Kristy Kelly: The Red Queen gets married
There’s something deeply humbling about being wrapped in the love of an entire town—a thousand small acts that made our wedding day unforgettable. From the moment my eyes opened on the morning of June 13, it was clear that someone had already come through and smoothed the way. Never having thrown a grand party or even picked out a formal gown, I was fully prepared for disaster. But, as it often does, Kinston showed up to remind me that I’m never alone—and haven’t been since the day I moved here.
At this point, I know it probably seems like I’m obsessed with writing about Kinston—and maybe I am. I’ve simply never lived anywhere else where people pour their heart and soul into supporting someone just for showing up and giving back. In other places, I was always the outsider—no deep family roots, no last name that carried weight. But here, something was different from the start. It’s not that I’m particularly charming or outgoing—it’s the people in this community who make all the difference, every single day.
At 8:00 a.m. on the big day, I was already feeling behind, tired, and thoroughly under-caffeinated. My sons ran to Lovick’s for a fabulous BLT and Middle Grounds for a cinnamon latte, desperate to keep their mildly frazzled mother from becoming a full-blown nightmare. (Not a bridezilla—just a little dangerous without bean juice.)
We began decorating the Lenoir County Farmers Market, only to have wind and weather tear it all down a few hours later. The planned rooftop sunset ceremony at the O’Neil was still on the schedule, but the forecast was turning grim fast. “That’s just the risk you take with outdoor weddings,” someone said. By mid-morning, things were looking bleak.
Weddings, I’ve learned, are orchestrated chaos. I must have said “I don’t care” a hundred times that day, just to avoid making another decision that wouldn’t matter thirty seconds later. The only thing I truly knew was that by 8:00 p.m.—rooftop or not—I was going to marry the man I love.
I was never one of those girls who dreamed about her wedding. So when everything started to unravel, I turned to Google and ChatGPT—neither of which had great advice for planning a ceremony while the sky collapses around you. The most terrifying moment came when I had to leave to go get ready—meaning I had to leave everything in the hands of others. I’d also lost my phone somewhere in the shuffle, so I had no idea what was happening.
But my people had it handled. If April and Erica aren’t in your tribe, I’m sorry!
Amber Teachey at The Color Bar transformed my hair into something so beautiful I cried in the car. (Luckily, this was before makeup.) At the O’Neil, Erica Miller made sure my nails were both gorgeous and indestructible—I may never get them off—and Cat Kosinski turned me into a regal Red Queen, while expertly concealing the anxiety that had started turning into hives. If you know, you know.
Surrounded by my moms, my sisters, and my friends, I got to experience something I’d only ever seen on television. I was part of a tribe that not only showed up for me, but made sure I felt the magic of that day. Even now, writing this brings tears to my eyes. Everyone should be lucky enough to have a community of strong women in their corner.
In the end, the weather didn’t cooperate. The rooftop ceremony was rained out. But instead of a sunset view, we were married in the coolest lobby in town, standing in front of a vintage safe at the O’Neil, surrounded by wild costumes, happy grins, and pure joy. We made our vows in front of our tribe, knowing every single person in that room was invested in us and the commitment we were making.
Back at the Farmers Market, twinkling lights and Wonderland decorations brought the reception to life. Guests enjoyed a traditional Pittsburgh cookie table, spectacular flowers, cupcakes by SSSweetsShop, a stunning menu from Julie Babbin Catering with help from Seraphim Smith, and a bar stocked with Mother Earth drinks manned by Pat Rooney. Our first dance was to Jack Rooney singing John Legend’s “All of Me”—and I honestly wanted to stop dancing just to listen. (He’s in Anastasia at LCC—go see it!)
There is truly nothing I would change about my Kinston Wonderland Wedding. Even the hiccups are already legendary stories I can’t wait to tell my grandchildren. And this entire column? It’s one big thank you. Thank you for embracing me, for sharing your community, and for giving me the one thing I’ve always been searching for: a place to call home.
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