Mark & Tori’s Love Story
“Mark and I met in high school but it wasn’t a simple beginning,” Tori says. “I knew I liked him, but I made him ask me out five times before I finally said yes.”
Despite going to different colleges, the two continued to date. Mark and Tori celebrated nine years together by tying the knot on The Durham Hotel Rooftop in October. Tori described her surprise when Mark proposed.
“We had a wonderful day in Atlantic Beach and were getting ready to go to a nice dinner. He kept pushing me to get ready and I just wanted to watch Harry Potter (not my normal). He took me to a beautiful dock and popped the question. When we got to dinner our families were there to surprise me once again.”
2020 Micro Wedding and 2021 Reception
Like many 2020 couples, Mark and Tori originally planned to have a large wedding with as many friends and family as possible at Walnut Hill. COVID-19 ruined those plans and forced them to change the date for their 2020 wedding. But not even a pandemic could stop them from getting married.
“For any couple in the same situation, move the date,” Tori says. “It’s not ideal, but it is worth the wait to have the wedding of your dreams. Realizing we couldn’t wait another year to be married, a small ceremony with our family seemed like a great idea until our larger wedding next year.”
They realized The Durham Hotel Rooftop was the perfect venue, “We were able to overlook the city we love and grew together in. It was simply amazing.”
Micro Wedding on The Durham Hotel Rooftop
“I was standing at the altar holding back tears and looked at our family and friends. Out of the corner of my eye I saw pictures of our loved ones who are no longer with us sitting front row. It was a surprise, it was special and it was beyond sentimental,” Tori says.
Their micro wedding on The Durham Hotel Rooftop was a success. Mark and Tori have taken the next step as a married couple, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Although it was not how they originally imagined, they accomplished the goal, “all of our vendors were also close friends, which made the day even more intimate and memorable … They worked with us to make our wedding the most special day! We cannot wait to celebrate again with friends and family next year. For any couple who has to postpone, do what your heart tells you. Two weddings are the new norm!”
Planning your own micro wedding? Click here for tips on how to make a wedding guest list for an intimate affair.
