Ellen + Jake

Real Wedding Love Story in Charlotte

Back to the scene of the engagement

The city of Charlotte has played a significant role in Ellen and Jake’s romance—it’s where they met, fell in love, got engaged and bought their first home together, so there was no question it would be the city where they started their lives together as husband and wife.

When they were searching for a venue in the city, Kimpton Tryon Park held a special place in their hearts—Jake had proposed to Ellen at Tryon Park’s rooftop bar, Merchant and Trade, and they were eager to return to the place where their wedding journey had begun. From starting their wedding day, with the bride enjoying some in-room mimosas with her squad of bridesmaids, all the way to the grand exit at the end of the night, it was an unforgettable celebration of their love and the start of their future together.

Photographer: Alexander South NC

Memorable Details

The couple’s first look took place at Merchant & Trade on the hotel rooftop. It just so happened that the first look was taking place in the exact same spot Jake had gotten down on one knee and proposed to Ellen the year before. The couple then hopped in a party bus with their wedding party to head to the ceremony, but not before taking a quick pit stop at the Carolina Panthers’ stadium for photos.

"From the first time we went for our initial walk through to when we checked out at the end of the weekend everyone was amazing. Also, the hotel itself is gorgeous from the lobby to the rooms."

As soon as we met with the event staff we were immediately impressed and knew this was where we wanted to have our wedding.

Ellen had secretly worked with the hotel team on a special reception dinner surprise for Jake. “Jake had joked he wanted all three entrees because the food was so good and the Kimpton team made it happen! On a massive silver platter Jake was surprised with all three entrees, he loved it.”

After dancing the night away with friends and family in the Rhapsody Ballroom to live music from The Extraordinaires, the Ellen and Jake enjoyed a final dance, just the two of them. Post-reception, the newlyweds took the elevator to their room to find slices of their wedding cake waiting for them. The next morning, it was off to Jamaica for the honeymoon.