Set in the small, waterfront town of New Bern, North Carolina, Lindsey and Molly’s Christian wedding was intimate and romantic with a touch of rustic. There’s so much wedding inspiration in this Southern wedding! The brides infused their wedding with little touches from their love story, including a pickle bar (a nod to Lindsey’s attendance of University of Mount Olive and the couple’s love of pickles), displaying their framed bridal portraits, personalized koozies with sketches of both of their dogs dogs saying: “We do too!,” a custom-made cross made by the maid of honor’s brother, a memory table honoring loved ones who’ve passed away, a watercolor-painted picture of the venue as the guest book, signature drinks named after their dogs “The Evie” (old fashioned) and “The Annie” (cranberry mojito), and our personal favorite: a cake topper with “You, Me & the Dogs.”
The couple’s wedding venue, Amelia Grove, was built in 1906, was perfect for their outdoor nuptials situated by the river. “Our guests were in awe of the natural scenery,” the marriers shared with LGBTQ+ wedding magazine Equally Wed, “including the Spanish moss, the riverfront breeze and Edison lights hung in the trees to set the evening mood.”
After getting ready separately, the two brides gathered with their bridesmaids and bridesbuds who were dressed in long navy gowns and navy slacks, white button-down shirts, navy bow ties with a floral pattern, and suspenders. The wedding colors of navy, dusty blue, whites and greens showed up in their wedding flower arrangements featuring white roses, ranunculus, white spray roses, seeded and sand dollar eucalyptus, blue hydrangeas and deep blue thistle.
The love story
Lindsey and Molly met through mutual friends in Eastern, North Carolina. A few years later, the couple officially dropped the title of “friends” and began their lifelong love story. Upon getting to know each other on a deeper level, the couple quickly realized that their destiny was truly fate. Friends and family describe the couple as radiating happiness, Christ-centered, humor filled, grace-filled, dedicated and full of love!
The double proposals
In the early fall of 2020, Lindsey joined Molly’s family for their beach vacation in Nags Head, North Carolina. Little did Molly know that Lindsey brought the ring and asked her parents for her hand in marriage that week. It’s one of Lindsey’s fondest memories, before the unexpected loss of Molly’s Father in January 2021. Lindsey proposed at their future home in Greenville in October, surrounded by friends, family and their two dogs, Annie and Evie. Molly describes the most romantic proposal, including a rose petal walkway, Edison lights throughout the porch and backyard, and even a special “she said yes” pizza delivery. Molly was taken by surprise to say the least, but she also has already bought a ring for Lindsey. That following November, Molly took Lindsey to “look at a wedding venue” in New Bern. The couple stayed at a local bed and breakfast, and on an evening stroll through the historic town, Molly asked Lindsey to marry her back. That evening, the couple went to visit what would end up being their venue of choice and set the date for nearly a year later.
The bachelorette party
Molly & Lindsey’s friends planned a shark/beach themed bachelorette party. It was a “Jawsome” weekend!
The ceremony and reception
The ceremony was outdoors by the riverside, and the reception included indoor seating with an outside bar and fireplace under the newly build pavilion. The ceremony was Christian-based, lead by a beloved pastor friend of theirs. Molly’s brother, Miles, played a guitar rendition of La Vie En Rose while the couple unified their vows with tying a cord of three. Lindsey was accompanied by best friend and matron of honor, Andrea Webb. Molly’s younger brother, Miles, walked her down the aisle. The couple felt so loved and supported to be surrounded by all who love them as they dedicated their lives together. Lindsey and Molly’s first dance was set to Tracy Byrd’s “Keeper of the Stars.” The marriers finished the wedding reception with fireworks and a dried flower confetti send-off.
What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples and marriers?
Through all of the challenges of being part of the LGBTQ+ community, our love is special and radiant; it should never be dimmed. Whenever you are ready, celebrate your love in whatever way suits you best. Take time daily to express your love to each other, and always put your relationship first. It truly does get better.
Advice for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples/marriers?
While NC can be a challenging place to find loving, welcoming and affirming vendors, do your research. There are many organizations and social media accounts dedicated to assisting in this process. Nothing matters more than being able to be yourselves on that day, and feeling surrounded by love and support.
LGBTQ+ inclusive and affirming wedding vendors in North Carolina
What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple or LGBTQ+ marriers planning your wedding?
Budgets can be tight, but it has all been worth it. Find ways to save money by doing DIY projects! Make a budget and list out the aspects of your day that matter most. (Our advice: hire a planner or day-of coordinator!)
Book as early as possible. Weddings post-Covid are challenging due to the demand of vendors and rescheduling.
Additionally, if you have unsupportive family or community members, remember that they are not the focus of the day. You are building your own family, and the celebration of you two is what matters most.
Did you encounter any pleasant surprises as an LGBTQ+ couple or marriers planning your wedding?
Mostly supportive vendors (yes, in NC)!
Search our directory of LGBTQ+ inclusive vendors.
FEATURED VENDORS
Photographer: Morgan Caddell Photography
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Amelia Grove
Florist: Harris Teeter of New Bern, Mary
Planner: Knot a Second Thought
DJ: Brian Hood
Invitations: Tiffany L. Johnson
Gowns: WuToo, Carolina Bridal World
Jewelry: Robinson Jewelers, Greenville, NC
Bridesmaid gowns: Azazie
Catering: Strange & Sons
Cake: Famous Bakery, New Bern
Favors: Lanoca Coffee, FarmVille, NC
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