Stylist Mary Reinehr Gigler and Taylor Byrne, an ad-tech executive, first crossed paths at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Taylor was studying studio art, while Mary pursued a degree in art history. Naturally, sparks flew in the university’s art studio.
Six years after reconnecting in New York, Taylor brought Mary back to where it all began—their alma mater. He proposed with a stunning 1920s Art Deco engagement ring by Fred Leighton. Shortly after, the couple chose to host their fall wedding in Asheville. “We wanted everyone to experience the magic that is North Carolina. Where better than the Biltmore Estate?” the bride-to-be explains. Asheville Event Co. planned the special day, while Natalie Watson captured the essence of their vision on camera.
“I also love butterflies and actually collect them,” the bride shares. “They are a symbol of hope and positivity. Some people believe that our ancestors communicated through butterflies and also think that the presence of these creatures is a joyous and hopeful sign as well. We had butterfly motifs everywhere from our stationery, to in my hair, and on the tables!” Throughout the weekend Mary donned vintage butterfly broaches by Wilson’s Estate Jewelry.
Guests received a Cheree Berry Paper & Design invitation suite detailing the weekend’s events. For the rehearsal dinner, the bride wore a beaded look by Christy Rilling of Guild Of Hands that she accessorized with Aquazurra heels. “One of our good friends provided the perfect ambiance with bluegrass music throughout the night,” Mary notes.
On her wedding day, the bride donned four custom looks, each differing in style. She collaborated with Jackson Wiederhoeft of Wiederhoeft and Christy Rilling to create a dream wedding wardrobe. “I was absolutely obsessed with Jackson Wiederhoeft’s work starting from his graduate collection to the bridal collection that he had made entirely during quarantine. I told him that if I ever got married, I would absolutely love to have him design my wedding gown,” Mary shares. It was a dream come true when she walked down the aisle in a custom Wiederhoeft dress paired perfectly with Fred Leighton earrings—”something borrowed”. The bride’s mother and sister looked beautiful in custom Christy Rilling.
On October 22, 2022, Mary and her bridesmaids dressed in rosé-colored Sleeper pajama sets and raised a glass to the celebration ahead. Dan Duran created the bride’s beauty look, while Jehnna Foster styled her sleek updo. Mary and Taylor tied the knot in a traditional Catholic mass at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence. “A much-needed moment of levity happened when I accidentally dragged a chair with my nine-foot train,” the bride laughs.
Following the ceremony, guests headed back to the Biltmore for a cocktail hour on the library terrace. Marble City String Quartet set the tone, while everyone sipped on drinks from a custom martini bar—an ode to the bride. The quartet strummed ABBA’s “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do,” as the newlyweds made their grand entrance featuring a spectacular firework show and Mary’s second look. She slipped into a Tab Vintage and Christy Rilling creation then ushered everyone to a seated dinner surrounded by Floressence Flowers. “I had a very specific vision and wanted dinner to feel like a Victorian greenhouse and still feel like an intimate dinner party,” she notes. “There were custom pergolas built to surround guests with floral displays and greenery, as though they truly were in a greenhouse. We had long tables that were draped in velvet with florals in cloches and vases to continue the theme.”
Executive Chef Jeffrey Stanford of the Biltmore catered an exquisite selection of locally sourced fare. Then, Mary and Taylor cut their wedding cake—“our Marie Antoinette moment,” the bride smiles. After dinner, curtains opened and revealed the dance floor, which immediately had everyone up on their feet. The couple shared their first dance to Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” before Mary featured an elegant third look—a Dior by Gianfranco Ferré beaded gazar skirt and a custom Christy Rilling black satin top complete with Manolo Blahnik satin pumps.
“Sol Fusion was our band and I literally did not leave the dance floor the entire night except to change into a sequin and crystal fringe mini dress Jackson made for me!” Mary exclaims. “We also had a dear friend of ours, Julia, doing illustrations of all the guests—which were a big hit! As well as all the goodies made by Eat Good NYC!” After a night spent dancing, Mary and Taylor escaped to the after-party in a vintage ride and finally shared a moment alone.
