Ryan and Elizabeth were introduced to each other by mutual friends. They talked on the phone for about a month before meeting and hit it off instantly, smiling through all their calls until their faces hurt. For their first date, Ryan took Elizabeth to his parents’ lake, where they ate burgers, went fishing, and watched a meteor shower in the back of his truck.
Words by Elizabeth. Images by Megan Sheppard Photography.
This fairytale beginning launched a two-year relationship, culminating in a fateful Christmas with Ryan’s family. As festivities wound down, Ryan presented Elizabeth with a small box wrapped in festive paper. When Elizabeth opened it, she found a ring shining under the Christmas lights. Ryan kneeled and asked her the question she’d dreamt of hearing since they first met.
For their early summer wedding in North Carolina, Elizabeth and Ryan wanted a timeless feeling — something they could look back on and love. They filled their wedding design with personal details, from Elizabeth’s bouquets featuring brooches from both their grandmothers to duck feather boutonnieres from Ryan’s previous hunting season.
They held an outdoor ceremony overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elizabeth walked down the aisle (with their golden retriever Tank) wearing a satin A-line gown by Madeline Gardner. She met Ryan at the altar, where the two partook in the Lord’s Supper using a vintage chalice from Ryan’s grandmother featuring the family’s initials. Elizabeth’s mother accompanied the ritual on the harp.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests entered the rustic Twickenham Hall. Their reception featured romantic candlelight, gilded accents, and lavish centerpieces with roses, hydrangeas, and greenery.
The group partied all night before lining up outside the hall for a magical sparkler exit.
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Planner: Leigh Harrow https://www.twickenhamhouse.com/ @leighharrowweddings
Photographer: Megan Sheppard https://megansheppard.com/ @megansheppardphotography
Venue: Twickenham House https://www.twickenhamhouse.com/ @twickenham_house
Floral Design: Millefleurs https://www.ncmountainflowers.com/ @ncmountainflowers
Catering & Dessert: Morchella Provisions https://www.twickenhamhouse.com/morchella @twickenham_house
DJ: On Target DJ https://ontargetdj.com/
Officiant: Mike Young
Ceremony Music: Faith Church Violin https://faithchurchviolin.com/ @faithchurchviolin
Hair & Makeup: Nomadic Beauty https://www.nomadicbeauty.co/ @nomadic_beauty_
Dress: Madeline Gardner New York https://www.madelinegardnernewyork.com/ @madelinegardner
Dress Store: Low’s Bridal https://www.lowsbridal.com/ @lowsbridal
Suits: Men’s Wearhouse https://www.menswearhouse.com/ @menswearhouse
Rings: Little’s Jewelers https://www.littlesjewelers.net/ @littles_jewelers
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