Share with us how you two met:
We met in 2002 while attending college at North Carolina Central University. We were both students in the Criminal Justice program and shared several classes. McLloyd was a member of the NCCU Sound Machine Marching Band drum line and La’Tasha was a NCCU Cheerleader which also connected us. We were frequently in each others presence but only maintained a friendship at that time. We both knew there was something about the other person that was special but never acted out on those feelings. Later into our adult years McLloyd who had relocated returned to Durham, NC. After not seeing each other for many years it was amazing how the attraction was immediate when we ran into one another at a NCCU football game. Later on a mutual friend of ours decided it was time for us to stop playing games, it was clear that we both were interested but were too shy or stubborn to pursue the other. Our mutual friend planned a Christmas party in December of 2013 and invited us both to get a chance to reconnect. Let’s just say we’ve been together since… :)
Tell us about your proposal:
McLloyd proposed on December 20, 2015 during La’Tasha’s MIP ceremony as she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. This day was so special as McLloyd knew how long La’Tasha had hoped and awaited the moment to become an AKA. McLloyd definitely added the icing to the cake!! La’Tasha received her pearls and diamond all in one day.
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My wedding gown was by Melissa Sweet and purchased at David’s Bridal. The day I purchased my gown I had no intentions on that particular day to select my dress. I thought the process would be a long and lengthy process. I went to several formal boutiques with my mother just to get a chance to look at different options. We decided to visit David’s Bridal just to look. While in the store the consultant that was assigned to assist me was an old high school classmate / friend. I told her that I wasn’t interested in purchasing anything but just browsing. I showed her a few pictures of gowns that I liked and then explained to her the look I was going for. She said that she knew the perfect gown and guaranteed I would fall in love. She brought me three gowns in which I tried on all three. The second gown caught my eye so I tried it on a second time. Everyone in the store told me that it was the perfect gown. I tried on a few more gowns but then tried on dress number 2 two for a third time. This go around she added a veil. When I stepped out of the dressing room and looked in the mirror then glanced over at my mom’s face and smile, I knew this was the PERFECT gown.
Tell us about your hair & makeup:
- Makeup by: Contuor Kissed
- Hair by: Ashley Sanders – Suede The Salon
Both my hair and makeup were absolutely flawless. I provided both artists an idea of the look I wanted for myself and the bridesmaids and they both exceeded my expectations. Both were very friendly and engaging and made the wedding day even more special.
Any bridesmaids / groomsmen gifts?
- Bridesmaids – Monogrammed wine glass and bottle of sparkling cider; bridal robe and jewelry
- Groomsmen – Monogrammed Glass Mug
Barclay Villa Wedding in the Fall
How / why did you choose your ceremony venue:
We chose the ceremony venue because it was absolutely beautiful and completely fit the mode of what we wanted for our wedding day. When we first saw the venue for our tour we immediately fell in love and knew this was the perfect place for our special day. Our theme was Vintage Autumn and Barclay Villa had the perfect look and feel. It was very classy, historic and just absolutely astonishing. It was truly indeed the perfect place for an elegant fairytale castle wedding.
Was there any particular theme or style for your wedding:
Our theme for our wedding was a Vintage Autumn Theme; Fall In Love with the Bynums. With our wedding being on Thanksgiving weekend and during the Autumn/ Fall Season, we wanted to incorporate the feel of the season into our special day.
Tell us about your flowers:
The florist for our wedding was Embellished Blooms who did a remarkable job. The flowers and overall design were absolutely beautiful. Our flowers were blooms in rich shades of Marsala, Burgundy, Wine and Blush.
Any wedding favors:
Personalized tube of bubbles; Personalized Wedding Mint Tins with peppermint flavored candies; Photo wedding cards – All favors personalized with “Fall In Love the Bynums”
Tell us about your reception venue:
Barclay Villa
And your decorations:
Embellished Blooms
And your cake:
Our beautiful and tasty cake and cupcake dessert table was provided by Cake Couture Boutique out of Raleigh, NC
Favorite item on the reception menu:
Shrimp & Grits
What songs did you choose for your wedding ceremony and reception, and why:
Shania Twain – You’re still the one (Ceremony – bridal party entrance)
Shania Twain – From this moment (Reception – Couple First Dance)
Christina Perry – A Thousand Years (Ceremony – Bride entrance)
Beyonce – Crazy In Love (Recessional)
Bruno Mars – 24k Magic (Reception – Bridal Party Entrance)
Fabulous and Neyo – You make me better ( Reception – Mr. & Mrs. Bynum Entrance)
Richard Smallwood – Total Praise Unity Ceremony)
Celine Dion – Because you loved me (Mother/Son & Father/Daughter Dance)
Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up – Ceremony (Entrance of Family)
Tell us about your wedding photography:
Best photographer hands down. Very professional and personable from our very first meeting throughout the entire process. Our wedding day was captured from beginning to end and everything was remarkable. Our wedding day photos are absolutely amazing and we are so thankful to In His Image Photography for capturing our special day. He and his team made us feel comfortable and words can’t express our amazing they were to work with.
Tell us about your wedding planner:
We had the pleasure of working with Sabrina Seymore with Sabrina Seymore Events as our wedding planner. She was very professional, personable, knowledgeable, and very supportive. She listened to our many ideas and vision for our special day and made it all come together so perfectly. We can honestly say we had our dream wedding and we owe it to her and her team.
Barclay Villa Wedding
Click here to see more Barclay Villa Weddings we’ve photographed over the years.
Tell us about your honeymoon:
We vacationed at the Riu Palace in Aruba for our Honeymoon. We had the time of our lives!! Our suite had an amazing view overlooking the pools and beach. The resort and beaches were absolutely amazing. We enjoyed great food, entertainment, excursions and relaxation in the sun. It was our first time in Aruba but certainly not our last!!
Any advice for future brides:
My advice for future brides would be to take it easy on yourself and don’t become overwhelmed. The planning process it’s all about what you make it. Hire a wedding planner to help guide and assist you and take away some of the unnecessary stress of wedding planning. Let your vision and dream of your special day shine through. Don’t get sidetracked by other people expectations, after all, it’s YOUR special day :)
What is your best memory of your wedding?
Our best memory from our wedding was seeing each other for the first time. It was the same warm tingling feeling we got our very first time laying eyes on one another.
What’s your favorite image from your wedding day, and why:
Our favorite image from our wedding day is the image of our Pastor praying over us during the ceremony. Surrounded by the love and prayers of our family and friends. This image is our favorite because it demonstrates the importance of prayer as being the glue that holds a marriage and family together. Giving us the spiritual assurance and strength which we will share together through our life as husband and wife.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Our best advice to engaged couples would be to sit down together and create a vision of what you want your special day to be. Set a date that gives you time to plan accordingly and achieve your vision, budget, and enjoy every moment of it :)
Any final thoughts:
Our wedding day was beyond what we could’ve imagined. We had the very best team and everything was absolutely perfect. We are continuing to get calls and messages from family and friends talking about how amazing it was. Our special day was everything we dreamed of plus more and we couldn’t be happier!!
