Morgan and Charles’ Classic Manor Wedding in Virginia

Morgan & Charles met byway of mutual friends in Washington D.C., when a night out would bring them both into each other’s lives. As if guided by a higher power, their connection felt as natural as if it were always meant to be. Before long Charles began planning their perfect proposal with the assistance of Morgan’s older sister. Portrayed simply as a casual night out with friends, that evening would positively change their lives forever, leading them down the path of together forever…

Read all about Morgan & Charles’ love story, proposal, and experiences in their classic manor wedding in Bristow, Virginia.

Bride & Groom: Morgan & Charles
Occupations: Government Consulting & Captain – United States Air Force
Wedding date: August, 17, 2018
Wedding location: Bristow Manor, Bristow, VA

How did you meet? We met by mutual friends one night in Washington D.C. Charles’ roommate from his days at Howard University invited me and my friends out while Charles was in town visiting. We met and the was history.

Tell us about the proposal. Charles with the help of my older sister, planned a surprise proposal at Pinstripes in Georgetown, Washington D.C.
Charles flew into town and had me pick him up from the airport. We had planned to go bowling with friends at Pinstripes and so when I arrived to a room of about 15 of my closest friends, I couldn’t have imagined what was about to happen. 15 minutes after arriving, my older sister, and Maid Of Honor, asked me to go to the restroom and when we came back everyone was gone. Having convinced me that the group had went to the upstairs bar, I followed my sister up the stairs to a dimly little room. Upon turning the corner I saw rose petals everywhere and Charles on one knee. After I said yes, we enjoyed glasses of champagne with our closest friends by our side.

Describe your wedding attire. My dress was originally a sleeveless Eddy K Dress that I found around his Trunk Show. I chose it because it was very classic and fit my southern rustic theme. I also liked the fact that it wasn’t white. It was a nude color with champagne, which made it different than what most would expect for first time brides. I later added sleeves from the lace in the bodice to give an even more classic, vintage appeal. I went into the process knowing I wanted to forgo a veil, so I paired my dress with a rose gold and pearl headpiece. That brought the look together. I finished the look with champagne Badgley Mischka shoes and rose gold drop earrings, and a bracelet made by Nadri that I purchased from Nordstrom.
My bridesmaids/MOH wore Levkoff dresses purchased at Nordstrom. Going with the theme, I wanted a whimsical feel so I went with various colors and styles.
The groom/groomsmen went with navy suits, grey ties and cognac shoes from men’s warehouse. We opted for suits, because they gave off a more rustic, chic feel than a tux would have.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? My wedding experience started off rough. I started late and was discouraged early by my sample sizes. I am a size 10 with a larger bust, so many boutiques that I went too, would have a dressed I loved and would let me try it on, only for it not to fit and I was told to “use my imagination” of what it could be once I ordered my size. That option didn’t work for a visual type A person, like my self. I went to 3 bridal salons and Nordstrom Wedding Suite, before I went to Global Bridal Gallery. That was the greatest decision ever made. They had larger sample sizes (up to size 14), and such a wide range of options in various price points. My consultation went so well, that I tried on 3 dresses that were picked and decided on the second one I tried one. I also love the fact that they respected my budget. They gave me a dress that AFTER alternations was within my budget, instead of letting me fall in love with an option that was more for the sake of the sale, which many salons do.

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Yes. I was extremely intentional about supporting black owned vendors. I think so often black owned companies are not given opportunities, and the support of our community is imperative to their success. I was happy to have 95% black vendors.
Also being an African American and Christian, I wanted to ensure I jumped the broom, to pay homage to those who came before me. The groom and I also took a first communion, which is a tradition in many Christian Marriages.

Wedding party gifts: bridesmaids – flip-flops, robes, tumbler cups with their names, earrings for the wedding, perfume. Groomsmen- cigar boxes with their names, cigars, mini bottles of Crown and personality socks to wear at the wedding.
Gifts for one another: wedding day fragrances.
Ceremony entrance song: “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri  (Saxophone)
First dance song: “This is Why I Love You” by Major.

What is your best memory from your wedding? My husband and I both have blended families, eight parents together. One of my favorite memories was the father/daughter dance. I have a close relationship with my step dad, so I had my dad and him split the father daughter dance. My dad started the dance and about a minute later he passed me to my step dad. To my surprise about a minute later, my husband’s step dad steps in and I share a dance with him, and not to be outdone, a minute later my husband’s dad stepped in to share the last minute of the song. I thought it was so special to share that moment with all my new “dads” and the guests loved it!

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Love each other. Think beyond the wedding. It’s easy to get caught up in the planning of the wedding, but don’t let that overshadow the commitment to forever. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the love.

Vendors:
Photography: Burroughs|Knight Photography
Florals: JP Wedding Flowers
Brides Dress & Head Piece: Global Bridal Gallery (Eddy K Dress)
Brides Shoes: Badgley Mishka
Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff (Nordstrom)
Catering: Lassiter Entertainment
Music: Rob Maletick of Breaking Ground Entertainment
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Men’s Warehouse
Flower Girls Dresses: Bhldn
Venue: Bristow Manor (Day Of Coordinator Bettina Theilacker)
Cake/Desserts: 5-12 Desserts
Make Up: Blush By Makki
Hair: HairICome
Stationery: Bliss Creative Atlanta LLC