Last spring, I had the pleasure of working with Jamal + Erika as they celebrated their nuptials among family and friends at the Grand Marquise Ballroom. Prior to the wedding celebration, I was also fortunate enough to capture Erika’s bridal portrait. Again, join me in wishing Jamal + Erika well as they enjoy their lives together in Holy Matrimony!
Grand Marquise Ballroom
Complete with insights from the bride!
Jamal + Erika
March 26, 2016
Grand Marquise Ballroom
Share with us how you two met:
We met in highschool
Tell us about your proposal:
Jamal took me to dinner at Brio in Raleigh. He had a camera crew, a videographer, and the restaurant in on the entire proposal. He had multiple roses delivered to me with different notes on each set of roses. At the end he came out and got on one knee and proposed. After I said yes, I turned around and he had our entire family along with friends there. We celebrated in a private room at the restaurant. It was extremely memorable.
How about your wedding shoes and jewelry:
My wedding shoes were Christian Louboutin. They were a glittered peep toe. My jewelry set was the perfect touch with my strapless gown, it added some glam to my entire outfit.
Tell us about your hair & makeup:
My hair and makeup artist were Mari Chesney and Tia Teasley. They did a phenomenal job.
Tell us about his groomsmen:
His groomsmen were longtime friends and family. He had friendships ranging from elementary through college.
Tell us about your bridesmaids:
All of my bridesmaid were long time friends or family. I had friendships ranging from elementary through college with the ladies. They are awesome ladies and they were so supportive through the entire process.
Tell us about your flowers:
My flowers were white roses along with a pop of my accent color, coral. I wanted the floral arrangements to be simple and beautiful. I had 3-4 different center pieces at the wedding and I incorporated a pop of the coral in the arrangement on the tables.
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My gown was all I ever wanted, it was form fitting, unique, and it had a long train. I loved the ruching at the bottom. The lace bodice was the perfect touch to accent the entire gown.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
My first look with my dad. It was priceless. When he saw me he was speechless and he even cried. A moment I will NEVER forget.
Upper Room COGIC Wedding
Tell us about your wedding photography:
My wedding photography was AMAZING! I loved every photo received and the entire team was great. They captured the bridal prep, groom prep, ceremony, and reception. The beginning to the end of the day was captured and it was awesome to look back at the photos and relive the day all over again.
And your videographer (if you had one):
Our videography was done by MHarris Media
Tell us about your wedding planner:
My wedding planner was AMAZING!! She was with me every step of the way for the last 10 months. She guided me every step of the way.
And your cake:
My cake was a beautiful 4 tier cake. On the cake there were coral roses incorporated along with the sage ribbons which were another one of our wedding colors.
How / why did you choose your ceremony venue:
The Grand Marquis was just beautiful when I went to visit, I knew I had to have it.
Was there any particular theme or style for your wedding:
My wedding had a “gold” and “classy” theme to it.
And your decorations:
My decorations were done by Angelic Designz. They achieved every dream imaginable. My “gold” theme was definitely created, with class and creativity.
Tell us about your reception venue
It was beautiful. The Grand Marquis is one of the greatest venues in the Raleigh area. I loved every moment of the reception venue.
Any advice for future brides:
PLAN PLAN PLAN
Tell us about your honeymoon:
We went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was a beautiful all inclusive resort and we stayed for a week. The weather, beaches, and view was breath taking!
Any other thoughts:
My wedding was a dream come true. My parents are truly amazing for making everything happen and I could never thank them enough for all of their love and contribution to make my special day unforgettable.
What songs did you choose for your wedding ceremony and reception, and why:
We chose a lot of love songs and when it was time to party we had our choice of party songs.
What’s your favorite image from your wedding day, and why:
Right before we left the reception my photographer captured a moment with Jamal and I in the hallway that is extremely beautiful.
