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



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.

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"
- Charlotte bride doesn't let cancer diagnosis keep her from her big day
- See inside this Charlotte couple's six-figure Asheville wedding
- How this couple kept their 45-guest wedding under $10K
Calling all Carolina newlyweds! Want to be interviewed for our wedding budget series? Fill out this survey to be considered.
