A Southern-Chic Backyard Wedding in Wilson, North Carolina

Elizabeth (22 and a content marketing manager) and Chris (21 and a geospatial technician) first met at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and it didn't take long before their friendship turned into something much more. During fall break of Elizabeth's senior year, the pair planned to meet a friend while hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway. When they reached the top, and Chris's friend was still nowhere to be found, he handed Elizabeth a letter and poems about marriage. "He got down on one knee with the most beautiful ring in his hand," says Elizabeth. "He wanted to put it on my finger right away but I was so nervous that we would drop it off the mountain that I made him walk into the center of the ridge with me before putting it on!" Initially the couple wanted to get married in a church but later decided on a place with more personal significance—Elizabeth's parents' backyard.  After a year of tireless work by bride's parent, their residential backyard was transformed for a springtime garden wedding. The polished afternoon soiree incorporated family antiques from throughout their house and used the silver and furniture to add a personal touch to the outdoor decor. A navy and emerald color palette was carried throughout the day from the short bridesmaid dresses and linen to the ivory and green hydrangea arrangements. "I started thinking about our wedding well before we were actually engaged—I knew I wanted it to be southern, timeless and elegant," says Elizabeth. "Everywhere you turned there were trees, flowers and plants that all worked together to make it beautiful. Plus, every time we visit my parents we get to go back to the place where we were married!"