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Mary&Michael
October 23, 2010
Mary McNeely and Michael Royal met in high school, but they
weren’t students. Michael taught at Mooresville High School
when Mary joined the staff as a counselor. Their co-workers
forced them into an awkward introduction which led to a fun first date
and ultimately, to a perfect wedding.
Two years later, Michael tricked Mary into visiting her family-owned
farm. “He said he was looking for a place for his cross-country team to
run,” Mary says. But Michael was in search of the perfect place to propose.
Near a peaceful pond he presented her with a stunning diamond ring.
Their candlelit wedding was held on October 23, 2010, at Saint Thomas
Preservation Hall in historic downtown Wilmington.
“I had a four-leaf clover in my shoe during our wedding,” Mary says, “It
was the same one my mother had in her shoe when she married my father
in 1980.”
Family traveled from across the country and even from England to
watch them tie the knot. Michael’s cross-country team members were ushers,
wearing their running shoes with their formalwear.
The couple honeymooned on Harbour Island in the Bahamas before returning
to Mooresville, where Mary continues counseling students and Michael is
now an assistant principal and still coaches the cross-country team.
The Elements Ceremony site: Saint Thomas Preservation Hall
Reception site: Bluewater Grill Rehearsal dinner site: The Balcony
on Dock Wedding/event planner: Salt Harbor Designs Photography:
KMI Photography Officiant: Amanda McCullough Gown: Modern Trousseau
Shoes: Grace Jewelry: Family Heirlooms Hair: Becky of Head to Toe Day
Spa Makeup: Ricky of Head to Toe Day Spa Bridesmaid Dresses: J. Crew
Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse Invitations: The Fisherman’s Wife Flowers:
Salt Harbor Designs Cake: Nicki’s Cakes Favors: Sweet and Savory Bake Shop
Transportation: A 1962 Bel Air restored by Mike’s dad Honeymoon: Harbour
Island, Bahamas
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By Sara Leary