A Charcoal-and-Pale-Blue Garden Wedding in North Carolina

February 26, 2013

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Abigail and Michael

Millie Holloman Photography

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.

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The Fashions

Millie Holloman Photography

The bride, in Watters, and groom, in Ralph Lauren.

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The Boutonnieres

Millie Holloman Photography

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Hemp twine held together clusters of white flowers and green foliage.

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Mommy and Me

Millie Holloman Photography

Abigail's new daughter, Eve, drew a picture of the couple on their wedding day -- it now hangs framed in the family’s hallway.

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Family Guys

Millie Holloman Photography

Michael and his younger brother, a groomsman, and his officiant father chat before the ceremony.

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The Ring Master

Millie Holloman Photography

The wedding bands were tied to a succulent with twine and placed in a nest.

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The I Do's

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The couple exchanged teary vows under vintage Edison light bulbs.

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DIY Family Tree

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The couple hung old photographs of relatives to create a real-life family tree.

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Escort Cards

Millie Holloman Photography

Wooden escort cards stuck out of fern boxes and supported the day's garden-party theme.

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The Tables

Millie Holloman Photography

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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