1. Real Weddings

A Bright Traditional Wedding at Myers Park Methodist in Charlotte, North Carolina

Mallory Forman (28 and a PhD student) and Michael Fiery (32 and a data services manager) were introduced by mutual friends, but it wasn’t until two ye

Mallory Forman (28 and a PhD student) and Michael Fiery (32 and a data services manager) were introduced by mutual friends, but it wasn’t until two years after meeting that the two decided to get together. A fun and unconventional first date led to a long distance relationship and eventually, a walk down the aisle. “We had been dating for about a year when I needed to start making decisions about where to apply to PhD programs,” says Mallory. “Michael decided he wanted me to stay right here in Charlotte with him, so he proposed under a shade tree in a parking lot right outside a movie theater in the mountains one Saturday night.” While the couple planned on having a long engagement, the logistics of moving together made them speed up the process. “Six months later, we couldn't figure out the finances of moving in together without getting married, so decided in February 2013 to get married in August of 2013!” says Mallory. “And that's also when we decided that we needed some professional help to pull it all off!”With the help of Head Over Heels Weddings and Events, the couple planned a fun, lively event full of bright color, delicious eats and touches that reflected Mallory and Michael both as individuals and as a couple. They kicked the day off with a traditional ceremony at Myers Park Methodist in Charlotte, NC, where they are both members. “The ceremony was very formal, so we wanted to have a really fun reception,” says Mallory. To bring their vision to life, the couple chose a vibrant color palette of coral, green and pink, colorful uplighting, lush arrangements of colorful blooms and a mouth-watering menu complete with sushi, Thai bento boxes and BBQ pork sliders that highlighted Mallory and Michael’s love of food.

Peonies are one of Mallory's favorite flowers, so having them in her bouquet was a must. Bright pink peonies, red roses, baby's breath and green hydrangeas filled her bouquet.
As a finishing touch, Mallory's hairstylist added a cluster of fresh ivory roses to her updo.
Mallory opted for a fun, laid-back look for her bridesmaids. The girls wore short pale pink dresses with a strapless neckline and light chiffon material.
Bright shades of coral, pink, green and blue brought the bridesmaids' bouquets to life.
Michael and his groomsmen wore matching gray suits for the wedding. To stand out from the rest of the guys, Michael sported a black tie, while the groomsmen wore colorful coral ties with matching pocket squares.
A traditional, religious ceremony was important to both Mallory and Michael. Before a night filled with dinner and dancing, the couple exchanged vows at Myers Park Methodist, where they are both members.
To bring their reception space to life, Mallory and Michael added bright pops of color wherever possible. Panels of pink fabric were tied into bows on each chair, matching the brightly-hued table linens.
Planter Escort Card Holders
Mallory and Michael wanted their menu to reflect their love of food and their affinity to global cuisine. They served up a mouthwatering mix of sushi, Thai bento boxes and traditional Southern barbecue, much to the enjoyment of guests.
Even the wedding cake was given a colorful flourish, with vibrant pink peonies and color roses cascading down the sides.
Instead of a traditional sparkler send off, guests waved colorful glow sticks as the couple made their exit from the reception.