Photo by jlongphoto of a pink rustic reception table design by Carter Creations at private residence, Raleigh

Carter Creations is a wedding planning company serving couples throughout the Raleigh area. This boutique coordination agency is passionate about helping soon-to-be-weds craft the weddings of their wildest dreams. They know that each love story is unique and that every wedding should be as distinct as those tying the knot. All packages come with a free consultation, during which your planner will get to know your tastes and aesthetic. The company also offers a unique experience where you will receive a 3-D mock-up of your venue layout for the big day. This will allow you to see your layout and design ahead of time and make any final adjustments.

Serving The Triangle, The Triad, Southern NC, Eastern NC, and The Coast & Outer Banks

It's me! - Wild Marie Photography

Carter Creations is a wedding planning service that knows each love story is unique and every wedding should be as distinct as the couple tying the knot!

My name is Lorin Sandles, and I’ve loved helping bring weddings to life since I was a young child. My mother and aunt were our community’s go-to wedding helpers, and I was excited to start ironing and folding napkins. I learned as much as I could from watching these talented ladies, including the fact that their loving contributions to the community could actually be a business for me! I have the priviledge of carrying on their tradition of excellence beyond our small community, and I truly believe every couple deserves to have their big day lived to the fullest extent possible. My mother is now my #1 assistant! I am so glad I have been able to keep my family involved with our love of weddings!

Headshot of Lorin Sandles of Carter Creations by Optikool Illusions at Bella Collina Mansion, Stokesdale

Headshot of Lorin Sandles of Carter Creations by Optikool Illusions at Bella Collina Mansion, Stokesdale

We offer a range of packages that are personalized to suit your different needs and preferences. These include Month-of Coordination, Decor & Design with Coordination, and Full Planning Services. We start with a free consultation for all packages, during which we get to know you and your wedding vision. Do you know what your wedding will look like before the big day? At Carter Creations, we offer a unique experience by providing a 3-D mock-up of your venue layout for the big day! This allows you to see your layout and design ahead of time and make any final adjustments.

Photo by jlongphoto of a moody bridal portrait at private residence, Raleigh

Photo by jlongphoto of a moody bridal portrait at private residence, Raleigh

My goal is for you to look back at your wedding and remember pure bliss and happiness on your once-in-a-lifetime day. I truly love being a wedding planner for so many reasons, but one of my favorites is being able to take something someone has dreamed of for so long and bring it to fruition – it is such an amazing privilege! Seeing their faces when they see all of the planning come together and watching them dance the night away is incredible. Plus, my favorite ceremony moment is the groom’s face when he sees his future wife walking towards him – I LOVE a teary eyed groom!

This blog has been adapted by the original author, from content on their own website. To see the original blog, visit carterweddingcreations.com

Q: What’s your title/position in your business?

A: Lorin Sandles, Owner & Certified Wedding & Event Planner

Q: What’s a fun fact about yourself?

A: I love binging tv shows! I enjoy watching everything from Chinese period pieces to dystopian television series’. My taste is very eclectic lol.

Q: What is your favorite thing about elopements?

A: My favorite thing about elopements are how completely customizable they are. I love the intimacy and how much more of the couple’s personality you can showcase. You can truly have everything match the vibe and personality of the couple.

Q: Is there a wedding detail on your bucket list?

A: I would love to plan a destination wedding!

Q: Tell us about your favorite elopement!

A: My favorite intimate wedding has been the wedding of William & Winnie Catlett. They had a total of 40 guests, got married in his parents back yard, and we used the basketball court as their reception site. Their wedding was unfortunately a rainy day but we did not let that stop us. The ceremony was held at the Maxwell and we already had a beautiful clear-walled Tent that we utilized for the reception. It was a gorgeous romantic night and everyone mingled beautifully.

Photo by jlongphoto of a guests dancing during a wedding by Carter Creations at private residence, Raleigh

Photo by jlongphoto of a guests dancing during a wedding by Carter Creations at private residence, Raleigh

“She was truly helpful and made planning an enjoyable experience.

Carter Creations did a wonderful job in planning and decorating my wedding. Lorin was able to execute my vision flawlessly. Not only did she offer great ideas but provided various table design layouts to give me a 3D rendering of the overall look, down to the dimensions of the tables. With every challenge, she offered a resolution. Though I did not live in the same state while planning my wedding, I was put at ease knowing Lorin would handle everything accordingly. She remained patient and thoughtful and made my day so special.

I would recommend using her services. She’s a great wedding planner.”

- Winnie & William, 2021

Photo by Optikool Illusions of tropical Bridgerton king table designed by Carter Creations at Bella Collina Mansion, Stokesdale

Photo by Optikool Illusions of tropical Bridgerton king table designed by Carter Creations at Bella Collina Mansion, Stokesdale

“Lorin was absolutely a pleasure to work with! From the time we started working together up until my wedding, she was always available to answer questions, always professional, provided exceptional wedding advice (even for the smallest details) as well as a great list of vendors which made wedding planning stress free and and fun! My wedding was exactly what I dreamed about because Lorin ensured everything was completed in a timely manner without being overwhelming.

She is incredibly kind, patient, organized, detail-oriented and willing to go beyond your expectations to ensure you have a positive experience. I HIGHLY recommend Lorin and the Carter Creations team and will be using Lorin for all future event planning!”

- Stephanie & Olivier, 2022

Photo by Optikool Illusions of romantic candlelight reception table designed by Carter Creations at Southern Grace Farms, Angier

Photo by Optikool Illusions of romantic candlelight reception table designed by Carter Creations at Southern Grace Farms, Angier

“Wonderful Experience!

Carter Creations is amazing! I honestly wasn’t sure exactly how I wanted everything to look, but I knew the colors and the feel that I wanted. I left everything in Lorin’s hands…it turned out to be so gorgeous!! My reception was so beautiful and romantic just like I envisioned. We got so many compliments from our guests that night on how beautiful everything was and we still get compliments to this day. Thank You Carter Creations!!”,

- Amber & Joseph, 2015