Donnell and Tiffany met through a mutual friend in November of 2012. Donnell had made plans to meet with their mutual friend Kristel one evening after she finished her annual Black Friday shopping with Tiffany. Kristel called Donnell after shopping and they decided on a location to eat and catch up. Kristel had informed Donnell that she wanted to introduce him her friend Tiffany, and tht she was on her way to meet up with them. "I was excited because I had already looked her up on Facebook and I thought she was pretty. It didn’t take me long to admire her heart, character, and her love for God. The quote “beautiful inside and out” is used so often, but I must say she embodied it all. I truly feel like destiny brought us together and I thank God for sending her into my life," said Donnell. "She is everything I could have ever asked for and more! We have been inseparable since the day we met." The two dated for two years before Donnell proposed. Check out their special day, captured by Creative Silence.
Bride: Tiffany Perry, 33, Business Systems Analyst
Groom: Donnell Perry, 34, Wedding Photographer
Place of residence: Raleigh, NC
Wedding date: 9/4/15
Wedding location: Ceremony-The Atrium, Wilmington, NC.
Wedding theme: Nautical Theme
Honeymoon Destination: Destin, Florida
Engagement story:
Tiffany had just finished running her first half marathon and I was a little nervous my plan wouldn’t work out, but I went for it anyway. We went to one of our favorite restaurants in Downtown Raleigh to celebrate her completing her first half marathon and I had my good friend Elana of Elana Walker Events along for the surprise. While we were eating they were getting everything set-up near the capital building in the heart of Downtown Raleigh. We were on a time crunch so I told Tiffany I wasn’t feeling well, so we decided to leave a few minutes later. I felt fine but I was thinking this ring might fall out of my pocket which would in turn mess up my plan. After we left, I asked Tiffany if she wanted to go for a walk, she went with it. Elana’s team is amazing, they set-up the rose petals in the shape of a heart with a bible my Dad gave me when I was little. The scripture from Proverbs 18:22 was bookmarked. “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” Tiffany and I walked right in the middle of the rose pedals, I told her how much I loved her and if she would marry me. She said yes!
From the Groom:
Our wedding experience was amazing. Before my groomsmen came to the studio we were staying at, I had nice five mile run. My Dad likes to call it, a prayer reflection run. The early morning run gave me an opportunity to reflect and think about my life up until this wedding day. It was definitely a moment of gratitude and thankfulness to God for sending Tiffany info my life. It was a moving moment as I ran on the river walk in downtown Wilmington. From there everything was smooth sailing, the ceremony was perfect and after the ceremony I felt like the day flew by. Our wedding planner Elana Walker Event and photographer Chris Charles of Creative Silence was amazing to work with. They are friends, but at the same time are the best at their craft. I was confident they would deliver for us and they exceeded our expectations. It was an amazing day, as we danced the night away with family and friends.
From the Bride:
Our wedding was amazing. The morning of the wedding I was both nervous and excited. I had three amazing bridesmaids that have been a great support through years and it was great having them support us on our big day. I was very thankful Donnell and I decided to do first look, it gave us the opportunity to share some precious moments together before the wedding. Also, on our wedding day I had the honor of my dad not only walking me down the aisle but he was also our wedding ceremony officiant. We had a blast at the reception; it was amazing seeing everything come together exactly as planned. I was glad we decide to have an intimate wedding because it really gave us time to enjoy our reception and spend time with guest.
Most memorable moment:
Our most memorable moment was the feet washing ceremony. We decided to do a feet washing ceremony as a first symbol of our vows, to display our humble love by serving one another by washing each other's feet, just as Jesus washed his disciple's feet. There are many things this single powerful act can teach all of us.
First Dance Song:
A Couple Of Forevers by Chrisette Michele
Favorite wedding detail:
To go with our nautical theme wedding we decided to have a family style shrimp boil. This is an annual event we normal have and it was nice to incorporate this into our wedding. We had kraft bag menus made up and included bibs for our guest while they indulged in dinner. Our signature item of the night was the “Perry Cider." We found it at one of our favorite restaurants in Charlotte, NC and since Tiffany was going to become a Perry we only thought it would be fitting to have it at our wedding. Guest were handed the Perry Cider in koozies that had our wedding date and “Love anchors the soul” printed on it. Our nautical wedding cake was perfect by the talented Imaginary Cakes. As favors for our guest we decided to go with salt water taffy to go with our wedding theme.
What are you most looking forward to as a married couple?
We are exciting about building a future together, traveling, and having children. Before the kids we have a list of destinations we want to visit over the next couple years.
Advice for a Bride/Groom on their wedding day:
The most important thing is to find the right wedding professionals. The first item is to find the right venue that will meet your needs and please make sure you hire a certified wedding planner. Once you start there everything else will fall into place perfectly. Having a planner will allow your wedding day to flow seamlessly and you can relax and enjoy the day with family and friends.
Congrats to newlyweds Donnell and Tiffany! We wish you many more years of wedded bliss.
Vendors:
Photographer: Creative Silence
Wedding planner: Elana Walker Events
Ceremony location: The Atrium
Reception location: 128 South
Bridal gown: Justin Alexander
Bridal party attire: David’s Bridal
Groom’s tux: Jos A Banks
Cake: Imaginary Cakes
Music: DJ Brian Jay
Hair: Melissa Kinnamon
Makeup: Amy Kennison
Flowers: Beautiful Flowers by June
Stationery: LeslieEStationery
