Wayback Wednesday: Classic North Carolina Chic Hotel Wedding

Darcel and Macey initially met at a mutual friend’s dinner party. While there, Darcel noticed that Macey was a good looking fellow from across the table and asked her friend for a little run of who he was. She spoke to Macey here and there when they all went to a lounge that night as a group went, but the pair ultimately went their separate ways. They reconnected again later on in life at that same friend’s wedding. It was during that event when they danced and decided to officially exchange numbers. The pair started dating a week later and have been together ever since. In the summer of 2017, Darcel and Macey married with a contemporary and chic wedding at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh. Check out their modernly styled nuptials, captured by In His Image Photography.

Bride’s full name, age, and occupation: Darcel Brown, 31, Army Veteran

Groom’s full name, age, and occupation: Macey Graham, 35, Senior Analyst

Place of residence: North Carolina

Wedding date: June 10, 2017

Wedding location: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Raleigh – Brownstone University, Raleigh, North Carolina

Wedding theme: Classic North Carolina Chic

Engagement story:

We went to Hilton Head beach for our summer vacation. One night, we went for a midnight stroll to see the sea turtle hatchlings journey to the ocean. There was a mandatory curfew, so you’re not allowed to have a light on the beach after a certain time. As we were walking, we talked about how much we loved one another. Next thing you know, he asked me to turn on my flashlight on my phone because he dropped something. Once the flashlight was turned on, he was down on one knee professing his commitment to spend forever with me.

From the Bride:

We chose the venue because we were able to have both the ceremony and reception in that one space, and we liked the convenience factor since 90 percent of our guest were coming from New York and North Carolina. I wanted a soft blush color palette with a splash of gold. My bouquet consisted of pink peonies, cream hydrangeas, Nena roses, dusty miller, and seeded eucalyptus.

We jumped the broom at the end of our ceremony since it’s a West African tradition that represents entering a new lift together and commitment for one another. Brooms were used in marriage ceremonies where they waved over marrying couples, serving as a way to remove evil spirits and sweep off past wrongs to start anew.

From the Groom:

I was just happy to see my wife walk down the aisle and having the chance to marry the love of my life. In terms of fashion, I wore a classic black tuxedo that consisted of a single cream rose boutonniere.

Favorite wedding detail:

The ceremony flowers were in two tall vases, which included gardenias, roses, lilies, carnations and various greenery. The reception flowers consisted of gold manzanita trees accented with hanging crystals and tea light candles. Throughout the tree and at the base were hydrangeas, various roses, hanging plants with pink daisies, and pink and white peonies. On alternating tables were three cylinder vases filled with blush flowers and floating candles. The head table was dressed with candles and a gold, glittery “Mr. and Mrs.” sign.

Our favorite item on our menu was the Chicken florentine with gravy. It was paired with mashed potatoes, parmesan encrusted cod with roasted asparagus and blistered tomatoes. The wedding cake was a multi-flavored, four-tiered cream colored cake with gold painted trimmings that were accented with blush-pink gardenia flowers and ribbon. The two flavors: lemon pound cake with lemon custard filling and cream cheese cake frosting, and a chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting.

For out wedding favors, we had salted caramel and white cheddar popcorn.I gifted my Maid of Honor with a Michael Kors travel passport holder bag and tag gift set, a 4-piece Mac gift set, a black satin kimono robe, a peach flavored candle, and a beaded pearl bracelet and earring set. My bridesmaids received black satin kimono
robes, lemon flavored candles, and beaded pearl bracelet and earring sets as well. My husband gifted his groomsmen with Swiss Army pocket knives.

Your most memorable moment:

Our favorite memory from our wedding is when we saw each for the first time in front of all our family and friends. One of our favorite images is a picture of us right before jumping the broom! We were initially nervous because we never had any professional photos done prior, but our photographer Dajuan helped us feel comfortable. He is always professional, creative, talented, very reasonable, and so easy to work with. The pictures were sent to us soon after our shoot. They all turned out beautifully! Each picture perfectly captured the love we have for one another! When we look at our wedding pictures, it takes us back to that day and lets us relive those special moments. We absolutely loved our experience with Dajuan!

Wedding song:

The song I walked down the aisle to was, “The One He Kept For Me” by Maurette Brown Clark. Our ceremony exit song was, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder. Later on, our first dance was, “Why I love You” by Major. All three of these songs touched us deeply and the lyrics say it all.

Advice for a Bride and Groom on their wedding day:

Take your time and incorporate things that you both like. Plan things together, so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Be sure to set some time aside on your special day with just you and your spouse to soak in your day. Try not to stress and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Be mindful that everything won’t be perfect and enjoy the journey. Remember that it’s all about marrying your best friend and enjoying your big day!

Please feel free to include any other interesting anecdotes from your big day!

So, I only tried on about eight dresses and went shopping on two separate occasions. On the second occasion, I was accompanied by my mother and sister. When I started my journey, I knew which styles I didn’t like, which helped narrow down my overall search. I had a great experience looking for my dress and it didn’t take very long to find. I actually have to credit my sister for finding my wedding dress.

I would describe it as a scalloped sweetheart bodice with sheer off-the-shoulder straps wrapped in romantic floral lace. My dress was form fitting to the low hip, that fluttered to a full-length mermaid silhouette, ending in several elegant layers. My wedding shoes were Badgley Mischka Women’s Dawn Dress Sandals. My jewelry included a silver bridal bracelet with a blush and diamond stone setting and matching earrings. For my hair, I went with soft large spiral curls while my makeup was a natural look with a dramatic eye and ombre lip.

Congratulations to the happy couple! We wish you many years of wedded bliss!