A Southern Luxury Wedding in North Carolina at the Oxbow Estate

Jocelyn and Archie’s love story unfolded in two perfectly timed moments. Their first meeting happened in 2014 at a Starbucks in North Raleigh, where mutual friends had gathered for a casual hangout. It wasn’t until 2016—at a live music event at a local venue—that fate brought them together again. With a little encouragement from Archie’s friend, a playful game of “look at me looking at you” finally led to exchanged phone numbers. From that moment on, the connection was undeniable, and the two have been inseparable ever since.

The couple tied the knot at the Oxbow Estate in North Carolina. As whispers of Oxbow Estate’s November 2024 closure circulated, this wedding became one of the last to grace the property’s brief, one-year reign as one of North Carolina’s most stunning venues. See all the details from their stunning wedding day, captured by Optikool Illusions.

Bride: Jocelyn Quinyon Simmons, 29, Pharmacist

Groom: Archie Levall Simmons III, 36, Financial Specialist

Photography By: Optikool illusions

Event Planner: Nouveau Events

Place of Residence: Raleigh, NC

Wedding Date: November 22, 2024

Wedding Location: The Oxbow Estate

Wedding Theme/Motif/Inspiration: Romantic, modern

Honeymoon Destination: Antigua and Barbuda

Briefly tell us about your wedding experience and how the both of you felt on your big day. 

The first word that comes to mind is “cold.” It was a frigid 43-degree day, with wind gusts between 5 and 10 miles per hour. But in all seriousness, the day was filled with love and support from family and friends, both near and far.

Although the nerves were evident, there was so much love in the atmosphere that it’s all we really remember. We were marrying our person in one of the most beautiful places, and every detail was perfect. It was truly an amazing day. 

Wedding song, and the significance of the song: 

“Forever” by Robert Glasper featuring PJ Morton and India.Arie—listen to the song and you’ll understand. It speaks to everything we felt leading up to the day, on the day itself, and in the days that followed.

What are you most looking forward to as a married couple? 

Building the legacy we’ve always talked about. Creating a family rooted in the foundations of our individual family structures. Raising our children and watching them grow into incredible human beings. Traveling, learning, growing, and making memories that last a lifetime. But more importantly, loving one another every day until there aren’t any days left. 

Congratulations to the happy couple!

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