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Though the majority of their relationship was long distance, Meredith and Ben were forever connected, starting from their very first lunch date. These two would travel to one another whenever they could, even if that was only once a month. While being away from your loved one can be challenging, these two used their dating relationship as a building block for their marriage and turned their engagement into a time of intentional planning and preparation. Their joyful celebration at Fearrington Village was filled with beautiful bright sunflowers and sweet family-inspired details, like the photo display that Meredith made with her dad. Filled with family members’ photos, it was a lovely symbol of two sides becoming one.

Big SW hugs to our friend and Blue Ribbon Vendor Graham Terhune for sharing this sweet day with us!

Did you have something borrowed, blue, old, and new? If so, do tell! Oh yes! I love this special tradition. My something borrowed was my grandmother’s ring. I was so honored to wear it. My something blue was my garter and my shoes. My something old were the forks with “his” and “hers” inscriptions on them that we used to eat our cake. My something new was a pearl beaded clutch that was given to me as a gift the day before the wedding.

Fearrington Village had everything we could ever imagine in a venue. We wanted an outdoor ceremony, and I wanted a barn setting for the reception. We also wanted our wedding to be close to Raleigh, near most of our family and friends. I have slowly fallen in love with the little village in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

Ben and I are very traditional and decided to see each other for the first time when I walked down the aisle with my dad. We did talk to each other back to back before the ceremony though. I loved being able to hear Ben’s voice and hold his hand. We talked, laughed, and prayed together. It was a moment of our wedding day I will never forget.

Did you write your own vows? If so, what was your favorite phrase, verse or line? Ben and I chose to write our own vows. We wanted to say some of the same things to each other, so we brainstormed ideas and came up with our lifelong commitments to each other together. My favorite phrase was, “I vow to love you unconditionally and sacrificially as Christ has loved me. I vow to be your faithful wife, your biggest encourager, and your best friend.” Ben’s favorite phrase was, “I vow to be your faithful husband and the humble leader of our family.”
Tell us about some of the songs you used throughout your wedding and why you chose them. Ben and I wanted our ceremony to reflect Christ’s love and how thankful we are for Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Walking down the aisle, we had the song “It Is Well” by Bethel Music played. The song “Lord, I Need You” was also played as Ben and I took communion and prayed together. It was a powerful moment as we prayed and asked the Lord to be with us and to help us remember that above all else, we desperately need Him.

What Southern details or traditions did you include in your celebration? What was Southern about your wedding? The food we served was a homestyle Southern meal–we had fried chicken, pulled pork, potato salad, cornbread, peach cobbler, and much more. Our venue added to the Southern style of our wedding as well, since we had the ceremony outside under the pecan trees and the reception was in a barn.

I loved the special display of pictures we had of our family members, showing the different sides now becoming one. This was a project I made with my dad, and it was so nice to see it come to life.

How did y’all meet? Tell us your love story. Ben and I were friends in high school, but we were two years apart in age. We reconnected over Christmas break during my sophomore year at East Carolina University and Ben’s senior year at Auburn. As Ben was getting ready to leave to finish his final semester of college, he told me after our very first lunch date at Panera that we would stay in touch! I have talked to Ben every single day since and we have always and will forever be connected with each other.
Tell us all about the proposal! The majority of our relationship was long distance, and Ben and I would travel to one another whenever we could. We saw each other once a month, at most. After finishing my junior year at ECU, Ben came home for Memorial Day weekend. I was very excited because it had been a little over a month since we had seen each other. Little did I know, it was about to be the best date night of my life! We tried a new restaurant in downtown Raleigh and then went for a walk around town afterward. We made it to the Capitol building, where we stopped, and Ben asked me to marry him right there in the very place where our love began. His sister was nearby and captured the moment on camera. We went back to his house and then mine to celebrate with our families. It was by far the most special date night we have ever had!
When did y’all get married? May 23, 2015
How many friends, family members, and loved ones attended your wedding? 200
Tell us about finding your wedding dress. I knew exactly what I wanted in a wedding dress, and that was lace. When I added the pearl belt with a bow in the back, I knew my dress was the right choice for me.
How did you plan for your marriage while planning your wedding? Ben and I planned for our marriage just as much, if not more, than our wedding day. We met with spiritual leaders in both of our lives for several weeks prior to our wedding. It was a learning experience that was difficult, but rewarding. We are currently reading the book, “The Meaning of Marriage” by Tim Keller.
What advice do you have for folks currently planning a wedding? Do not focus too much on the specifics; instead, enjoy and celebrate the special commitment that you have chosen to make. It will be a perfect wedding day because it will be unique to you!
What’s next for you as a couple? What memories are you looking forward to making together? Ben and I just moved into our new apartment in Atlanta. We are loving decorating our home and filling our walls with many of our wedding pictures to help us remember our very special day! We are hoping to travel as much as possible in the next few years.

Photographer: Graham Terhune Photography / Videographer: Josh Sliffe Videography / Planner: Gilda McDaniel of Fearrington Village / Venue and Caterer: Fearrington Village / Florist: Mary Stevens / Cake Baker: Fearrington Village / DJ: Joe Bunn DJ Company / Special Details: Paisley & Jade / Paper Products: Val Marie Paper / Bride’s Gown: “8627” by Justin Alexander / Bride’s Veil and Belt: Alfred Angelo / Hair Stylist: J & F Gemelli / Makeup Artist: Bobbi Brown / Bride’s Shoes and Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J. Crew / Menswear: Tommy Hilfiger

Graham Terhune, Joe Bunn DJ Company, and Paisley & Jade are delightful members of our Blue Ribbon Vendor Directory!

marissa Written with love by Marissa
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