1. Real Weddings

A Nighttime Military Wedding at Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina

Thera ( 26 and a freelance writer) had a huge crush on Sam (27 and a maintenance technician) during middle school but it wasn't until Sam came back fr

Thera ( 26 and a freelance writer) had a huge crush on Sam (27 and a maintenance technician) during middle school but it wasn't until Sam came back from his second military deployment that the two started dating. After Thera moved to North Carolina and Sam's year employment, the pair got engaged on North Topsail Island surrounded by friends. The couple won a free fall wedding through Operation Marry Me Military, a charity that donates weddings to active duty military couples and quickly began planning their Tryon Palace affair. "Since we won, we were given a few choices as to where the wedding could be," says Thera. "The architecture of the building, the history it boasts and the wrought iron gates are what made us ultimately decide!" Personal touches filled the quirky nighttime affair, including a nod to the couple's ongoing Batman versus Superman debate—Thera opted for custom Batman Converse All-Star sneakers instead of heels and Sam wore Superman shoes to the reception. Pops of coral brightened the navy and gray reception along with silk gladiolus and peony arrangements. "I'm crazy about peonies and Sam loves lilies so we did both," says Thera. "But peonies weren't in-season so we opted for silk flowers and added some amazing coral blooms!"

"I forewent heels, as I didn't want to tower over my fiancee and I am prone to tripping in them," says Thera. Instead, the bride wore custom Batman Converse All-Stars with bright green laces.
Navy and Orange Batman Garter Belt
Sam wore his United States Marine Corps dress blues for the ceremony but changed into a light gray tuxedo for the reception.
Colorful Cufflink Groomsmen Gifts
Nighttime Carnation Pomander Ceremony Decor
"Having won Operation Marry Me Military, we were given a few choices as to where the wedding venue could be," says Thera. "The architecture of the building, the history it boasts and the wrought iron gates are what made us ultimately decide!"
After winning Operation Marry Me Military, Thera and Sam had a variety of venues to choose from but but fell in love with Tryon Palace's historic architecture.
Thera wore an ivory lace gown with a button-back and embellished belt.
Thera and Sam's Operation Marry Me Military Wedding
Thera had straps added to her delicate lace gown so she would be comfortable dancing during the reception.
The couple incorporated their coral and navy color palette with colorful centerpieces and opted for silk flowers because peonies weren't in season.
"For our color palette, we knew we wanted something muted with pops of color," says Thera. "We kept it basic with light gray and added navy blue at the last minute—this gave our vendors more options and gave the venue a romantic feel!"
Bride and Groom Motorcycle Cake Topper
Tryon Palace Outdoors Grand Exit