Hannah Dahlem + David Symmes

Hannah Dahlem and David Symmes met at West Point in 2017. Three years later, they were engaged, and two years after that, they were married in Pinehurst, on October 8, 2022. The bride’s parents had retired to the Village, and her sister’s family is stationed at Fort Liberty, so a Moore County wedding made sense.

If only all the big-day decisions had been so easy to make.

Hannah organized the wedding without the help of a professional planner. Given a do-over, the bride says she might spring for a pro, so she could relax and enjoy the planning process.

“I was balancing moving, changing jobs, selling a home, buying a home, and finishing my MBA,” she says, “all while planning the wedding.”

Despite the distractions, the wedding went off without a hitch. Hannah walked down the aisle of the historic Village Chapel in a long-sleeve lace gown with jewelry from Mom and an aquamarine ring, her “something blue,” from Grandma. Meanwhile, David waited for his bride in a classic black tuxedo.

To close out the whirlwind day, the newlyweds celebrated with guests at the Pinehurst Country Club Outlook and Veranda Room, which was decorated in the jewel tones of fall.

photographer: Sayer Photography
ceremony: The Village Chapel
reception: Pinehurst Country Club
dress: Annalise Bridal
hair: Paige Stryker
makeup: Rhonna Parker
bridesmaids: Birdy Grey
groomsmen: The Black Tux
cake & catering: Pinehurst Country Club
flowers: Steven Graves