Every time I visit Durham, NC, I enjoy it more than before. This last trip, I visited to attend 21c Hotel’s Open House for wedding vendors in Durham. Since the drive takes a bit of time and I wanted to be in good shape for the event, I decided to stay at 21c Hotel the night before – and I have to say, I LOVED it. This hotel is definitely something special and now, I’ve been able to have the full experience – as a vendor and as a guest.
Visiting 21c Hotel
I arrived a bit late in the day but the staff was unbelievably helpful from the moment I stepped into the hotel. They were just amazing – helping me get settled and ready to relax. Of course, I immediately fell in love with the place as soon as I arrived, too. There’s pink penguins on the outside of the building!!! In fact, this building used to be a bank, so it’s full of great details and they even have an ever-evolving set of exhibits and art to enjoy. The 21c Hotel is located in the heart of Durham, not far from the American Tobacco Campus, so it’s really close to a lot of wonderful experiences in the city. It’s also near the Durham Bulls athletic park, Carolina theatre, and so many great places to eat/shop, including a must-stop for me, Bull City Burger & Brewery! Before the open house, I even grabbed brunch from Press Coffee, Crepes & Cocktails. It was an amazing way to start my day – one of my favs for sure. {I recommend both if you’re in town!}
21c Hotel Open House
21c Hotel Open HouseIf you know anything about me, you know I have high-as-hell standards for the wedding industry. And y’all I’m so especially picky about any kind of show or expo or vendor open house that I do. Georgia hosts any number of wedding shows, ones that don’t use inclusive language, or welcome weight loss vendors, or are just anti-my-vibe for any other number of reasons. So when Weddings Made to Order reached out about a vendor show at 21c Hotel, I jumped at the opportunity! Not only is Jen a blast to be around and an incredibly talented NC wedding & event planner, but this hotel is heckin’ cool.
While exploring this incredibly unique venue made the open house special, spending the day with some pretty incredible vendors was even more enjoyable. Oh, remember that bright pink penguin mascot? Watch for it in the work that these vendors did – including the wedding decor setup from 1 Blossom, 2 Bloom! During the event, I got to get another wonderful poem from The Poetry Fox, and saw some of the most beautiful cakes from Bett’s Family Kitchen and Bull City Confectionaries.
The 21c Hotel Open House was a dream-come-true and I’m stoked I was able to meet some incredible vendors and explore a new spot in Durham!
Weddings Made to Order
“The 21c Museum Hotel is a truly unique and stunning venue perfect for couples who want to infuse their special day with creativity and uniqueness.”
C
CCon Amor by Sucetty
21c wedding venue embraces that cool downtown Durham vibe. As an event designer, I love their unique combination of dark panelling walls for elegance as seen in their main hall with the bold art displayed upstairs that pushes the boundaries for creativity! It’s energizing!
Bull City Confectionaries
This open house was a first for Bull City Confectionaries! 21C staff was kind, helpful, and excited to meet all the couples coming in which created a soft landing for them to come see our booth for sweets! We made great connections and even booked two weddings on the spot! I look forward to more events at 21C!
The Poetry Fox
Performing at 21c is always such a delight! The ballroom is so spacious and elegant—it feels like a movie set. And then to be able to step into the galleries among the best in contemporary art… You don’t get that combination anywhere but 21c!
PM Notary & Wedding Officiant
“21C Museum and Hotel is the perfect mix of artsy and chic. You don’t need much ceremony decor if you get married here, the art speaks for itself!”
Durham NC Wedding Vendors
Durham NC Wedding VendorsVenue: 21c Durham
Planner: Weddings Made to Order
Designer & Planner: Con Amor by Sucetty
Planner: Southern Oak Events
Photography: In His Image Photography
Photography: Raven Shutley Studios
Florist: 1 Blossom, 2 Bloom
Florist: Raleigh Bloom Works
Videography: Chaz Reid Films
Videography & Photography: Chanel Productions
Officiant: PM Notary & Wedding Officiant
Cake: Bett’s Family Kitchen
Bakery: Bull City Confectionaries
Cake: S. Richardson Cakes
Poetry: The Poetry Fox
DJ: DJ Harlem
Harpist: Sarah Cavaiani
Bridal Gowns: Beautiful & Borrowed Bridal
Bridal Gowns: Gavin Christianson Bridal
Formalwear: Bernard’s Formalwear
Rentals: American Party Rentals
Rentals: Best Tents and Events
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Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.
