The Dunhill Hotel

Wedding Ceremony

RiRa's Irish Pub

Wedding Reception Celebration

Tipsy Pickle

Saturday Pickleball Tournament

Our Wedding

Did you ever see the movie "When Harry Met Sally"? Well, this is the story of when Murphy met Allie. It was January 2021, over a year into Covid, and all of Murphy's friends in Quarantine had either wives or serious significant others. What a time to be single - when everything is closed and you're not supposed to introduce new people into your circle. Murphy had enough of third-wheeling and decided to take matters into his own hands. At an un-sanctioned, off the books lacrosse pick up game, Murphy decided to bring a six pack of beers and post up on the hood of his car looking for potential wing-men. "Are you dudes single?" Murphy said to a couple of guys walking from the field to their car after the game. As you can imagine, he was greeted with puzzled faces until Murphy quickly followed up with, "All my friends are married, I'm looking for some guys to go out and meet single girls with". The confusion was replaced with a grin and the passer goer, Joel, graciously agreed to bring Murphy out on the town with him that following Saturday. When Saturday January 31st, 2021 arrived, Allie and a group of her girl friends, Lauren, Taylor &amp; Fran, plotted a way to get the best table near the DJ at a bar in NoDa called Room &amp; Board. On previous Saturdays they saw the table and knew it had to be theirs, "but how?" they wondered. Then it became clear, arrive so early no one could beat them to the table, then hold it down for the rest of day. And that's exactly what they did. The sun was beginning to set on this special Saturday when Joel and Murphy made their way to the NoDa neighborhood. Joel had some friends at a bar Murphy hadn't been to yet called...Room &amp; Board. His friends agreed to meet him at the entrance upon arrival (unbeknownst to Murphy). As Murphy and Joel walked to the entrance of the historic house turned bar, Murphy's eyes went up the stairs to the porch and were met by a set of eyes he had never seen before, Allie's - one of Joel's friends at the bar. The rest...is history :)

When Murphy Met Allie

Our Story

Q + A

What to expect

Allie and Murph are so excited to tie the knot—and to celebrate the cultures that made them who they are! Allie will be honoring her German and Estonian roots, while Murph will be tipping his hat to his Irish and Italian heritage. They're especially excited to bring all their favorite people together for one unforgettable celebration.

Irish & Italian Traditions

In addition to celebrating at an Irish pub (naturally!), we’ll be honoring Murph’s Irish roots with classic blessings, whiskey toasts, and a bit of joyful noise. Guests will receive bells to ring as the newlyweds exit the reception—a tradition meant to ward off evil spirits and bless the marriage with harmony and good fortune. To honor his mom, Sally Murphy's Italian heritage, Allie and Murph will lead a joyful parade from their ceremony at the Dunhill Hotel to their reception at RiRa’s Irish Pub—think of it as a mini wedding march! In true Italian fashion, Murph will carry a piece of iron (ferro) in his pocket to ward off the malocchio (evil eye), and the couple will break a glass at the reception—the number of shards symbolizing the happy years ahead.

German & Estonian Traditions

To honor her grandmother, Sigrid Jalajas, who emigrated from Germany to the United States, Allie and Murph’s family will gather the night before the wedding for a traditional Polterabend—a joyful celebration where porcelain (never glass!) is smashed to drive away evil spirits. Allie and Murph will clean up the mess together, symbolizing their ability to face life’s challenges hand in hand. To honor her Grandfather, Juri Jalajas' Estonian roots, Allie and Murph will include a few fun Estonian traditions. A multi-layered wedding cake will be shared with guests for good luck, and a piece will be placed under the bride’s pillow for sweet dreams. Expect plenty of bread, symbolizing abundance and prosperity, which will be shared during the events. And at the reception, guests can ask for a kiss from the couple—but only after offering a small gift, song, or performance in return!

Wedding Professions

In lieu of having a wedding party, Allie and Murph have decided to follow an Estonian tradition of having wedding 'Professions'. At the reception, the wedding ceremony turns into a feast where people dance, eat, drink, and play games. Before the entertainment begins, we’ll be introducing a fun tradition known as the wedding professions. In Estonian celebrations, these “professions” are playful roles assigned to guests. Each role comes with a small token — like a rosette or a necklace — to show their new title. It’s a lighthearted way to bring everyone into the spirit of the evening and add some humor and personality to the festivities. Some of the professions include: Toostimeister - Toastmaster; the person who proposes toasts Naisterõõm - A man who keeps women company at the party, taking care of their interests Laululind - The songbird; this is the person who starts songs for others to follow Kummardaja - Whenever people applaud, this person stands up and bows Tulejumal - The fire god; his duty is to ensure all the candles and fire are burning Pruudivalvur - Bride's guard; ensures the bride is safe from those who might want to steal her

Wedding Traditions

Attire

Our celebration is formal with a touch of retro nostalgia. Think Old Hollywood elegance meets 1970s disco romance—a celebration of timeless style, shimmer, and a little vintage flair.

Ladies

Floor-length gowns, dressy jump suits or elegant cocktail dresses are perfect. Think soft satin, velvet, sequins, dramatic silhouettes, romantic florals, or flowing fabrics. Channel vintage glamour—off-the-shoulder necklines, feathered accents, or subtle sparkle are all welcome. Metallics, jewel tones, or romantic pastels will fit right in. Dramatic shawls, sequin and pearls, feathers, and faux fur coats are highly encouraged.

Gentlemen

A tuxedo is great, but a suit and tie (or turtleneck under a sharp jacket for a ‘70s twist) works too. Don’t be afraid of velvet blazers, silk pocket squares, or bold, vintage-inspired prints. Polished shoes and a touch of flair are encouraged. This is your moment to dress up, have fun, and feel fabulous. We can’t wait to see your style shine on the dance floor under the disco ball!

Inspo

feathers / shawls / scarfs / sequin / gloves / ascots / fur / hats / bold patterns / velvet / satin / pearls / bangles / canes / metallics / gems / ruffles / retro glasses Looking for outfit inspiration? Check out this <a href="https://pin.it/4lv4NgUVF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mood board</a> for some fun ideas!

Need a last minute retro accessory? This is the spot!

Stash Pad

The Mint Museum – Uptown

Best breakfast burrito! Great market for beer, sammies and snacks. Great park around the corner - highly recommend for those staying in Uptown.

Rhino Market & Deli(Uptown)

Coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and local vendors! Right in the heart of Uptown.

The Alley at Latta Arcade

Halal Food Cart

Great date night spot - wine, pizza and prosciutto wrapped dates! One of our neighborhood favorites.

Flight

Another neighborhood favorite. All gluten free Mexican food - and tequila only bar! Woo!

Puerta

A great food hall near by - food options for everyone.

Optimist Hall

One of our favorite breweries in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood!

Resident Culture Brewing Company

Another great brewery that we frequent. Some yummy food options located in Plaza Midwood.

Legion Brewing Plaza Midwood

The People’s Market Elizabeth

Our favorite dive bar! Ping pong tables out back. Karaoke on Saturday night!

Lucky Lou's Tavern

Charlottes first park - and one of our favorites to walk through.

Independence Park

Beautiful park in the Dilworth neighborhood that we frequented when we first started dating.

Freedom Park

Cool park right near Latta Arcade and Rhino Market in Uptown!

Romare Bearden Park

A warehouse filled with treasures!

Sleepy Poet Antique Mall

Things to Do

Note: This is the location of the ceremony and where Allie and Murph will be staying for the weekend. Being a small hotel, it is already sold out for the wedding weekend. For folks looking for a hotel, we recommend the Marriott listed below, but there are so many great hotels within walking distance of the reception venue! Please let us know if you need any help finding accommodations. What's a wedding without a little drama? The Dunhill is currently listed as 'Temporarily Closed' due to some recent flooding. Rest assured we've confirmed the hotel will be re-opened in mid-September!

This hotel is walking distance to the Dunhill hotel and RiRa's Irish Pub! The link above will take you to the room block at the Marriott. Last day to book with the room block discount is October 9th.

Allie & Murph

Allie & Murph

Travel

The Dunhill Hotel

Charlotte Marriott City Center

Charlotte Douglas International Airport