A Historic Waterfront Wedding in New Bern, North Carolina

It took 12 years and 3 states before Christine (Chris), 38 and Shawn, 41 got engaged after first meeting through mutual friends in New Jersey. After moves to Arizona, North Carolina and back to New Jersey, Shawn finally proposed to Chris on New Year's Eve after he had her grandmother's antique engagement ring rebuilt. "Shawn was sing Karaoke with a his friends but then he started singing a song dedicated to me," says Chris. "I became suspicious after seeing a single tear run down his cheek, but I couldn't see any signs of a ring box but then he got down on one knee and proposed into the microphone!" After finally settling in North Carolina, the couple planned a New Bern-inspired wedding, hoping to introduce their guests to the rich history of their new hometown. Drawing from the bride's love of sailing, the pair hosted a waterfront gazebo ceremony with a Caroline blue and yellow color scheme—complete with a pontoon boat grand entrance. Guests were then invited to the historic Stanly Hall for a charming ballroom reception filled with upbeat music from local Country Music star Bryan Mayer.