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Some couples are brought together by fate, destiny or divine intervention. However, sometimes the universe lets persistent family members do its bidding.

That was the case for Carlin Gallman and Harley “Hart” Turner. After seeing Hart and his family at the local country club, Carlin’s well-meaning aunt proceeded to ask him if he was single, show him a picture of her available niece and forcibly add Carlin’s phone number into his cell phone. Two months later, Hart finally called Carlin and after a four-hour phone conversation, they decided to meet for sushi the next weekend. As Carlin likes to say, “the rest is history.”

The two, who both attended the University of South Carolina but never crossed paths, hit it off instantly. “We both knew really quickly that it was something special,” says Carlin. After almost a year of dating, Hart was ready to make Carlin his bride. He met Carlin’s parents at Diamonds Direct SouthPark to look at the ring he had designed for Carlin and receive their blessing.

That weekend, with the help of Carlin’s mom, Hart prepared to pop the question at her family’s Sunday lunch. By the direction of Hart, Carlin’s mom got four dozen pink and white roses and lit candles for the event. When Carlin walked through the door, she was immediately confused. Hart explained it was for her, and before another word was uttered, he was down on one knee asking her to marry him.

“Hart jokes that he never heard me say yes because I was so shocked,” Carlin laughs. After the proposal, Hart’s parents came out of hiding as well as Carlin’s best friend, who had driven up from Charleston.

With a ring on her finger, wedding planning began. Carlin’s vision was "classic meets modern," and with the help of a consultant, her vision became a reality. Carlin and Hart were married in a traditional ceremony at First Baptist Church Charlotte, the church Carlin had grown up in. The couple’s officiating reverend was actually the son of the reverend who officiated Carlin’s parents’ wedding back in 1978!

Carlin looked stunning in her elegant strapless gown from Poffie Girls. As she walked down the aisle, a string trio from Carolina Strings serenaded the church. “I loved seeing Hart’s face when I walked in with my dad. We made eye contact and it felt like we were the only people there,” recalls Carlin.

After the vows were said, the newlyweds and more than 200 guests headed to Bentley’s on 27 for the reception. Carlin says, “Most of the guests came from out of town and really enjoyed being in uptown Charlotte, sipping on cocktails and watching the sunset from the 27th floor.” The guests also enjoyed all of Carlin and Hart’s favorite foods, which included everything from Greek salad to fried green tomatoes.

The reception also had a surprise guest: the University of South Carolina’s mascot, Cocky! Carlin arranged the appearance to surprise Hart, a former USC football player. Cocky stormed in during the USC football theme song, knocked over a flower arrangement and even smashed someone’s glass on the ground. “Cocky definitely took the party up a notch,” jokes Carlin.

Surrounded by family, friends and Cocky, Carlin and Hart celebrated their new life together and danced the night away.

Carlin and Hart have almost been married a year now and live in Greenville, S.C. Carlin says, “We are currently house hunting and hoping to get away for an anniversary trip!”

Featured Vendors

Flowers
The Place For Flowers
(704) 521-6111
www.placeforflowers.com

Engagement & Wedding Rings
Diamonds Direct – SouthPark
(704) 532-9041
www.diamondsdirectsouthpark.com

Reception Location & Caterer
Bentley’s on 27
(704) 343-9201
www.bentleyson27.com

Rehearsal Dinner
Bonterra Dining and Wine Room
(704) 333-9463
www.bonterradining.com

Linens
Connie Duglin
(704) 849-0466
www.connieduglinlinen.com

Bridesmaid Luncheon Location
The Duke Mansion
(704) 714-4400
www.dukemansion.com

Ceremony Music
Carolina Strings
(704) 597-1531
www.carolinastrings.com

Wedding Dress & Veil
Poffie Girls
(704) 866-0198
www.poffiegirls.com

Continue reading real wedding stories! Up next: 'She said yes! - Mallory & William'