This black-tie formal wedding in Atlanta has luxurious lavender and white decor, romantic details, and an extravagant ballroom reception.
DeAndrea and Willie’s love story began at work in the summer of 2015. The pair’s professional relationship gradually evolved into something much more special and by October the same year, they were officially a couple! Separated in 2016 due to job locations, they persevered in spite of the distance and finally reunited in 2019 in the Bay Area. Then, on Labor Day Weekend 2020, Willie took DeAndrea to the beach and asked her to be his wife. Of course, she said yes!
Their black-tie Atlanta wedding was an affair to remember. Celebrating their love with 200 of their closest family and friends, their elegant ceremony took place at Friendship Baptist Church followed by a lux reception at the Southern Exchange Ballroom. It was a night of dancing, delicious food, and so much love.
More sweet details below.
- Couple: DeAndrea Marie Daniels-Lamar & Willie Lamar, III
- Occupations: DeAndrea is a Product Strategy Lead & Willie Lamar is a Product Lead
Quick Facts:
- Wedding date: March 25, 2022
- Wedding location: Atlanta, GA
- Ceremony entrance song: Soloist sang “I Believe in You and Me” by Whitney Houston for the Bridal entrance
- Wedding party entrance: organist played Pachelbel’s Canon in D
- First dance song: “Best Part” by H.E.R.
The bride…
How they met…
Our story began in the summer of 2015, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. What started out as professional and cordial work relationship, gave way to canoe dates and other outings. We officially became a couple in October 2015.
Fast forward to the summer of 2016, we were separated across the country by 2,362 miles due to job locations. DeAndrea was in California and Willie still lived in Michigan. With countless FaceTime calls and plane flights, we were able to persevere through the long-distance.
In April 2019, our joy was elevated when long-distance was a thing of the past and we both experienced the Bay Area side-by-side. Then Labor Day Weekend 2020, this love story truly crescendoed when DeAndrea said “yes” to be Willie’s life partner against the backdrop of sandy beaches and the Pacific Ocean.
The groom…
The proposal…
The proposal was of course a surprise to DeAndrea. Prior to asking DeAndrea to marry him, Willie asked for DeAndrea’s parents blessing. Willie planned a San Francisco date by the beach and popped the question with the water and sunshine in the background.
Wedding style…
DeAndrea wore a ballroom gown for the ceremony and a mermaid trumpet gown for the reception. Willie donned a tuxedo with a cream dinner jacket for the ceremony and a charcoal dinner jacket for the reception. The theme of the wedding was classy, elegant, and regal. The chandeliers and expansive ballroom for the reception captured this vibe.
The ceremony…
Mr. & Mrs…
Cultural elements…
It was very important to DeAndrea’s parents for the wedding to take place in the church, as both of her parents are ordained members of clergy. We were able to do this and held the ceremony at a family church not too far from the reception ballroom we fell in love with. We were able to balance keeping our marriage rooted in faith and having a reception venue that captured our desired vibe where we were able to “turn-up” and have fun.
Reception space & decor…
The cake…
Favorite wedding day memory…
My best memory from my wedding is the dance floor. I thoroughly enjoyed how when the dance floor opened, it did not go empty all night. From our flower girls to our older aunts and uncles, the dance floor remained a center piece of the energy we wanted for our day; which was to celebrate our union with our family and friends and be filled with love, joy, and a ton of fun.
Advice for other engaged couples…
Be selfish on your wedding day. You’ve put a lot of work into getting there. It will go by so fast. Don’t do anything on your wedding day that doesn’t make you smile.
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Vendors:
- Planner: House of Bash
- Venue: Southern Exchange Ballrooms
- Florals & Decor: On Occasions of Atlanta
- Photography: Love In Motion Films
- Videography: Memory Films
- DJ & Photo Booth: I am DJ Perfect / One For The Books Entertainment
- Bride’s Dresses: Bell Bianca Bridal Couture & The Castle Prom And Bridal
- Groom’s Tuxedos: Custom Suits You
- Cake: Rach Makes Cakes
- Makeup Artist: Scoobie West
- Bride’s Hair: Smack Hair
- Bridesmaids: Bella Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen: The Black Tux
Absolutely beautiful
These light, especially inside the church are really great! Good job:)