Classic Sophistication: Villa Wedding in North Carolina

Shadawn and Johnathan’s love story first began as co-workers where a business friendship evolved into an ever-lasting love.

Over time, Johnathan, realizing that in Shadawn he had discovered his one and only, got down on one knee in an intimate home proposal where he asked her to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife. Johnathan and Shadawn were pronounced husband and wife in a beautiful villa ceremony in North Carolina – featuring photography by MunaLuchi Coterie member In His Image.

Bride & Groom: Shadawn & Johnathan
Wedding Date: November 18, 2018
Wedding Location: Angier, North Carolina

Tell us how you met and all about the proposal. We met each other while working at a company named Freedom Group in Charlotte, NC. Our proposal happened on a random day, which I was having a horrible day. I wasn’t feeling good and stressed about work. Johnathan came home just to make sure I was okay. He didn’t plan to propose that day but it just seemed like the right timing. He got down on one knee in our home and asked me would I be his wife. The first thing I said was, “Did you ask my parents?” He laughed and said of course. I mean he knew I was going to say yes.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? For me, I just knew I was going to wear a mermaid style dress but none of them were standing out to me. I googled different shops in North Carolina and after going to a few, I stumbled on Thornbury Brides in New Bern, NC which is about two hours away from Raleigh. When I tell you they have some of the most beautiful dresses there. I will recommend them to anyone. The dress I picked I had a screenshot of and once I tried it on it was a wrap. The waterworks came. For Johnathan, he went through one of my good friends Jamison Sanders of The Robert Jamison Collection to get a custom tux. Johnathan already got a suit from Jamison so he knew that he would also get his tux from him as well. It wasn’t hard for him at all.

Describe your wedding style. We didn’t have a theme I just knew that black, gold, and white would be our colors because those colors are very classy and elegant. We had memorial candles for our grandparents who are no longer with us. During the ceremony Pastor, Nolan Davis also did a special part for Johnathan, his children, and I which had everyone crying. Pretty much me dedicating myself to being a second mom for Jaeda and Jaylen and always being there and respecting them and the same for them. I love my bonus kids with all my heart. I was struggling to find the best venue for what we wanted. So in December on my actual birthday, my mom and I set up an appointment to see Barclay Villa. From the moment we drove up I knew that was our venue. Yes, I picked the venue without Johnathan being there but he was cool with it because they had a pool table for the guys. Danielle was very welcoming and worked with us in any way we needed it. I could definitely see my fairytale wedding happening there. We booked right there on the spot.

What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding? For our wedding ceremony and reception, we had DJ Paradime from Cool Receptions. During the ceremony Johnathan and his two best men came out to “So Fresh and So Clean”, our parents and my grandmother came out to Jason Nelson’s “Forever,” our wedding party came out to Leela James’ “Fall for you”, and I came down the steps with my brother to meet my dad halfway to Maurette Brown’s “Clark”, the one he kept for me which was sung by Danyelle Sanders. The Recessional song was John Legend’s “A Good Night”. Onto the reception, the bridesmaids came out to “Bad and Boujee” and the groomsmen came out to Jay Rock’s “Win”, my little ladies did Drake’s “In My Feelings”, and the boys did Yella Bezzy’s “That’s On Me”. Of course, when they announced us we had to come out to UGK International Players Anthem which had the crowd hype. Our First dance was to Mint Condition’s “You send me swingin’” and everyone was singing. My father and I danced to Steve Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely.” Johnathan and his mother danced to The Intruders’ “I’ll Always Love My Mama” and we had the DJ mix it up to 2 Chainz’ “Proud”. After all that everyone was ready to party!

What is your best memory from your wedding? The whole day was magical! It was everything we wanted.

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Get a wedding planner it takes the load off of you. The wedding can lead to a litany of emotions, make sure happiness is most used regardless of the situation.