Abigail and Michael
In December 2010, Michael proposed to Abigail with a silver cuff engraved with the French words Epouse-moi fee Abilene. Translation? "Marry me fairy Abilene" (his nickname for her). Their nuptials at The Atrium, an urban garden in their hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, was all about family. Michael's pastor-father officiated (and made the wine served at dinner), his brother played the keyboard, and halfway through the couple's first dance, Michael's daughter, Eve, 7, and son, Stephen Michael, 6, cut in.
The Boutonnieres
Hemp twine held together clusters of white flowers and green foliage.
Mommy and Me
Abigail's new daughter, Eve, drew a picture of the couple on their wedding day -- it now hangs framed in the family's hallway.
Family Guys
Michael and his younger brother, a groomsman, and his officiant father chat before the ceremony.
The Ring Master
The wedding bands were tied to a succulent with twine and placed in a nest.
The I Do's
The couple exchanged teary vows under vintage Edison light bulbs.
DIY Family Tree
The couple hung old photographs of relatives to create a real-life family tree.
Escort Cards
Wooden escort cards stuck out of fern boxes and supported the day's garden-party theme.
The Tables
Atop tables covered in pale blue linen, the 80 guests dug into fried chicken, barbecued pork, corn bread, and pimento cheese before boogeying to a bluegrass band. Porcelain vases and ivory tapers in glass candlesticks sat on reclaimed-wood boards
A Wedding Cake Trio
Almond, coconut, and banana-nut cakes were iced with pastel fondant and topped with sugar flowers.
Monogrammed Treats
Key-lime crisps were pressed with the initial of the newlyweds' last name.
The Guest Book
In lieu of a traditional guest book, the green-thumbed couple invited their friends and family to make colorful leaf rubbings.
Dancing Duo
Ring bearer Stephen Michael shows his sister, flower girl Eve, how to cut a rug.
Eco-Friendly Favors
Guests took home make-your-own packets of wildflower, sunflower, and garden vegetable seeds scooped from turquoise mason jars.
Sources
Location: The Atrium
Event Design and Flowers: Salt Harbor Designs
Stationery: Minted
Catering: A Southern Thyme
Cakes and Cookies: Flower & Flour
Photography: Millie Holloman Photography
Videography: Life Stage Films
Officiant: Pastor Steve Mattis, Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church (910-540-4447)
Music: Jordan K. McLamb
Rentals: Party Suppliers & Rentals and Harborside Event Rentals
Lighting: High Performance Lighting
Hair: Salon Fringe
Bride's veil: aMuse Artisanal Finery
Bride's wedding band: Perry's Emporium
Bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew
Flower-girl dress: Crewcuts
Ring-Bearer's attire: Izod