Real Weddings {Georgia}: Faye & Antoine!

High school sweethearts Faye and Antoine started dating in March 2002, her junior year and his senior year. Faye and Antoine were set up on a double date by their best friends who were also dating at the time. All it took was one date to seal the deal for Faye and Antoine. The two remember hitting it off right away. After their first date they were inseparable. After high school graduation, Faye left their hometown and went to college in Birmingham, AL , while Antoine stayed in Lanett, AL. The two love birds continued to date long distance and 11 years later they've made their union official with a beautiful wedding captured by Graceology Photography at the Oakhurst Farm in West Point, GA.

Bride: Faye Howard, 27, Program Manager

Groom: Antoine Heard, 29, Call Representative

Place of residence: Birmingham, AL

Wedding date: 8/10/13

Honeymoon Destination: Western Caribbean Cruise

Engagement story:

The day of the proposal started out as a normal day. We actually attended the wedding of a close friend, in which Antoine was a groomsman. Later that evening after the reception had ended, we went to his home where he told me he had a surprise. I immediately got excited because, for weeks, I had been obsessing over a beach cruiser-style bicycle, so in my mind I instantly knew this was my surprise. As we entered his house, he made me close my eyes until we were completely inside. When I opened them, he was already down on one knee in a room filled with candles and rose petals. He asked, and I said yes!

From the Bride:

The day of the wedding was such a whirlwind for me. Everything happened so fast. I went through a range of emotions – nervousness, excitement, disbelief, happiness, anxiety…everything. Antoine and I have been together so long that it was almost surreal to think that it was actually our wedding day.

From the Groom:

My wedding experience was great. I did not know how much work had to go into planning it and making what we wanted possible. But I wouldn't change it for the world and was very pleased with the outcome. On our wedding day I was anxious and a little nervous about everything until I saw Faye come down the aisle and that calmed me down because I knew my best friend was about to be there with me.

What makes your love special?

Having been together for so many years, Antoine and I have really matured and essentially grown up together. The most special thing about our relationship is that we are truly best friends. We don’t just love one another; we also really like one another and enjoy being in each other’s company.

Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:

Slow down and really sit back and take it all in. Make sure you have a moment alone with each other. You will be pulled in so many different directions and surrounded by so many people, but you have to remember the day is really just about the two of you, so be sure to take time and relish in the moment.

Vendors:

Photographer: Graceology Photography

Ceremony location: Oakhurst Farm, West Point, GA

Reception location: Oakhurst Farm, West Point, GA

Bridal gown: Maggie Sottero (Designer), J. Andrews Bridal and Formal (Boutique), Newnan, GA

Bridal party attire: David’s Bridal

Groom’s tux: Men’s Warehouse

Cake: Midtown Cakes, Columbus, GA

Caterer: Tulla White Cuisine and Catering, Lagrange, GA

Favors: Fan favors by Hand Fan Factory

Personalized napkins by The Knot Wedding Shop

Bottled water labels by Bottle Your Brand