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Johnson & Meriwether BY O L I V I A PAU L PH OTO G R A P H Y BY LO NG YAU, LO N GYAU.CO M
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hen Carolina Friends School graduate Andrew Meriwether met Tennessee native Larkin Johnson in October 2018 in a Philadelphia dive bar, their connection was immediate. They both went to separate colleges in Pennsylvania before Larkin moved to Philadelphia to pursue her master’s degree and Andrew moved to Chicago. But while visiting a friend in Philadelphia during a long weekend, Andrew went to a bar where he serendipitously met Larkin. After six months of FaceTime calls and monthly trips, she eventually joined him in Chicago, where they bonded over movies, concerts and ultimate frisbee. In February 2021, Andrew planned a surprise in their home while Larkin was out seeing a friend. He covered the foyer of their house with photos from throughout their relationship and created a path with lights to the kitchen. She was completely surprised when she walked through the door and he got down on one knee. To celebrate, the couple cracked two PBRs as an ode to the dive bar where they met. The couple tied the knot on Oct. 1, 2022, at Carolina Grove. The ceremony was officiated by Andrew’s sister, Caitlin Prillaman, and a unity candle was lit to represent their families coming together. The venue was decorated with local flowers by Lisa Joyner of Fireside Farm, and The Carolina Cutups played during the ceremony and cocktail hour. Larkin’s parents, Robin Johnson and Louis Johnson, and Andew’s parents, Renee Prillaman and Hugh Meriwether, celebrated alongside family and friends at the reception with Beau Catering and a taco truck that served late-night snacks for the guests. The couple lives in Chicago with their cat, Paula. CHM
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chapelhillmagazine.com
November/December 2023