Meet the Team Behind our Full Service Wedding Venue
Photo: Nathan Bingle Photography
We had the first wedding on our beautiful farm in September of 2013, when our daughter and now son-in-law decided there was nowhere better to get married than in the idyllic hills of their home state of North Carolina. The wedding was a joy, and we were so delighted with the renovations and upgrades to our barn and landscape, that we have since opened our doors for others to enjoy the experience of a Carolina Country Wedding.
Our team has grown to include in house wedding planners, designers, experienced wedding day coordinators, a facilities manager, and many wonderful day-of team members! We are pleased to now be a premium full service wedding venue.
We are here for you on more than just your wedding day. We are a resource both before and after your wedding day.
We are a family owned business, and we love helping our brides customize their wedding day to be exactly what they’ve dreamed. We would love to discuss your wedding day with you, and we invite you to set up a private appointment to come visit the property.
Melanie Newton
Hello! I am the joyful owner and hands-on visionary of Carolina Country Weddings. I am always excited to share our beautiful property! Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I think about being the caretaker of these amazing 427 acres! Every year I look for new opportunities for guests to enjoy our little corner of the world. We have some amazing plans underway so be sure to follow us as we grow.
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Sara Ayers
Lead Designer, Lead Coordinator & Administrative Assistant
Hi! As the lead designer, a lead wedding day coordinator, and administrative assistant at Carolina Country Weddings, I get to do what I love most—helping couples create a wedding day that feels effortless, beautiful, and uniquely theirs. From designing dreamy spaces to making sure every detail falls perfectly into place, I’m here to bring your vision to life and make the planning process as smooth as possible. I can’t wait to help make your wedding day truly special!
Larry Shaver
Facilities Manager
Hey, I’m the facilities manager at Carolina Country Weddings, and I keep this property well maintained and beautiful all year round. You’ll find me busy with the many projects Rachel and Melanie throw my way! The venue gets one first impression from our guests, and I am determined to make it the very best possible. My goal is to see this lovely venue improve throughout the seasons.
Paul & Melanie
Paul and I are celebrating 37 years of wedded bliss! He is my rock and best friend. I can say with certainty that but for Paul’s support and encouragement there would be no Carolina Country Weddings. He did much of the back-breaking labor early on, and continues to serve our guests with his welcoming smile, friendly demeanor and hard work.
Melanie Barker
Lead Coordinator
With over ten years of experience hosting weddings at Carolina Country Weddings, you are in no better hands than Melanie’s! Her calm, pleasant nature is a welcome addition to your wedding day experience.
Holly Beaty
Lead Coordinator
With her “can do” attitude and capable spirit, Holly is a delight to be around on your wedding day :)
Brooke Dahlmeyer
Social Media and Administrative Assistant
Brooke keeps us current on all the latest trends and helps with answering your emails promptly! When Brooke is a team member on your wedding day you’ll be sure to enjoy her great sense of humor!
Jill Hicks
Sure to bring joy to your special day, Jill has served our Carolina Country Weddings couples since the beginning, ten years now! We affectionately call Jill “our Energizer Bunny”!
We couldn’t host such amazing weddings without our full team! Ariel, Autumn, Neah
Someday soon we hope our vintage trolley will be restored and running!
Unless noted, all head shots are by Nathan Bingle Photography and Andre Blom