“We dated for about 10 years before he proposed to me as I sat on the floor of a walk-in closet he had just built for me,” Ayesha shares.
Now, this may seem an unusual proposal to some, but it was the perfect proposal for Ayesha- it was the only way Sterling could catch her off guard. She says, “Now, while that experience does not sound romantic, it was surprising and unexpected. I was a person who generally did not like surprises and would always question special plans. He truly captured the element of surprise, which I now love to experience.”
Their wedding was a celebration of over a decade of memories and love. Their picturesque outdoor ceremony was full of touching moments. Ayesha recalls, “The brief sermon during the ceremony provided a moment of unity wherein our village of friends and family could reflect spiritually. The moment of silence in honor of our deceased parents made the wedding day special as it acknowledged our history in preparation for our future together.”
After the moving ceremony, guests headed inside for a reception where beautiful florals in a whimsical mixture of pampas grass, roses, dahlias, and mixed greens adorned the tables. Much to Ayesha and Sterling’s delight, it was a full-on party; “there was music for everyone and everyone had a blast!” Ayesha recalls.
See all of the lovely details from their gorgeous garden inspired nuptials below.
- Couple: Ayesha & Sterling
- Wedding Date: Nov 01, 2019
- Wedding Location: Charleston, SC
How did you meet?
We met about 14 years ago. He was the DJ for a charitable event that I was participating in. We became friends for a few years before I agreed to date him.
Tell us about the proposal.
We dated for about 10 years before he proposed to me as I sat on the floor of a walk-in closet he had just built for me. Now, while that experience does not sound romantic, it was surprising and unexpected. I was a person who generally did not like surprises and would always question special plans. He truly captured the element of surprise, which I now love to experience.
Tell us about your wedding!
My wedding was a culmination of a ten-year courtship. We desired our union to be an authentic experience of love, family, and friendship. We did not have a specific theme but our style was simple elegance. Our color palette was wine, navy, and white with gold accents. We incorporated a brief sermon prior to our vows in honor of the one true Creator and Sustainer of our union, God.
Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception?
Our ceremony and reception were designed by Your Signature Designs. We participated in the design process and challenged Michelle Summers of Your Signature Designs to provide with a decor that was warm, vibrant, and intimate. I specifically requested a design that was similar in tone as a pop-up photoshoot Mrs. Summers had previously posted on Instagram. The end product included velvet table linen with whimsical florals. Simply phenomenal! There were two DIY projects. The groom built the arbor for the ceremony and the mirror seating charts were done by me.
What were the florals like in your wedding?
The florals were a whimsical mixture of pampas grass, roses, dahlias, and mixed greens. The bridal bouquets, centerpieces, aisles, and the ceremony Arbor were made with live flowers. Live flowers were important to us as we wanted to enhance the natural beauty of the event space and create the radiant ambiance that would pop in our photographs.
Did you personalize the day in any way?
We intended for our reception to be a party with a full dance floor. What we envisioned for the reception did in fact occur. There was music for everyone and everyone had a blast! The brief sermon during the ceremony was unique in that it provided a moment of unity wherein our village of friends and family could reflect spiritually.
How did you both choose your wedding day look?
We both chose our wedding day looks. The groom wore a navy blue and black tailor tuxedo with a waist coat vest. I wore a white diamond satin off- the shoulder sheath style dress.
What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
I had lots of anxiety about the entire day as I knew my late mother would have been so excited to witness the union. The moment of silence in honor of our deceased parents made the wedding day special as it acknowledged our history in preparation for our future together.
Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
I would advise other couples to keep their focus on the main thing while they are planning their wedding and during their marriage. The main thing is not the event of having guests, the right decor, good food, a big house, etc. it’s about the union and commitment to accept and love each other unconditionally.
Vendors
- Photographer: 323 Creative Designs, LLC
- Rentals: Event Works
- Wedding Venue: Founder’s Hall- Charleston, SC
- Wedding Planner: Events by Nila B.
- Design and Decor: Your Signature Designs
- Makeup Artist: Inna Glow Beauty
The flowers are making the day more romantic. I like the arrangements of colorful flowers. Thanks for sharing a great stroy.
Absolutely beautiful wedding and gorgeous pictures. Congrats!
The bride and groom are so incredibly stunning! What a beautiful and magnificent day! Congratulations!