A Simple & Timeless Wedding at Reynolda Gardens
Lillie & Michael Dolch — August 31, 2025
Reynolda Gardens & The Barn at Reynolda Village | Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Some love stories begin with sparks. Others begin quietly — in ordinary moments that slowly, steadily become extraordinary. For Lillie and Michael, it all began with a coffee.
They met on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., introduced by a mutual friend who thought Michael would be a valuable connection as Lillie was transitioning into a new role. It wasn’t a setup; it wasn’t intended to be romantic. Still — something was happening. They ran in similar circles but didn’t start dating right away. Life separated them for a while when Michael moved out of state, but months later during the holidays, he came back to visit. That trip changed everything. “Sparks were certainly felt, and we knew we were becoming more than just friends,” they shared.
They fell in love the way good things happen: slowly, honestly, and with time.
choosing North Carolina
Lillie grew up in Boone, and North Carolina has always been home. With her family’s connections to Winston-Salem, the search for the right venue was rooted in nostalgia — places that felt like memory. When they found Reynolda Gardens and the nearby Barn at Reynolda Village, something clicked immediately. “Once we found the venue, it just felt right.”
Their vision reflected the space itself: simple, timeless, guest-focused. There wasn’t a theme as much as a feeling — a celebration designed so their favorite people could simply be with them. No rushing. No performing. Just presence.
a Day built around Presence
Instead of building the day around traditions, they built it around connection. They wanted space to breathe, to talk, to touch the hands of people who shaped their lives.
One of the most meaningful moments wasn’t planned at all.
After the ceremony, instead of hiding away or sticking to a rigid schedule, they drifted into cocktail hour — weaving through the courtyard, hugging guests, taking in the scene like observers in their own dream. “It wasn’t planned or on the timeline,” they said. “We popped in and got to hug and say hello to our guests before the reception, which was really special.” It became one of the memories they’ll talk about for decades.
This is the part of the day that stuck with them — the decision to follow feeling instead of formatting.
the Kind of Weather you Pray for
For a late-summer wedding in North Carolina, they expected heat. High heat. High humidity. Guests fanning themselves in the gardens; forecasts checked nervously; hair spray doing the hardest job of the night.
Instead, they got a miracle: 70-degree weather with almost no humidity — a gift, a blessing, and the kind of good omen that feels like everyone who loves you, here and gone, is helping pull some strings. “It ended up being in the 70s with virtually no humidity, and it was just perfect.”
Under that sky, the day stretched out in softness.
what they will Remember Most
Not the dress details. Not the seating chart. Not the timelines (even though a lot of love went into those). They’ll remember:
✨ Seeing their families smiling
✨ Friends dancing like they never wanted it to end
✨ The cigar bar outside — a constant orbit of laughter
✨ A room full of people they adored, all choosing to show up
✨ And the afterparty down the street at Earl’s — the perfect, unpolished, joy-filled ending to the night
“Seeing how much fun all of our friends and family had…that was really the best part for us.”
Vendor Team
Every great wedding takes a village — here are the vendors who helped bring this one to life:
Planning: Charming Carolina Events + Weddings — Ashley Murray
Photography: House of Willingham
Florals: Claire Paige Floral
Music: Duo Licht (ceremony) & Irresistible Groove (band)
Catering: Holly Tate Fine Catering
HMU: Kaitlyn Elizabeth Styling
Invitations: Designed by the couple
Desserts: Dewey’s
Rentals: Party Reflections
Transportation: Royal Limousine Lillie_&_Michael_s_Wedding_Time…
Considering Reynolda for Your Wedding?
If you’re drawn to weddings that feel candid, emotional, and intentional, Reynolda is one of the most beautiful places in North Carolina to build a day like that.
I document weddings for couples who want photography that feels like memory — cinematic, honest, and warm.
📩 Inquire: houseofwillingham.com
📍 Based in NC — traveling for love everywhere