She wanted to make a difference while in college at UNC-Chapel Hill, so she joined Theta Nu Xi, a multicultural sorority founded in 1997. He is the brother of one of the founding members of the sorority so as fate would have it Erika and Matt were bound to meet. Matt’s sister Melissa takes pride in bringing these two together. One evening as the sorority was planning to have a party, Matt asked his sister the all important college-aged question…”Will there be any single girls there?” and later that night he found out!
As one of Matt’s relatives stated during the wedding toasts, “Erika came and spent some time with us. She was quiet and our family isn’t, but she kept coming back so we knew she was in to Matt!” All throughout the wedding day, the pair had moments of just enjoying each other in the midst of their wedding celebration at The Inn at Celebrity Dairy in Siler City, NC.
Their wedding took place the day after Christmas and while the weather wasn’t the best, the rain broke just in time for Erika to make her way down the aisle where Matt was waiting with his best man and about 60 of their closest friends and family. It’s always beautiful to see the love that is shared during intimate celebrations and how many people go to work to make sure the couple has the wedding of their dreams.
Matt and Erika wrote their own vows to one another and Erika’s hope for the ceremony would be that guests would listen to their words and laugh some and cry some and that’s exactly what she got! It was so touching to hear the audience say “Awwww” at the end of Matt’s vows and to see them cry as Erika shed tears while reading her vows.
The reception was just as fun with music from Saludos Compay Latin Band and an awesome meal by the Celebrity Dairy Farm chef. Erika and Matt, I wish you many years of wedding bliss! Here are a few of my favorite images from their love story!
Matt & Erika’s Creative Team:
Wedding Coordination: Ceil Newkirk // Photography: Terri Baskin Photography // Bride’s Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson // Florals: Sara’s Flower Shop // Musician: Saludos Compay Latin Band // Bride’s Hair: Second Ave Tanning and Salon // Make-Up: Second Ave Tanning and Salon // Tuxedo: Men’s Warehouse // Venue: The Inn at Celebrity Dairy // Cake: The Inn at Celebrity Dairy // Catering: The Inn at Celebrity Dairy // Invitations: DIY- VistaPrint
