There’s something truly magical about a wedding that feels like a heartfelt reunion—and for Madison and Matt Cabral, their big day at The Umstead Hotel & Spa in Cary, NC was exactly that. Surrounded by loved ones, cultural traditions, and a shared spirit of celebration, this wedding was more than just beautiful—it was deeply meaningful.
“One of my favorite parts of our wedding was that it was truly a celebration of our families coming together,” Madison shared. “Friends who had never met before were finally connecting, loved ones from different parts of our lives were mingling, and the whole day was filled with an overwhelming sense of love and unity.”
Set against the refined elegance of The Umstead Hotel & Spa, the couple chose a venue known for its five-star hospitality, serene setting, and luxurious aesthetic. The lush grounds and timeless interiors created the perfect backdrop for a day filled with connection and culture. From start to finish, The Umstead’s team ensured every detail was flawless—giving the couple space to be fully present with their guests.
Celebrating Heritage Through Heartfelt Traditions
Rooted in Italian and Portuguese family culture, the couple wove meaningful traditions into their ceremony and reception.
“We really wanted our families to be a part of the ceremony as much as possible,” the bride explained. “We had them do a blessing over us at the ceremony and honored our loved ones at the reception with a table of our family that we miss dearly.”
And of course, no Italian wedding is complete without confetti—sugar-coated almonds given as a traditional wedding favor. The couple handed out packets of five, symbolizing health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and long life.
These touches grounded the celebration in heritage and intention, creating a wedding that felt like a gorgeous union not just of the couple, but of the two families and their communities.
A Reception That Hit All the Right Notes
As the sun set, the energy soared—and that’s where Bunn DJ Company came in. Known for their polished professionalism and crowd-reading expertise, Bunn DJ turned the reception into a high-energy dance party. And just when guests thought it couldn’t get better?
“We capped the night with an unforgettable karaoke moment, singing our hearts out to You Make My Dreams Come True by Hall & Oates!” the bride shares.
It was the perfect ending to a day already overflowing with celebration and joy—proof that when the dance floor is right, so is the vibe.
Takeaway Inspiration for Your Own Wedding Day
Whether you’re planning a wedding that celebrates culture, prioritizes family, or ends in a karaoke mic drop moment, there’s so much inspiration to draw from this couple’s unforgettable day.
Here’s what made it shine:
- A luxury venue that handles every detail with care
- Personal and cultural ceremony moments that honored both Italian and Portuguese traditions
- A thoughtful memorial table to celebrate loved ones who couldn’t be there
- A wedding favor with meaning—traditional confetti almonds symbolizing five wishes
- And a reception DJ who knew how to throw the ultimate party
To find the right vendors to bring your dream day to life, explore our full directory of Raleigh wedding pros—and stay tuned for more real wedding stories right here on Wed Society Greater Raleigh.
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Annah Riedel Photography
