The Barn at Valhalla

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Our Wedding

"Hey, what's your dog's name?"

Over the next months, Derek and Samantha spent their time meeting each other’s families, hanging out with new friends, taking long walks with Lobo, and exploring shared hobbies.

<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6H1V4EbwR1QRM91ZBSe3mB?si=d0e79f9abef64b40" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for a Spotify playlist of songs we love!</a>

JUNE 2, 2025DEREK AND SAMANTHA GET ENGAGED!!Derek took her to the lovely WRAL Azalea Garden for the proposal, and then they met up with their friends for dinner to celebrate. A few months later when Derek’s wedding band arrived, Samantha arranged a picnic date where she “proposed” to Derek - he also said yes! (They also returned to this location for their formal engagement photos.)

JULY 2025Derek’s first international trip! Derek and Samantha had a fantastic time abroad. They visit a few cities in Finland for Sara and Ryan’s wedding, then they spend a few days in Copenhagen, Denmark. Derek kept saying that everything was the best thing he ever had (the best pasta, the best fish, the best beer, etc.)!

"I do!"

Our Story

Photos

Bride's Party

Abby Craig

Jack Lehman-Pedersen

Nancy Halley

Julia McKeown

Laura Thurber

Sara Yeh

Groom's Party

Dennis "Soy" Farmer

Evan Lutvak

Bryan Lester

Jordan Ziehr

Jake Hartzell

Wedding Party

Dress Code

This hotel is about a 15 minute drive from the wedding venue and is very close to downtown Chapel Hill (Franklin Street).

Hampton Inn & Suites Chapel Hill-Carrboro/Downtown

This hotel is about a 20 minute drive from the wedding venue.

Hyatt Place Chapel Hill / Southern Village

This hotel is about a 15 minute drive from the wedding venue &amp; is located on Franklin Street, the heart of Chapel Hill.

Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill

Hotels

~~~ Greenery ~~~

This is where Derek proposed to Samantha!

WRAL Azalea Garden

A great location for a casual hike outdoors.

Umstead Sycamore Trail

A lovely place for a picnic or a hike.

Eno River State Park

~~~ Games ~~~

Our local board game bar and the spot where Derek and Samantha get their fix of Magic the Gathering cards!

The Gathering Place

Art Museum located on UNC Chapel Hill's campus - it looks like in October they will have two exhibitions, one related to modern art, and another of African art!

Ackland Art Museum

Family-friendly museum with live animals outdoors and various exhibits indoors.

Museum of Life and Science

~~~ Grub ~~~

This restaurant specializes in excellent BLTs.

Merritt's Grill

See the view of Chapel Hill's Franklin Street from this classic rooftop restaurant.

Samantha & Derek

Samantha & Derek

Registry