1. Real Weddings

Natalie & Ed: A Winter Wedding in Charlotte, NC

After four years of dating, Natalie Morgan and Edward Nesbitt went to Las Vegas for a weekend of music and fun. When no ring was produced on the trip

After four years of dating, Natalie Morgan and Edward Nesbitt went to Las Vegas for a weekend of music and fun. When no ring was produced on the trip and her hopes were slightly dashed, Natalie decided to stop guessing when a proposal might come her way. She didn't have to wait long: Ed asked her to marry him the very next weekend. THE BRIDE Natalie Morgan, a nurse THE GROOM Edward Nesbitt, a mortgage broker THE DATE February 16 The planning got off to an easy start as many vendor selections, including the bakery and florist, were made based on Natalie's two brothers' weddings. She also chose the venue and band after enjoying them at a good friend's reception. Natalie worked closely with her mother on the rest of the details. The hard part was picking the date, because everyone had an opinion, she says. The couple finally chose February 16th, which worked out wonderfully as it was a beautiful, sunny day.

Natalie wore a Melissa Sweet gown and a veil by Jennifer Leigh.
The Bridal Bouquet
Smitty Flynn and the Rivieras served up beach music and Motown for a night of fun dancing.
Natalie wore a diamond-white silk organza gown from Melissa Sweet, which took plenty of compromise to find. My sweet mom had a definite opinion about what style dress I should wear, she explains. Through seven months we endured many arguments and many drives to Atlanta for fittings, but in the end we loved our beautiful day.
The theme for the country club reception was Winter White, with everything from the flowers to the cake to the decor in black and white.
Natalie and Ed got married at a Methodist church in the historic Dilworth neighborhood. Two large flower arrangements, as well as a candle that represented Natalie's father who had passed away several years earlier, adorned the altar. Natalie also placed a picture of her late father in a heart-shaped locket inside her bouquet so that she could carry him with her. Although traditional Methodist vows were exchanged, the preacher acknowledged that theirs was a mixed marriage -- after all, Natalie graduated from UNC Chapel Hill, home of the Tar Heels, and Ed is a diehard Duke Blue Devils fan. In the world of ACC [Atlantic Coast Conference] those teams are big rivals! laughs Natalie. As the couple was announced husband and wife before their 325 guests, the church bells clanged in grand fashion.