I received an invitation to the Holiday Open House on December 4th at
The Oaks at Salem via Facebook. I invited my "roadie" Marty to go with me and we were delighted to have the opportunity to see this amazing new venue. I have a wedding booked there in January so you blog followers will get to see it in wedding mode then. The owners, April Maness and her husband, bought this 5 acre spread in Apex, removed the existing house and built this mansion! April is a wedding photographer and I had no idea this new venue was in the works until it opened recently. It is truly magnificent and she has artfully geared the facility to accommodate not only weddings but many other types of events with ease and finesse.
Located at 6304 Old Jenks Road in Apex, it is easy to get to from Hwy 64 and only 16 miles from my home. The house is so impressive as you turn onto its street and see it looming in the distance. They had valet parking--so nice!
The foyer and beautiful staircase. That is Christa to the left.
Once inside, you could see all the wonderful touches.
Christa Davidson was there as the official photographer. I had forgotten my camera but someone reminded me that I have my iPhone camera. So, all these photos here are taken with my iPhone--amazing.
To the left of the foyer is this room with the striking ceiling treatment.
In this room was a delectable spread by
Cook Shack. That is a side of pork with delicious ribs and other goodies.
On the other side of the foyer was this warm and cozy room where we signed in and got our name tags.
These are views of the huge, well-appointed kitchen. Wow!
Janet Perry and her husband Daniel provided a table of goodies off the kitchen area. They are the proprietors of
Daniel's Restaurant and Catering. Daniel's is that wonderful Italian restaurant nearby.
On the other side of the kitchen in what might serve as a dining room, there was DJ Rang with
No Regret Productions who also did the special lighting outdoors. There was delicious punch, hot cider and hot chocolate to enjoy too.
Moving from the dining area into the next adjoining room we found the dressing room for the bride and her ladies. It was elegant.
Tre Bella Bridal was displaying some of their beautiful gowns which were soft and flowing type gowns rather than the ball gown style.
Tre Bella Flowers are known for their unique and gorgeous floral arrangements.
Off the bride's room was this fabulous bathroom suite. It had everything a bride could possibly want!
Marty and I enjoyed visiting with some good friends who are vendors we work with often. Here is Mary Page Block who owns
Arioso Strings with Angie Wright who owns
Chic Details, special event planning.
Of course Tracy Adams of
Adams and Events was there too. I don't know the name of this young lady she is standing with.
Off the living area are a series of porches or balconies where people were gathered.
This one area even had a fireplace which was decorated for Christmas.
Looking down from the porches we could see the very large lighted Christmas tree and the monogram projected onto the patio area. Out beyond is a lake but it was not visible at night.
Then we wandered downstairs to see what the lower level had in store and it was plenty! First was Neal Zipser with
Shutterbooth with an array of whimsical head gear to wear in your photo!
Stephanie Cisko, wedding planner with
Viva L'Event was there showing this very pretty table with all white blooms.
Jennifer Stevens, the proprietor of
Ambrosia Cake Creations was on hand to pass out samples of her delicious cakes.
Cake Pops are the latest in wedding cakes--an evolution from cupcakes. They are simply little round iced and decorated cakes on a stick like a tootsie pop. Choose your flavor! These were furnished by
Raleigh Cake Pops.
Coleen Speaks was on hand to display and serve guests her delicious treats from
Posh Nosh Catering. Down at the far end of the counter are the ladies from
Events by La Fete--Katie and Rebecca Dunn.
On the other side of the room downstairs were tables displaying floral works of art. I believe this was
Julie Liles' floral creation. It is stunning.
This festive table was created by Elizabeth Jones, Floral Designer, with
Flowers by Elizabeth. I was glad she was standing with her table so I could chat with her and definitely remember her creation!
I took this photo from my car as we drove away. What a fabulous site and they know how to entertain! Congratulations, April!
