As seen featured in …
Suite 300 Wedding
Complete with insights from the bride!
Tony + Phyllis
August 20, 2016
Suite 300
Share with us how you two met:
Our story is very interesting. We actually have a long history. Tony reached out to me on Facebook after realizing I was his sister’s old friend. We were really good friends and lost touch over the years. We simply began chatting about his sister and exchanged numbers. He eventually asked me out on our first date which was on February 14, 2009. Valentine’s Day! Our first date would lead to many more.
Tell us about your proposal:
Tony totally surprised me at my graduation party on May 23, 2015. In a room full of family and friends, Tony decided this was a perfect time to “pop” the question. Tanya Ross a local band, sang one of my favorite songs, “Is it the Way” by Jill Scott. Tony asked me to dance with him. While on the dance floor, Tony sweetly whispered in my ear and said: “You know I love you, right?” I answered, “yes.” He then asked me how much I loved him. I answered by spreading my arms out wide, I smiled and answered, “this much!” Tony leaned in and kissed me and said: “I have a question?” He dropped on one knee and asked me if I would marry him. I was so overwhelmed I could hardly answer. As soon as I gained my composure, I answered with a BIG, YES!!!!
How / why did you choose your ceremony venue:
I had only looked at a few other venues before deciding on Suite 300 and Kress Terrace. I fell in love with both and decided to book both venues after I couldn’t choose one over the other. I loved Suite 300 because of all of the modern amenities and decor. However, what caught my eye more than anything was the pool room, which was my grandfather’s favorite past time. I felt it would be a great way to honor him. Kress Terrace offered a different atmosphere, and since I love historic buildings, it was love at first sight. I thought the rooftop at Kress Terrace would provide the perfect backdrop for our guest while they listen to smooth jazz, enjoy signature drinks and hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour.
Describe your wedding dress. What was wedding shopping like for you?
My wedding dress was by Italian designer Eddy K from the Couture Collection. The signature dress was a Champagne/Silver color, sleeveless, sweetheart neckline, ball gown with a crystal beaded bustier and organza skirt.
I tried on 30 or more dresses before I found the perfect one. I went to over 10 different bridal salons with my mother and bridesmaids. Finally, I decided to go shopping alone on a whim one Saturday morning and found my dress at a small boutique in Greensboro, NC. This dress was not my original choice. I actually purchased another dress and when I went for my first fitting the owner of the shop told me she had just gotten a new dress in. I tried it on, and immediately knew I had found my dream wedding dress. Fortunately, the boutique owner allowed me to exchange my old dress for the new one.
Tell us about your hair & makeup:
My makeup was a soft, Hollywood glam done by Brianna Nichols at Dolled Up by Bri. My hair was styled by Michelle Washington who is a local stylist in Greensboro, NC and one of my Bridesmaids.
How about your wedding shoes and jewelry:
My shoes were from the Vince Camuto Inspiration line. They were a matching rose champagne gold color. I chose to wear a crystal necklace and earring set.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The funniest moment was the cake cutting ceremony. My husband was so excited about the cake and kept wanting more. It was hilarious. The most serious and moving moment was to have my son escort me down the aisle followed by my three uncles who all gave me away. The joy on their faces when they first saw me almost moved me to tears, but I refused to mess up my makeup. When the officiant asked, “who gives this woman’s hand in marriage?” They all answered in unison, it was just priceless.
What’s your favorite image from your wedding day, and why:
Probably the picture of Tony when we first meet at the end of the aisle. He’s looking at me with that look that he preserves only for me! He wants everyone to exit right!
Was there any particular theme or style for your wedding:
I wanted an elegant, romantic wedding. The decor had to reflect my sense of style which meant I had to have lots of sparkles, bling, and crystal. I wanted a formal occasion and to be surrounded by family and friends who love and support our union.
And your cake:
The cake was amazing. I purchased the crystal cake stand and topper from Fashion Proposals located in TX. Elaine Robbins with Edible Artistry in High Point, NC designed the wedding cake. We had three different flavors. Tres Leche, Cookies and Cream and Strawberry Shortcake. The Tres Leche was my favorite. It was so good that we ate the topper.
Tell us about your bridesmaids:
My Maids of Honor were my cousin and one of my best friends. My Bridesmaids were three of my cousins and two of my dearest friends.
Tell us about his groomsmen:
The Best Man was the groom’s son, and the other Groomsmen were childhood friends of the Groom.
Any bridesmaids / groomsmen gifts?
All of the Bridesmaids received overnight bags, wedding day jewelry, and sleepwear. The Groomsmen received personalized engraved flask and cologne.
And your decorations:
I selected the wedding decor. I purchased all of the table linen, napkins, napkin rings, and charger plates for the special guest tables. I knew I wanted to incorporate the tree gobos on the wall and purple uplights were at the top of the list. I advised the wedding planner that I wanted my wedding to look like “Purple Rain” and the lighting was perfect. I wanted to incorporate mirrors into the setting as well, and we decided to include the mirrored columns for the huge statement centerpieces. I spent hours researching elements to include in the decor and Nishaka and I collaborated so well together. She blew me away with the perfect beaded backdrop by taking the existing curtains in the venue and hanging the crystal beading, and it was incredible. She also incorporated the crystals on the vases of the centerpieces to give the decor a holistic feeling.
Tell us about your flowers:
The flowers were a mixture of fuchsia orchids, pale and pink roses and white and purple hydrangea – which are my favorites.
Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? If yes, tell us more.
We did include the African tradition of jumping the broom which signifies a couple entering into the new life together. Sweeping away the old and bringing into the new.
Favorite item on the reception menu:
All of the food was delicious, but the London broil in gravy was really yummy.
Any wedding favors:
We had a photo booth at the wedding and guests received copies of their Photo Booth pictures.
Any advice for future brides:
Yes, enjoy the wedding planning process as much as you can. Do your research in regards to costs and understand that all weddings are beautiful, unique and should exhibit your personality. The wedding day goes by really quick so ensure you have assembled a team that will support you in every aspect of the process. And by all means, hire a wedding/event planner, it is well worth the money spent. I could not have done all of this without a great pool of talent. Most importantly, remember it’s not about the wedding it’s the life that you want to live after the grand day. I’m excited about our “Happily Ever After.”
Tell us about your wedding planner:
My wedding planner was Nishaka Proctor, with Events by Nishaka. She is one of the best, and after our initial meeting, I knew we would have a perfect relationship. I felt that she understood my vision and she always made herself available for any questions I may have had, either via text, phone or email. We would meet, and I would throw out ideas, and she would take them to a whole different level.
What songs did you choose for your wedding ceremony and reception, and why?
We chose a number of selections. I entered to Leela James “Fall for You,” which was a perfect melody. Our first dance was to Tamia and Eric Benet “Spend My Life With You,” which describes our relationship perfectly.
Tell us about your videographer (if you had one):
Artistic Video Creations was the videographer.
Kress Terrace Wedding
Tell us about your wedding photography:
Well, my wedding photographer is like no other. Dajuan is amazing! I’m still overwhelmed by the depth of his work. I can tell he really cares about his work and is the most detailed person I’ve ever met in my life. Dajuan is serious about his art form and any couple that he works with will be pleased.
Tell us about your honeymoon:
We honeymooned in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico at the Cabo Azul Resort. It was a great way to relax after a year of planning. We enjoyed our 6 day stay in our oceanfront villa. We went horseback riding on the beach and enjoyed a sunset cruise to The Arch at Land’s End, Cabo San Lucas.
Kress Terrace Wedding
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Just enjoy each other and realize God has chosen this mate for you. No two people are perfect, and no marriage is. However, the vows you take “for better or for worse” mean just that. I love you in spite of your flaws, and I’m going to love you until death do us part. It’s critical to get the in-between right and its hard work, but it is so worth the effort.
Any final thoughts?
Sometimes you just know, eyes meet, souls connect, love happens, days become weeks and weeks become years in a relationship. When you think about it, when LOVE happens to you, two people make a conscious decision to embark on a love journey. We’re soulmates: he gets me! I have no choice but to believe that God created and designed him for me! From the first time we met, until the day he proposed, it has been our perfectly designed love story.
Like any couple, we’ve had our challenges. However, one of the strongest things about our relationship is our ability to communicate, To simply talk. Tony’s ideals are grounded in complete romantic love. He believes in perfection, true love and life partnerships built to sustain the inevitable ups and downs of life. He provides the balance and stability I always needed. If you ask Tony why he loves me, the first thing he would most likely say is, “she keeps me laughing, on my toes and there’s never a dull moment between the two of us.” I totally agree! I’m the quiet to his storm. He loves my independence, my drive, and determination. Most importantly he loves me, just as I am!
I love so many things about Tony. However, one of the things I love most about him is how he takes care of me. He has a side that he reserves for me alone. He will go out of his way to ensure that I’m okay.
