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Industrial designer Christopher Parke met Tara Henrickson when she worked as a marketing intern at his company the year after she graduated from college. After a yearlong friendship developed, they started dating. One night in 2009, Chris asked Tara if she wanted to take their beloved dog, Jersey, out for a walk at Lake Norman’s Jetton Park. Tara was reluctant after a hard day at the office and the stress of commuter traffic, but she agreed when he promised a short walk plus dinner out wherever she wanted. Finally at the lakeside, the couple settled on a bench overlooking the lake while they let Jersey take a quick dip in the water. While the dog was busy swimming, Chris got down on one knee and asked Tara to make him the happiest man alive. Jersey even participated in their engagement photo shoot.

With the date of their nuptials set, the planning process began. Chris used his talents as a designer to create one of the most unique elements of their wedding — a custom monogram that was used throughout the wedding from the embossed return addresses on the invitations, to the programs, napkins and even cocktail stirrers. The customized stationery was made possible by Papaya Papers. Another personalized touch was the guest book; rather than write paper notes, guests were asked to write messages and well wishes on pieces of fabric that Chris had made into a quilt as Tara’s first Christmas gift as a married couple.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden set the romantic scene for the event, catered by Best Impressions and furnished by Creative Solutions. Tara looked stunning in a fit-and-flare gown from J. Majors, and the beauty of the entire event was captured by Chuck Eaton Photographers, who helped the couple capture one of their favorite moments of the night. “We got a lot of advice before the wedding that it goes so quickly that you need to step back for a moment,” says Tara. “After the first dance, the photographer took us out to take some more pictures and when we came back we were able to see it as a whole, how an entire year of planning turned out. We had that moment all to ourselves.”

And of course, the couple wouldn’t feel right without including something special for their favorite furry friend. In lieu of favors, a donation (indicated by framed photos of Jersey for the guests) was made to North Mecklenburg Animal Shelter, the shelter from which Jersey made her way into their lives. “We just love her to death,” says Tara. “We wanted to give back to such a wonderful place.”

Featured Vendors

Cake
Cheesecake, Etc.
704-509-2020
www.cheesecakeetc.biz

Catering
Best Impressions
704-333-9779
www.bestimpressionscaterers.com

Engagement Ring
Diamonds Direct
704-532-9041 or 888-400-4447
www.diamondsdirectsouthpark.com

Photography
Chuck Eaton Photographers
704-844-2993
www.chuckeaton.net

Wedding Gown and Shoes
J. Majors Bridal Boutique
704-372-0082
www.jmajors.com

Continue reading real wedding stories! Up next: ’One Big Greek Wedding'