Jennifer McKinnon + Michael Nunziato

Jennifer McKinnon and Michael Nunziato met and live in New England. But the bride’s uncle is a priest who moved to Southern Pines to start a church. “He is my godfather, and I wanted him to marry us,” Jennifer says. “I decided to travel to North Carolina to make it easier for him.”

The couple welcomed their guests with a delicious dinner at Ironwood restaurant in Pinehurst. The next day, May 17, 2025, they wed lakeside at the Pinehurst Resort. Mike adores the water in his home state of New Hampshire. He asked Jennifer to marry him on a dock. “I wanted to choose a place where Mike could look out and see a lake and boats and have his moment,” says Jennifer.

The bride walked the aisle, the first part by herself, and the rest of the way with the groomsmen — her two sons. For the after party, everyone headed to the Carolina Hotel.

“Coming from Connecticut, I underestimated true Southern charm, the Pines area, and just how perfect my vendors would be,” Jennifer says. “North Carolina beat my own high expectations.”

photographer: The Photobrief
wedding planner: Events by Sara Kayleen
ceremony & reception: Lake Pavilion, Pinehurst Resort and Country Club
dress: Maggie Sottero
shoes: Jessica Simpson
hair: Lovely by Lindsey
makeup: Tara Biondi, Tara’s Beauty Studio
flowers: Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design
cake & catering: Pinehurst Resort
specialty rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters and Curated Events
transportation: 1957 White Rolls Royce Princess, Carolina Car Rentals