CARY, N.C. — Kristen Leigh Halpern and Matthew Russell Morgan were united in marriage on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009. The ceremony took place at 2 p.m. at the Page Walker House Arts & History Center. The double ring ceremony was officiated by the Rev. Tricia Sabol of Raleigh.

The bride is the daughter of Mark and Veronica Halpern of LaVale. Grandparents of the bride are Bob and Lavon Halpern of White Oak, Pa.

The groom is the son of Gene and Paula Morgan of Frostburg. Grandparents of the groom are Berl and Wilda Plummer of Frostburg.

The bride was given away in marriage by her parents. “Bron-Yr-Aur” by Led Zeppelin was played as Kristen was escorted down the aisle by her father. The bride wore a couture inspired white-ivory A-line taffeta jewel neck gown with two side pockets, from the David’s Bridal 2009 collection. The taffeta gown had a sweep train that was simple and elegant. She wore a fingertip-length, tulle veil with a matching floral and jewel headpiece, worn to the side. She wore a pair of sling-back polka dot Jimmy Choo shoes with multi-color polka dots and leather accents. She carried a bouquet of 12 calla lilies that were burgandy, pink, and ivory colored. Jordan Lesh, of Hairlinz Design Group of Wilmington, N.C., provided hair styling and makeup services for the bride as well as wedding party and the mother of the bride.

The groom wore a Calvin Klein black tuxedo with a white vest and black necktie. All attire was from Men’s Warehouse of Durham, N.C.

Serving as matron of honor was the bride’s sorority sister and college roommate, Kerry Higuera of Morrisville, N.C. Her bridesmaids included her long-time friends Lindsay Zembower, of Port Trevorton, Pa., and Amy Lineberry of Raleigh, N.C.

Brother of the groom, Chris Morgan, served as best man. Groomsmen were long-time friends Kris Montana of LaVale and Erik Jessen of Cumberland. However, due to his responsibilities with the U.S. Army, Erik was unable to attend the wedding but was there with the couple in spirit. The groomsmen were treated to a Carolina Hurricanes game immediately following the rehearsal dinner, a gift from the bride and groom.

Music for the pre-wedding ceremony cocktail hour, wedding ceremony, and reception was performed by Michelle King and the Triangle Band Association.

The wedding reception followed inside the Page Walker House great room and outdoor brick verand and featured elegant black and white linens, décor, and styling. An appetizer buffet was prepared by Old Time BBQ of Raleigh and featured classic Southern-style food. In addition to the appetizer buffet, the bride and groom also hosted a dessert buffet. The dessert buffet included home-made treats made by family and close friends.

The three-tier square wedding cake, with an almond layer, strawberry shortcake layer, and a chocoloate layer, was covered with various icing flavors, decorated with black fondant cut-outs and was baked by Sorte Desserts of Cary.

The couple danced their first dance to “No one” by Alicia Keys — which was sung by the bride’s long time friend, Sarah Taylor, of Baltimore. The bride danced with her father to “You Are So Beautiful” by Joe Cocker. The groom danced with his mother to “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban.

Photography for the wedding was provided by Brad Matthews Photography. Engagement photos and pre-wedding photography was provided by Julie Lineberry Photography of Chicago. Video services were provided by Allen Linerry of Greensboro, N.C. The couple also provided a photo booth for their guests to enjoy which printed photos for guests to take home with them.

The rehearsal dinner was arranged and hosted at Ragazzi’s in Cary. The event was hosted by the grooms parents, Gene and Paula Morgan. The rehearsal dinner featured a strawberry shortcake groom’s cake with a Carolina Hurricanes logo on it and was decorated in black and white.

The couple was honored with an engagement party hosted by the bride’s friend and bridesmaid, Lindsay Zembower and Beth Leake at When Pigs Fly in Cumberland, Md. on Oct. 10. The bride was honored with a bachelorette party hosted by Matron of Honor Kerry Higuera that was held several weeks prior to the wedding.

The couple honeymooned over the Thanksgiving weekend at Sandals in St. Lucia.

The bride is a 2001 graduate of Allegany High School and a 2005 graduate of Frostburg State University. She is currently employed by Global Knowledge where she works as corporate sales consultant specializing in information technology, project management, and business training.

The groom is a 2002 graduate of Beall High School and is currently attending North Carolina Central University after transferring from Frostburg State University. He is currently employed by Express as an operational manager and sales associate.

The couple resides in Raleigh.

Wedding guests traveled from Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.