The Secret Garden: A Romantic Wedding in Taylors, SC

Ciara and Charles’s love story began in 2017 at a homecoming party at Winthrop University, hosted by Charles himself. From the moment they met, there was an undeniable spark—Charles made a lasting impression on Ciara with a warm handshake and a charming smile. She immediately confided in her best friend, Dominique, that she found him handsome.

A year later, Charles stumbled upon a photo of Ciara on Instagram and, recognizing her instantly, sent it to Dominique—who now stands beside Ciara as her Matron of Honor—saying that he thought she was cute. Dominique revealed that Ciara had once said the very same thing about him. It was a full-circle moment that seemed meant to be.

From that exchange, their connection deepened, and in 2019, they officially began dating. Six years later, their journey has brought them to the altar—ready to begin the next chapter of their love story which was also featured in the Summer 2025 issue of Black Bride Magazine.

Bride: Ciara Robinson Clea, 32, Travel Sonographer

Groom: Charles Clea, 33, Entrepreneur

Photography By: Samantha Clarke Photography

Videography By: Katrena Wize

Place of Residence: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Wedding Date: April 26, 2025

Wedding Location: Edinburgh West, Taylors, South Carolina

Wedding Theme/Motif/Inspiration: A secret garden in an enchanted forest.

Honeymoon Destination: We are looking forward to going to South Africa in the fall.

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

Ciara and Charles felt a mix of gratitude and nerves as they prepared to host a wedding focused on creating an unforgettable guest experience. As detail-oriented planners, they worked hard to ensure everything ran smoothly while still being present for their big day.

Charles arrived at the venue early to handle final touches—seating chart placement, furniture setup, and vendor coordination. When Ciara asked for a preview, he replied, “No, you deserve to be surprised.” That surprise brought her to tears.

The space was more beautiful than she had imagined—like stepping into a dream. As she looked around, one line came to mind: “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Paris in springtime,” from “Madea’s Family Reunion”—a perfect sentiment, especially since they got engaged in Paris in March 2023.

Wedding song, and the significance of the song:

“Do 4 Love” by Snoh Allegra. We tried hard to find a song that was just right for both of us. We chose this song because it felt soulful and personal.

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

As a married couple, we look forward to building a life rooted in love, ambition, and shared purpose. We dream of creating a warm and nurturing home for our children. Together, we’re excited to chase our goals, explore new places, and build a legacy that reflects our values, love, and determination, but most importantly, we look forward to spending our lives with each other.