April affectionately declares that Julius swept her off her feet. The pair attended the University of Georgia together but didn’t begin dating until they’d both begun their professional lives. “I went to medical school, finished residency, and joined a private practice in Atlanta. Mack lived and studied abroad. He then returned to the U.S. and decided to return to school to get an MBA. While in school he worked at his family’s 150 bed assisted living facility, Summerset and is now the director of operations,” April shares. In May of 2012 the couple reconnected at a restaurant in Atlanta. A long conversation led to a long relationship where they shaped an infinite love that would bring them to the altar.
My Life Photography captured the images of April and Julius’s charming wedding in Georgia.
Quick Facts:
Favorite item on the wedding menu – The mango sorbet and the candy bar
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen gifts – Bridesmaids received hangers with their names, shoes for the wedding, and wedding jewelry. Groomsmen received initialed scotch glasses with stones.
First dance song – “Love Never Felt So Good” by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake
Bride: April Ruffin – OB/Gyn
Groom: Julius Mack Willis, Jr – Director of Operations at Summerset Assisted Living Facility
Wedding date: 09/06/2014
Wedding location: Jekyll Island, Georgia
Tell us all about the proposal!
On 1-8-15, Mack proposed to me at my home. He knows that I’m a very private person and wanted our moment to be just between the two of us. He had the proposal all planned out but of course it didn’t go as designed. I had a long day and when he asked me to go to dinner, I declined and told him that I’d had a stressful day and would prefer to go on a run. So I changed into running clothes and put my hair in a ponytail. Well he of course wanted me to be dressed nice for going out , but he went with it. He had a delivery on the way so he had to stall to keep me from going running. So he asked if I wanted him to help me put together a piece of furniture that had recently arrived. So we started putting the furniture together and I didn’t understand why he wanted to help put the furniture together in a suit?? He decided to go change into a t-shirt but really he was calling the delivery man to see where he was and he was lost! Finally the delivery guy arrived with several huge floral arrangements of calla lilies, one of my favorite flowers. I was overwhelmed because I thought he had done this just because I had a bad day. Then he asked me if I knew the date and I said that I think it’s the 8th. And he asked, “do you know what an 8 is if you turn it sideways? The infinity sign.” Well the infinity sign had special significance throughout our courtship. I bought myself a Tiffany infinity necklace on my 30th birthday when I was single. It has always been my touch stone whenever I’m stressed or sad. It is a reminder to me that God’s love for me is infinite and I can always trust his love for me. Mack has given me multiple jewelry pieces with the infinity sign indicating that now not only do I have God but his love for me is inifinite as well. So when he mentioned that it was the 8th, I knew he was going to propose. But I was in running clothes….with a ponytail!! It ended up being perfect! Mack got down on one knee and proposed! After I said yes, I got pretty and we went out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants.
What was the style of your wedding dress and how was dress shopping for you?
My dress has a sweetheart neckline, rouching with a dropped waist, and dramatic rosette skirt. Wedding dress shopping was difficult because my mom really wanted me to wear a princess type dress. So I tried on a lot of that style. However, one Saturday I invited my bridesmaids to go with me and my mom. They suggested that I try on more form fitted styles since I am very health conscience and work out. When I came out in THE dress everyone loved it! I think it was a good compromise of the “princess” dress with a little sexy/sassy.
What are your favorite memories of your wedding day?
I am a HUGE Michael Jackson fan. We surprised everyone with a choreographed first dance to “Love Never Felt So Good”. It was fabulous!!! We didn’t tell anyone that we were doing this so everyone was surprised!!!
What advice do you have for our brides-to-be?
Don’t stress over the little things that may go wrong on your wedding day. The only person who knows if something doesn’t go perfectly is you!
Vendors
Photographer – My Life Photography
Wedding coordinator – Cates Mock
Ceremony & Reception Venue – Jekyll Island Convention Center
Caterer – Jekyll Island
Florist and Décor – Emily BurtonDesigns
Chair Rental – LUXE Party Rentals
Officiant – Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church
Entertainment – Glass Dee Entertainment
Videographer – Visual Power Cinema
Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist – Adrianne Graham
Cakes – Betty Zeigler
Transportation – Martin’s Vintage Rides and Lighthouse Trolley’s
Harpist – Melody Anglin
Reception programs & invites – Papered Wonders
Candy Bar – Chic Petite Parties
