Surrounded by the stunning architecture and lush natural beauty of Four Oaks Manor, Breale and Nazir tied the knot in a romantic and colorful outdoor wedding in Duluth, Georgia.
The pair first crossed paths in college, drawn closer together by an English class they both enrolled in. “We became friends at first, studying together and going to the movies,” Breale recalls. “As time went on, we got closer and started to see each other every day. And then we fell in love and the rest is history.”
When it came time to take their relationship to the next level, Nazir popped the question at the Atlanta Botanical Garden under the glow of the garden’s winter holiday lights.
Keeping with the theme of mesmerizing outdoor venues, the couple tied the knot at the gorgeous Four Oaks Manor in Duluth, Georgia at the end of 2024. The pair intentionally chose every detail of their ceremony and reception, from the décor pieces to the color of the groomsmen’s ties, to evoke a romantic ambiance. Breale’s key color of lavender represented grace and elegance, while Nazir’s green accents were used to add an element of freshness and vitality.
Their ceremony was heartfelt and intimate, with the couple moving their guests to tears with handwritten, original vows. With understated décor, fresh florals, and rows of string lights shining overhead, the couple’s reception was an equally memorable and beautiful end to their wedding festivities.
Read on for more details on the couple’s colorful outdoor wedding!
- Couple: Breale Howard & Nazir Thomas
- Occupations: Manager of Postsecondary Success Coach and Technical Support Manager
- Wedding date: November 23, 2024
- Wedding location: Four Oaks Manor in Duluth, Georgia
Quick Facts
- Gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen: I made hand-embroidered flowers for my bridal party and put them in gift boxes that included journals, blankets, and tea/coffee. For the groomsmen, we got gold watches with leather straps.
- Gifts for one another: I gave my husband a small golden bracelet and monogrammed pens with our common sayings on them: “forever” and “for always”
- Ceremony entrance song: I walked down the aisle to “Agape” by Nicholas Britell and the procession walked to “Can I Call You Rose?” by Thee Sacred Souls
- First dance song: “Bees N’ Things” by Samm Henshaw
How did you meet?
We met in college. It was the last semester of my senior year. Nazir was my RA, and we had a chance English class together since I needed some additional credits for my Psychology Degree and he was an English major. We became friends at first, studying together and going to the movies. As time went on, we got closer and started to see each other every day. And then we fell in love and the rest is history.
Tell us about the proposal.
Nazir proposed to me at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It was during the winter holidays, so the garden had all of its decorations on full display. He proposed to me on a canopy bridge surrounded by trees and lights.
What was the wedding shopping experience like for you?
My dress shopping experience was so fun! I went with my mom, my aunt, and two people from my bridal party. We went to The Sentimentalist in Atlanta. The staff was so friendly and accommodating. I tried on several dresses and modeled them for my group. I chose the Penelope Gown by Rebecca Schonevelo. The Sentimentalist is full of dresses that can be customized. I chose to have a beautiful lavender underlay in my dress and I think it turned out so wonderfully. Nazir went to Threads by Tre, where they worked together to craft a suit that matched the colors of our wedding. Together, Nazir and Tre came up with the idea of a forest green and lavender suit with special details. On one of the sleeves, they included a stitching that says “forever and for always,” which is something that we say to each other often.
What is your best memory from your wedding?
Bride: Besides getting married my favorite memories was having a private dinner during the reception. We’re both pretty big intoverts and having some quiet time to ourselves to take in the day was very needed. It also gave us a chance to just be together and celebrate ourselves.
Groom: My favorite memory from the wedding is when we recited our vows. We chose to write our own vows into leatherbound notebooks. Hearing what Breale had to say about me and our relationship was a magical moment that I want to always remember.
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
Our best advice would be to make your wedding your own. There will be people giving you a lot of unsolicited advice and some of it will be helpful and some won’t. You have to do whatever feels right for you and your partner. Ultimately, the wedding is about the two of you and should match the vision you have.
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Vendors:
- Venue: Four Oaks Manner
- Photographer: Ke.Vassilli Photos
- Bakery: The Cupcake People
- DJ: DJ Nutty
- Tailor: Threads by Tre
- Bridal gown: The Sentimentalist
