Carolyn Belcher + Michael Welker

CAROLYN BELCHER + MICHAEL WELKER

Photographer: Mina von Feilitzsch Photography

Rarely is a farm animal noted as inspiration for a proposal, but Michael’s wouldn’t have been complete without the inclusion of Carolyn’s favorite grazer. A set of ceramic sheep emblazoned with “Let’s Get Married” were the perfect thing to get Michael’s fun-loving bride down the aisle.

Carolyn’s fondness for all things vintage inspired her choice of venue — where her parents had their reception and her grandmother once worked for the Boyd family — and her uniquely imperfect decor. Long after dining on mismatched china and dancing to bluegrass renditions of classic rock hits, guests strutted home while wearing temporary tattoos of the couple’s faces.

2020

Lauren Von Canon + Trinity Odoms

LAUREN VON CANON + TRINITY ODOMS

Photographer: Brittany Raynor Photography When Trinity got down on one knee, Lauren saw fireworks. And thanks to friends committed to making it the proposal of her dreams, the whole neighborhood did, too. Four months later, Lauren’s family would pull out all the stops — starting with her parents agreeing to share their own wedding date, and her father building the arbor by hand.

The two were wed in the backyard of Lauren’s great-aunt’s home in West End, where her grandfather grew up, on a street that carries her family name. After the couple were serenaded by friends during the ceremony, guests played their role in the home’s history by dancing the night away on the back patio.

Ceremony & Reception: Private residence, West End | Dress: Private Label by G. Ella Rosa Collection | Hair & Makeup: Evaly Beauty Co., Ashley Wood | Rings: Blue Nile and Reeds | Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey | Groomsmen: New York Bride & Groom | Flowers: Harris Teeter at Pinecroft | Cake: The Bakehouse | Catering: Top Shelf Chef, Antonio McLaughlin | Rentals: Saam’s Party Tents, Fayetteville

2020

Abby Kennedy + Vic Barberousse

ABBY KENNEDY + VIC BARBEROUSSE

Photographer: Brynn Gross Photography Wedding Coordinator: Deborah Davis, Village Chapel Karen Littlefield and Rene Ward, Filly & Colt’s

For these health care workers, it was love at first shift. And as if the Moore Regional Hospital cafeteria wasn’t romantic enough, this nurse slipped a ring on the finger of this dietician at the couple’s first annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

Less than a year later the couple were wed at The Village Chapel, a place that had long reminded Abby of her picturesque Pennsylvania hometown. After the bride walked down the aisle with wedding lace worn by her late mother, the newlyweds sent a message of love and happiness skyward via a floating lantern.

2020

Elizabeth Hart + Ben Stennett

ELIZABETH HART + BEN STENNETT

Photographer: Mollie Tobias Photography Wedding Coordinator: Candy Young, Ward Productions

It took one trail ride for equestrian entrepreneurs Elizabeth and Ben to know that they were meant to be. And while sweating through long, hot hours of training would leave most feeling less than romantic, these two workaholics capped one such day with a proposal — and a very deserved weeklong vacation.

The busy couple’s engagement lasted nearly two years, culminating with a ceremony and reception at 305 Trackside that put their attendants and guests first. Celebrating their love of Southern Pines, and each other, came as naturally as a day in the saddle.

2020

Aubrey Mcneill + Walker Whitley

AUBREY MCNEILL + WALKER WHITLEY

Photographer: Sayer Photography Wedding Coordinator: Bailey Grinde, Pinehurst Resort

Aubrey and Walker met at a time when both felt life was far from easy. But when they were ready for each other, the universe seemed to bring them together. The bride honored those cosmic forces by planning an outdoor wedding on the hallowed ground where she was raised, incorporating the colors of fall, and involving the talents of friends and family whenever possible.

Aubrey was walked down the forest path-turned-aisle by her father and 6-year-old son. And though Walker already loved Triston as his own, vows written by each member of the new party of three made clear their intent to walk through their new life hand-in-hand.

2020

Jordan + Daniel

JORDAN + DANIEL

Photographer: By Colette Photography Wedding Planner: Kelli, Perfect Plan North Carolina

When planning their future, Jordan and Daniel looked to the past — starting with a proposal atop a hotel overlooking the ancient city of Jerusalem. The two followed that with a service that honored each of their family traditions at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and a reception styled as an English garden party (and guests styled with appropriate headwear). All and all, this couple’s nuptial was one for the history books; but for Jordan, it will go down as the day her dreams came true.

2020

Andrea Jones + Kyle Baxley

ANDREA JONES + KYLE BAXLEY

Photographer: Brittany Raynor Photography

Back when he was waiting tables at Outback Steakhouse, Kyle penned his feelings for Andrea in a homemade card. Little did he know the two would soon break up; and that Andrea would read that card so many times over the following 15 years that when they re-connected in 2018, it was falling apart. Two months after the two rekindled their romance, Kyle again poured his heart out onto a piece of stationery bearing Andrea’s name. But this time he followed it up with a ring.

A romantic, DIY wedding tied the perfect knot around this handwritten love story. Looking back, there’s only one thing Andrea and Kyle regret — that the day couldn’t last forever.

Ceremony & Reception: The Wallace Wedding & Event Venue | Dress: Madeline Gardner by Morliee | Shoes: Solanz, Shoe Carnival | Hair & Makeup: Retro Salon & Wine Bar | Wedding Attire: Jos. A. Bank | Flowers: Maggie’s Farm | Cake & Caterer: Rick’s Catering | Rentals: The Wallace Wedding & Event Venue, Rick’s Catering | Cake Topper: theDuoStudio on Etsy | Invitations: Level33Graphics on Etsy

2020

Brooke Forbis + Ian Swaim

BROOKE FORBIS + IAN SWAIM

Photographer: J. Christina Photography Wedding Planner: Vision Events Wedding & Event Planning

A waterfront wedding was in the cards for these nature lovers, who promised to say “I do” as the waves crashed around them at Holden Beach. Months later, family and friends looked on as Brooke and Ian tied the knot on the patio overlooking the lake at the Country Club of North Carolina.

After a ceremony officiated by Brooke’s childhood minister, the natural setting was flipped into a reception fit for party animals, complete with a live band. As a DJ spun tunes during the afterparty, Brooke and Ian made their getaway under the light of the moon.

2020

Miranda Woods + Caleb Chavis

MIRANDA WOODS + CALEB CHAVIS

Photographer: Jennifer B. Photography Wedding Coordinator: Bailey Grinde, Pinehurst Resort

The first clue that Miranda and Caleb would live happily ever after came in the form of a scavenger hunt, during which this soon-to-be bride collected roses along the way to a golf course proposal. The second was how her soon-to-be husband’s face lit up when they toured the venue where they would say their vows, Pinehurst No. 2. The third? When the day’s clouds parted just in time for the ceremony.

With decorations designed to not detract from the already beautiful scenery and Pinehurst Resort’s wedding planners by their side, the couple were able to relax and enjoy the reception that followed at Pinehurst Country Club — along with clear skies and a bright future ahead.

2020

Kayla Locklear + Richard Ward

KAYLA LOCKLEAR + RICHARD WARD

Photographer: Samantha Floyd Photography Wedding Coordinator: Bailey Grinde, Pinehurst Resort Like most kids in a small town, Kayla and Richard grew up in the same circles — but it would take years before the two realized they were soulmates. Richard made up for lost time by getting down on one knee during his own college graduation party, when both were surrounded by family and friends.

Kayla recovered quickly enough not only to say yes, but to plan the couple’s dream wedding at The Carolina Hotel in 10 short months. From the contemporary styling to the custom painting of their first dance, Kayla wouldn’t change a thing.

Ceremony: Cardinal Ballroom, Pinehurst Resort | Reception: Carolina Terrace, Pinehurst Resort | Videographer: Travis Jones | Dress: The Markle Gown by Hayley Paige | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Hair: Nu Bella Salon, Pembroke | Makeup: Mirah Beauty, Fayetteville | Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids | Flowers: Jack Hadden Floral & Event Design | Cake & Catering: Pinehurst Resort | Custom Neon Signs: Narwall: Custom Wedding Signs | Live Painter: Tesh’s LIVE Wedding & Event Paintings