Victoria Eick + Parker Chang

Victoria Eick + Parker Chang

Home
Bridal Guide

Victoria Eick and Parker Chang wanted a backyard wedding at a family house in Pinehurst, but they kept running into setbacks. When the couple panicked and called the Weymouth Center only a few months before their wedding to see if the venue still had availability — and it did — the bride and groom knew they were meant to be married there.

“It had the feel of the backyard wedding we had envisioned, just on a larger scale,” Victoria says.

The couple didn’t have a strict theme for their April 6, 2024 wedding, but they were inspired by the cherry blossoms in Washington, the city where Victoria and Parker met and lived.

“Cherry blossoms are not the easiest flower choice for a wedding because they bloom for such a limited and somewhat unpredictable period of time, so we took inspiration from their colors and textures, the spring season and the architecture at Weymouth,” says Victoria.

After a ceremony the bride and groom helped write, Elliotts on Linden catered a family-style meal that incorporated Chinese flavors to honor Parker’s heritage. An almond wedding cake magicked up by the Bakehouse sent guests home happy, with full stomachs.

photographer: By Colette Photo
wedding planner: Vision Events Wedding & Event Planning
ceremony & reception: Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
dress: Anthropologie Weddings
shoes: Alterre
hair & makeup: Retro Studio Bar
groom: Suitsupply
flowers: Thistle & Moon
catering: Elliotts on Linden
invitations: The Perfect Present
transportation: Kirk Tours & Limousine

Lizabeth Lohmann + Carson Riley

Lizabeth Lohmann + Carson Riley

Home
Bridal Guide

Lizabeth Lohmann and Carson Riley met at a piano bar in Asheville, North Carolina. Liz was in town for a girls weekend, and Carson was there for a bachelor party — how prescient.

After the pair became engaged, Carson took his future bride to visit the village of Pinehurst. He played college golf, loves visiting the Sandhills to play all the courses and knew Liz would love the area, too.

She loved it so much that the couple chose to share the special location with their family and friends. Liz and Carson got married on the West Lawn of the Carolina Hotel, followed by a reception on the Carolina Terrace, on April 6, 2024.

The couple wanted to get married outdoors, and the lawn fit the bill. It also proved to be a great choice for cocktail hour.

“The guests were able to play the putting green, which fit perfectly for the golf-themed weekend,” says Liz.

The lush outdoor venue looked timeless with classic black-and-white details, including black tuxedos and dresses for the wedding party; white flowers, linens and a cake; plus, a checkerboard dance floor that the bride and groom just didn’t want to leave.

“We didn’t want the night to end,” Liz says.

photographer: Krista Stevens Photography
videographer: Avery Wooten Fine Art Films
wedding planner: Hannah B Events
ceremony & reception: West Lawn & Carolina Terrace, Carolina Hotel
dress: Alexandra Grecco, Lovely Bride
shoes: Bella Belle
hair & makeup: Chelsea Regan Beauty
bridesmaids: Show Me Your Mumu
flowers: Poppy Belle Event & Floral
cake & catering: Pinehurst Resort
invitations & programs: Tavern Creative
rentals: Curated Events

Colleen Estes + Hugh Shepard

Colleen Estes + Hugh Shepard

Home
Bridal Guide

What happens when an inflatable dinosaur meets a Ninja Turtle? They fall in love, at least that’s what happened when Hugh Shepard (the dinosaur) met Colleen Estes (the turtle) at a Halloween party in 2019. Three years later, Hugh proposed to Colleen while they hit range balls at the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course, in Charlotte. Colleen said, “Yes,” and the bride and groom got married at the Village Chapel on March 23, 2024.

Colleen walked down the aisle in her grandmother’s wedding dress, which was altered and modernized for the big day.

“My mom also wore the dress for her wedding, so it was extra special,” says Colleen.

After the wedding bells rang, the Sandhills Trolley Company shuttled the party across town to a reception at the Fair Barn. That’s where guests boogied down to the high-energy music of Emerald Empire Band. On the way out, they took home bottled honey from Hugh’s beekeeping as souvenirs.

The couple’s only regret? “We really wanted our grand entrance as husband and wife to be a bungee jump from the top area of the Fair Barn, but the venue wouldn’t allow it!” Colleen says.

photographer: Mollie Tobias Photography
wedding planner: Jen Schaefer, Southern Skies Events
ceremony: The Village Chapel
reception: The Fair Barn
shoes: Nina
hair & makeup: Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar
flowers: Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design
cake: Publix
catering: Funky Fresh Catering and Brewmasters
rentals: Ward Productions
transportation: Sandhills Trolley Company and Carriage Tours of Pinehurst Village

Ashtyn Felthousen + Stephen Sawyer Jr

Ashtyn Felthousen + Stephen Sawyer Jr

Home
Bridal Guide

When Stephen Sawyer Jr. saw Ashtyn Felthousen practicing alone on the Thistle Dhu Putting Course, he asked if she wanted to play. He lost the game but ultimately won — now they’re married.

“We did not have a ‘traditional’ wedding,” Ashtyn says. “We just wanted family and friends to party, drink, dance and have fun without any stress.”

That made New Year’s Eve 2023 the perfect date for the Sawyers’ wedding shindig. The couple tied the knot in a five-minute ceremony at 305 Trackside. The bride wore white, forgot her veil and then changed into a pearl-and-black sparkly number for the reception. The groom matched her holiday vibes with a green velvet jacket.

SoPies catered the food, which meant a spread of pizzas running the flavor gamut from buffalo chicken to veggie. Guests chased the casual meal with a vintage-style cake baked by Ashtyn’s best friend’s mom. It was flavored with vanilla and cinnamon and had a “Just Married” sign on top.

“It was the best cake we’ve ever had,” says Ashtyn.

Together, in their festive attire, the newlyweds danced into 2024 to the swinging sounds of dueling pianos. A ball dropped at midnight and guests cheered on the passing Amtrak train as “Auld Lang Syne” welcomed the New Year and a new marriage.

photographer: The Photobrief
ceremony & reception: 305 Trackside
dress: Silk Bridal Studio
shoes: I.N.C. International Concepts
catering: SoPies NY Pizzeria
accommodations: The Jefferson Inn
music: Blazin’ Keys Dueling Pianos
rentals: Ward Productions

Heather McGowan + John Morgan

Heather McGowan + John Morgan

Home
Bridal Guide

Heather McGowan and John Morgan regularly visit Moore County to escape the hustle of their busy life in Raleigh. So, when the couple’s elopement evolved into a last-minute wedding because their seven adult children would be home for Christmas, they knew the Sandhills would be the perfect location for their special day.

“It was kismet that Duncraig Manor was empty New Year’s Eve weekend and willing to let us take over for a micro-wedding,” Heather says.

Surrounded by their blended family and close friends, the pair got married in the manor’s living room on Dec. 30, 2024.

“Our wedding party was so small that I walked myself down the living room aisle and greeted each guest as I made my way,” says Heather. Stopping wasn’t planned, but the bride was so overcome with gratitude that the game-time decision felt right. The impromptu greetings also made for wonderful candid photographs.

After the nuptials, guests enjoyed Chick-fil-A nuggets and brownies as well as picnic-style sandwiches and cakes from the Fresh Market. But the wedding celebration wasn’t over. The McGowan-Morgan crew enjoyed the rest of New Year’s weekend together, relaxing at Duncraig Manor.

photographer: Tricia Michael Photography
ceremony & reception: Duncraig Manor
dress: Dress the Population, Nordstrom
wedding band set: WhitLauter by Leann Parker
hair & makeup: Retro Studio Bar
flowers: Bouquet: The English Garden; Arrangements: Libby Dove Blanks
cake: Sweet Heart Treats NC
catering: Chick-fil-A and The Fresh Market
programs: Anne Erickson, calligrapher

Alessandra Gironda + Matthew Beausoleil

Alessandra Gironda + Matthew Beausoleil

Home
Bridal Guide

Alessandra Gironda married Matthew Beausoleil in a Cinderella gown after a very Cinderella proposal. On a vacation to Disney World for Alessandra’s birthday in 2022, Matt chartered a private cruise that stops in front of Cinderella’s Castle to watch the fireworks display.

“The second that the first firework shot into the air, Matt was down on one knee and asked me to marry him,” Alessandra says. “Best birthday gift ever!”

Fourteen months later, on October 14, 2023, Alessandra and Matt got married on the Pinehurst No. 2 golf course, followed by a fairytale reception at the Pinehurst Country Club Outlook Ballroom.

During the reception, the newlyweds performed a choreographed first dance, and Alessandra, who worked as an NFL cheerleader, reclaimed her Carolina Panthers pom-poms for a special routine with her teammates.

Then at the end of the evening, a Cinderella carriage rented from Southern Breeze Carriages pulled up to the venue and picked up the bride and groom, with “the cutest black horse ever” leading the way.

“He loved my dress as much as I did, although maybe for different reasons,” Alessandra says. “He thought it looked like a tasty snack!”

photographer: Kaitlyn Blake Photography
videographer: Carolina Wedding Films
wedding coordinator: White Tie Planner
ceremony & reception: Pinehurst Country Club
dress: Ross by Rita Vinieris
shoes: Badgley Mischka
bridesmaids: Bella and Bloom Boutique
groom & groomsmen: Bunbury Custom Clothiers
cake & catering: Pinehurst Country Club
flowers: Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design
rentals: Ward Productions and Rock It Productions
custom crest: The Wedding Crest Lab, Etsy
transportation: Sandhills Trolley Company and Southern Breeze Carriages

Lisa Nines + Matthew Bettencourt

Lisa Nines + Matthew Bettencourt

Home
Bridal Guide

Lisa Nines and Matthew Bettencourt bonded over turtles, snakes, and old architecture while clipping branches and removing debris from Hitchcock Creek to prepare for the Sandhills Children’s Center’s annual Duck Derby fundraiser.

“It was like getting together with an old friend you haven’t seen in ages,” Lisa says.

The two began dating and eight years later, while hiking through Morrow Mountain State Park with their faithful Dachshunds, Carnage and Kona, leading the way, Matthew dropped to one knee and proposed. Less than a year after, on October 14, 2023, the couple wed at Rubicon Farm, West End.

In lieu of bridesmaids and groomsmen, Carnage and Kona served as the wedding party, complete with flashing collars so guests wouldn’t step on the dogs while dancing the night away.

“Kona didn’t disappoint,” Lisa says. “He slipped his collar and decided to assist my son in walking me down the aisle.”

Besides the canine wedding party, the Nines-Bettencourt wedding was full of other special touches. Lisa wore a vintage monogrammed heart necklace from her mom, who passed away in 1988; the aisle was fashioned from the couple’s cowhide rugs; and the couple transformed a retro Volkswagen bus into a photo booth.

photographer: Auston Photography
wedding coordinator: Elizabeth Sugg, Rubicon Farm
ceremony & reception: Rubicon Farm
dress: Citrama, Etsy
hair: Defined Lash & Brow
makeup: Karma Spa Lounge & Beauty Bar
groom: ElegantWearsStudio, Etsy
catering: Thyme & Place Catering and Carolina’s Kitchen & Catering
flowers: Carol Dowd, Botanicals
rentals: Rubicon Farm

Larissa Lycholaj + Griffin Ray

Larissa Lycholaj + Griffin Ray

Home
Bridal Guide

Larissa Lycholaj and Griffin Ray met in Garmisch, Germany, where they were both attending a military language course. At the time, Griffin was in the Marines, and Larissa was in the Army. The two became fast friends while traveling Europe on their weekends off.

“We had our first date in Venice, Italy, mostly by accident,” Larissa says.

She wanted to see the world-famous glassblowing on Murano Island, and Griffin was the only other person in their friend group who was interested.

“We had wine and seafood by the water, watched the glassblowing, and caught the last ferry back to the mainland when a storm blew in,” Larissa says. “During the ferry ride, Griffin wrapped his arms around me to keep me warm, and I just melted — we were basically living out the plot of a Hallmark movie!”

After Griffin proposed at 1895 Grille during a birthday dinner for Larissa, the couple tied the knot in an outdoor ceremony at Duncraig Manor and Gardens on October 8, 2023.

As a thoughtful touch, the newlyweds wrote personalized thank you notes ahead of time and placed them at each dinner setting.

“We wanted our guests to feel loved and appreciated even if we couldn’t spend a lot of time with everyone who came to celebrate with us,” Larissa says.

photographer: Kristin Guynn
ceremony & reception: Duncraig Manor and Gardens
dress: Vow’d Raleigh
shoes: Loeffler Randall
makeup & hair: Sunshine Beauty & Bliss
groom & groomsmen: Lile’s Clothing Studio
cake: Willabee Market
catering: Duncraig Manor and Gardens
flowers: Reverie Hill Farm
thank you cards: Paper Source

Sarah Lenahan + Michael Wallace

Sarah Lenahan + Michael Wallace

Home
Bridal Guide

Sarah met Michael Wallace Memorial Day, 2019. While vacationing to their respective family beach homes on the Jersey Shore, the two met at a local watering hole known for its matchmaking. Mike saw Sarah from across the bar, introduced himself, and before the night was over, the two had a date set up back in New York City, where they both lived.

A few years later, Mike popped the question oceanside. After Sarah said “yes,” he walked his future bride back to her family beach house where all their favorite people were waiting to celebrate.

“Mike thought out every detail,” Sarah says, “professional photographer, oyster bar, music, food, drinks and even surprise fireworks at the end of the night.”

When it came time for wedding planning, the Wallaces chose to get married in Moore County, where the bride’s parents live. As for the venue, Sarah and Mike exchanged vows at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on September 23, which is also the bride’s parents’ wedding anniversary and the mother of the groom’s birthday.

photographer: Virgil Bunaou
wedding planner: Vision Events Wedding & Event Planning
ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
reception: Weymouth Center for the Arts & Humanities
dress: Mark Ingram Atelier
shoes: Loeffler Randall
hair & makeup: Blushed Bridal NC
cake: The Bakehouse
catering: Elliotts on Linden
flowers: Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design
rentals: Curated Events
invitations & programs: Minted Weddings and Jones Printing Co.
transportation: Kirk Tours & Limousine

Emily Good + Tim Kenny

Emily Good + Tim Kenny

Home
Bridal Guide

Emily Good and Tim Kenny met on Hinge in 2019. Little did they know, Emily’s grandparents and Tim’s great aunt and uncle had been lifelong friends since they met on a flight to Bermuda for their honeymoons nearly seven decades ago.

Two years into dating, Emily and Tim were hosting friends and family for a Fourth of July barbecue. “I ran around for weeks getting the menu together and the decorations and yard games ready,” Emily says. On the day of, Tim pulled out a ring box and dropped to one knee. “I had unknowingly planned my own engagement party,” Emily says.

The following July, the bride and groom said “I do” at Emily’s childhood church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Pinehurst. The bride’s uncle Mark, who is a priest in Charleston, South Carolina, traveled north to marry his niece.

After the wedding mass ended, the Sandhills Trolley Company shuttled guests across town to the celebrate the newlyweds with an evening of dinner and dancing at The Fair Barn.

photographer: Jennifer B. Photography
videographer: Story Focused Weddings
wedding planner: Vision Events Wedding & Event Planning
ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
reception: The Fair Barn
dress: Landon by Amsale
shoes: ASOS
hair & makeup: Lindsey Webster, Brush and Beauty
bridesmaids: “Reception Dress” by ELLIAT
groom & groomsmen: Men’s Warehouse
cake: The Bakehouse
catering: Elliotts on Linden
flowers: Hollyfield Design Inc.
rentals: Ward Productions and Greenhouse Picker Sisters
invitations: The Knot
transportation: Sandhills Trolley Company and Kirk Tours & Limousine