WEDDING
smith & walker By EMMA UNGER Photography by E L L E N L E R O Y P H O T O G R A P H Y, E L L E N L E R OY P H O T O G R A P H Y. C O M
D
avid Smith and Connolly Walker’s love
story began with the swipe of a screen on Bumble back in December 2021. Soon after their online match, the pair met in person for their first date at The Crunkleton in Chapel Hill, and the chemistry was instant. They quickly bonded over their shared love for food, exploring the area’s dining hot spots on their first dates. David popped the question to Connolly at the North Carolina Botanical Garden in June 2023. Their friends Shelley Smith and Katie Walker captured the magical moment, and afterward, 128
C H AT H A M M AG A Z I N E
WINTER 2024-2025
Connolly and David returned to their first date spot to celebrate their engagement with friends. The happy couple said “I do” in Connolly’s hometown of Morehead City at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on June 1, 2024, a beautiful coastal day with blue skies and moderate temperatures. The bride and groom paid homage to family members through passeddown accessories, photos of loved ones and music arranged by Connolly’s sister, Kathryn Walker. While the day was perfect, Connolly and David agree that their favorite moment was their private first look. Connolly walked down the aisle solo to join David before the family and bridal party entered. After the ceremony, the newlyweds danced the night away during their reception at The White Oak, just a short walk from the home of Connolly’s parents, Ann Walker and David Walker. As the night came to a close, the couple made a grand exit in a sleek black Rolls-Royce. David and Connolly now reside in Chatham County, where David is the director of operations at the Governors Club and Connolly is a sales and marketing agent at Harris & Company Insurance in Pittsboro. cm