WEDDING
barham & donaldson By CELIA FUNDERBURK Photography by COOKS PHOTO AND FILM, COOKSPHOTOANDFILM.COM
B
rittany Barham and Northwood High School graduate Lyle Donaldson’s
story began with a first date at an oyster bar on July 18, 2022, one they both remember being filled with many laughs, smiles and firsts. They instantly connected over their shared love for family, and the rest was history. Eight months later, on a trip with their families to Surf City, North Carolina, Lyle took Brittany out for a boat ride and asked her to marry him. Brittany and Lyle tied the knot at Hanks Chapel United Church of Christ in Pittsboro 160
C H AT H A M M AG A Z I N E
SUMMER 2024
Sept. 9, 2023, the third generation of Lyle’s family to marry at the church. The couple honored Lyle’s late father, Mark Donaldson, by leaving a spot open for him as the best man during their photos and ceremony. They also wore matching patches from his favorite shirt sewn into Lyle’s tie and Brittany’s wedding dress. The day’s heavy storms knocked power out at the church that morning, but the rain stopped and the power returned just 10 minutes before the ceremony, a blessing the couple attributes to their loved ones in heaven helping them celebrate the day. Lyle and Brittany believe the rain on their wedding day brought good luck, as they were surrounded by their closest family and friends and enjoyed a beautiful ceremony. The festivities continued with a reception at The Evermore where guests danced the night away and indulged in cake from The Phoenix Bakery. Lyle is the owner and president of Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory, and Brittany is a first grade teacher with Wake County Public Schools. The couple resides in Pittsboro. cm