1. Real Weddings

A Glamorous Tented Wedding at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview, North Carolina

Given the high percentage of men around, Elizabeth (Liz) Clarke (27 and a naval officier) didn't notice Declan Glynn (29 and a naval officier) when th

Given the high percentage of men around, Elizabeth (Liz) Clarke (27 and a naval officier) didn't notice Declan Glynn (29 and a naval officier) when they first met at Navy Officer Candidate School. She made a lasting impression on him however, and Declan pursued Liz during Intelligence School. Declan asked to train with Liz while she was getting ready for a half marathon and their friendship quickly blossomed into a four-year long-distance relationship. During a military deployment in the Middle East, the couple traveled to Jordan for a short visit with their family and the trip happened to coincide with their anniversary. "Declan asked if I wanted to take a short hike up Mount Nebo and once we got far enough away from the crowds, he bent down saying he wanted to get a sip of water," says Liz. "I turned to look at the view and when I turned around he was down on one knee with the Israel behind him and I didn't let him get out much before I excitedly said, 'I'd love to!' The rest of the trip passed in a blur because I was so distracted by the shiny new bling on my finger!" Liz knew from a young age that she wanted to get married at her grandparents' farm in Fairview, North Carolina. Hickory Nut Gap Farm has been in her family since 1915 and the couple invited guests to celebrate during a tented apple orchard reception with the North Carolina Mountains as their backdrop. A raspberry and cobalt blue color palette set the tone for their summer affair while fresh berry accents paid tribute to the bride's childhood summers. Picking flowers was the hardest part of wedding planning for Liz because she didn't know much about them. "I knew I wanted my colors to stand out and I loved the look of submerged flowers—from there, I left it up to the florist." says Liz. "She even incorporated fresh raspberries and blue berries into the bases of the tall vases!" A surprise firework display followed a diverse buffet dinner and guests were treated to a full ice cream bar in addition to late-night mini grilled cheeses sandwiches.

Old trees flanked the outdoors ceremony. "We had quite a big wedding so my cousin built a stage outside of the walled tennis court for the wedding party," says Liz.
Adorable Ring Bearer with Red Suspenders and a Matching Newsboy Cap
The bridesmaid dresses and shoes set the tone for their vibrant color palette—bright cobalt dresses by LuluKaternand raspberry Michael Kors sandals.
"As a surprise gift, my father created a pamphlet about the Farm in which he told the history of the house andrngrounds, and he even included photos of my relatives, back as far as 1915!" says Liz. "It was such a perfect way to convey to the guests the significance the venue has for me."
Vibrant Fuchsia Fresh Flower Aisle Markers
Liz and Decran's Family Farm Wedding
Declan wore his Mess Dress Blues (militaryrnversion of black tie) and his groomsman either wore classic black tuxedos or their Service Dress Blue uniforms.
Cocktail hour was held on the South and Front Lawn of the home, with the guests intermingling between 100-year old boxwood bushes.
"I'm a pretty simple person and I knew exactly what type of dress I wanted—amazingly, I bought just the second one I tried on!" says Liz. "It was a lace Watters gown with a keyhole back that I accessorized with a champagne belt."
Picking flowers was the hardest part of wedding planning for Liz because she didn't know much about them. "I knew I wanted my colors to stand out and I loved the look of submerged flowers—from there, I left it up to the florist." says Liz. "She even incorporated fresh raspberries and blue berries into the bases of the tall vases!" rnrn
In keeping with the fresh fruit theme, the five-tiered wedding cake was topped with fresh berries. A gold scalloped base and white fondant pearls. The couple's monogram decorated the middle cobalt blue layer and a gold scalloped base contrasted with a white basket weave pattern.rn
"We arranged for surprise fireworks above the orchard and we expected the show to last about five minutes but it ended up being about 15-20 minutes and it rivaled Fourth of July fireworks in a small city!" says Liz. "The best part was the wedding planner made sure that all of our immediate family was gathered together before the show started so we got to see everyone’s reactions."