Aug 27, 2025 - Weddings

Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Inside this Charlotte couple's $37K Marvel-themed wedding in Davidson

McKenzie Rankin

Wedding collage: cake with blue-gray flowers and bride/groom figurines, couple hugging outdoors, child holding red Captain America box, guests seated. — From custom Funko Pops to a Captain America–themed ring box, Amanda and Colin infused their big day with nods to the Marvel Universe. Photos: Lavender and Light Photography, courtesy of Amanda Schuck

Charlotte couple Amanda and Collin Schuck aren't just newlyweds — they're Marvel superfans.

Why it matters: When it came time to plan their wedding last summer in Davidson, it was clear it needed to reflect the universe that brought them together.

Catch up quick: Amanda and Collin met on Tinder in Boise, Idaho, during the pandemic.

On their first date, they had tacos in the park and quickly bonded over their shared love for the Marvel universe.
After dating through the pandemic and a cross-country move to Charlotte, the couple got engaged and planned a "Muted Marvel" wedding, an elegant spin on their shared fandom.

Inside the Muted Marvel theme

Amanda and Collin's wedding at River Run Country Club in Davidson was filled with touches that reflected both their relationship and their favorite fandom.

Bridesmaids wore colors tied to the Infinity Stones.
Groomsmen wore accessories depicting their favorite superheroes.
Tables were named after Marvel characters (like Groot, Loki and Black Panther) and were decorated with corresponding Funko Pops instead of flowers.
Their guest book? A Captain America shield, which now hangs as wall art in their home.

Wedding party outdoors with six bridesmaids in different colored dresses and six groomsmen in blue suits, standing on grass with trees and a bridge in the background. — The wedding party. Photo: Lavender and Light Photography, courtesy of Amanda Schuck

Five men in navy suits and brown shoes showing colorful patterned socks outdoors on green grass against a stone wall background, bending to reveal their socks. — While some details stood out, others were more discreet — like the groomsmen's socks and cuff links, each representing their favorite Marvel superhero. Photo: Lavender and Light Photography, courtesy of Amanda Schuck

Wedding invitations for Amanda and Collin's July 6, 2024 event with Captain America-themed RSVP card and shield, engagement rings, and signed Captain America shield guestbook. — Custom stationery and the Captain America shield, which doubled as a guest book and now hangs in the couple's home. Photos: Lavender and Light Photography, courtesy of Amanda Schuck

What they're saying: "The biggest thing about our wedding was that we stayed true to who we are," Amanda said.

The big picture: Amanda and Collin's personalized wedding underscores a wider trend — nearly 80% of The Knot's Instagram users say their wedding must reflect their unique relationship, according to The Knot Worldwide's 2025 Global Wedding Report.

The budget breakdown

By the numbers: 98 guests attended the wedding.

The total cost, including a rehearsal dinner, was about $37,000.

Venue and catering: $15,304 — River Run Country Club in Davidson included food and an ice cream bar. Amanda made their cake with custom Funko Pop toppers.

Photography: $4,994 — Charlotte-based photographer Emily Ross of Lavender and Light Photography.

Videography: $2,500 — N.C. wedding filmmaker JNW Visuals.

DJ: $2,333 — Carolina DJ Professionals handled the reception.

Coordinator: $1,800 — A Simple Affair, a luxury event planning firm based out of Charlotte.

Hair and makeup: $1,800 — Who's the Fairest styled Amanda and her 11-person bridal party.

Dress and accessories: $1,342 — Amanda's $100 gown from Vow'd South End, $900 in alterations and veil from RCB Fashions, plus Converse sneakers and jewelry.

Decor: $967 — Mostly DIY. Amanda's mom made bouquets with faux Amazon flowers ($350), and centerpieces featured discounted Michael's bowls filled with Marvel Funko Pops.

Groom's suit and accessories: $80 — A Men's Wearhouse rebate covered Collin's suit. The cost reflects socks, tie clip and cuffs.

Wedding table decoration with a clear bowl containing four Groot figurines on teal pebbles, a salt and pepper shaker, a blue cloth runner, and a table card marked 7 with "I am Groot" text. — Instead of flowers, the bowls were filled with Funko Pop versions of Marvel Characters, like Groot. Photo: Lavender and Light Photography, courtesy of Amanda Schuck

Additional costs

Insurance: $450
Marriage license: $60
Officiant: $500
Stationery: $304

Beyond the wedding day

Rehearsal dinner and welcome party: $2,365 at OMB LoSo.
Extras: Bridal gifts and last-minute decorations (exact cost unknown), but Amanda says this all pushed the final cost of the wedding closer to $37,000.

Amanda's advice for soon-to-be newlyweds

Stay true to who you are as a couple, and make your wedding reflect that.
Pick your splurges. "We knew we would be picky about our photographer and were willing to go a little over our expected amount to reach that."
Think about the details that can live on. From Amanda's custom Converse, which she still wears, to the Captain America shield guest book now hanging on their wall, they chose details that carried meaning beyond the wedding day.

Go deeper: Carolina Wedding Confessionals: Hurricane Helene changed everything except the "I do's"

Calling all Carolina newlyweds! Want to be interviewed for our wedding budget series? Fill out this survey to be considered.