A Symphony of Pastel Petals and Fresh Greenery at Hampton Preston House

In the spring of 2022, Curtis asked me where I wanted to vacation that Summer. We discussed several options and then decided to travel to Madrid, Spain. During the first several days of our vacation, I noticed that Curtis appeared to be a little anxious as we toured historical sites and enjoyed the city’s parks and restaurants. After a day of touring the Prado Museum and walking The Salamanca District, we went to the center of Old Madrid, Plaza Mayor, for late night tapas and sangria. After the square cleared, Curtis asked me to dance with him while we listened to some our favorite songs, including, Luther Vandross’s “If This World Were Mine.” As the song ended and we began to leave the square, Curtis took my hand, knelt on one knee, and said “I didn’t just bring you here for vacation. I brought you here to ask you to be my wife.” I immediately said “yes!”

My dress was designed by Mon Bijou Bridal and purchased at Savvy Bride in Charlotte, North Carolina. I wanted a dramatic train with a drop neckline and they were able to create the perfect dress! Savvy Bride was recommended to me by our wedding planner, Alexandra Madison Weddings, and I could not have been happier with the entire process. Prior to my appointment, I filled out an extensive questionnaire giving the stylist as much information as possible about our wedding and my ideal wedding dress. When Angel, Breon, and I arrived we were greeted mimosas and my stylist pulled several dresses that she thought I might like and encouraged me to do the same. As she was pulling dresses I heard her whisper to her assistant, "this is the dress she will end up choosing," and she was absolutely right! My experience with Savvy Bride was amazing!

Knowing that we would have a garden wedding in early spring, I wanted to choose colors that would complement the setting. We chose sage green and gold as our wedding colors and then proceeded to meet with stylists at Bella Bridesmaids in Columbia, South Carolina. We were able to show the design team our desired wedding colors, the date of our wedding, and our wedding location and they began by pulling designers who had dresses in our color palette. From there, my sister modeled each designed until we found a designer who had dresses that had dresses we believed matched each bridesmaid's style and personality. Once we decided on dresses by Bill Levkoff, each bridesmaid was able to select a dress of her choice. It was very important to us that each member of our bridal party was able to have input into their attire for the day - we wanted all the ladies to feel their most beautiful and all them men not feel their most handsome!

Curtis' tuxedo was designed and tailored by The Buddy Tailor. The managing director, Mohammad Babur Hossain, flew to Charleston, SC to measure Curtis for his attire. After approximately two weeks, The Buddy Tailor shipped the custom tuxedo directly to Columbia, SC in time for the wedding. Curtis wore Gucci patent leather horsebit loafers. He also wore a Gucci black belt and a brackish bow tie. The groomsmen's attire was designed by Curtis using Generationtux.com. The groomsmen wore tan three-piece suits with ivory colored dress shirts. The look was complemented with sage green ties and handkerchiefs. They wore brown belts and shoes. Generationtux.com was recommended by our wedding planner, Alexandra, and we found them easy to work with. We highly recommend them for a seamless experience.

Featuring an upscale wedding that breaks tradition in the most stylish way. Imagine a celebration where guests mingle freely, savoring gourmet cuisine from various food stations, all without the formality of assigned seating. This wedding is a testament to modern luxury and the joy of unstructured elegance.

The decor is anchored by the timeless elegance of white and green florals, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The focal point of the bar area is a breathtaking urn centerpiece overflowing with lush greenery, adding a dramatic yet natural touch. Cascading vines and verdant foliage spill gracefully from the urn, interspersed with delicate white blooms that add a touch of romance and purity. This striking centerpiece not only enhances the bar's aesthetic but also serves as a captivating conversation piece, drawing guests in with its organic beauty and grand presence, perfectly embodying the harmonious blend of nature and elegance.

The wedding cake was a stunning showstopper with its unconventional design and impressive height, boasting over four meticulously crafted layers. Each tier was a perfect square, a modern twist on the classic round wedding cake, exuding contemporary elegance. The cake sat atop a sleek acrylic base, giving the illusion that it was floating.

For their unique wedding ceremony, the couple envisioned a setting where their love could be witnessed from every angle. They chose to arrange the guests' chairs in a perfect circle, creating a rounded and inclusive atmosphere. At the center, the couple stood on a pristine white podium, elevated slightly to ensure a clear view for all their loved ones. This 360-degree arrangement not only symbolized the unity and equality of their union but also allowed every guest to feel intimately connected to the momentous occasion. The innovative setup made for a memorable and visually striking ceremony.

The couple's wedding was marked by a beautifully designed custom monogram, which served as a signature element throughout the celebration. This emblem first appeared at the heart of the dance floor, where it was showcased in a grand design that added a personal touch to the reception's centerpiece. The monogram’s sleek and sophisticated design was seamlessly integrated into other wedding details, appearing on custom koozies, napkins, programs, and bar signage. This cohesive branding not only tied the event's aesthetic together but also gave guests charming keepsakes that embodied the couple's unique style and the unforgettable memories of their special day.

The bride made a grand entrance that left her guests in awe by arriving at the ceremony in a stunning vintage 1940 Cadillac. This exquisite car, painted in a unique blend of gold and mauve, was a departure from the usual end-of-night getaway vehicle, adding an extra layer of surprise and elegance to the event. The vintage Cadillac, with its timeless charm and distinctive color, perfectly complemented the sophisticated theme of the wedding.

We chose to leave the chair next to my father empty - my sister, and maid-of-honor, placed a memorial bouquet in the chair to honor my late mother's memory.