @blushbakingco 

Catering | Pumpernickel Pickle @pumpernickelpicklecatering