ALLISON AUMAN + JOSEPH SMITH

Photographer: Katherine Miles Jones Wedding Planner: Denis Coll McCullough

Allison grew up in West End; her family, the Aumans and the Pages, have been in Moore County since the 1800s. Lucky for her, while she was working in Raleigh, Joseph was stationed at Fort Bragg, and the pair fell in love in a modern way, with a right swipe. Because Joseph is in the military, he is away from home for many holidays and birthdays. To make up for his absence, he planned a special “Allison Day” to show his appreciation for his partner and — to Allison’s surprise — propose.

The pandemic postponed the Smiths’ wedding a year and slashed the guest list from over 300 to 100 people. But the couple and their guests enjoyed the intimate wedding. Most guests attended the rehearsal dinner, wedding and day-after brunch. Cultural touches completed the day. Joseph is Samoan, so he and his family performed traditional songs and dances, and the couple had leis sent in from Hawaii.