Sam & Megan are the ultimate “love of your life might be right next door” story. They met after Sam’s family moved across the country to California and bought the house one door down from Megan. They became fast friends and dated throughout high school, but when they both traveled for college they fell out of touch. But after they both graduated college they both moved to Chapel Hill, and again in rom-com fashion, Sam’s dog ran out of the house, down the yard and into Megan’s driveway. When he opened the door to return the dog, they caught up, got coffee, and she said that reconnecting felt like coming home. In December, Megan asked him to marry her at Elephant Rock at the botanical garden in Chapel hill where they would sit and talk for hours. And they knew that they wanted to have their wedding in a garden surrounded by nature and the things they loved. Hence a ceremony at the JC Raulston Arboretum.

From Megan: “We’re opposites in lots of ways. He’s very extroverted and great with people; I’m very introverted and I like nothing better than sitting on the couch with my dog. We like to joke that on paper we make no sense, but our relationship means the word to us. We’re both just really really good at making space for each other to be exactly who we are without any agenda or pushing for change. Life can be stressful, but one of the things I love the most about our relationship is the stressful things end up feeling like a fun adventure when we handle them together. Sam’s a fabulous partner and I’m so excited we get to be partners forever.”

They also knew they wanted to have an untraditional ceremony, since neither of them are big on tradition. They kept it super small, with only immediate family, and Sam’s mom officiated. My favorite part of the ceremony was they asked each member to choose a post card to reflect their relationship and share a story, and these were so touching and moving.

This intimate wedding was a perfect day in the park, and I can’t wait to share these photos with you all.