Laura Beth & John Carrick
1.11.25
Laura Beth and John grew up in SouthPark, but their paths never crossed. Attending different colleges — Laura Beth went to Clemson University and John played football at Washington and Lee University — they didn’t both live in Charlotte again until 2024. But thanks to Hinge and John’s younger sister Kendal, who has Down syndrome, the two eventually met. “John’s first picture had Kendal in it, and I knew her from various volunteer activities,” says Laura Beth.
That connection was significant, as family is important to both Laura Beth and John. Following the couple’s engagement in April 2024, Laura Beth’s family experienced great loss. Her brother and grandmother died unexpectedly a few months apart, and her younger cousin, Kaija, was in hospice care when they got married.
At the wedding, Laura Beth wore a diamond pendant, her brother’s birthstone. The church, date and music had been selected by Laura Beth’s grandmother Julia (“Nana”) during the couple’s engagement. Their first dance was a surprise choreographed routine that included an ode to Elvis, a favorite of Nana. John wore socks with seagulls in honor of cousin Kaija (her name means seagull in Latvian).
Wedding planning and day-of logistics were stress-free and special, as all of the vendors were close family friends. “Amidst the grief of all that 2024 entailed, our engagement and wedding were a bright spot for many,” Laura Beth adds. “We have, in large part to our faith, continuously learned what it means to hold both sorrow and joy at the same time and to find the beauty in doing so.”
The Details:
Photographer | Katie Spata Photography
Venues | Myers Park United Methodist Church (ceremony); Bentley’s Restaurant (reception)
Planners | Bride and mother of the bride; Tim Bagwell
Floral Design | Marigold Floral Design
Dress | Anjolique Bridal & Formal; Prada (shoes)
Beauty | Van Ta, Blossom Hair Boutique (hair); Samantha Vonsiatsky (makeup)
Groom Attire | Jos. A. Bank; Lucchese (boots)
Rings | Diamonds Direct
Caterer | Bentley’s Restaurant
Cake | Brenda Dickson
Entertainment | Retro Ray, Samantha Vonsiatsky
Stationery | Good Mood Design Co.
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