SAMANTHA PARKES + NATHANIEL KLIMEK

Photographer: Jennifer B. Photography Wedding Planner: Vision Events Wedding & Event Planning

Sam, born and raised in Moore County, and Nathan, who grew up in Raleigh, met at the Pinehurst fireworks at the Fair Barn in July 2018. Nathan then proposed to Sam while they were hiking south of Boone. The pair stopped at an overlook for a drink of water when Nathan handed Sam a cup that read “Future Mrs. Klimek.” After a short and sweet proposal, Sam allegedly said yes so loudly that her response echoed through the canyon.

Two hundred twenty-nine days later, the couple tied the knot in their farmhouse rustic wedding at the Country Club of North Carolina on September 25, 2021 — or, if you ask Nathan, the day of the NC State versus Clemson football game. The cake by the Bakehouse featured the couple’s dogs Lucy and Scout, and the altar was greenery with white roses except for one sunflower to honor the bride’s mom, who loved the yellow flower.