Nicole and Malcolm met through their mutual friends, who knew from the beginning that Nicole and Malcolm would be the perfect match for each other. "A mutual friend of ours, Lamar, had made mention of Malcolm to me at some time in early 2010 and said 'He thinks you’re so beautiful! He really likes you!' My friend Kristin, who was sitting with us, conveniently proceeded to tell me that Malcolm had also sent her a Facebook message some time back asking if she could put in a good word for him," recalls Nicole. As fate would have it, Nicole and Malcolm finally met about a month later. "One night in late February of 2010, I was out with a few of my friends and a group of guys, some of whom I knew passed by. One of them was Malcolm, the same Malcolm that Lamar previously mentioned to me. It wasn’t until we were inside the club that Lamar, who happened to be with Malcolm that night, forced our introduction…literally. We introduced ourselves and I apprehensively gave him my number," said Nicole. Malcolm contacted Nicole the next day and despite Nicole's reluctance to become involved with someone three years younger than her, they immediately clicked and spoke daily from that day forward. Check out their elegant summer wedding, captured by Catherine Guidry Photography !
Bride: Nicole Malveaux Lago, 26, ISO coordinator for a bulk liquid transportation company
Groom: Malcolm Joseph Lago, 23, Small Business Owner- Cellular Screen Doctor
Place of residence: LaPlace, LA
Wedding date: 6/21/14
Wedding location: Memorial Chapel at First Baptist Church in Lafayette, LA
Honeymoon Destination: Orlando, FL
Engagement story:
In 2013, Malcolm introduced the idea of joining both of our families together for a Mother’s Day dinner. My family lives in Lafayette, LA, where we both attended the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. His family lives 2 hours west, near New Orleans, LA. I thought it was a great idea, especially considering we seldom had the opportunity to gather everyone together. Unbeknownst to me, Malcolm had the perfect plan to use this opportunity to propose marriage. He had asked for my mom and dad’s blessing and shared his plan with his family as well. His rather large family drove into town and met me, my mom and dad at Bonefish Grill for a Mother’s Day dinner. Towards the end of the night, I decided on dessert. The waiter brought out the rather large dessert and an extra plate and spoons for sharing. He place the desert in front of Malcolm and the napkin covered plate in front of me. When I lifted the napkin, there was a small box sitting on the plate. I did not even notice Malcolm standing up waiting for my attention. He picked up the box and literally turned my chair around. Still in disbelief, he asked if I would marry him! Through the happiest tears I've ever cried, I said yes!
From the Groom:
At the time, we were living in two different cities. We discussed how we both envisioned the wedding day. However, Nicole did much of the planning. There was a lot more to it than I thought! On the day of the wedding I remember feeling very anxious and excited. I was more ready for the time to come than ever. It all turned out perfect.
From the Bride:
Wedding planning was the most difficult thing for me. I knew nothing about weddings or the time and effort they required to plan. Although I wanted everything to turn out well, marrying Malcolm was what was most important and I knew that the most important thing would occur regardless-everything else (the décor, cake, venue, etc) was for everyone else. On our wedding day, I was nervous about all the attention, but excited more than anything. It was surreal and took a conscious effort to force myself to sit and really be encircled with the idea that it was really our wedding day! Not one thing went wrong the whole day. I loved my hair, make up, the venue, the flowers, my amazing photographer, the wedding party…everything…especially that I had the chance to marry the love of my life and best friend. I enjoyed every single second of June 21, 2014. I can’t imagine that it could have turned out any better than it did!
What makes your love special?
Except for our initial introduction, nothing was ever forced between us. We both agree that everything about us being together feels natural. We truly enjoy each other. No matter what we are doing or if we're doing nothing at all, we have so much fun. We constantly express our gratitude for each other. We love each other unconditionally.
Your best/most memorable moment:
Malcolm: The best part of the day was seeing her walk down the aisle. I was always trying to picture how she would look on the big day, but when I saw her I just remembered thinking that she looked so beautiful.
Nicole: We read our own personalized vows at the wedding. Malcolm was so nervous, it was kind of funny, but one of his most honest, sweet, and well put together letters…& the dancing…we danced the ENTIRE night with our wedding party and guests!
Wedding song:
Wedding ceremony: I’m Sure It’s You- Shelea Frazier
Every single word of this song is how we felt leading up to the wedding…and still feel today.
Reception First Dance: You & I- John Legend
As much as we mingled and spent time amongst family and friends that night, for the most part, we wanted to be sure that we focused on each other on our wedding day. The song lyrics “aint nobody in the world tonight/ Aint nobody in the world but you and I” fit well with how we felt, along with the rest of the song, which Malcolm particularly liked.
Favorite wedding detail:
Malcolm: The wedding music was great, it allowed everyone to enjoy themselves.
Nicole: The second line umbrellas we beautiful! Not being from the New Orleans area like Malcolm's family is, I wasn't familiar with the tradition but I am so glad that Mrs. Diedre made them because everyone had a blast and our wedding party had a beautiful keepsake!
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
Just enjoying life being with the person that you love and makes you happy for the rest of your life.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
Don’t allow all the wedding details or other people's opinions/ plans consume you.
Congrats to the newlyweds Nicole and Malcolm. We wish you many more years of wedded bliss!
Vendors:
Photographer: Catherine Guidry Photography
Ceremony location: Memorial Chapel at First Baptist
Reception location: Petroleum Club of Lafayette
Bridal gown: Jasmine Couture / Bustle Bridal Gowns and Accessories
Bridal party attire: Moonlight Bridesmaids/Lemon Drop
Groom’s tux: Millers Formals
Cake: Ms. Joann Noel
Hair: Kiona Thomas
Flowers: Susan Durio
Stationery: Etsy “SwellAndGrand”
Second line umbrellas- Diedre Jones
Curated by our Wedding Features Editor, C.K. Alexander. C.K. is the owner and founder of Love Ink and Brownstone Bridal. Keep up with C.K. on Twitter here: @Love_Ink
